Throughout the year, Israel experiences an overflow of travelers excited to visit the legendary cave in Bethlehem. The cave floor exhibits the famous 14-pointed Silver Star which is believed to spot the exact birthplace of Christ. Christmas in Israel further enhances your tour, owed to the unique festivities and celebrations. The roads are lit up with colorful lights, and plays are staged on the streets to help you reconnect with your religion. The Christmas parade is also a wonderful scene to witness at the Manger Square. Thus, no matter what faction of Christianity you belong to, Christmas in Israel will definitely be a treat to your heart, and of course, a delight to your spiritual part.

The Christmas season is a good time to take a trip Israel, as during this period, the weather remains pleasant throughout the country and saves the pilgrims the trouble of dealing with the scorching summers. The city of Jerusalem offers a number of sacred and breathtaking sites including the locations where Jesus performed miracles like transforming water into wine and bringing the dead to life.

Golgatha’s hills will remind you of Jesus’ sacrifice for humankind. This is the place where Christ was crucified by those who did not believe. If the worldly life has given way to detachment from religion for you, nothing will wake your conscience up more than witnessing this location. It is sure to soften your heart and leave you teary-eyed, but will also help you practice your religion more sincerely and selflessly. Furthermore, the tomb where Jesus was laid after being crucified still stands in the city. The Upper Room where the Lord’s Supper was organized also attracts thousands of tourists yearly, owed to its spiritual significance.

Traveling to the Holy Land is an awe-inspiring experience, which will leave you feeling many emotions. You will be able to visit places and go experience events that will make you smile. Some events will leave you mellow and quiet. You are sure to return home with a renewed conviction and devotion to Christianity. You will learn that behind the melodious Christmas carols and a beautiful Christmas Eve, Jesus endured much sacrifice and pain. Turn this Christmas into a learning experience and an opportunity that will help you rejuvenate and restore your strong faith. Traveling for fun is easy, but traveling for faith can include superior spiritual rewards. The Holy Land has a lot to offer; choose Israel as your destination this Holiday season.

The area that holds religious significance to Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faiths and that includes Israel, along with the territories of Palestine and Lebanon is known as the Holy Land. Jerusalem, which is Israel‘s capital, is also known as Judaism’s spiritual center. Bethlehem City, which is situated in the West Bank of Palestine, is significant to Christians, as Jesus was born here. The Muslims believe Muhammad ascended to paradise from the Mosque named Al-Aqsa situated in the Old Part of Jerusalem. The Old Testament, Quran, and Torah mention many places and sites that are found here.

Thousands of tourists from all over the world visit Israel each year due to its well known religious values and faiths (Jewish, Christian and Muslim). Most tourists who come to Israel do so with the purpose of exploring and experiencing the magnificent beauty of this amazing country and to have lots of fun. There are many great attractions for visitors in this country known as the land of milk and honey, and Israel tours are fast becoming a popular choice.

Israel is known for its modern and contemporary lifestyle. It is also becoming a preferred choice for business meetings, as English is the preferred language that is spoken all over the country. Business professionals traveling in group tours have become very popular, as they come to attend business functions that are organized by companies investing in technology and research. It is advisable to know about the best season to visit the country so that the visitors can get the best out of their trip. Israel has pleasant weather all through the year and travelers who come in winter can enjoy sightseeing and visit the other special attractions of the country.

Affordability is a big plus with Israel tours and many include flights and hotels. Travelers going to cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv prefer exploring them on foot. Ground transportation is also available for those who wish to explore the cities this way. A land tour is usually the preferred choice for people who opt for a minimum 7 day visit, and you can choose to add excitement to the tour by opting for an aerial view of the country. The places of interest in Israel include ancient monuments, holy places, spa resorts and exciting night life. Shopaholics love the modern city of Tel Aviv with its high street fashion. The famous attractions of Jerusalem include Old City, Western Wall, and Dead Sea. The various natural minerals and salts that are found in the Dead Sea attract visitors for its medicinal value. Visitors to Israel look forward to pampering themselves at spas located at the Dead Sea.

If you would like to plan a magnificent winter excursion to the Holy Land, contact us today! We would love to help you plan your perfect Holy Land vacation!

Planning an awesome Holy Land vacation is easy to do because the sky is the limit as far as things to see and do. However, there are a few things that are a must-see’s when visiting the Holy Land. Our top 5 must-see places are different than anyplace else in the world. These places can only be experienced in the Holy Land, and most people who check these places out highly recommend them to friends and loved ones.

