Itinerary of the tour.

Day 1
Meeting at Ben Gurion Airport.
Transfer to the hotel in Jerusalem.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 2
Tour of Jerusalem.
Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem – the birthplace of Christ the Savior.
Via Dolorosa – Way of Sorrow – Way of the Cross of the Savior.
Church of the Holy Sepulcher – place where Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and then resurrected.
The Cenaculum – The Last Supper room.
Dormition Abbey – German Catholic Benedictine abbey in Jerusalem on top of Mount Zion.
Jewish Quarter: Hurva synagogue, Batei Mahseh square, Cardo – ancient Jerusalem’s market street.
Western Wall – the remaining structure of the Jerusalem Temple.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 3
Day trip to the Dead Sea.
Spa at the Lot Hotel at the Dead Sea with private beach + lunch. During this Day Spa package you can use hotel’s spa facilities (steam room, heated Dead Sea indoor pool, showers, etc.), private beach, outdoor pool, etc. Plus buffet lunch in hotel dining room.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 4
Ein Karem.
The Ark of the Covenant – the Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Ark of the Covenant in the village of Abu Ghosh.
Church of Notre Dame – the construction period of the Crusaders in the village of Abu Ghosh.
The Church of the Annunciation – the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.
Transfer to Tiberias.
Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 5
Wedding day.
Hair and makeup appointment for a bride.
Wedding at the Cana Catholic Church.
Wedding photoshoot.
Optionally: Boat ride Sea of Galilee + Lunch.
Celebration and dinner.
Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 6
Mount of Beatitudes – Sermon on the Mount place.
Tabgha – Church of the Multiplication of loaves and fishes.
Capernaum – the place of Christ’s preaching in Galilee.
Mount Tabor – the place of the Transfiguration.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Day 7
Sightseeing tour of Tel Aviv – Jaffa.
Rabin Square – a large public city square in the center of Tel Aviv.
Sarona – a newly renovated complex in the heart of Tel Aviv, originally a German Templar Colony.
Neve Tzedek – the first Jewish quarter outside the city walls.
The Old City of Jaffa:
Clock Tower, Andromeda’s Rock, Gate of Faith, Slope Park, Jaffa Port.
Church of St. Peter the Apostle – Roman Catholic Franciscan Church in Jaffa.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Day 8
Transfer to the airport

Tour Package Includes:
• Accommodation at hotels according to the itinerary
• Meals: breakfasts daily in hotels
• Transportation during the entire tour according to the itinerary
• Licensed tour guide
• Wedding Ceremony at the Cana Church
• Photographer for the Wedding Ceremony at the Cana Church
• Hair and makeup appointment for a bride

Tour Package not includes:
• Air-ticket
• Travel insurance
• Spa at the Lot Hotel at the Dead Sea with private beach + lunch (60 USD per person)
• Entrance fees according to the itinerary and tips for driver and guide

Hotel list:

5* Inbal (Jerusalem)
5* Gai Beach (Tiberias)
5* Renaissance (Tel Aviv)

4* Eyal (Jerusalem)
4* King Solomon (Tiberias)
4* Prima City (Tel Aviv)

3* Montefiore (Jerusalem)
3* G Hotel (Tiberias)
3* Armon Hayarkon (Tel Aviv)

Important note: you need to have two witnesses (the best man and maid of honor) for the Catholic Wedding.

Tour operator can make changes in the itinerary, depending on the day of the week, holidays and work schedules of the Churches and Holy Places.

The price for an armed guard service – 200 USD per day*

* Kindly note, that the price includes only security service and does not include: accommodation, transport expenses, etc (if needed). It may also vary depending on your itinerary.

To find out the price and book a security guard – please send your request by email: info@smartrip-israel.com.

Itinerary of the tour.

