Israel Behind the Headlines is an exclusive strategic journey offering participants access to the people, places, and conversations shaping Israel’s future. Led by Rabbi Pesach Wolicki and Dr. David Wurmser, the journey will explore Israel through four interconnected lenses: Biblical Israel, Israel’s Security Reality, National Leadership, and Strategic Interpretation.
This is not a conventional sightseeing tour. It is a private, high-level experience offering participants a rare opportunity to engage directly with Israeli leaders and frontline communities while gaining a deeper understanding of the decisions, values, and realities shaping the country.
The journey will be limited to 15–20 participants to allow for meaningful conversations, private briefings, and access that would not be possible with a larger group.
This is a sample Itinerary and it is subject to pleasant surprises!
The Mamilla Hotel is a luxury 5-star destination in Jerusalem. Located next to the historic Jaffa Gate and Alrov Mamilla Avenue, it blends modern design by Piero Lissoni and Moshe Safdie with views of the Old City walls.
The Galei Kinneret Hotel is a historic luxury resort in Tiberias, Israel, set directly on the shores of the Sea of Galilee with views of the Golan Heights. Established in 1946, it features modern boutique rooms, fine dining by Chef Assaf Granit, a private beach, and a high-end spa.
The Carlton Tel Aviv is a luxury five-star beachfront hotel set directly on the Tel Aviv Marina and close to Gordon Beach. It features 270 rooms and suites with private balconies, a heated rooftop pool with panoramic Mediterranean views, and acclaimed dining options
Stay in luxury 5-star hotels across Israel. (based on double occupancy)
Rates are per person in a double room. Solo travelers will be assigned a roommate unless they request a private room for an additional cost of $1,900 (before credit card fees).
Enjoy daily breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.
Air conditioned luxury coach travel between all destinations.
Local, knowledgeable guides to provide biblical and historical insights.
Flights are not included.
Travel insurance is not covered in the tour price. You can organize travel insurance with your preferred insurance company.
We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase travel insurance to protect their trip investment. While we do not endorse or assume responsibility for any specific provider, you are encouraged to select a policy that best suits your needs.
🔗 One available option: IMG Travel Insurance
Please review your insurance options carefully to ensure they provide the necessary coverage for your trip
Price is per person based on duo occupancy per room.
Avoid ~3% processing fees by choosing bank transfer!
Limited space available – Reserve by March 1, 2026, to secure your room and rate.
To complete your sign-up, please keep the following in mind:
A valid passport is required at the time of registration. Please ensure your passport details are readily available to expedite the sign-up process.
Secure your spot: Upon submitting your details, you will be directed to the payment portal. Your reservation will only be confirmed once payment is successfully completed.
Have a question before booking? Leave us a message and we will reach out to you.
For U.S. and Canadian citizens, you need a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Israel. For stays up to three months, you do not need a visa. Non-U.S. citizens should check their visa requirements.
Upon arrival, you will receive a paper visa slip instead of a passport stamp. Keep this slip with your passport, as you will need it for identification and at crossing points.
For U.S. and Canadian citizens, a passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival is required. Stays up to three months do not require a visa, but travelers must obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure.
Visitors from other countries should check here to see if they require a visa or ETA-IL. The ETA-IL allows stays of up to 90 days per visit and is valid for multiple trips over two years or until passport expiration.
Upon arrival, you will receive a paper visa slip instead of a passport stamp. Keep this slip with your passport, as it is required for identification and border crossings.
Israel’s currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). 1 USD is equal to about 3.55 NIS. Click here for the current conversion rate. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and there are ATMs throughout the country. We recommend withdrawing some Shekels from an airport ATM upon arrival.
Yes, most shops, restaurants, and hotels accept foreign credit and debit cards. However, small vendors and local markets may require cash. Make sure to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid issues with card use and be aware of possible foreign transaction fees.
We recommend bringing around $200 in cash. Since ATMs and credit cards are widely available, carrying large sums of cash is unnecessary.
