Tour Details

Journey to the Holy Land

February 22 - March 6, 2026

Group Flight Information

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Sunday, February 22

  • Depart IAH @ 7:10AM – Air Canada #590 – Arrive Toronto @ 11:20AM (appr 3.5 hours)
  • Depart Toronto @ 4:30PM – Air Canada #80 – Arrive Tel Aviv @ 10:15AM (appr 11hours)

Friday, March 6

  • Depart Tel Aviv @ 11:55AM – Air Canada #81 – Arrive Toronto, 5:05PM (appr 11 hours)
  • Depart Toronto @ 6:50PM – Air Canada #595 – Arrive IAH @ 9:44PM (appr 4-hour flight)

If you flying with the group, you will not be able to check in ahead of time for your flight.

On Sunday, February 22, please arrive by 5:15AM to Bush Intercontinental airport – Terminal A and proceed to the Air Canada ticket counter area to begin your check in process. You will present your passport to the ticket agent to receive your boarding pass and check your luggage. If applicable, verify your Global Entry number (or TSA precheck number) and/or your United mileage plus number (Star Alliance partner) with the agent.

Also, it is recommended to inquire about your seats for the flights. The airlines assign seats with groups and it is not always what was requested. Once you have tagged and dropped your checked bag and have seen Jeff or Sarah, you are free to proceed through security to the gate.

Upon arrival at all airports, the group is encouraged to gather immediately upon disembarking and move together to the next gate. Proceeding to the next departure gate with few stops is recommended to ensure you have ample time to board the next flight. Many international airports can be confusing and require extra time to walk between gates and\or terminals.

If you are not flying with the group

The tour officially begins when the group arrives at the Tel Aviv airport @ 10:15am on Monday, Feb 23. If you plan to meet us at the airport, please plan to meet us in the arrival’s hall of Tel Aviv Airport (outside of baggage claim) OR we will be travelling to Jaffa for lunch and a walking tour and you can meet us at the restaurant (name and location TBD). On the departure day, you are welcome to ride the motorcoach to the airport for your departing flight.

Luggage/Weight Restrictions

Each person is allowed one checked bag (up to 50lbs), one carry on bag, and one personal item. Be sure your checked bag is tagged with your name and contact number. It is recommended to carry all a change of clothes, valuables and medication in your carry on in case of lost luggage.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment in your tour. If you have not purchased travel insurance, you can purchase up to 24 hours before departure but it will not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Travel insurance not only protects your tour in case of cancellation or interruption but also offers coverage for medical and dental expenses while traveling as well as lost and\or delayed bag coverage. Information for travel insurance can be found at www.preludetours.com/travel-insurance/.

Time and weather in Israel

The average temperature during early March is typical early spring – lows in the 40’s and highs in the upper 60 – 70’s. However, remember it is spring and these conditions can change.

Recommended Dress

Comfortable layered clothes should be worn to allow to adapt to the changing temperatures throughout the day. Very comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are a must. And always an umbrella and light rain jacket for unexpected spring showers. Keep in mind, the weather will be cooler and you will be able to “recycle” your clothes allowing for less baggage. There are no required “dress clothes”. It is not necessary to change clothes prior to dinner each evening and the main goal of a tourist is to “blend in” with the locals.

Clothing for Baptism in the Jordan River

A towel and robe is provided but you will need a swimsuit or dark shorts and a t-shirt. Water shoes are also helpful.

Floating in the Dead Sea

You do not want to miss this! A swim suit and or dark shorts\t-shirt and water shoes will be needed.

Passport

You will not need to carry your passport while we are traveling during the day. We recommend to leave in the hotel safe. It is a good idea to make a copy of your passport and leave at home while you are traveling in case your passport is lost or email a copy of your passport to yourself so that you will have access to it.

Medications\Immunizations

There are no special immunizations needed for travel to Israel. Medications do not need to be carried in their original bottles but should be carried in your carry-on luggage. It is always a good idea to have a list of your medications available in case of lost medication or an emergency.

Electrical adapter

You will need a Type H power adapter to plug electrical cords into wall outlets. These can be purchased for appr. $20 either online or at retail stores. A universal adapter with USB ports is suggested and is convenient to charge multiple electrical items. If you use a hair straightener or curling iron, it is highly suggested to purchase a “dual – voltage” appliance that automatically adapts to the local voltage. These can be purchased online or at local beauty supply stores such as Ulta.

Local Currency\credit cards

Israel’s currency is the Shekel. One Shekel (NIS) is approximately $.25. USD and credit cards are widely accepted so it is not necessary to pre order Shekels prior to departure. American Express and Discover cards are not accepted by all merchants. It is recommended that each traveler have $100-$200 USD (in small bills) available for small purchases from street vendors. ATM machines are widely available for cash withdrawals (this will be in Shekels). It is suggested to alert your bank\credit card company that you will be travelling internationally and to understand the specifics of your credit card regarding international transaction fees, daily ATM withdrawal limits and any other fees. It is also recommended to only travel with the necessary credit cards that you will need and to make a copy of your credit cards and leave at home in case it is lost while travelling.

Tipping and entrance fees

All gratuities and entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary are included in your tour cost.

Cell Phone usage

All cellular providers offer an international day pass for a nominal fee and it allows your cell phone to work as if in the United States. If you prefer to not purchase an international plan, there will be wi-fi spots in the hotels that will allow you to use your phone. It is recommended to contact your cell phone provider before departure to understand using your phone abroad to avoid any “surprise fees” upon returning home.

Cameras\iPad\Laptops

You are encouraged to take photos throughout the tour to share with your friends and post to social media. We do not recommend packing valuable electronics in your checked baggage but rather in your carryon bag.

WhatsApp

For your phone – During the tour, we will be using the phone app, Whatsapp, to communicate reminders and other information with each other. Please download this free app prior to the tour and we will have more instructions later.

Emergency contact number while traveling

The Prelude Tours office number 281.667.1057 will be forwarded to a cell phone and will be answered 24 hours a day while on tour in case of emergencies. The Prelude Tours email address, preludetours@gmail.com, will also be checked frequently during the tour.

Typical tour day

A typical day of touring begins with a 7:00am breakfast (usually buffet) in the hotel restaurant followed by a 8:00-9:00am departure for the day. The motor coach will stop every 75-90 minutes through the day for coffee breaks and rest stops. Lunch will be served between 11:00am -1:00pm depending on the tour schedule. It is recommended to have a back pack with you each day with a few snacks, a notebook for note taking, Bible and an extra phone battery or charging cable for your phone. Some buses may be equipped with USB outlets and\or wi-fi. 2 complimentary bottles of water per person will be available each day on the bus.

Hairdryers and Washcloths

All hotels will provide hairdryers in the room. It is recommended to locate the hairdryer upon checking into your room and request one if it is not there. Most hotels do not provide wash clothes.

Hotel Information

  • Monday – David’s Harp Ramada Suites – Netanya, Israel +972 9-886-7777
  • Tuesday – Thursday – Magdala Hotel – Tiberias, Israel +972 4-620-9900
  • Friday – Movenpick Hotel – Petra, Jordan +962 3 215 7111
  • Saturday – Dan Neptune – Eilat, Israel +972 8-636-9369
  • Sunday – Herod’s Hotel – Dead Sea, Ein Bokek, Israel +972 8-659-1591
  • Monday – Thursday – Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem +972 2-569-5695