- Jun 06, 2022
- Israel
- Donny A
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I am definitely not a breakfast person. I don’t usually feel like eating anything until I’ve been up for a while. But somehow, when I’m in Israel, all that changes. That first morning of your Tradition Tours pilgrimage, when you get up early to make sure you’re on time for a long day of touring ahead (no one wants to be the last on the bus), and everyone’s at breakfast! So you go into the dining room to check it out. Wow! There is station after station of food. An assortment of cheeses, salads, fresh fruit and vegetables. Special Israeli foods like Halvah, and even falafel! Hot foods, including the popular Middle Eastern egg dish, shakshuka. Teas and coffees… the list goes on. What I always find fascinating is observing those around me. There are people there from countries all over the world. Each has its’ own culture. For some, a breakfast buffet-like this is the norm, while for others, it’s mind-boggling. It’s interesting to see how some people are just trying to process the sheer amount of food and the variety, while others take it all in stride.
During the early days of the state of Israel, people living on a Kibbutz would eat their meals together in a communal dining room. They would have a large mid-morning buffet meal, similar to a brunch. By the 1950’s, Israeli hotels were promoting “Israeli breakfasts” in a style similar to the Kibbutz meals. One of the things I found interesting, was that many Israeli families came to the hotel for the weekend, as a mini vacation. Sunday morning, some lingered for hours over breakfast, sharing special time with family and friends. Even the children seemed used to it. This is simply just part of their lifestyle. There’s a special atmosphere in the room each morning, as everyone sits down to enjoy a few minutes as they begin their day. Whether you’re just sitting down with a cup of coffee, or enjoying something from every station! – it’s a special opportunity to pause and begin your day in Israel the right way. Looking for more information on the types of food you can expect on your tour?
Contact the Tradition Tours office on 855-958-6877 or email us at [email protected]
Call us at Tradition Tours to talk about your Holy Land tour.
Call today - 1 855 958 6877Recent Posts
Discover the Napa Valley of the Middle East
This week is about a different type of experience on your tour.
What’s the different type of experience? Wine.
While not often top of mind when people think of the wine regions of the world, Israel actually has the almost-ideal climate and geography to produce some of the best wine in the world. In fact, the grapes in Israel are sometimes called “the mother of all European wine” because, on a DNA-level, winemaking grapes find their origin in the Holy Land.
Give us a call to talk about booking your trip, and ask us to send you a fascinating article about grape DNA. If the science of wine is your thing, you’ll love it!
From Upper Galilee to the Golan Heights and the Judean Hills, if you have a taste for wine and wineries, Israel has an incredible amount to offer.
While obviously, you’ll travel to the Holy Land for reasons other than (or in addition to) the wine, it can add an extra flair to your trip if you desire.
If you make Nazareth Village part of your trip (especially if you’re planning a Church tour), you’ll also be able to see an ancient wine press that was formed into the bedrock of Galilee – likely from the 1st century time of Jesus. It’s certainly a “unique” archeological find that you won’t see in many places.
Whether you make wine and wineries part of your trip or not, we know you’ll have the experience of a lifetime in the Holy Land.
Here’s what Daryl had to say after returning home from his recent tour:
“I wasn’t expecting to see so many places. Our guide was so knowledgeable I couldn’t keep up in my notes, but a welcome surprise for the vast information he provided. I would certainly go again if the opportunity provides.”
Like something out of Indiana Jones…
Maybe church history isn’t your thing…
Maybe you’re not one of those people who’ve dreamed for decades about visiting ancient monasteries and synagogues…
Or temples and ruins. Ancient archeology.
But even still, you can marvel at history AND the ingenuity of people thousands of years ago.
(Or maybe you’re just a movie buff and want to visit the place Indiana Jones called the “temple of doom.”)
Ever wanted to add Petra to your bucket list? Give us a call at 1-855-958-6877.
Petra is an amazing place. A breathtaking reason to visit Jordan, a country bordering Israel.
An ancient civilization, the Nabatean people carved homes into the mountain. From a distance, the mountain looks littered with holes from a woodpecker pecking away for years.
But upon closer inspection, you’ll see those holes are actually doorways. Dug-out caves that ancient families turned into homes.
More than that, Petra is full of ancient sites to see. Sites within sites. As a whole, Petra is amazing. But it’s so special because it’s where you’ll find dozens of ancient ruins. An entire community’s worth!
The gate. The walkway. The treasury. The tombs. The palace. The “high place of sacrifice” The theatre. The monastery. Wadi Musa (the valley of Moses).
You’ll experience them today as they existed hundreds (or thousands) of years ago.