Day 1
Meeting at Ben Gurion Airport with a representative of the company
Transfer to the hotel in Tiberias
Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 2
The Church of the Annunciation – the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth
Cana of Galilee – the place turned water into wine
Mount Tabor – the place of the Transfiguration
Mount of Beatitudes – Sermon on the Mount place
Tabgha – Church of the Multiplication of loaves and fishes
Capernaum – the place of Christ’s preaching in Galilee
Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 3
Vifara (Qasr al-Yahud) – a place of Baptism
The church of the Ascension – the place where the ascension of Jesus Christ in heaven happened forty days after the resurrection.
Pater Noster Church – was built over the cave where Jesus talked with the apostles
Dominus Flevit – Tears of the Lord Church
Garden of Gethsemane – a place of prayer
Church of All Nations – The Basilica of the Agony of the Lord
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 4
Via Dolorosa – Way of Sorrow – Way of the Cross of the Savior
Church of the Holy Sepulchre – place where Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and then resurrected
The Cenaculum – The Last Supper room
Dormition Abbey – German Catholic Benedictine abbey in Jerusalem on top of Mount Zion
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 5
Church of the Nativity – the birthplace of Christ the Savior
The Ark of the Covenant – the catholic Church of Our Lady of the Ark of the Covenant in the village of Abu Ghosh
Church of Notre Dame – the construction period of the Crusaders in the village of Abu Ghosh.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 6
Latrun Monastery – Monastery of the Silent Monks at Latrun
Monastery of Joseph of Arimathea – Franciscan Monastery in Ramle
Tanner’s house – the house of Simon Bar-Jonah
Church of St. Peter the Apostle – Roman Catholic Franciscan Church in Jaffa.
Museum of Jaffa – an underground archaeological museum
Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Day 7
Free day in Tel -Aviv
Optional: beach, shops, markets (food tasting on the market Carmel, ticket cost 99 NIS)
Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Day 8
Transfer to the airport

Tour Package Includes:
• Accommodation at hotels according to the program
• Transfers during the entire tour according to the program
• Meals: breakfasts daily in hotels
• Licensed tour guide

Tour Package not includes:
• Air-ticket
• Travel insurance
• Entrance fees according to the itinerary and tips for driver and guide

Hotel list:
4* King Solomon (Tiberias)
4* Prima Park (Jerusalem)
4* Prima City (Tel Aviv)

3* Astoria Galilee (Tiberias)
3* Montefiore (Jerusalem)
3* SeaNet (Tel Aviv)

Hostel Casa Nova (Tiberias)
Hostel Agron (Jerusalem)
Hostel Bnei Dan (Tel Aviv)

Tour operator can make changes in the itinerary, depending on the day of the week, holidays and work schedules of the Churches and Holy Places.

