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Is it safe in the Middle East?
All of
our tours over the past 21 years have returned without a hitch and the
souls that went were blessed beyond measure. Everyone has been
stirred in their commitment to Christ and not once has anyone felt
threatened or in danger.
If you are praying for peace in in this area of the world, we do
believe that to be Biblical, although we do not expect the
situation there to improve until our Lord is on the throne here on
Earth. Please, do not make a reservation with us based on the hopes
of a calm future. If you are interested in the special blessings only
available in Israel, we will take you there and most probably without
a hint of trouble. Our expert drivers and guides will keep you from
areas that are known for conflict and treat you to the riches of the
Holy Lands as a special guest.
What kind of Bible teaching and devotionals will be provided.
Pilgrim Tours
advertises in the Baptist, Evangelical and traditional Bible believing
Protestant markets and our devotional leaders present living practical
encouragements from this perspective to our passengers.
Will we have a Christian guide?
Pilgrim does employ many Christian guides, but this is not
guaranteed. Our guides are very familiar with our devotional,
scriptural, historical and cultural information requirements. This
coupled with our choice of devotional leaders provides an atmosphere
that is exceptional even for the person who has been to this region on
prior occasions. We have consistent testimony that the Pilgrim
experience is far superior to other tours.
Do we have the same guide for the entire tour? If your tour is in one country for
the entire time, you will have the same guide throughout. When you
cross to another country, we generally hire a new guide, bus and
driver from that country.
Is there free time?
There is a very limited amount of free time. Time will be provided
for shopping on occasions, but this is not a primary concern. You
will also have a couple of hours at the end of the schedule to shop if
you wish.
What length of day can I expect?
An average day will be 8:30-5:30. There will occasional days that you
can expect a 8:00-6:00 schedule.
How much walking is required?
We do not recommend our tours for persons who cannot walk a mile at a
moderate pace. If this is not possible, you will miss some of the
sightseeing that is scheduled. Our guides must keep to a schedule for
the benefit of the average tour member. Our Public Tours do not make
provisions for persons with wheel chairs and walkers.
Are children allowed on the tours?
We suggest that children be 10 years of age or older. Some younger
“well behaved” children are allowed if parents accept the
responsibility to make sure the children will not be a disruption or
hindrance to the tour quality.
Will you find a room-mate for me?
Pilgrim will accept your reservation as a “single requesting a
share.” If another person of the same sex is interested in a
room-mate, we will allow the two of you to correspond and agree to
share a room. Pilgrim will not automatically assign a room-mate. If
a room-mate cannot be found, the passenger will be responsible to pay
the single supplement charge.
What types of meals are included?
Most tours include buffet breakfast and dinners. There is generally a
choice of 3 or 4 meats and a variety of vegetables, salads, starches,
breads, deserts and beverages. Some ethnic foods are included, but
there will always be options that will be similar to your regular
diet.
Can I take food from the breakfast buffet for lunch? Most hotels will not
object to your taking a fruit or bread and lunch meat snack from the
breakfast buffet. Ask your guide if this is acceptable. For those
who choose to purchase a more substantial lunch, expect to pay $9-10
each.
Is water provided at meals?
Table water is available in Israel, Greece, Turkey and most European
countries and this is drinkable. Bottled water should be purchased
for Egypt and Jordan.
Is water provided on the tour?
Bottled water is provided on most busses at a reasonable cost.
Do I need a visa?
Israel and Greece do not require a visa for clients from Europe, USA,
Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Turkey, Egypt and Jordan require
an entry tax for this same group of countries but do not require that
a visa be purchased prior to arrival.
Persons traveling from other countries are required to arrange for
visas prior to departure.
What is the type of motor-coach?
The motor-coach will
normally have 48-52 seats. The rest room will normally be locked and
unlocked only for emergencies. Rest stops are made every 1-2 hours
for your comfort.
What is the group size?
The average group
size is between 25 and 35 persons. Pilgrim does take as many as 40-44
persons on some occasions.
What types of hotels are included?
Most hotels are 4 star or above according to local government standards. This can be described as a better
than average property with good standard of cleanliness and service.
Examples of hotel lists will be given out by our customer service
agents on request.
Are hairdryers available in hotels?
Hairdryers and irons are available at most hotels.
What do I wear? Casual,
comfortable, wash and wear clothing.
Are laundry facilities
available? It will be possible to send out laundry on the
first night of hotel stays with two or more nights, but costs are
expensive. We suggest that you reuse items by spot washing and hanging
clothes to dry while out on tour.
Can I be baptized on the tour?
This is possible at the Jordan River Baptismal Site.
Should I go to Bethlehem?
Bethlehem is part of the Palestinian Territory and requires that you
change busses and guides at the check-point. This does feel a bit
uncomfortable for some and optional free time in Jerusalem is
available for those who do not wish to go.
What should I do about gratuities?
Pilgrim will add the minimum amount of Israel gratuities to your final
invoice as noted in the “Tour Includes” section of the tour
itinerary. This tip money will be distributed by your guide.
Gratuities for other countries should be given to the appropriate tour
manager/guide on the first sightseeing day in that country.
What to
do about cell phones and emergency contact?
If you have a cell phone with international capabilities, contact your
company for costs and to verify that it will work in the areas you are
touring. Cell phones are available at a very reasonable rate
from our web site.
Click Here
Emergency contact information is also included in your travel
documents.
Other
Important Information:
Israel
Egypt
Jordan
Greece
Turkey |
