The 2023 Holy Week & Easter Pilgrimage - Stages on the Way - NOT AVAILABLE

Located geographically and culturally at the intersection of Asia, Europe and Africa, Israel is a melting pot of diverse ethnicities and religions. Despite its small size, Israel holds a plethora of spectacular natural landscapes, archaeological treasures, and historical religious sites. Soak up some sun on a Mediterranean beach, hike the Israeli National Trail or ride a camel through Israel’s hauntingly beautiful deserts. With its snow-capped mountains, coastal gems, ancient artefacts, bustling markets, striking cityscapes and laid-back locals, Israel is an ideal travel destination.

Currency

New Shekel (ILS; symbol ₪) = 100 agorot (singular, agora). Notes are in denominations of ₪200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of ₪10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 and 10 agorot.

Note: Many hotels, tour companies, car rental agencies and other tourist services quote their prices in US dollars.
It is customary to tip 12-15% in restaurants and cafés. Tipping in bars is appreciated but not expected, and it is the norm to round up to the nearest shekel in taxis. Bargaining is done only in open markets.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding ILS90,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Most major currencies can be exchanged for shekels at the airport, banks, post offices, many hotels or licensed exchange booths in most towns and cities. To exchange travellers’ cheques you will need to show your passport. All public services such as banks and post offices are closed on Shabbat. At the end of your trip it is possible to change money from shekels back to your currency of choice, only at the airport.

Banking

Banking hours: Sunday-Friday 08h30-12h00 and Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday 16h00-18h00 although these can vary slightly between banks.

All major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are widely available.

Israel is a small country, and it is therefore easy to get from one place to another in a relatively short time.  Public transportation is convenient, and you can get to almost any destination for a reasonable price.

Domestic flights focus on routes linking Eilat to Tel Aviv and Haifa. Arkia (IZ) (www.arkia.co.il), Israir (6H) (www.israirairlines.com) and El Al (www.elal.com) operate regular flights between these cities. Flights operate daily except Shabbat (Friday evening and Saturday).

Most major car rental companies are represented in Israel as well as several local companies, notably Eldan (www.eldan.co.il). To rent a car, drivers must be over 21 and hold an international driving license, a credit card and insurance.

Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in urban areas, 80kph (50mph) in non-urban, 90kph (56mph) on a divided highway, and 110kph (68mph) on a designated 'high-speed road'. It is illegal to drive without a seatbelt and hands-free kits must be used for talking on mobile phones.

Israel Railways operates convenient, inexpensive train service.  It is also possible to travel by taxi, but this is more expensive, particularly for inter-city trips.  It’s therefore preferable to use shared service taxis. 
Taxis are metered, and can be telephoned or hailed from the street. Taxis operate during Shabbat, but are more expensive. 

Buses are the most popular form of public transport in Israel for both local transport and intercity trips.  The Egged bus company operates most of the intercity bus lines, as well as the local service in most of the large cities and towns.  Local and intercity transport in the Gush Dan area (Tel Aviv and the surrounding suburbs) is provided by the Dan bus company.  Bus service in Be’er Sheva and Nazareth is provided by private companies.  The fare for all bus lines is reasonable, the busses are comfortable and usually airconditioned, and there is regular, frequent service.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths in the central bus station in each city or town, or from the driver.  Most of the bus lines do not run on Shabbat or on Jewish holidays.  Service ends on Friday afternoon and resumes Saturday evening. 

Mains water is safe to drink throughout Israel. Bottled water is widely available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. All local meat, fish and vegetables are considered safe to eat.

Almost every restaurant in Israel has menus in English. Occasionally, the spellings or translations can be a bit strange, but these can provide amusement as well as charm. Like for anywhere else in the world, research restaurants on-line or use a good guide-book, and get advice from friends or your hotel front desk about their favorites. And use common-sense when choosing a place to eat, selecting places that look clean and welcoming and where there is a large turnover of diners.

Most restaurants and food stalls are open non-stop from the morning until the evening hours. Restaurants that are also bars remain open until the small hours of the night. In the major cities, especially in Tel Aviv, you can find something to eat at any hour of the day or night.

Reservations are a must at the top restaurants – particularly in Tel Aviv. A great deal for tourists are the Business Lunches at restaurants – particularly the top-rated places – in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. These lunches are special ‘prix fixe’ menus with several choices – at prices a third or half of the same meal in the evening. Israelis generally eat later than Americans. Lunch is usually some time between 1 and 3PM. And while the better restaurants are open from 6 or 7 – they don’t usually become crowded until 9PM or later.

Israelis tip 15% in restaurants and cafes. Often this is added to the bill, but if service was not satisfactory you can ask to have it removed.