Day 1.
Arrival to the airport and meeting with a representative of the company.
Tour in Jaffa:
Saint Tabitha – Orthodox Church in Jaffa.
Simon the Tanner’s House – the house of Simon Bar-Jonah.
Walk through the Old City of Jaffa.
Transfer to the North of the country.
Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 2.
Magdala – Monastery of St. Mary Magdalene. The radon springs.
A Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee + St Peter’s fish lunch at the restaurant.
Tabgha – Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes.
Capernaum – the place of Christ’s preaching in Galilee.
St. Peter’s Church – place of the Primacy of Apostle Peter in Galilee.
Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 3.
Caesarea Philippi – the origins of Jordan River.
Mount of Precipice – also known as Mount Kedumim.
Nazareth Mary’s Well – the spring of the Virgin Mary.
Nazareth Church of St. Gabriel – the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.
Mount Tabor – the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus.
Cana of Galilee – the Greek Orthodox Church, the place of Jesus’ first miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding feast.
Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 4.
Qasr al-Yahud – a baptism site in the Jordan River Valley.
Monastery of St. Gerasimos – Greek Orthodox Church in the Jordan valley.
Monastery of Temptation – an Orthodox Christian monastery in Jericho.
St. George’s Monastery – Monastery of St. George located in Wadi Kelt of the Judean Desert, activated and inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks.
Monastery of St. Theodosius – Mar Sava Greek Orthodox Men’s Monastery.
Overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 5.
Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus.
St. Simeon Monastery – Orthodox monastery and temple on the site of the house of St. Simeon in Katamon.
Monastery of the Cross – Greek men’s Monastery of the Orthodox Jerusalem Church.
Oak of Hebron – also called the Oak of Abraham.
Overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 6.
Temple Mount – the cornerstone of the universe.
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Greek monastery in Jerusalem.
The Bethesda Pool – Jesus told the man: “Stand up, take your mat and walk”, and immediately he was made well…
Via Dolorosa – Way of Sorrow – a street, in two parts, within the Old City of Jerusalem, held to be the path that Jesus walked, carrying his cross, on the way to his crucifixion.
Pretoria – Prison of Christ.
Church of the Holy Sepulcher – place where Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and then resurrected.
Aleksandrovskoe farmstead – Russian historical building in Jerusalem.
St. Spyridon Monastery – Greek Orthodox Monastery of memorializing the religious works and Influences of Greek Orthodox.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 7.
Free Day:
Market “Machane Yehuda” – one of the most colorful spots in Jerusalem. (Optionally: tasting the abundance of the Machane Yehuda market through one single card, for 99 NIS).
Ben Yehuda Street – the beating heart of center-city life in the capital.
Mamilla – a shopping street in Jerusalem located between Jaffa Gate and the David Citadel Hotel.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 8.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Russian Compound.
The Church of Mary Magdalene – Russian Orthodox convent.
Church of the Assumption – Tomb of the Virgin Mary.
Garden of Gethsemane – the place where Jesus prayed and his disciples slept the night before Jesus’ crucifixion.
King David’s tomb on the Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
Last Supper Room – also known as the “Upper Room.
Dormition Abby – the place where Virgin Mary has fallen asleep for the last time.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 9.
The holy spring of John the Baptist – Ein Karem.
Gorny Monastery – a Russian Orthodox Monastery.
The Church of Saint George in Lod (Lydda) – the major shrine for the fourth-century Christian martyr Saint George.
Transfer to the airport.

Tour Package Includes:
• Accommodation at hotels according to the program
• Transfers during the entire tour according to the program
• Meals: breakfasts daily in hotels
• Licensed tour guide

Tour Package not includes:
• Air-ticket
• Travel insurance
• Entrance fees according to the itinerary and tips for driver and guide

Hotel list:
4* King Solomon (Tiberias)
4* Ararat (Bethlehem)
4* Prima Park (Jerusalem)

3* Astoria Galilee (Tiberias)
3* Holy Land (Bethlehem)
3* Montefiore (Jerusalem)

Hostel Casa Nova (Tiberias)
Hostel Casa Nova (Bethlehem)
Hostel Agron (Jerusalem)

Tour operator can make changes in the itinerary, depending on the Day of the week, holiDays and work schedules of the Churches and Holy Places.

Day 1:
Meeting at the Ben Gurion Airport with company representative.
Transfer to Tel Aviv.
Overnight at the hotel in Tel Aviv.

Day 2:
Tanner’s house – the house of Simon Bar-Jonah.
Church of St. Peter – Roman Church in Jaffa.
Caesarea – Roman Theater and Port, Herod’s Palace.
Acre – the Knights’ Halls, the Crusader’s underground city.
Haifa – panoramic view of the city and harbor.
Mount Carmel – the Monastery of the Muhraka, where Elijah fought with the priests of Baal.
Overnight at the hotel in Tiberias.

Day 3:
Mount of Beatitudes – Sermon on the Mount place.
Tabgha – Church of the Multiplication of loaves and fishes.
Capernaum – the place of Christ’s preaching in Galilee.
St. Peter’s Church – the Church of the Primacy.
A boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.
Yardenit – Baptismal Site.
Overnight at the hotel in Tiberias.

