FAQ/QUESTIONS
WHO WILL BE TEACHING THE LECTURES AT EACH SITE?
Dr. Michael Spradlin, President of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, will be the featured speaker on the trip. He will focus his short lectures at each site on making connections between the land of the Bible and the stories in the Bible. The local licensed Israeli tour guide will be providing additional historical information. Dr. Spradlin and the tour guide will split the informational time on the bus rides and be available for questions after the lectures, in the hotel, and as we travel to and from each attraction.
WHAT WILL THE SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE AT EACH SITE?
The following is a basic outline of each site visit:
· Exit buses and assemble at designated location (5 minutes)
· Tour guides will give a brief, historical account (10 minutes)
· Dr. Spradlin will give a brief lecture connecting the site and its significance in the Bible and in the life of the believer (15 minutes)
· Free time to explore the site on one’s own (1+ hour depending on site)
· Onboard buses with strict departure times
There will be some sites that have more free time or less instruction. These decisions will be made with the focus of providing the best possible Holy Land experience.
HOW RIGID IS THE SCHEDULE?
Due to the large number of sites we want to see on this trip time allotments for each location have been thoughtfully set. The licensed, professional Israeli tour guides will set and keep all schedules.
CAN REGISTRATIONS BE CANCELLED OR TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL?
All deposits and other payments made are non-refundable; however, registrations are transferable for a $100 fee for the first guest in your group, and a $50 fee for the second and third guests in your group. If you have any questions regarding your registration, please contact PREMIER, 1-800-889-5265.
HOW IS LODGING DETERMINED?
Registration pricing is based on two people per room, or double occupancy. If you are traveling alone, you will be assigned to your own room and your package price will be higher.
WHY IS THE PRICE FOR ONE GUEST HIGHER THAN FOR TWO OR MORE?
Because lodging is based on double occupancy, the rate to register as a single guest is higher because you will receive your own room. If you find someone you would like to room with, please contact PREMIER and they can assist you with receiving the lower rate.
DO I NEED TO KNOW MY ROOMMATE WHEN I BOOK?
If you want to book a two-guest package and you don’t know the name of your companion, please contact PREMIER directly to make arrangements.
IF I PURCHASE A SINGLE GUEST PACKAGE, CAN I ADD A ROOMMATE AFTER I HAVE REGISTERED?
Yes, you can add a roommate to your registration, which would lower your overall cost. Please contact PREMIER directly to do so.
HOW CAN I REGISTER MORE THAN THREE PEOPLE IN MY FAMILY/GROUP?
To register more than three guests, you will need to complete more than one reservation, as each reservation only includes one hotel room. Please contact PREMIER directly for more information about booking multiple reservations as a family/group.
DO I NEED TO HAVE A PASSPORT TO REGISTER?
Yes, current and valid passport information is required to register.
HOW WILL GROUND TRANSPORTATION WORK?
Air-conditioned transportation will be available by bus to and from the airport, hotels, and sites. You will have access to free Wi-Fi on most buses.
AM I REQUIRED TO PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Travel insurance is not required but is strongly recommended. Travel Guard travel insurance is available to be added to your package at the time of registration for an additional fee and typically covers cancellations due to illness (before or during the trip) and other events. You can view details on their website here or call Travel Guard at 1-800-326-1300 for more specific information.
WHAT DOCUMENTATION IS NECESSARY FOR TRAVEL TO ISRAEL?
A valid passport with an expiration date no less than 6 months after the return date of the trip is required. There are no exceptions to this policy. A travel visa is not required.
WHAT MEDICAL PREPARATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
There are no specific immunizations or medications that are recommended or required for travel to Israel, but you are welcome to connect with your primary care physician regarding their recommendations for you individually. Please keep in mind that you can buy the equivalent of most standard over-the-counter medicines in Israel. We would also encourage you to inform your health insurance provider that you will be traveling out of the country and to determine your coverage and medical care options while in Israel.
“Proof of vaccination and/or negative Covid test may be required to travel. Updates will be posted when determined
DO I NEED TO BRING ANY SPECIAL CLOTHING OR OTHER ITEMS?
We will provide a list of recommended items and clothing to all trip participants before our tour. Please plan to bring comfortable shoes or sneakers, as there will be a lot of walking.
HOW MUCH WALKING DO I NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR?
Most activities will include walking so participants will be walking approximately 2-3 miles per day. We would recommend wearing comfortable shoes or sneakers each day. Most walks will be lightly to moderately strenuous and there will be breaks throughout the day as you travel to and from sites. Please keep in mind that walks can typically include steps and uneven terrain.
HOW SAFE IS TRAVELING TO ISRAEL?
While Israel is a very safe country to visit and tour, your safety is a top priority. We use various measures to ensure the safety of participants, but we also encourage participants to take precautions they normally would when traveling to another city or country.
CAN I DRINK TAP WATER IN ISRAEL?
Tap water is safe to drink in Israel, but bottled water is also available for purchase.
WILL THERE BE ACCESS TO WI-FI?
Yes, you will have access to free Wi-Fi on the buses and in some hotels. Many cafes and restaurants also offer complementary Wi-Fi. Some hotels will have Wi-Fi available for hotel guests at customary prices.
WILL I BE ABLE TO USE MY CELL PHONE WHILE IN ISRAEL?
Please check with your phone service provider to determine if you will need to purchase an International plan to use your phone in country.
WHICH CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED?
American dollars are accepted in many places in Israel; however, in most cases, change will not be available. We would recommend bringing $1 bills for small items. You can also use your credit/debit card to obtain Shekels at ATMs throughout Israel. Most Israeli hotels, restaurants and stores accept American Express, MasterCard and Visa cards as well.
WILL I NEED TO BRING A POWER ADAPTER?
Almost all hotel rooms are equipped with hairdryers, and all have shaver sockets. For other appliances, Israel’s electricity is 220V A/C, single phase 50-cycles; 110V-220V transformers can be used. Israeli outlets have three prongs, but European two-prong adapters usually work.
WHAT IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS?
You can contact Premier Israel directly at the following numbers: 1 (800) 889-5265 or 1 (336) 609-7106