Israel is located, between 29°-33° north of the equator, which is characterized as a subtropical region, between the temperate zone and the tropical zone. The northern and coastal regions of Israel show Mediterranean climate characterized by hot and dry summers and cool rainy winters. Whereas the southern and eastern areas of Israel are characterized by an arid climate.

The rainy season extends from October to early May, and rainfall peaks in December through February. Rainfall varies considerably by regions from the North to the South. Highest rainfall is observed in the North and center parts of the country and decreases in the southern part of Israel, from the Negev Desert to Eilat where rainfall is negligible.

Heavy snow falls only in the northernmost part of Golan Heights where the Mount Hermon summit (2,224 m above sea level) remains generally snow covered from December to March. In other parts of the country snow is observed rarely.

The city of Eilat, located at the southernmost point of Israel and at the northern tip of Red Sea, has a good climate for beach holidays all year round.

Dress is casual in Israel. Even Israeli prime ministers frequently wear short-sleeved shirts without ties. Lightweight layers in natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk will work better in the heat and will protect you from the sun better. Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Dress is casual even in restaurants.

Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen before you leave home as it is not that common in Israel.
Tattoos are more common that you might expect and on the beaches of Tel Aviv you will see many. If you feel a particular tattoo would be culturally offensive then as a precaution we would suggest that you cover it up, but otherwise the most you might raise is an eyebrow or two. A lightweight day sack will come in handy to carry your sightseeing essentials. Keep your passport with you at all times as you are required by Israeli law to carry ID.

For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in the State of Israel (Medīnat Yisrā'el) are their own standard, the "Type H " Israeli SI 32 with round pins. The current standard was changed from flat pins to round pins in 1989. Almost all Israeli sockets will accept both round pin and flat pin plugs, but on the rare occasion you may encounter an older socket which may only accept flat pin plugs. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for both types. 

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Israel usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance is not compatible with 220-240 electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.  

It is easy to understand why Italy is one of the world’s most celebrated tourist destinations. This is a country that truly does have it all: exquisite landscapes, an abundance of art and architectural treasures, world renowned museums and a national obsession with decadent food and fine wine. Not to mention the country’s sun-kissed olive groves, glacial lakes, fiery volcanoes and snow capped peaks. Dive the clear green waters of the Mediterranean, browse the market stalls in Naples or experience the diverse wildlife inhabiting the country’s national parks. And if you find the vast range of choices overwhelming, take some advice from the locals: sit back, relax and take a moment to indulge in the “bella vita” (the good life). As they say: when in Rome!

Currency

Italy uses the European monetary unit, the euro (€).

Euro bills come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500; coins are worth 1 cent of a euro, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 euro, and 2 euros. Local merchants may refuse to accept €200 and €500 bills due to the prevalence of counterfeit bills.

Traveller's cheques, cheques and foreign money can be changed at banks, railway stations and airports and very often at major hotels (albeit usually at a less advantageous exchange rate). It is expensive to change foreign currency in Italy, exchange bureau fees are high. Banks will only exchange currency for their own customers.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Banking

Bank opening hours are regulated by law, they open at 08h30 and close at 13h30 for lunch. They open again in the afternoon at 15h00 and close at 16h00 from Monday to Friday. There are banks that open on Saturdays.

ATMs in Italy are known as Bancomat, and can be found anywhere in large cities as well as in small towns. Using a credit card, or even better, a debit card or your local bank (ATM) card is very easy. One must first locate either the Cirrus, Plus, VPay, or BankMate symbol (on the Bancomat and on your card), to ensure the card is usable at that particular unit.  If you are unsure about the compatibility or the banking systems, contact your credit card company or local bank.

Alitalia (AZ) (www.alitalia.com) is the main domestic carrier. Other local budget operators are Meridiana (www.meridiana.it), Air One (www.flyairone.it), Windjet (www.volawindjet.it) and AirAlps (www.airalps.at). For the best deals on flights to Italy, travel out of season. Otherwise book ahead at peak times such as Easter week, the summer holiday period of July and August, and Christmas.

Italy has many regional airports offering good coverage of the whole peninsula. While flying may be the best option when travelling the length and breadth of the country, shorter routes are better served by the high-speed train network.
Italy has well developed public and private transportation options. The Italian rail network is extensive, especially in the north, generally eclipsing the need for an alternative such as bus or air (both of which, however, exist to some extent). While a number of private railroads exist and provide mostly commuter-type services, the national railway, Ferrovie dello Stato, also provides a sophisticated high-speed rail service that joins the major cities of Italy from Naples through northern cities such as Milan and Turin

Self-drive car hire services are available in most cities, airports and resorts. Many international and Italian firms operate this service. Booking online, in advance, generally yields the best prices. The minimum driving age is 18. Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in urban areas, 90kph (55mph) on ordinary roads, 110kph (68mph) on dual carriageways and 130kph (80mph) on motorways. Dipped headlights are compulsory outside built-up areas during the day. All vehicles must carry a red warning triangle. Seat belts are compulsory. Note: Fines for driving offences are on-the-spot and particularly heavy.