Day 4:
Caesarea Philippi – Banias, the ancient Roman city, the origins of the Jordan, Mount Hermon.
Mount Tabor – the place of the Transfiguration.
Megiddo – Armageddon – the place where the last battle of mankind is due to take place.
The Church of Annunciation – Basilica of Annunciation in Nazareth.
Overnight at the hotel in Tiberias.

Day 5:
Jericho – oasis in the Judean Desert and the world’s oldest city.
Qumran – where the Dead Sea scrolls were found.
The Dead Sea – time for a swim in the mineral-rich waters.
Church of the Nativity – the birthplace of Christ the Savior.
Overnight at the hotel in Jerusalem.

Day 6:
Mount of Olives – panoramic view of the Old City.
Church of All Nations – the Garden of Gethsemane.
Via Dolorosa – Stations of the Cross.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre – place where Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and then resurrected.
Overnight at the hotel in Jerusalem.

Day 7:
Temple Mount – the cornerstone of the universe.
The Western Wall – the holy place for Jewish.
Mount Zion – The Room of the Last Supper, King David’s Tomb.
Dormition Abbey – German Benedictine abbey in Jerusalem on top of Mount Zion.
Israel Museum – the largest cultural institution in the State of Israel.
Overnight at the hotel in Jerusalem.

Day 8:
Transfer to the airport.

Tour Package Includes:
• Accommodation at hotels according to the program
• Transfers during the entire tour according to the program
• Meals: breakfasts daily in hotels
• Licensed tour guide

Tour Package not includes:
• Air-ticket
• Travel insurance
• Entrance fees according to the itinerary and tips for driver and guide

Hotel list:
4* King Solomon (Tiberias)
4* Prima Park (Jerusalem)
4* Prima City (Tel Aviv)

3* Astoria Galilee (Tiberias)
3* Montefiore (Jerusalem)
3* SeaNet (Tel Aviv)

Hostel Casa Nova (Tiberias)
Hostel Agron (Jerusalem)
Hostel Bnei Dan (Tel Aviv)

Tour operator can make changes in the itinerary, depending on the day of the week, holidays and work schedules of the Churches and Holy Places.

Day 1.
Meeting at Ben Gurion Airport with a representative of the company.
The Church of the Annunciation – the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.
Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 2.
Mount Tabor – the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus.
Cana of Galilee – the place where Jesus performed his first public miracle, the turning of a large quantity of water into wine at a wedding feast.
Mount of Beatitudes – Sermon on the Mount place.
Tabgha – Church of the Multiplication of loaves and fishes.
Capernaum – the place of Christ’s preaching in Galilee.
Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 3.
Vifara (Qasr al-Yahud) – a baptism site in the Jordan River Valley.
Jericho – oasis in the Judean Desert and the world’s oldest city.
The Mount of Temptation – the hill in the Judaean Desert where Jesus was tempted by the devil.
Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 4.
Garden of Gethsemane – the place where Jesus prayed and his disciples slept the night before Jesus’ crucifixion.
Church of All Nations – The Basilica of the Agony of the Lord.
Via Dolorosa – Way of Sorrow – a street, in two parts, within the Old City of Jerusalem, held to be the path that Jesus walked, carrying his cross, on the way to his crucifixion.
Church of the Holy Sepulcher – place where Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and then resurrected.
The Cenaculum – The Last Supper Room.
Dormition Abbey – German Catholic Benedictine abbey in Jerusalem on top of Mount Zion.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 5.
St. George’s Cathedral – church built above the tomb of St. George.
Transfer to the airport.

