- Jun 06, 2022
- Travel
- Donny A
Want to visit the ancient ruins.
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Call today - 1 855 958 6877Managing Expectation
First time travelers from the USA are often caught off-guard by the unexpected experiences, sights, sounds, and atmosphere of being in a whole new world… and not always in a good way....
Travelers to countries like Israel find that while personalities, cuisine, and architecture may be exotic, the country operates like any other first world country. Hotels are what you would expect, streets are well maintained, and one can almost be lulled into the belief that they are in Europe. But the reality is, that the local customs differ. So, for example, what may be perceived as being rude in America, is more than acceptable in Israel.
Understand Where You Are... While developing countries offer attractions and experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, travelers often do a double take by some of the conditions when they arrive.
Take Egypt for example: Visiting the Land of the Pharaohs is an incredible experience, with the Nile River, the Pyramids, and more, history is all around you and the sites are overwhelming! The hotels, while dated, are also wonderful and luxurious, but you may be surprised at the state of Cairo, with traffic laws that are nearly non-existent and street conditions that are not what you would find in the USA.
Taking a tour that involves more than one country? It is important to remember that the standards that govern hotel ratings, the hotel star system in other words, are set by the country’s tourism ministry. This means that “5-Star” hotels mean completely different things in different countries!
It is not uncommon for us to hear that travelers are disappointed by hotel standards when traveling from a 1st-world country, to a developing or 3rd-world country. So, if you are visiting Jordan, for example, Petra will surely astound you, but a 3- star or 4-star hotel, while clean, may not impress you as much as those in Egypt.
Call us at Tradition Tours to talk about your Holy Land tour.
Call today - 1 855 958 6877Recent Posts
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.
What to Pack For Your Trip to the Holy Land
When planning a trip to Israel, packing the right items can make all the difference. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure (for religious or secular reasons), Israel offers a unique and exciting travel experience that’s sure to make memories that last a lifetime. Knowing what to bring and what to leave behind can help ensure you have a hassle-free, enjoyable, and memorable adventure.
As with any travel, the first thing to consider is the type of activities you plan to do while in Israel. If you plan to visit the beach, make sure to pack swimwear, sunscreen and a beach towel. If you plan to explore the local culture or religious sites, consider bringing comfortable and modest clothing such as long skirts and shirts with sleeves. You’ll also want to bring good, comfortable walking shoes for exploring the ancient ruins of Israel.
Another important item to consider is a daypack. This will come in handy for carrying water, snacks, a camera, and any souvenirs you pick up. Depending on the length of your trip, you may also want to bring a larger backpack, especially if you plan to do any overnight hikes.
When it comes to electronics, consider bringing a laptop or tablet for staying connected and doing research while on the go. Cell phones are also a must, especially if you plan to use a local SIM card. Don’t forget all your chargers AND adapters so you can charge your electronics. Also don’t forget, you may need to let your mobile provider know of your travel plans beforehand so you don’t have any hiccups on your trip.
If you are planning to visit Hezekiah’s Tunnel (Siloam tunnel) , also pack a flashlight and waterproof footwear such as Crocs.
With those basics out of the way, there are still some key items to note, especially based on which season you are travelling in.
Summer, Men Packing List
For daytime, be sure to pack shorts or light pants, and T-shirts or polo shirts.
In the evening, you may want to switch to slacks or jeans (shorts for a casual night). And bring a long-sleeved sweater for chilly evenings.
Also, pack dressier pants and tops for Shabbat (Saturday night) or banquets.
Summer, Women’s Packing
For daytime, women can likewise pack shorts or light pants. You may also want to bring a light skirt or t-shirts and short-sleeved tops.
In the evening, shorts, pants, skirts, and dresses are fine to pack. You may also want to bring dressier pants or dresses for Shabbat. Also bring along a sweater in case the evening gets chilly.
Summer, Kids
For kids, pack the same as adults.
Winter Packing Instructions
For men, in the daytime, you’ll want to have pants or jeans, sweaters, and a comfortable, warm jacket.
Evenings, same thing. But bring along a sport coat in case you need something less casual.
For women, sweats, jeans, or comfortable pants are fine. Heavy sweaters and casual tops will keep you warm and comfortable.
For nighttime, the same list but perhaps less casual. It’s a chance to pack your favorite dresier outfit. This is especially true for Shabbat.
Kids, same as adults.
Dead Sea and Eilat
If your Israel tour brings you to Eilat or the Dead Sea, you have some special packing instructions.
Pack swimwear and a coverup. A sun hat is a necessity, especially for Eilat.
If you travel to Eilat, please bring a separate piece of luggage for two people. You’ll need to bring enough clothing for 3 days. No need to bring all your luggage. But be sure to have luggage tags.
Remember, comfortable shoes should always be part of your packing list. Tennis shoes work well. If you’re going to the Dead Sea, pack Cros or other rubber, waterproof footwear. This is a MUST.
No matter where you travel, and regardless of the season, dress in layers as often as possible. The mornings often start out chilly and then warm up. Dress so you can “peel” as the weather changes throughout the day.
As always, if you have questions about your packing list, give us a call at 1-855-958-6877, and we can help you create your perfect packing list. We’d rather have you ask ahead of time instead of neglecting to pack something important. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Give us a call today.