All EU member states’ driving licenses are recognised in Italy. In practice, many car hire agencies also accept many non-EU licences such as thos from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US. Drivers from other countries will need an International Driving Permit. Visitors must carry their log-book, which must be in their name as owner, or have the owner's written permission to drive the vehicle. A driving licence or a motorcycle driving licence is required for motorcycles over 49cc.

There is a very efficient inter-city bus service. The buses are modern, comfortable, fast and well equipped. They also provide a very economical way of traveling around the country.

There are a lot of islands off the coast of Italy, including the major ones of Sardinia and Sicily, so naturally there are a lot of ferries traveling backwards and forwards.

Standards of hygiene, in relation to food health and safety in Italy,are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Restaurants are subject to food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government.  Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.

It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and to put ice in your drinks. Italy's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.

There are two cardinal rules of Italian cuisine - eat locally and eat seasonally. Imported foods are changing this picture, but faithful Italian cooks would never eat asparagus, tomatoes or artichokes out of season. Food is part of the rhythm of life, and so Italians eagerly await the arrival of seasonal ingredients from mushrooms in the fall to wild strawberries in the spring.

Tap water throughout Italy is safe to drink and to cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.

The climate varies considerably from the north to the south of Italy. In the north of the country - the area between the Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines - the climate is harsh, with very cold winters and very hot, particularly humid summers. In central Italy the climate is milder, with a smaller difference in temperature between summer and winter and a shorter and less intense cold season than in the north; summers are longer, but the sultriness of the northern cities is mitigated by the sea. In southern Italy and the islands winters are never particularly harsh, and spring and autumn temperatures are similar to those reached in the summer in other areas of Italy.

Summers can be steamy, but shorts are still regarded as resort wear by most Italians. Cotton slacks or capri pants for women are a stylish alternative. The appeal of jeans is universal, and a quality pair matched with a sports shirt or blouse is acceptable casual wear in Italy. Pack a sweater or light jacket for travel in spring or early fall. Winters, even in the south, can be chilly, and a wool jacket or coat is a wise choice. Italians tend to regard down jackets and vests as ski resort wear. A small raincoat or travel umbrella is a smart accessory to have year-round.

Women should dress modestly in Italy, churches and some museums often require it. Signs outside many churches detail clothing that is not permitted: usually shorts, bare arms, low-cut dresses and short skirts for women; and shorts, bare arms and tank tops for men.

Internet access has been slowly developing in Italy in the last years and access very much depends on location. Broadband is available mainly in urban areas and big cities. Smaller villages may only have dial-up or ISDN access available, although some municipalities have free internet in the historical centre.

Most types of accommodation offer Wifi (free or paid) in their business centres, rooms or restaurants. Internet cafes are found in most business areas and shopping malls. In addition, some restaurants offer WiFi access (free or paid).

For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in Italy (Repubblica Italiana) are their own standard, the "Type L" Italian CEI 23-16/VII. Also reported to be in use is the "Type C" European CEE 7/16 Europlug. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for both types. 

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Italy (Repubblica Italiana) usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance is not compatible with 220-240 electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.  

Set on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula between the Atlantic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain typically conjures up images of matadors, sangria, flamenco dancers and paella. While it offers all of these traditional cliches in abundance, the country's real attraction is to be found in its passionate, laid back people and its unbeatable natural beauty. Even along the well-beaten tourist tracks, there are authentic Spanish experiences to be had, traditional local dishes to sample and idyllic villages of timeless charm to explore. Like the country’s famous tapas, Spain itself is a veritable smorgasbord of thriving cities, bizarre festivals, panoramic views and breathtaking beaches - rendering it a beautiful and beguiling country unlike any other. Weird, enthralling architecture, incredible nightlife and its diversity of art and culture add to the country’s unique allure.

Currency 

The currency of Spain is the Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents (<em>céntimos</em>). Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Friday 08h30-14h00 and some branches are open Saturdays from 09h00 - 12h00

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted throughout the country, although cash is your safest bet.

Traveller's cheques are disappearing from use fast so it's far more convenient to travel with credit cards. Nevertheless, you can still change them in main bank branches and exchange bureaux, and they are also accepted in major hotels. It is advisable to bring them in sterling or dollars as there have been increasing reports of Euro cheques being refused.