Tour Package Includes:
• Accommodation at hotels according to the program
• Transfers during the entire tour according to the program
• Meals: breakfasts daily in hotels
• Licensed tour guide

Tour Package not includes:
• Air-ticket
• Travel insurance
• Entrance fees according to the itinerary and tips for driver and guide

Hotel list:
4* King Solomon (Tiberias)
4* Prima Park (Jerusalem)

3* Astoria Galilee (Tiberias)
3* Montefiore (Jerusalem)

Hostel Casa Nova (Tiberias)
Hostel Agron (Jerusalem)

Tour operator can make changes in the itinerary, depending on the day of the week, holidays and work schedules of the Churches and Holy Places.

Day 1.
Meeting at Ben Gurion Airport with a representative of the company.
Ein Kerem – John the Baptist was born here, it also the place were Virgin Mary meet Elizabeth mother of John the Baptist.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 2.
Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus.
The Church of the Ascension – the place where the ascension of Jesus Christ in heaven happened forty days after the resurrection.
Pater Noster Church – was built over the cave where Jesus talked with the apostles.
Dominus Flevit – Tears of the Lord Church.
Garden of Gethsemane – the place where Jesus prayed and his disciples slept the night before Jesus’ crucifixion.
Church of All Nations – The Basilica of the Agony of the Lord.
The Cenaculum – The Last Supper Room.
Dormition Abbey – German Catholic Benedictine abbey in Jerusalem on top of Mount Zion.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 3.
Via Dolorosa – Way of Sorrow – a street, in two parts, within the Old City of Jerusalem, held to be the path that Jesus walked, carrying his cross, on the way to his crucifixion.
Church of the Holy Sepulcher – place where Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and then resurrected.
Free time in Jerusalem.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 4.
Vifara (Qasr al-Yahud) – a baptism site in the Jordan River Valley.
Dead Sea – rest at a spa or on one of the beautiful beaches.
Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 5.
Mount of Beatitudes – Sermon on the Mount place.
Tabgha – Church of the Multiplication of loaves and fishes.
Capernaum – the place of Christ’s preaching in Galilee.
Free time at the Sea of Galilee.
Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 6.
Mount Tabor – the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus.
Cana of Galilee – the place where Jesus performed his first public miracle, the turning of a large quantity of water into wine at a wedding feast.
The Church of the Annunciation – the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.
Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 7.
Stella Maris – a center of Carmelite spirituality throughout the world.
Bahai Gardens – a unique architectural complex, which includes the Bahai Temple and Persian gardens which are striking by its beauty.
Caesarea – Roman city overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Jaffa – an ancient port town where St. Peter had a revelation.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Day 8.
Free time on the beach and in the city (Tel Aviv – Jaffa).
Transfer to the airport.

Tour Package Includes:
• Accommodation at hotels according to the program
• Transfers during the entire tour according to the program
• Meals: breakfasts daily in hotels
• Licensed tour guide

Tour Package not includes:
• Air-ticket
• Travel insurance
• Entrance fees according to the itinerary and tips for driver and guide

Hotel list:
4* King Solomon (Tiberias)
4* Prima Park (Jerusalem)
4* Prima City (Tel Aviv)

3* Astoria Galilee (Tiberias)
3* Montefiore (Jerusalem)
3* SeaNet (Tel Aviv)

Hostel Casa Nova (Tiberias)
Hostel Agron (Jerusalem)
Hostel Bnei Dan (Tel Aviv)

Tour operator can make changes in the itinerary, depending on the day of the week, holidays and work schedules of the Churches and Holy Places.

We will be glad to take care of all the logistics and design a tour itinerary according to your wishes, so you would have a wedding of your dreams. You can hold the ceremony at the Wedding Church in Cana or at one of the churches of Jerusalem. If after the celebration you would like to rest and relax, we offer a variety of resorts (Dead Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Sea of Galilee, mineral springs of Golan Heights etc.). If you prefer a more active pastime, we can offer you all kinds of activities (kayaking, horseback riding, Jeep tours in Judea desert) or more classical tour of religious and historical sites.

We will be glad to welcome you in Israel and organize a perfect wedding for you.