As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it’s more than a MUST SEE. Petra might be (should be) on the top of your Bucket List.
When you’re in Israel, it’s not a long journey to Petra. You can simply add a day trip to your itinerary. Ask us about this special add-on. We’ll take care of all the details for you so you can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime location.
You’ll see wonders, take pictures, and have stories to share for the rest of your life. Petra truly is incredible. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s what Geoff said:
“Whether we were walking through the walkway of limestone or riding a camel through the ancient city, it was unbelievable to experience this ancient community. Truly a day I won’t ever forget! Wow!”
Visit the mountain where God won!
Another week. Another blog about an important mountain in Israel.
This time… Mount Carmel.
1 Kings 18, in case you forget the story.
(Give us a call to discuss including Mount Carmel on your tour of the Holy Land. Toll-free 1-855-958-6877.)
The Prophet Elijah needed to prove that Baal and other pagan gods were lesser than his God. So, to put it simply, they had a competition to see which god was the true God.
The “fire of the Lord” fell on the place where Elijah had set up a sacrifice and proved to everyone there who the one true God was and is.
When you visit Mount Carmel today, you’ll see the statue of Elijah that was erected by monks centuries ago.
You’ll see their ancient monastery, rebuilt in the 1800s. You’ll see the traditional place of Elijah’s miracle. And yes… it’s truly a beautiful mountain!
You’ll step where God proved His power and truth through the fires of sacrifice. (In much of Jerusalem, you’ll walk in the footsteps of Jesus, but on Mount Carmel, you’ll walk where God the Father performed miracles.)
It’s a life-changing experience that you won’t forget.
Whether you’re organizing a Holy Land tour for your church group OR you’re planning a memorable family and friends trip, we’d love to help you organize the details.
With a trip this special, you don’t want to leave it to luck or hope you pick the right locations and times and tour guides. Lean on our expertise and guidance. We’ll help you plan every detail… even the ones people often forget or overlook.
As always, you can give us a call toll-free. 1-855-958-6877. We’ll walk you through logistics, ideas, flights, budgets, and all the important information.
Talk to you soon,
P.S. Want to include Mount Carmel in your tour of the Holy Land? We’ll help you build an itinerary that includes all the spots you want to experience. Give us a call today to talk about your options. 1-855-958-6877.
Check out THIS spot in Galilee!
It’s been a few weeks since I’ve written to you about specific locations or attractions in Israel.
I hope you enjoyed the “weather in Israel” and “what to pack” emails recently. If you missed the usual location-specific emails, I promise that you’re going to love today’s email.
(If you’re ready to talk about your trip to the Holy Land, give us a call. Ask us questions. Hear some stories. Talk budget and timeline. 1-855-958-6877)
Have you ever heard of Mount Arbel?
You know Galilee. You know the Tiberias.
If so, then you know the general region of Mount Arbel.
With high cliffs (110-meter, 360 feet) and incredible views of the Gollan Heights, Mount Arbel is likely a spot that isn’t on your “must-see” list.. But perhaps it should be.
Besides its breathtaking natural beauty, this amazing mountain has ruins from the Hellenistic period, the Romans, the Ottomans, and even the Byzantines.
Its ancient Jewish synagogue is definitely something you don’t want to miss – originally built in the 4th century and then rebuilt in the 6th century and used for a few hundred years.
You’ll see lots of ruins and history on your tour of the Holy Land. But in terms of ancient ruins that span multiple time periods, I’d argue that Mount Arbel could be the most breathtaking.
Beautiful, can’t-miss history.
You might even be fortunate enough to meet the local Bedouins (nomads). Consider yourself extremely blessed when they invite you into their cave-style home for “Bedouin tea.” It’s true, it happens from time to time. But I’ll tell you more about that in a future email.
An unbelievable and memorable experience, for sure!
You can research Mount Arbel on Google or Bing. You can find it on Wikipedia. You’ll learn a lot – the facts and stats. But nothing compares (or even comes close) to experiencing these incredible ruins and seeing these incredible sites with your own eyes.
The pictures you bring home will only be matched by the stories you’ll tell friends and family when you return home. Memories and stories that you’ll pass down to your grandchildren.
As always, you can give us a call toll-free. 1-855-958-6877. We’ll tell you the stories that people have relayed to us during and after their trek to Mount Arbel.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
P.S. Thinking of a church trip to the Holy Land? Don’t try to plan the logistics and details on your own, it’s a lot to handle by yourself. We have the lists and know the people to ensure your church’s Holy Land tour is unbelievable and unforgettable. Give us a FREE call to start the process. 1-855-958-6877.