Most of Spain is well covered by public transport. The rail network reaches all the provincial capitals and the main towns along the inter-city lines, and there’s an expanding high-speed network that has slashed journey times on major cross-country routes from Madrid. Inter-city bus services are often more frequent and cheaper than the regular trains, and will usually take you closer to your destination, as some train stations are a few kilometres from the town or village they serve. Driving a car, meanwhile, will give you the freedom to head away from the major tourist routes and take in some of the spectacular scenery at your own pace.

One important point to remember is that all public transport, and the bus service especially, is drastically reduced on Sundays and public holidays, don’t even consider travelling to out-of-the-way places on these days. The words to look out for on timetables are diario (daily), laborables (workdays, including Sat), and domingos y festivos (Sun and public hols).

Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in Spain are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots.

Food is more than a form of sustenance in Spain, it is literally a way of life. Friendships are formed, families unite, and the working week can be set around every day's very important meals. The country's distinctive cuisine brings together unique regional dishes, special ingredients and long standing influences from Moorish and Arab settlers.

Tourists travelling to Spain are often given a useful piece of advice - the Spanish eat late. Don't expect many restaurants to be open before 9pm. Book a restaurant table for between 11pm and midnight and you'll see the place hopping. Dinner is often light after a large lunch..

Breakfast in Spain is a pretty simple and traditionally European affair. The continental meal can include fresh rolls, bread and jam with coffee, hot chocolate or tea.

Tapas are probably the concept of Spanish cuisine most admired and imitated around the world, inspiring thousands of bars and restaurants. The idea is simple, straightforward, and a visit to a tapas bar is possibly the best way to sample a wide variety of Spanish food. Tapas can constitute something as simple as a piece of toasted bread, rubbed with garlic and dipped in olive oil, or a dish of olives. Slices of ham or salami, cheese, pieces of Spanish tortilla and marinated anchovies are popular. Dishes like meatballs in tomato sauce, garlic mushrooms, shrimp or cooked chorizo in wine are all offered to tickle the tastebuds at tapas bars around the country. So is paella, the saffron infused rice dish with meat, seafood and vegetables which is a Spanish institution.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Spain. Do not drink water from rivers or lakes as it may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause diarrhoea or vomiting.

Spain's climate varies from temperate in the north to dry and hot in the south. As it is a big country with varying terrain and altitudes, climate can be extremely distinctive from one corner to another. Overall, the coastal regions in the South and Eastern parts of Spain are excellent to visit all year round thanks to the Mediterranean climate (mild temperatures and long days). Northern Spain generally experiences colder temperatures than the South, while Central Spain stays hot and dry due to its location on a plateau.

The best time to visit depends on the region and type of travel experience you’re seeking. For a beach vacation, the best months for guaranteed sunshine are June to August. Naturally, these are also the busiest months for tourism along the coast and on the Spanish islands, so be prepared for high prices and crowds. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, head inland to cities like Seville, Madrid and Granada where temperatures are sizzling but streets are empty.

The shoulder season for travel in Spain is usually late spring and autumn: from April to end of May and October to November. These are when tourist destinations are least crowded and weather is still pleasant. January to February is the best time to ski, as snow is ample and the sun is shining. Especially in the Sierra Nevada, the sun can be quite overwhelming even in the snow – come prepared with snow goggles and sunscreen.

Spain is a modern country, but with many traditions of dress. Traditional/region dresses are usually worn at fiestas, but not by everyone. Try and attend a fiesta or two to see just how diverse the traditional clothing was.

Away from the beach men can wear shorts and T shirts, with flip flops, if they want to. The same would also be ideal for women too. Men and women should not wear swimming clothes at any restaurant, unless it is at a beach side restaurant. A tip to women who want to go topless on the beach. The law permits topless attire at every beach. Some beaches are designated nudist beaches.

Spain does get all of the seasons of the year, meaning spring, summer, autumn/fall, and winter, so pack with layers in mind. Buildings can be hot and stuffy whilst the outside temperatures are low. Remember that some, but not all, places of worship have enforced dress rules. For chilly days or nights, and for going out to restaurants, jersey/cardigan or lightweight jackets would be ideal attire. Bring some sort of waterproof clothing, especially during spring, autumn/fall, and winter periods. It should be noted that at a few hotels restaurants and clubs, if you are dressed inappropriately, will not let you in.

Most types of accommodation offer Wifi (free or paid) in their business centres, rooms or restaurants.

WiFi Hotspots can typically be found in coffee shops and various other public establishments. Some will offer free WiFi (a password may be required), while other wireless hotspots require a credit card payment through a browser before allowing access to the Internet.

Electrical sockets in Spain are one of two electrical socket types: Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and Type F (CEE 7/4 Schuko). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in Spain usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.