Terms of the Sacrament of Marriage in the Orthodox Church:
1. Both of the newlyweds should be baptized in the Orthodox Church and wear a crucifix.
2. You’ll need to present a passport and marriage certificate.
3. You’ll need to obtain permission of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
4. You’ll have to be dressed appropriately. The bride must have a headdress (e.g. traditional veil) and, preferably, white (light) dress. Not allowed shorts and shirts with short sleeves.
5. It is recommended that before the wedding the couple attend the Divine Liturgy and receive Holy Communion (only after preparing by fasting and Holy Confession).

Wedding can be held at:
1. Greek Orthodox Church of Wedding in Cana – the place of Wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle – turned water into wine.
2. The Holy Trinity Cathedral – 19th century cathedral near the Old City of Jerusalem.
3. Church of St. Alexander Nevsky – Russian church located about 70 meters from the Holy Sepulcher.

Terms of the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church:
1. Baptismal certificate.
2. Letter of impediment.
3. You’ll have to be dressed appropriately.
4. For married couples there is a “Renewal of Marriage” option (in Church of Wedding in Cana)

Wedding can be held at:
Franciscan Wedding Church at Cana – the place of Wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle – turned water into wine.

It is very convenient to travel by train In Israel: they arrive by the schedule, rigorously, and you can get the destination in a short period of time. There is an only one disadvantages that there is just one main train line with several branches. Also, Haifa has a one subway line.

In addition, you can travel across the country by buses. They run regularly in all directions, but during the religious holidays, and from Friday evening to Saturday evening they do not go. In the same time, buses are the main public transport in Israel. The trip costs a little more than a dollar (about 6 ILS), you can get it from a bus driver. City buses in Jerusalem go from 6:00 till midnight. But most of the bus lines do not work on the Sabbath (from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday) and on Jewish holidays.

Taxi (the only type of transport that runs on Saturdays and public holidays) costs about 5 ILS per km, plus 12 ILS just for landing. Israel has a special tourist taxis which work with a guides that are registered with the Israeli Ministry of tourism. You can find it with a special mark on the doors of such vehicles – the emblem of the Ministry of Tourism (two men who dragged somewhere huge bunch of grapes).

The minibus called “Sherut” is also very popular in Israel (fare ~ 6 ILS).

2. We want to rent a car. What we need to know about renting a car in Israel?

Rent a car in the country is relatively inexpensive (compared to Europe), and you can also find a car with a manual transmission. Any person over 21, who have a valid international driver’s license and a credit card can rent a car. In contrast of price per rent, the price per gasoline is quite expensive.
Traffic rules are very strict; everybody need to wear seat belts, and children up to four years should be carrying on only in special seats. The border between Israel and the Palestinian territories is better not to cross on a rented car.

3. We want to choose a hotel in Israel. Do you have some clues how to make it better?

The Israeli hotels have no “star” classification: instead of it there is a system of “classes”. Since there are many hotels of different world “chains”, their classification tour operators set themselves, based on their more or less objective evaluations. This means that when you are choosing a hotel in Israel, you should focus not on the number of “stars”, but on the specific list of services and descriptions of rooms.
Those city hotels that operators define as 4*, as a rule, do not have a pool, and the hotel 5* are often have pools. Both 5* and 4* generally pleased with spacious rooms. The quality of food everywhere in Israel is good, but in the “five stars hotels”, of course, the menu is richer.

Mains voltage in Israel is standard – 220 V. Most sockets three contact inputs, but they are also suitable for the European instruments. If you want to use a shavers, travel irons or other small appliances, you would better take an adapter with you.
Tel Aviv hotels take a deposit from quests.

4. How do the banks and currency exchange?

You can be exchanged money at any bank or at one of the many exchange offices. Most banks in the first half of the day is open from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday), and the second half of the day – from 16:00 to 18:00 (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday). On the eve of major Jewish holidays, banks are open from 8:30 to 12:00.