Israel operates on Israel Standard Time (IST), which is 2 hours ahead of UTC and 7 hours ahead of EST.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and other risks. You can purchase coverage through a travel insurance provider, some credit card companies (if you book with their card), or even your local medical insurance provider for a small fee.
Yes, Israel is a very safe country, with millions of tourists visiting every year. Our tours are carefully planned with safety in mind, and we stay informed of any developments to ensure a secure experience.
Israel has a modern healthcare system, and you can find most over-the-counter medications at local pharmacies. Bring any necessary prescription medications with you, along with a doctor’s note if you’re traveling with syringes or special medical equipment.
Yes, tap water in Israel is safe to drink. You can also refill your water bottles as needed. Bottled water is available at most stores if you prefer.
No vaccinations are required for travel to Israel, unless you’ve recently been in a country with a known outbreak of diseases like yellow fever or cholera.
You will stay in 4-star hotels or similar accommodations, based on double occupancy. If there is overbooking, we will arrange comparable or higher-category lodging.
Our holyland tours include daily breakfast and dinner, typically served buffet-style with a variety of options.
*Some specialty tours include breakfast only. Please see under the “included” section on indvidual tour page.
Let us know in advance about any dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Tour prices are based on double occupancy. If you need a single room, an additional single supplement fee will apply. If you’d like a roommate but don’t have one, we will try to pair you with another participant.
Yes, there will be opportunities to shop during the tour, especially at key markets and souvenir spots.
Israel’s weather varies by season: summers (June–Sept) are hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from the 80s to 100s°F (27-38°C), while winters (Dec–Feb) are cooler, with temperatures in the 50s-60s°F (10-18°C) and occasional rain, especially in Jerusalem and the Galilee. Spring and fall (March–May, Sept–Nov) offer mild, pleasant temperatures. Snow is rare but possible in higher elevations like Jerusalem.
For summer, pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. For winter, bring warm layers and a waterproof jacket. Spring and fall require a mix of light clothing with layers for cooler evenings. No matter the season, comfortable walking shoes are essential!
Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended, especially good walking shoes. Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary. Modest clothing is required for visits to religious sites.
The tour involves walking on uneven terrain at many sites. We drive as close to sites as possible, but participants should be prepared for moderate walking.
The tour buses do not have bathrooms, but frequent stops are scheduled throughout the day.
Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday. Many businesses and public transportation services do not operate during this time, especially in religious areas.
For our tours, a member of the Israel365 team will be staying at the hotel over Shabbat to assist with any needs. Additionally, a tour guide will be available on Saturday to lead a visit to Christian holy sites, ensuring a meaningful and enriching experience.
The tour price covers accommodations, meals (as listed in the included section on the tour page) , transportation, site entrance fees, gratuities for guides and drivers, and guided tours. Airfare, personal expenses, travel insurance, and services not mentioned are not included.
We offer three payment options:
If your trip is rescheduled, your payments will transfer to the new dates. If you cannot attend on the rescheduled dates, you will receive a credit applicable toward a future trip or refunds will be issued according to our cancellation policy.
Israel365 is not liable for losses, injuries, or damages resulting from unforeseeable events or third-party actions, such as natural disasters, strikes, or emergencies. We require all participants to sign a waiver before joining the tour.
Most American and international phones will work in Israel, but check with your provider to confirm coverage and international roaming plans. Many hotels also offer free Wi-Fi.
Israel uses 220V A/C, and European two-prong adapters typically work. You may need a converter for certain devices.
Yes, all gratuities for the bus driver and tour guides are included. Any additional tipping or gifts are at your discretion and not required.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us. Our team is happy to assist you!
We’re excited to offer you the flexibility to pay for your adventure at your own pace with Affirm! Whether you want to break up your payments into 4 interest-free installments every two weeks or choose a longer plan—up to 36 months—you’ll find an option that fits your budget.
How It Works
How It Works
Why Choose Affirm?
Important Notes
Once your trip is finalized, we’ll guide you through the payment process, including how to explore Affirm’s flexible options. For more details, we’re happy to answer your questions during your consultation or you can visit affirm.com/help.