Check out our top 5 picks for best places to visit in the Holy Land:

Petra was established around 6th century BC and is famous for its magnificent rock cut architecture and water conduit systems. Petra is located in the large valley that runs between the Gulf of Aqaba and the Dead Sea. Petra is located on the slope of Mount Hor on a basin in the eastern flank of Arabah. In 1985, Petra was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra has been named one of the must see wonders of the world by several different groups and organizations including UNESCO and the BBC. Petra is an absolutely amazing site to see. Petra is filled with awe and wonder! If you are planning a trip to the Holy Land, a stop in Petra is a must!

The Dead Sea earned its name because of the saltiness of the water. It is several times saltier than the ocean and most plant and animal life is unable to survive in the water. The Dead Sea is also located at the lowest point on Earth. This magnificent body of water is said to have many healing properties and people travel from all over the world to take a dip in these waters.

Masada is a remote fortress type location on the eastern edge of the Judean Dessert. Masada overlooks the Dead Sea. It is most well known as a historical war site. It is believed that Herod The Great built Masada sometime between 37 and 30 BCE. In 2001, Masada was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Currently, people are able to tour Masada. The walk up the side of the fortress on the Dead Sea Highway is a fairly physical jaunt. However, there is a cable car that runs from the top to the bottom of Masada for transport of people unable to make the hike.

Bethlehem is home to Church of Nativity, Field of Boas, Bethlehem Peace Center, Basilica, Manger Square, Milk Grotto, Nativity Grotto, Solomon’s Pools, St. Catherine’s, St. Jerome’s Grotto, St. Joseph Grotto, The Separation Barrier, Mar Saba Monestery, and The Old City. Bethlehem is a must see during a visit to the Holy Land.

Jerusalem is located in the Judean Wilderness between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Jerusalem is considered a Holy City to the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Muslim.There are several Holy Land sites located in Jerusalem. Some of the most popular include the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo and the Israel Museum (home of the Shrine Of The Book).

There are many amazing places to visit in the Holy Land. These are just a few of the must-see places in and around Israel. To set up a customized tour that will exceed your wildest dreams, contact us today! We look forward to working with you to plan your Holy Land vacation of a lifetime.

Unlike many places in the world, Israel is a great place to visit in the fall. The weather is perfect to truly enjoy the outdoor activities that are abundant in our glorious country. Unlike summertime, the weather is not horribly hot. The average temperatures range between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit most days.There are many fabulous places to see and explore, and the months of September through mid December are less busy. The tourist season picks back up during the second half of December, as Christmas approaches.

The Dan River, located in the northern region of Israel, is a magnificent place for nature enthusiasts to visit in the fall. The hiking trails are magnificent, and many people enjoy watching the leaves begin to change on the trees. There is a rainbow of color surrounding the river, and it is a beautiful time to go kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, tubing, fishing, or camping in the region. This is a great place to take a leisurely ride down the river or a thrill ride over the rapids. The Dan River can accommodate whatever your nature vacation desires may be.

Eilat is another wonderful vacation destination in the fall. There are many magnificent beaches, and water sports are abundant in this region. The water temperatures are perfect in the late summer and early fall, and any water activity you can imagine is available. Whether you want to go swimming with the dolphins, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, deep sea fishing, boating, or jet skiing, your dreams can be fulfilled. There are tons of land and water activities, as well. Your options include para-sailing, day cruises, surfing, body boarding, and windsurfing. After you have had your fill of water activities, there are plenty of fun things to do in the city of Eilat. There are plenty of choices including museums, shows, historical sites, shopping, dining, the arts, live music, and entertainment.

Fall is also a great time to take a more traditional Israel vacation. The weather is perfect for visiting the Christian, religious, and historical sites. You will truly enjoy visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee, The Dead Sea, and the many other sites that Israel has to offer. Many people enjoy walking or biking the “Jesus Trail” this time of year. It allows visitors to walk the path that Jesus traveled, and see all the sites that Jesus saw.

The upcoming months of fall are the perfect time to truly enjoy all that Israel has to offer. There are plenty of options as far as travel arrangements, accommodations, and tour options. In many cases, tourist areas are less busy and prices are a bit lower due to the fact that the summer tourist season has ended and it is before the big Christmas rush. If you are interested in planning an Israel vacation, we would love to discuss your desires with you and help you plan your dream trip. Contact us today to begin planning your Israel vacation of a lifetime!

Wine lovers enjoy everything about a good wine from the taste to the aroma to the way the wine rests in a glass. Many wine lovers plan vacations to places where they can visit the vineyards and tastes different local delights. There are many places around the world that tantalize and delight wine lovers. One place that is often times overlooked is Israel.

Believe it or not, Israel produces some of the finest wines in the world. There are several different delightful wines and gorgeous vineyards throughout Israel. While visiting various vineyards throughout Israel, you may also be able to sample some delightful cheeses and magnificent fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies.

