1. What makes this trip unique?

This is not your cookie cutter Holy Land pilgrimage. This is a trip focused on embodiment practices as we follow the footsteps of Jesus. We will spend time reflecting and processing our experience together. In addition to visiting sites in Israel, we will spend multiple days inside the West Bank learning from peacemakers on the ground. While we will touch many holy stones, we seek to honor the voices of the Living Stones. Jesus traveled through this land caring about people, and so we will, too. Seeking to understand the historical and political situation in Israel and Palestine, we will learn about the effects of trauma on our bodies and cultivate freedom, forgiveness, reconciliation, justice, and peace within ourselves and the world around us.  

​

2. Can I travel alone? 

Absolutely! A limited number of single rooms are available on this trip. If you would like to have your own room, you'll need to pay an additional $680 for the trip (+$250 for Jordan extension if you choose to continue onto Jordan at the end of the trip). Alternatively, we can pair you with another solo traveler for your hotel stays. If you or we cannot find another solo traveler for you to be paired with, you will need to pay the additional cost for the single room. Should we not be able to accommodate all single room requests, find you a suitable roommate, or you are not able or willing to share, a complete refund will be provided. 

​

3. Can I reserve a room for 3 people?

Yes. The set-up of the rooms will be different with each hotel or guesthouse.

You may have a twin bed to yourself or you may be in a shared bed. 

​

4. Is it safe? 

Yes. We will not be going near Gaza. It is more likely that you would be killed in a car accident (or shooting!) here in the United States. Typically, tensions rise during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan each year. If, for some reason, violence spreads outside of Gaza to an area where we are scheduled to visit, we will adjust our trip accordingly. 

​

5. What will weather be like? 

There are microclimates in Israel and Palestine, with the weather near the coast differing greatly from the mountains, deserts, and Dead Sea area. You can plan for 70s and 80s in most cities, but it can reach in the 90s or 100s near the Dead Sea and in Jordan.

​

6. How do the flights work? 

This group is coming from many different cities flying into Tel Aviv, so you will have the freedom to fly whenever and wherever you like by booking your own flight. Some pilgrims may prefer to stop in Europe to sightsee on their way to Tel Aviv or arrive early in Tel Aviv to have a few days recovering from jet lag. We want you to be happy with your flight over so you can arrive fully rested for the trip, so you will be in charge of booking your own flight. Flights are not covered in the cost of this trip. As we get closer to the trip and flights open up, we will offer a suggested window of time for arrival at the airport in Tel Aviv. Those who arrive during that suggested window of time (or want to wait for an extended time in the airport) will have access to a bus transfer to our hotel. If you choose a flight that does not arrive near that time, you will need to pay for your own taxi to the hotel in Tel Aviv. If you have any questions or concerns about booking an appropriate flight, don't hesitate to reach out. 

​

7. What will food be like?

You'll experience a mix of Middle Eastern & Western food. Hotel breakfasts and dinners often serve a variety of food, including western selections. Lunches are typically on the go and often will be Middle Eastern (think falafel sandwiches, chicken kabob, pita bread and hummus). Some days you'll have the opportunity to walk and find a lunch that suits you. On other days, we'll all eat lunch together. (Lunches are not covered in price) You are not forced to eat any of the meals offered to you. Feel free to venture out into the cities to eat whatever you like and experience more of the Holy Land. 

8. How much walking will there be?

 We will be walking many miles a day, sometimes at a brisk pace. You will need to be physically fit to attend this trip. The stones in the old cities are uneven and slippery and these old cities are unfortunately not handicap accessible. There will also be long hours of sitting on the bus to travel from city to city. Thankfully we don't have to walk to the cities like Jesus did! 

9. What are the accommodations like?

Every hotel or guesthouse will be different. Please remember: this is a pilgrimage, not a luxury resort trip. Some may feel like a vacation resort (e.g. Jericho) while others may be in a convent (e.g. Nazareth). If you are traveling with your partner, please be aware that not all accommodations will be able to offer a combined double bed. Some religious guesthouses only offer twin beds, but often they are willing to push them together for married couples. Hotel rooms will be reserved after registration, but this is a list of likely accommodations (or similar) where we will be staying: Metropolitan Hotel in Tel Aviv, Sisters of Nazareth Convent in Nazareth, Oasis Hotel in Jericho, Casa Nova Guesthouse in Bethlehem, Golden Walls Hotel in Jerusalem, and Petra Guesthouse Hotel in Petra. 

​

10. What is the payment schedule like?

There will be a $500 deposit due with registration, which will be refundable until October 1st. After October 1st, all payments are non-refundable. Your second payment of $1,350 is due by December 1st. Your final payment of $1,000 plus any additional payments for Jordan extension or single supplement rooms are due by March 1st. If you miss or are late on a payment, your spot on the trip may be given to someone on the waitlist. 

​

11. What happens if I need to cancel? 

Travel insurance is not included in this package. It is not required, but it is encouraged. If you cancel before October 1st, you will receive your full deposit back. If you cancel after October 1st, you must rely on your own personal travel insurance to reimburse you of your losses. It is strongly encouraged that you research and book your own travel insurance before paying your first deposit. 

​

12. What travel agency are we traveling with?

Harmony Pilgrimages partners with United Travel Ltd., a Palestinian Christian travel agency based in Jerusalem. 

13. What else do I need to know? 

**Covid Vaccinations are Required** Security in Israel is tight. Consequently, your passport information will need to be sent via email to hotels. If you are uncomfortable with this, you should not go on the trip. Also, we will be spending many days in the West Bank interacting with Palestinians. If you work for the military or government, please check with your supervisors to make sure you can travel with us.  Finally, there will be required reading and zoom meetings prior to travel. 

Everything else will be covered in meetings prior to the trip, but please feel free to reach out if you have any concerns or questions you'd like answered before committing! 

​