What to Pack:
It will be summer weather during May in Israel – it almost never rains at that time of year. We can expect hot days and cooler evenings. Plan to dress in layers – remembering that modest dress is expected at Holy Sites. (Sleeveless tops, tank tops, shorts are really frowned on at Churches, Mosques and Synagogues.) While shorts are fine in some settings, long pants are expected in Churches – for both men and women. Good walking shoes, a small day-pack, and a water bottle are indispensable for our day tours. Summer evenings in many areas are cool enough to need a sweater. Don’t forget a change of shoes, sun hat, sun-screen, sunglasses.
It will be summer weather during May in Israel – it almost never rains at that time of year. We can expect hot days and cooler evenings. Plan to dress in layers – remembering that modest dress is expected at Holy Sites. (Sleeveless tops, tank tops, shorts are really frowned on at Churches, Mosques and Synagogues.) While shorts are fine in some settings, long pants are expected in Churches – for both men and women. Good walking shoes, a small day-pack, and a water bottle are indispensable for our day tours. Summer evenings in many areas are cool enough to need a sweater. Don’t forget a change of shoes, sun hat, sun-screen, sunglasses.
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You are in Safe Hands
The Holy Land is a safe place for pilgrims — There are more tourists visiting Israel today than at any time in history. In 2019 4.6 Million! The numbers fell drastically during Covid, but are returning quickly. In the first half of 2023 tourism was 87% of the 2019 numbers. Many expect that 2024 will see the totals exceed the 2019 all time high.
In terms of safety — Israel and Palestine are as safe as any major European or North American city. There is very little crime. Wherever you travel you need to use your head about keeping your wallet/passport safe. I have been to the Holy Land numerous times and have never felt in any danger at all. Indeed I have had moments in Toronto, Chicago and New York that caused me stress – but never such a moment in Jerusalem.
My visits have been truly life transforming. The first visit transformed my understanding of Scripture — so that the places came alive for me as I could picture the setting. My second visit reinforced my first impressions — but also helped me to fall in love with the people of the land (the Living Stones) — and to gain a deeper appreciation for the struggle of the indigenous church in the Holy Land.
There is stress between Palestinians and Israelis over settlements in the West Bank and other issues. However, both Israelis and Palestinians depend on tourism revenues and both people groups treat pilgrims very well. Our tour operators, (Albina Tours, Tantur, etc.) stay up to date on local situations around the Holy Land. We never take our groups anywhere near any sort of protests or demonstrations. If a protest is expected at some locale we rearrange our itinerary for that day.
In terms of safety — Israel and Palestine are as safe as any major European or North American city. There is very little crime. Wherever you travel you need to use your head about keeping your wallet/passport safe. I have been to the Holy Land numerous times and have never felt in any danger at all. Indeed I have had moments in Toronto, Chicago and New York that caused me stress – but never such a moment in Jerusalem.
My visits have been truly life transforming. The first visit transformed my understanding of Scripture — so that the places came alive for me as I could picture the setting. My second visit reinforced my first impressions — but also helped me to fall in love with the people of the land (the Living Stones) — and to gain a deeper appreciation for the struggle of the indigenous church in the Holy Land.
There is stress between Palestinians and Israelis over settlements in the West Bank and other issues. However, both Israelis and Palestinians depend on tourism revenues and both people groups treat pilgrims very well. Our tour operators, (Albina Tours, Tantur, etc.) stay up to date on local situations around the Holy Land. We never take our groups anywhere near any sort of protests or demonstrations. If a protest is expected at some locale we rearrange our itinerary for that day.
Albina Tours
Albina Tours is a family-owned and operated Christian tour operator that was founded in 1949 by the late Anton Albina Sr. Since then, Albina Tours has become one of the most experienced and client oriented tour operators in the Holy Land. Albina have an excellent reputation as a reputable tour operator. For example, McCabe Pilgrimages, (a larger pilgrimage tour agent in the UK) use Albina exclusively for their Holy Land trips. Albina’s motto is “Above all else: Reliability.” Canon Vicars has been working with Albina Tours for many years now and has come to completely trust their ability and integrity. Albina are to making sure that our Pilgrimage is the spiritual adventure of a lifetime.