COST AND CONDITIONS OF TRIP

    Cost of pilgrimage, as per itinerary, per person (double occupancy), includes: airfare, hotels, meals and transport. Beverages are not included. Singles are available at extra cost.
    Optional excursions not included in the price of the pilgrimage.
    A deposit of $300 is required at registration. (Only those who send in a deposit will be registered and in the order in which the deposits are received.)
    Cancellation fee: $150.

GATHERING OF PILGRIMS AND ISSUING OF TICKETS

    Pilgrims must gather at the airline's departure lounge at the airport three hours before departure time. Tickets will be issued at the airport. Only those whose initial port of embarkation will be other than New York City will receive tickets beforehand. Luggage should be checked to Tel-Aviv.

DOCUMENTS, VISAS AND INSURANCE

    Citizens of USA do not need visas for Israel. Non-USA citizens must inquire at the Israeli consulate if they need a visa. Cost of visa is not included in price of pilgrimage.
    Insurance is not mandatory. Should any pilgrim desire insurance, they arrange this on their own. If an illness occures or other personal expenses arise, pilgrims are responsible for these expenses themselves. No vaccinations are required.
    In Israel USA dollars are willingly accepted almost everywhere. Those who take Traveller's Cheques should be aware that banks and money-changers charge a small fee for their services.

TIPS

    In Jerusalem USA$100 in cash will be collected from each pilgrim for tips and donations.

MEALS

    All instructions of the Orthodox Church concerning fasting are adhered to. No breakfast is served before Liturgy and fasting is observed on Wednesdays and Fridays. If anyone has to follow a certain diet, please advise ahead of time.

RIVER JORDAN

    At the River Jordan the Great Blessing of the Waters is served, after which all pilgrims submerge themselves in the sacred river. All pilgrims must have an ankle-length white gown (shirt), which is worn over a bathing suit.

RECOMMENDATIONS

    Besides an icon and a prayerbook, to take the New Testament. Sacred Scripture comes to life in the Holy Land.
    Have a hat and sunglasses. Summer months are usually hot, but dry. (No rainfall and very little humidity). Evenings and nights might be cool. A shawl or sweater is a must.
    It is best not to drink tap water and not to eat raw fruits and vegetables. Those who do not drink alcoholic beverages or sodas, should bring a thermos bottle, or be prepared to buy bottled drinking water.
    When visiting holy sites or monasteries, women must have a headcovering and wear dresses with covered shoulders. Pants suits are not allowed. Men cannot be in shorts.
    Those who wish to bring home Holy Water or oil from vigil-lamps, should bring little bottles with them, since these are not readily available in the Holy Land. The best solution is to save the little liquor bottles that are served during flight. Make sure the cap is tight-fitting.
    Bring comfortable, low-heel shoes, preferably on rubber soles.

CONTACTS IN JERUSALEM

    Hotel Mount of Olives:
    tel: 972-2 / 628-4877;
    fax: 972-2 / 626-4427