Israel celebrated its 70th Independence Day in April 2018, but its history stretches back hundreds of years. It’s home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations and important
religious sites of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Centuries of kings, leaders, immigrants, merchants, pilgrims, and people of various ethnicities coming in and out of the country has made Israel a melting pot of cultures and ideas. As the “Promised Land,” Israel holds a special place in the hearts of the 86% Roman Catholic population of the Philippines. The Philippines
is also home to a ten-million-strong Muslim community, whose holiest sites include the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. By and large, Filipinos see Israel as a religious destination, but the country offers more. Unspoiled beaches line the coast, enjoying 300 days of sunny, beach-perfect weather. Fascinating architecture populates the towns. Dozens of museums and landmarks steeped in history dot the city. And in the deserts and seas, natural wonders
promise one-of-a-kind adventures. A vibrant food scene awaits, moreover. Crispy falafel, rich hummus, and sweet baklava are sold in colorful displays. Savor the sweet cheesiness of a kanafeh, the delightful mix of flavors of shakshuka, and the distinct taste of wines from one of Israel’s many rolling vineyards. Ready to check the country off your bucket list? Here’s an Israel travel guide that would help you make the most of your stay. We
discuss the requirements, safety, attractions, food, and more. It’s time to discover the wonders that Israel holds. Israel and the Philippines maintain an open-door policy, which means Filipinos who hold Philippine passports don’t need a visa to visit the Holy Land. Philippine passport holders can travel visa-free to Israel for up to 90 days. Make sure that your passport will still be valid six
months beyond the date you intend to make your trip. You’ll still be interviewed at the port of entry, though, so you need to keep the following handy: Read our detailed post on Israel’s visa requirements. It depends. We’d like to give you a more specific answer, but it really does boil down to what you want to achieve on your trip. Let’s break down what you look for in your Israel vacation. If you lean toward tour packages, here are some trips you can check out. These are all 2018 tours, so check their page if you plan to visit Israel in 2019 and beyond. If you want to travel to Israel independently, here are some tips on making the most of your trip:
The Best Time to Visit IsraelThere are three great seasons to travel to Israel: spring (April-May), when the weather is perfect for touring; summer (June-August), when skies are clear and water attractions are officially open; and Christmas, which is an incredible time to go on a pilgrimage. SpringThe weather is pleasantly warm, and the scenery is breath-taking during Spring. Flowers cover the hillsides and wildlife come out of hibernation. Pools and beaches are open to the public, as well. In May, Israelis celebrate various festivals, such as the Shavuot (Pentecost) and the Israel Festival so look out for that if you’re traveling to the country about this time. SummerA trip to the beach is lovely in the hot Israeli summer. Oases, streams, and other adventure spots cool down hordes of tourists while several water sports are a hit among adrenaline junkies. Summer is also when the city nightlife is at its peak. Christmas (December-January)What’s more special than spending Christmas in Bethlehem? Much like in the Philippines, a festive air embraces the Holy Land, and magnificent Christmas services take place. For a comprehensive guide on Israel’s best seasons, read When is the Best Time to Visit Israel? Sunset by the beach at Jaffa, Tel AvivThe Ideal Israel Travel BudgetHow you plan a budget depends on your trip. Packaged ToursThe cost of the tours we mentioned above range from Php111,000 to Php144,000. They include breakfast, admission, accommodations, tour transportation, guides, and airfare. Depending on your package, you’ll have to add a little extra to your budget to cover the Philippine travel tax (Php1620) and Visa fees and border taxes (Php7000 or $130). Lunch and dinner are usually not covered in tour packages. You’ll be on your own at this time. As food tends to be a little pricey here, even by European standards, allot around Php820 to Php1100 per meal. If you want a bargain meal, explore the shuk. With luck, you’ll score a plate of falafel for an equivalent of Php110 or Php160. A 1.5L bottle of water, meanwhile, could cost around Php60. Additionally, tipping is expected in Israel. Tours recommend setting aside Php540 to Php800 for tips per day. So, a day in Israel could cost Php2,240 (a conservative estimate) on top of your tour package fees. Don’t forget pocket money for souvenirs, too. DIY TravelAirfare rates vary depending on various factors, roundtrip tickets could cost from Php50,000 to Php100,000 depending on your airline and the season of travel. Moreover, you need around Php3,800 to Php5,400 per day to cover your accommodations, transportation, meals, and tours. Where you fall in this range depends on your save-vs-splurge mindset. For instance, a shared hostel room could cost as low as Php1,100 a night. Some hotels, however, carry price tags of up to Php9,000. Moreover, the country’s street food could go as low as Php110. If you’re willing to pay extra, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can set you back around Php820. Interested in exploring a national park or museum? Prepare an entrance fee of Php530 to Php749. But if you’d rather spend your money elsewhere, Israel still has tons of free tourist attractions that you could check out. Flying to Israel from the PhilippinesCurrently, there’s no direct flight from Manila to Israel. Here are some flight routes that require no visa.