Some of the vineyards that may be worth checking out include:

* Carmel Winery – Several different wines produced under a variety of labels

* Kfar Tikva’s Tulip Winery – This organization employs and supports special needs community members. They host a wine bar and several wine tastings in 9 different and sensational varieties

* Negev Winery – Israel’s historical wine making region

* Samson Wine Region – Home of several wineries including Barkan (2nd largest in the country),Meishar, Bravdo, Soreq, and Red Poetry

* Judean Hills Wineries – Similar to the Sonoma region in California, wineries offering delicious samples include Domaine du Castel, Tzora, Flam, Hebron Heights, and Clos de Gat

Wine Connoisseurs Love Israel

When people think about Israel, wine tasting is not something that usually comes to mind. However, Israel has many magnificent wineries and an abundant selection of delicious wines from local vineyards. If you would like to plan a tour of wineries, we can help. Let us know what type of tour you desire, and what some of your favorite wines are, and we can put together an Israel wine tasting tour that will delight your senses. After all, Jesus turned water to wine right here in Israel. It would only make sense that magnificent wines are available in Israel throughout the year!

It seems as if Christmas is still a long time away. However, if history is any indication of how fast time goes by, Christmas will be here before we know it. Christmas is an extremely precious and important holiday for those of us who are Christian. We put a lot of time and effort into preparing for Christmas and celebrating the birth of Christ. Many Christian families also participate in exchanging gifts during the Christmas season. In fact, many people refer to Christmas as the season of giving.

Some Christian families feel as if they have everything they could possibly need, so they participate in a small gift exchange and spend the rest of their Christmas money on gifts or supplies for a family or charity in need. If your family has everything they could possibly need, and gifts wouldn’t mean much this year, consider planning a vacation in the Holy Land over Christmas break.

The Holy Land is an awesome place to vacation any time of year. People who visit the Holy Land experience things that they never thought possible. Many people choose to participate in a pilgrimage during their visits to Israel. At the least, people who visit the Holy Land experience religious history, see magnificent religious/historical sites, and enjoy unique and exciting adventures and activities.

There are several great places to visit during Christmas. Some of the most amazing Holy Land towns to see during the Christmas Holiday include Jerusalem, Galilee, the Dead Sea, and Bethlehem, of course. Many Christians enjoy visiting local churches during the Christmas season and enjoy all of the sites and sounds that these places have to offer.

Although Christmas seems like a long way off, it is the perfect time to start planning a Christmas trip to the Holy Land. Make new memories and experience the land of Christ together, with your family, during the Christmas season! Whether you want to come and visit for a few days or a few weeks, we can help you set up the perfect vacation, tours, and/or pilgrimage package.

Elijah Tours & Travel is a full-service travel agency. We can help with everything including international air travel, ground transportation, lodging, meals, tours, activities, events, church services, baptisms, and much more. Contact us today and we will be happy to discuss setting up the perfect Christmas visit to the Holy Land for you and your family!

There are hundreds of hotels in the Holy Land, and there is something for everyone. There are many things to consider when choosing the right hotel for you and your group for your Holy Land trip.

Top 5 Considerations Before Searching For the Perfect Holy Land Hotel

1. Determine the type of hotel you desire (budget, family friendly, romantic, 5-star)
2. Is there a specific city in the Holy Land where you would like to stay?
3. Determine the must have amenities for your stay (if you are staying for a while, consider laundry options/facilities)
4. Consider the location of the hotel (city, country, hills, mountains, oceanfront, riverside)
5. Consider your budget. How much money do you want to spend per night or for the length of your trip?

Important Things To Remember When Looking For A Hotel

Many websites offer extensive details about their hotels, including an amenities list, pictures of the hotel, local attractions, directions or a local map, and 360 degree video tours. After finding a few hotels that interest you, check consumer sites to read what others who have stayed there have to say, and check consumer ratings.

If you have a specific hotel budget you would like to stick with, remember that per night prices usually vary depending on the time of the week. Thus, it is good to get the total for the entire stay, and not just go by the nightly price when determining if a specific hotel will fit into your budget. Also, find out if there are additional charges for the number of people staying in the room.  Consider looking for hotels that offer free breakfasts or discounted meal options to save money.

If it is important to you to be close to the water, but you have a budget to stick to, consider a hotel that is within walking distance from the water. This can save you hundreds of dollars over the time of your stay and you are still just footsteps away from the beach.

If budget is not an issue and you are looking to be waited on and treated like royalty, contact the highly rated 4 and 5 star hotels. Many of these hotels pride themselves on catering to guests. Often times, you can sign up for specific packages like romance, honeymoon, spa, or adventure. Check with the specific hotel you are considering to see if they offer any preplanned packages. In many cases, these types of hotels also offer alacarte services or they allow you to customize your own package.