Almost everywhere accept credit cards, money can be taken in many ATMs. In hotels and large stores it is usually possible to pay with dollars, but the change may be given in the local currency.

5. What about shopping in Israel and how the stores work?

Shopping hours and institutions: Sunday-Thursday 8:30-13:00 and 16:00-19:00, Friday and eve of holidays 9:00-13:00. Markets are closed at night. Retail, Muslim-owned, closed on Fridays, and Christian – on Sundays.

Israel is known for its jewelry, particularly diamonds and gold. You can also buy here a very high quality wines, oriental spices, as well as cosmetic products based on Dead Sea minerals. The most well-known brands – Ahava, Sea of Spa, Hlavin, Dead Sea Premier. In addition, the local stores and drugstores sales less known but often highly effective cosmetics.

6. What to eat in Israel and where?

There are great different restaurants in Israel: Chinese, Russian, French, Indian, Moroccan and the list goes on. The menu is usually printed in Hebrew and in English. Portions are generally large, and costs a lot. You should try the local beer “Maccabi” wich have a quite good taste, but not so cheap.
You should also try “meat in Hebrew” and “meorav Yerushalmi” – a dish of four kinds of chicken. Of vegetable dishes it is better to try a variety of salads, hummus, “falafel” (fried in butter pea and bean balls), cold beet soup, potato pancakes and fried zucchini. Most kosher desserts are “eggnog”, baked apples, pancakes, gingerbread with almonds.

Tipping in cafes and restaurants is standard 10% (sometimes they are already included in the bill). It is also good to leave the tips in the taxi, bus driver and guide.

7. What is different from the traditional kosher cuisine from European?

The main limitations of kosher cuisine: there is no pork and seafood and dairy and meat products are served separately from each other. But that doesn’t mean that the kosher cuisine is not variety and delicious.

8. What sights of Israel is better to visit?

Nazareth – the holy city of the Christian world, the place where Jesus spent his childhood. It contains the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, beautiful Orthodox Church of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary fountain place, national park Sepphoris (parental house of the Virgin Mary), the remains of Roman water tanks, which according to the Bible, Jesus turned water into wine, and the ancient Jewish Zippori town with a fortress of the Crusaders and numerous archaeological sites.

No less famous Bethlehem, the city where Jesus was born, lies to the south of Jerusalem. Its main attraction – like a fortress Church of the Nativity in the nursery area of the grotto (creche) Christ keley and tomb of St. Jerome.

Haifa, the third largest city and the largest seaport in Israel, lies on the slopes of Mount Carmel. There are Catholic monastery of the Order of Carmelites, the Great Synagogue of Haifa, Cave Elijah and Bahai Temple with its famous Persian gardens and the tomb of El-Baha.
The main attractions of Acre “collected” in the old city. This citadel, old walls, a huge medieval city gates, a guard tower Burj el-Sultan, the Al-Jazari, the monastery of St. Francis, the “City of the Crusaders” (the citadel of the Order of St. John), the building of a Turkish bath with the exposition of the city museum, the caravan Saray Khan el Umda, and clock tower.

9. What is the Sabbath, and what we need to know about holidays in Israel?

Shabbat. Holiday in Israel is officially a time from Friday evening to evening (outcome) Saturday. The time when Shabbat starts and its outcome are not fixed. On this day, the main government offices, shops, etc do not work. Most restaurants and cafes are open for the visitors on weekends and holidays (except on Yom Kippur, the Day of Judgment).

Public transport is also does not work on Sabbath, so if you want to go somewhere at this time you would better take a taxi. It is recommended to respect the religious traditions of this day, and not visit religious areas of Jerusalem and other cities during the Sabbath. It is also better to refrain from smoking in public places – it can be perceived as an insult.

Holidays in Israel, as a rule, are not working days which are not fixed, varying each year. Celebration usually starts in the second half of the day. Please note that the prices during the holidays is much higher than in the normal period, the prices for tours, transfers, etc can also increase.