Here are some (of many) flights that need a visa for the layover:
The total duration of a trip from the Philippines to Israel varies. Some flights with short layovers (less than 2 hours) take around 15-16 hours. Others, meanwhile, could take as much as 23 hours to account for longer layovers. A note: You can’t enter or exit Israel through Gulf Cooperation Countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar) because of the strained diplomatic relations between the states. Is It Safe to Travel to Israel?Yes, traveling to Israel is safe. The media may air stories about conflicts in the Gaza strip but life carries on in most parts of Israel. Schoolchildren attend their classes, markets sell all sorts of goods, buyers haggle, and the young have their share of fun in the city nightlife. Business as usual, as they say, and hordes of tourists enjoy all Israel has to offer safely. Travel to the Lebanese and Syrian border is not recommended, however. Expect heavy security once you enter the country, though. The airport inspects people and luggage closely. Security personnel roam about in shopping malls. These, on many accounts, make people feel safe and secure. The extra security, however, shouldn’t make you complacent. You’re still at risk for petty crimes, such as theft of passports, wallets, and phones. So, stay vigilant and keep an eye on your valuables. Avoid changing money on the streets — swap your dollars or pesos for shekels at the airport or certified money changers. Lastly, keep yourself up-to-date on the news for weather updates and travel advisories for Israel. A hotel in EliatWhere to Stay in IsraelTourism is one of Israel’s largest industries, so you have a lot of accommodations to choose from. Major tourist spots are dotted with hostels, inns, and hotels ranging from one-star, affordable bed-and-baths to luxurious five-star lodgings. Here are a few accommodations you can check when you’re planning your trip. A disclaimer: these prices are for a single adult. Prices vary according to the number of visitors and change without prior notice. Where to Stay in Jerusalem
Where to Stay in Tel Aviv
Where to Stay in Eilat
Where to Stay in Galilee
Where to Stay in Negev
Attractions & Activities You Shouldn’t MissIt’s hard to compile a list of must-see attractions in the Holy Land. Israel is full of awe-inspiring destinations and adventure-filled activities that you’ll never find yourself looking for something to do on your trip. Don’t miss out on these: Jerusalem
Tel Aviv
Eilat
Galilee
Negev
For a full list of places to visit, read Main Israel Destinations and Attractions. Hummus and falafel are two local favoritesIsrael’s Culinary AdventureIsrael’s food scene is vibrant and bursting with the combination of flavors and textures from various parts of the region. Tables are laden with sour cheeses, soft, flaky bread, lots of lemons and olives, and delicious vegetables tossed and taken to different directions by various condiments and sauces. Everywhere, the smell of fresh herbs and spices waft in the air. A vacation in Israel means you get to take part in this culinary feast. Don’t leave without trying out these Israeli food:
Sample Itineraries for an Israel TripClueless on how to plan your trip? Base your itinerary on these pre-planned ones: A Seven-Day ItineraryDay 1: Jerusalem: The Old City. Visit one of the oldest cities in the world which is lined with magnificent stone walls. Walk around the Tower of David, the Room of the Last Supper, the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Day 2: Jerusalem: The New City. Visit the Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim. Grab a bite and buy goods from the Mahane Yehuda Market. Visit the Israel Museum as well as the Yad Vashem. Day 3: The Dead Sea, Masada, and Kfar HaNokdin. Take a dip at the Dead Sea, then drive south to the mountain fortress of Masada. Then, travel to the Kfar HaNokdim and ride a camel into the desert. Day 4: Sea of Galilee. Head north to the Sea of Galilee. Explore the towns where Jesus Christ once walked. Then, head to a lakeside resort in Tiberias and explore nearby Nazareth. Day 5: Haifa and Caesarea. Travel to Haifa and explore the Baha’i Shrine and Gardens. Explore Caesarea, a town built by Herod the Great. Day 6 and 7: Tel-Aviv. Cap off your Israel experience with a trip to Tel Aviv. Spend the day on the beaches, try watersports, or take a dip in the waters. Visit the Tel Aviv Art Museum, stroll along Rothschild Boulevard, and try out restaurants and bars. Old town of IsraelA Ten-Day ItineraryDay 1: Tel Aviv. Explore the vibrant city, the local museums, art galleries, trendy cafes, Israeli restaurants, and the beach. Try watersports and go swimming. Day 2: Galilee. Head to the hometown of Jesus and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. Explore the village of Cana, Tiberias, and the Sea of Galilee. Day 3: Galilee. This time, tour a kibbutz, a traditional Israeli community, the iconic Banias Nature Reserve, the Nimrod Fortress, and Safed. Day 4: The Mediterranean Coast. Explore the ancient town of Caesarea, the Baha’i Gardens, the Crusader Port city of Akko, and Rosh Hanikra. Day 5: Northern Israel. Ascend Golan Heights, the tip of Israel, and visit the ancient synagogue at Katzrin. Marvel at the views from Mount Bental and the vineyards along the way. Day 6: Masada and the Dead Sea. Take in the beauty of the Masada Fortress and take a dip in the Dead Sea (you won’t sink, though). Day 7: Bethlehem. Explore Jesus’ birthplace and visit the Manger Square. Go to the Church of the Nativity, Crusader Church, Shepherds’ Field, and the Franciscan Grotto of the Lady Mary. Day 8: Jericho. Visit Hisham’s Palace and the Hasmonean Palace, the Mount of Temptation, St. George’s Monastery, and the Nabi Musa. Day 9: Jerusalem: Old City. Visit the world’s holiest sites, like the Temple Mount, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Tower of David, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Day 10: Jerusalem: New City. Cap off your Israel trip with contemporary tourist attractions, such as the Yad Vashem and the Israel Museum. Get a good bargain at the Mahane Yehuda Market and explore the charm of the Mea Shearim. A Few Reminders Before Your TripIsraelis are warm and friendly people, but you still have to do your part as a traveler and learn the local nuances to make the most of your trip.
Useful ReferencesHere are other guides to help you plan your travel to Israel:
With centuries-old religious sites, an abundance of natural wonders, fresh and diverse cuisine, and a welcoming people, it comes as no surprise that Israel is a tourists’ paradise. Take part in this iconic experience. Travel to Israel and discover the best it has to offer. What is the cost of Holy Land tour?5,000 per person now and hold the package at this price, payment as per policy can be made in the next 24/48 hrs.
What is the cost of Israel tour?Israel Tour Packages. How many days is our Holy Land tour?Available every day, our 9 day Christian Holy Land Tour of Israel is a great value touring option, including a great number of important sites and Israel experiences, overnight accommodation, luxury coach transportation, and a fully licensed and experienced tour guides.
How much does it cost to tour Jerusalem?₹ 82,000/-₹ 91,111/- Cities: Jerusalem (3D)
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