8 Day Holy Land Israel Tour

Departing from Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town South Africa.

Day 1: Departure

We depart from Durban, Johannesburg or Cape Town South Africa to Tel Aviv for our Holy Land tour to Israel.

Day 2: Caesarea, Acre and Rosh Hanikra

We arrive in Tel Aviv, clear immigration, collect luggage and board our luxury bus to Caesarea. We see the remains of an ancient Roman port city, the theater, hippodrome, and ruins of palaces, temples, and bathhouses. We continue along the coast to the port city of Haifa. Here we see the beautiful, terraced Baha’i Gardens and visit Mt. Carmel . We then checked in to our hotel in Tiberias .

Day 3: Nazareth, Capernaum and Sea of Galilee

After breakfast drive towards the Valley of Armageddon, where you enjoy breathtaking views of Megiddo. We pass by Mt. Precipice and arrive in Nazareth. We will visit the Church of Annunciation. We visit Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle by turning the water into wine. We will have the opportunity to renew our wedding vows. We continue to Mt. of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount and then to Capernaum where Jesus lived, taught and performed many of the miracles recorded in the New Testament. In Tabgha, we see Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes. We make our way to the Yardenit to renew our baptism vows, the place where Jesus got baptized. On our way back we will be able to view Mount Tabor or Mount of Transfiguration. Overnight Tiberias  

Day 4: Mount Scopus-Cardo- Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

We take in the panoramic views of Jerusalem from the top of Mount of Olives and walk down to Garden of Gethsemane, Church of All Nations, and Kidron Valley which holds monumental Jewish tombs. In the Jewish Quarter, we see the Cardo; the Byzantine-era main street of Jerusalem. We stop at the sacred Western Wall to place a prayer note between the ancient stones of the wall. The tour follows part of the Via Dolorosa to the stunning Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here we see the site of Christ’s crucifixion and his burial tomb.  Later we enjoy Holy Communion service at the garden tomb to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.

Later we visit the famous Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. The museum’s exhibits include authentic artifacts, original documents, photos, and video testimonials of Holocaust survivors. Overnight Jerusalem

Day 5: Bethlehem, Jericho and Qasr el Yahud

After breakfast, we make our way to the ancient city of Jericho, where Zacchaeus climbed the Sycamore tree and where we recall the biblical tale of Joshua marching his troops around Jericho’s city walls until they fell. The tour leaves Jericho passing the Mount of Temptation and continues to Qasr al-Yahud on the Jordan River where John baptized Jesus. Next, we visit Bethlehem where Jesus was born just over 2,000 years ago. The Bethlehem tour stops in Manger Square, and we enter the Church of the Nativity which holds the Holy Grotto where the nativity took place. The tour visits the adjacent Church of St. Catherine and its subterranean caves holding ancient tombs and shrines. From here the tour passes Shepherds Field and returns to Jerusalem. Overnight Jerusalem

Day 6: Masada and the Dead Sea

This tour heads to southern Israel through the Judean Hills and past the Inn of the Good Samaritan. Our first stop is at Masada where we take a cable car to the plateau summit and tour the remains of Herod’s 2,055-year-old palace fortress. We see remarkable structures including palaces and a bathhouse. From Masada the tour takes you past the desert oasis of Ein Gedi and Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We spent the rest of the day relaxing on one of the Dead Sea beaches. You can float and also use the Dead Sea mud as a natural skin mask and soak up the glorious Dead Sea sun. Overnight Jerusalem

Day 7: Jerusalem in the Footsteps of Jesus

We follow in the footsteps of Jesus on the Mount of Olives visiting the Church of the Ascension where Christ ascended to heaven and the nearby Church of the Pater Noster, where Christ taught his disciples the Lord’s Prayer. See the Dominus Flevit, the place Jesus looked out over Jerusalem and wept as he foresaw its destruction. We visit the Church of all Nations and the adjacent Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested on the eve of his crucifixion. We view the Pools of Bethesda then go into the Old City where we stop at the Church of Saint Anne plus the Convent of the Sisters of Zion. From here we walk to the 3d Station of the Cross on Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus would have taken carrying his cross towards his crucifixion on Calvary. Transfer to the airport for our flight back home. Dinner and overnight-aircraft

Day 8: Johannesburg-South Africa

We land in Johannesburg with beautiful memories of the Holy Land.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

