WITH JOHN SODE-WOODHEAD
About the tour
Join the annual IEF International on this 8 day fully-guided tour of the land of the Bible from Saturday 2nd – Sunday 10th November 2024!
The IEF DISCOVER ISRAEL TOUR is a unique blend of archaeological insight, Biblical sites and Israel’s beautiful culture. Each year the tour is freshly designed so that the travellers sees new places each year. As a biblical archaeologist and licensed tour guide who has spent much of his life in Israel, John will lead you on an journey you will never forget.
More about the tour
Why Discover Israel?
Israel is a beautiful country full of rich history and Biblical significance. The land is full of variety and during the tour you will see beautiful vistas with mountains and valleys, deserts and waterscapes, ancient cities and new developments. The rich Jewish and Arab cultures are both very welcoming and traditional. You will enjoy the sites and flavours of two cultures living side by side in this Holy Land.
What makes this tour?
Each tour led by John, has a unique flavour. John carefully selects the itinerary in a way that each tour has a different focus and even if you have been to Israel before, you will experience something new.
IEF works alongside Immanuel Tours in Israel to make the tours possible. They have been welcoming tourists for more that 50 years and we love working alongside their team. They are responsible for booking the hotels and other tour related needs.
Cost for the tour: £1885
The IEF Discover Israel package includes
- Government licensed English speaking tour guide.
- Sightseeing according to itinerary, possibly subject to change. Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach. Entrance fees are included.
- 8 nights hotel accommodation.
- Meal arrangements: Half Board (breakfast & dinner at hotels).
- Tips for hotels, guide, and driver.
- Immanuel Tours welcome kit: map, hat, backpack.
- Pilgrim certificate.
Rates do not include
- Flights to and from Tel Aviv.
- Medical coverage, COVID cover for testing or quarantine, travel insurance and all related matters.
- Expenses of a personal nature.
- Single room supplement.
- Lunches unless specified.
- Any required visa costs or arrangements (you get a visa upon arrival for UK and Swiss passports.) Please consult your countries embassy for more details.
- Any services not mentioned above.
Saturday – Travel to Ben Gurion Airport and spend your first night in Israel at the Residence Hotel, Natanya.
Sunday – Head north along the coast to visit Caesarea Maritima by the sea, which is situated between Haifa and Tel- Aviv. During the time of Jesus, it was the site of the Roman capital of the province of Judea and the seat of its Governor, Pontius Pilate. Paul spent two years in prison here before being sent to Rome. (Acts 24:27). Afterwards, head inland to Nazareth a town in the hill country of Galilee where Jesus grew to manhood (Matt. 2:23). In the Nazareth area, you will visit the living history museum Nazareth Village where you will be given a tour and Mt. Precipice, just outside Nazareth overlooking the Jezreel Valley. For the next three nights, you will sleep in the Daria Resort.
Monday – Take in the view from Mt Tabor, the traditional site of Transfiguration, Mt Arbel with a breath-taking view over the lake and a stop at Sachne with it’s warm spring water pools. Driving through the Jezreel Valley where our tour Guide John has led extensive excavations onto the Sea of Galilee.
Tuesday – Take an early morning sail on the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret) before driving up to the Golan Heights and head along the ridge to the view point over the Hula Valley which is a known stopover for millions of migrating birds.
Wednesday – Driving south to one of the lowest places on earth the Dead Sea. There will be time to bathe in the waters of the Dead Sea which is bordered by Israel on the west and Jordan on the east. It is almost impossible to swim in the Dead Sea because of the high salt content of the water, but you can float! You will also explore around the area visiting the Qasr el-Yahud baptismal site at the River Jordan, and take the mountain fortress of Masada. This was the site of the last Jewish resistance against the Romans in 73AD. You will sleep at the Kalia Guest house.
Thursday – Today you will ascent to the capital of Israel, Jerusalem. Together you will tour the Old City together and walk in the footsteps of many Biblical passages. For the two nights, you will sleep in the Eyal hotel – Smart hotels, Jerusalem.
Friday – Spend another day exploring Jerusalem. Enjoy views from the Mt. of Olives, one of the heights surrounding the Holy City and sit in the Garden Tomb. Visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust History Museum, a memorial site. The name “Yad Vashem” is taken from a verse in Isaiah 56:5.
Saturday – Take a drive south to the west coastal city of Ashkelon and work your way up to ancient Jaffa and Tel Aviv where you will spend your final night on the seafront at Selina Beach Tel Aviv.
Sunday – Head to Ben Gurion Airport and on to your home.
This is proposed itinerary for the 2024 tour. All details are subject to change.
Participant Registration
Registration is now open:
After you register, you will receive an automatic reply with instructions regarding payment, flights, and other important information. If you do not receive this, please check your spam or drop us an email and we will forward the details to you.
To ask any questions relating to the tour please click here to contact us
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Visa
UK and Swiss citizens receive a visa on arrival in Israel. If you have any other passport it is your responsibility to ensure you have the right visa arrangements in place. You are responsible to make sure you have at least 6 months left in your passport on the date of your return to the UK or Switzerland.
Insurance
You must have full travel insurance covering COVID-19, cancellation, loss of personal effects, and most importantly medical costs. Evidence of this must be provided along with final payment.
Safety
UK Foreign and Commonwealth office, and the Swiss Foreign Ministry guidance will be consulted as necessary and any actions consequent on this will be reviewed with Immanuel Tours. Tour Participants will be kept informed. Issues will be handled according to recommendations of the UK Foreign and Common Wealth office and the Swiss Foreign Ministry.
The weather in early November is very comfortable at around 15-20C. You may find the odd shower or two, so layers are advisable.
You will visit many different sights, so it is important to pack comfortable clothes and shoes for walking (some of the trails will be uneven). On this discovery tour, you will need to be physically able to access sites by uneven trails and walk for some distance to ensure you get the most out of your time in Israel. Please note some of the religious sights will require you to cover your shoulders and knees.
In Israel, people dress casually. There may be some occasions when you might get wet during the day, so please bring appropriate footwear and clothing.
Swimming will be possible in different locations, so please do bring swim wear and a towel. We do advise layers as the weather can be changeable.
Please feel free to ask any questions about what to bring.
The cost for the tour is:
£1885
Following your registration, please pay an initial £100 payment to secure your space on the trip.
Each person is responsible for their own flights. We are willing to advise on flights, and particularly to enable you to travel with others from your country.
We ask that you register and pay a deposit as part of your registration. Upon registration you will receive a confirmation email that will give you the details for bank transfer. Please let us know if you have any questions or if you do not receive this email.
If you are travelling alone and wish to share a room, there are double and triple rooms available. There are a small number of single rooms, you would need to add a single room supplement of £650 (cost set by the hotels) to your cost should you prefer to have a room on your own.
The overall cost for the tour may reduce if more people join. Please share and invite your friends to join you on a tour that you will always remember!