If you have specific criteria in mind and are unsure about where to start, we would love to help. Our Holy Land travel team can help you find the perfect lodging for you and your party. Our experts are familiar with the best and most affordable hotel and lodging options. Let us know what your desires are and we will help you find the perfect place to stay during your visit to the Holy Land!

Israel is a place where religious history lives on each and every day. Many people of a variety of religions live in Israel. After all,  it is the birthplace of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Muslim). Although there is a definite difference regarding who reigns in each of these religions, they are all based on blood lines developed from Father Abraham.

Most of the religious and historical data, documentation, and sites for these religions rests someplace in Israel. The few things that do not exist in modern day Israel find their homes someplace close by in the middle East. It is possible to spend one day, one year, or one lifetime in Israel and the middle East without running out of things to see or do. If you are seeking out the heart of the Holy Land, you need to ask yourself what that is for you.

Questions To Ask Yourself To Find The Heart Of The Holy Land

1. What do you desire to see, learn, or experience in the Holy Land?
2. What are your religious beliefs?
3. What religion do you desire to learn more about?
4. What are the top 5 things you want to see, do, or experience in Israel?
5. Who is your God?

Once you have answered these questions, it makes it much easier for you or your travel agent to determine where the heart of the Holy Land is for you. This can really vary from person to person depending upon the experience you want to have while in Israel.

Some of the most common and most popular places to visit in Israel include Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Petra, the Dead Sea, and Galilee. This is just a drop in the bucket compared with all of the options there are out there. If you would like to find the heart of the Holy Land for you, fill out our form and let us know what type of experience you are looking for. One of our excellent travel assistants will work with you to help you plan the trip of your dreams.

Many people take a trip to Israel to take in the history and religious sites that this magnificent country has to offer. However, your trip does not have to end there. If you seek adventure and the great outdoors, there is plenty of thrill to be had in a little area of the Judean Wilderness called Gush Etzion.

Take A Trip Into The Wilderness

Most people do not realize that there are tons of adventures that can be enjoyed during your vacation in Israel. If you are looking to change it up and get in some zip-lining, paint-balling, Jeep 4×4 action, rock climbing, or bungee trampolining you can do it here. If you are looking for some adventures that are a bit more low key that can be enjoyed with the family, you might want to consider the carousel or the petting zoo. Families may also enjoy hanging out and spending some time 4-wheeling. Kids can ride along with parents and all safety gear is provided.

Deer Land Park Zip Lines

Believe it or not, Deer Land Park is the second longest zip line in the WORLD! This zip line is known as Omega! This fabulous zip line sports a 600-meter slope, 120 meters above the ground. This zip line will take you through fabulous lush wildlife. If you are looking for an adventure that is a little bit more suited for beginners or the kids, there are several more mellow zip lines that you can enjoy.

Enjoy A Balanced Vacation In Israel

There is so much to see and do in Israel. You can choose to fill every moment of your vacation with tourist attractions, historical sites, and amazing religious moments. You can also sit back and relax at the beach or at one of the many fabulous parks that Israel has to offer. Throw in a little adventure, paired with a little R&R, and you have a perfect balanced vacation, with memories that will last a lifetime.

Let’s face it, summer is HOT in Israel. However, that does not mean it is not a great time for a vacation in Israel! The summer months are awesome in Israel, because beaches are abundant and the temperature of the water is perfect. Many people do not think about Israel when planning a fun summer beach vacation. However, Israel is the perfect place for a beach vacation because there are tons of options for activities, and if you want to get away from the beach and take in some culture and history, it is extremely easy to do so.

Beaches and Summer Vacation Destinations to Consider

Eilat – The beautiful city of Eilat is the perfect summer vacation destination. Eilat is one of those places where you can enjoy all of the amenities of a 5-star resort town. There are tons of places to stay right on the beach. Most of these places also have awesome pools and club amenities. Many have private beach areas that can only be accessed by people staying at the resort. You can enjoy activities like snorkeling, para-sailing, scuba diving, boating, and fishing.

Sinai – There is more to Sinai than just the Mountain. Sinai is home to beautiful beaches, pristine waters, horse back riding on the beach, and much, much more. Enjoy all of the outings and excitement that this area has to offer. Summer is a great time to visit Sinai.

Tel Aviv/Yaffa – This area is located right on the water. It is definitely a different environment from the other two options for summer vacations, but Tel Aviv/Yaffa is a culmination of young and old coming together in magnificent splendor. In fact, if you are looking for the big city feel of museums and modern art, combined with the old world charm and romance of Italy or Greece, this is the perfect city for you!

Summer Fun In The Holy Land

No matter what type of vacation you are looking for, it will all come together for you in the Holy Land.

Take a moment to complete the form or contact us, and we would be happy to help you set up the Israel vacation of a lifetime. There is no better time than the present!