When traveling to Israel from South Africa:
1What documents do I need to travel to Israel from Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town?
For South African citizens, all you need is a passport that’s valid at least six months or more after you arrive back in South Africa. You will receive a 90-day tourist visa upon entry in Israel.
2Is it safe to travel to Israel?
We wouldn’t urge you to come if it wasn’t. Every year between 3 and 4 million tourists visit Israel for either pilgrimage or for an amazing holiday. Malku Travel Pty ltd makes every effort to take extra measures in ensuring your safety during your stay in Israel.
3When is the best time to travel to Israel?
The best time to visit Israel is either between March, April and May as it will be Spring and much cooler weather. Later October and November are also much cooler temperatures to travel. December, January and February are your winter months and some people love to travel in winter especially during pilgrimages, as it will be much better as there will be lots of walking. Sometimes there will be snow in some parts and it will be fun to play in the snow or take a cable car ride.
4Before your Trip to Israel from South Africa
Leave your Israel travel information with a family member or friend, include a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers. Keep important items and documents with you at all times. Medicines should be carried in their original packaging (if you have a copy of the prescription, bring it with you). Do not keep travelers’ checks, money, valuables or travel documents in your check-in luggage. Make sure your luggage is clearly tagged on the inside as well as the outside. TSA locks will be to your advantage.
5I hear there is a security interview on arrival in Israel.
On arrival in Ben Gurion Airport, you may be asked a variety of questions during a security interview. Some of the questions may seem, intrusive, irrelevant or repetitive but just answer truthfully, go with the flow and don’t lose your cool. Remember, the questions are designed to protect you and your fellow passengers. When you leave Israel, the departure process is identical to that outlined above for all airlines. Clearing immigration process in Israel may take a little longer than in most foreign countries.
6What about health, medicines, vaccinations?
No vaccinations are required to visit Israel (unless you have recently been in an area where there have been epidemics of yellow fever, cholera or Ebola). Before you travel to Israel, ask your doctor to write a prescription for any medications you may be taking with you in the event they are lost. Keep all of your medications in their original bottles or packaging. Israel is known around the world for its medical care, so if any need arises, you will be well cared for.
7Is the water safe to drink?
Yes! While there is of course bottled water available as well, the tap water in Israel meets strict safety standards and is consumed by millions. Malku Travel Pty Ltd provides one free bottle of water a day on your tour to ensure you feel safe and comfortable on our tours.
8What language is spoken in Israel?
The official languages of Israel are Hebrew, now referred to as Israeli, and Arabic.
9Is English spoken throughout Israel?
English is widely spoken throughout the country. However, it is not to be assumed every resident you meet will be able to converse in the language.
10Do I need travelers’ insurance?
For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must. Travel insurance can be purchased for a minimal amount of your travel investment, and can cover the following: • Hospital and doctor needs. Many seasoned travelers don’t realize that their medical aid is not valid outside of South Africa. • Cancelled trip coverage. If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable. This can help you save thousands of rands. • Travel insurance also covers lost baggage, and worldwide emergency assistance coverage. • Some Comprehensive Travel Insurance does cover Covid-19 expenses such as quarantine and hospital stay and medical expenses.
11 What to wear?
Israel is a modern country, so casual, comfortable clothing is appropriate for sightseeing. We recommend good, comfortable shoes for lots of walking, and hats and sunglasses for protection. Pack cool, light clothing for spring through autumn, and warmer clothing for winter visits. It is recommended to bring some elegant clothing for dinner if you are eating out. Some religious shrines require modest dress (arms and legs covered). Don't forget your swimsuit, sunscreen and sun shades for the Dead Sea.
12What about money?
The Israeli currency is the Shekel (officially “New Israeli Shekel”). It is always best to change your rands into Shekel or USD before departing from South Africa to Israel. You may also choose to use your bank-card to withdraw some Shekels from the ATM in the arrival-halls at Ben Gurion. Credit cards are widely accepted, with VISA and MasterCard being the most accepted.
13Is Israel a family friendly destination?
Rich with culture and history, Israel can be a wonderful learning experience for the whole family. Whether it be exploring the Old City of Jerusalem or floating in the Dead Sea, there is something for everyone.
14Tipping
In Israel, it is customary to tip hotel personnel, guides and drivers. The following are good guidelines to follow: • Please expect to tip your guide $5.00 – $7.00 per day and your driver $3.00 – $4.00 per day (amounts are per person). • A 15% tip is the average in lunch restaurants that are not part of the Israel tour package. • While tipping is not mandatory for taxi drivers, some visitors choose to do so anyhow. Remember that a tip or gratuity is earned for services rendered in a courteous and professional manner.
15Electricity
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. Make sure your electronics have two pin identical to your mobile charger.
16Keeping in touch
Malku Travel uses Deluxe hotels that provide free wi-fi in the lobby as well as your rooms, unless otherwise stated. We also use luxury Bus with Free Wi-fi to keep you in touch with friends, family and also take care of business or even if you would like to upload and stay active on your favorite social media platforms. We hope some of these frequently asked questions will assist you, but we are here to answer any additional questions you may have as well! If you need additional assistance, please call or WhatsApp: +27731550497