Girls Going to Israel
5 Senses Tour
email: girlsgoingtoisrael@gmail.com
wendy yaniv * group leader: 404.786.2084
sunworld tours * tour operator
sunworld tours * tour operator
FAQ's:
"Is this a religious tour?" While this is a non-denominational / pluralistic tour, we do experience the complete tapestry that makes up Israel - Jews, Muslims, Christians, Bedouin and Druse. We also arrange a side tour (for those interested, at an additional cost) to Bethlehem. The feedback we receive from our women is that travelling as Jews, Christians, Aetheists (and all in between) helps to create a very rich environment for sharing and learning!
"What is the size of the tour?" Due to the distinct nature of this trip and some of the more "personalized" events, we keep the group size between 25-28. These numbers will vary slightly but we are very committed to maintaining the smaller size to be able to have our travellers truly "experience" the country.
"When does registration for the tour close?" When we reach our max number. We anticipate by March or April to be at capacity. Sometimes we have the opportunity to take a few more people. Contact us and we'll let you know if there is still space available!
"Will we have a full-time Tour Guide? Yes, we have a licensed tour guide with us the entire time that will share the history and stories of the places we will visit. You can read about Harrison on our home page.
"Do you recommend the travel insurance?" Although this is a personal decision, we certainly encourage all of our participants to be fully ensured. It's peace of mind! The tour operator offers AIG, however, you are welcome to use any other travel insurance you would like.
"What other expenses should we plan for?" The registration form (attached) details what is included and not included. In addition to spending money, there is an optional show in Jaffa (if they are performing while we will be in Israel) as well as an optional bike ride through Tel Aviv.
"What kind of weather can we expect?" October is generally a beautiful time of the year! HOWEVER, I always suggest looking at the weather report a week prior to travel. Jerusalem evenings are always cooler (even in the summer). The Dead Sea area will be warm!
"What happens if we don't know anyone that is going? Do you put us with a roommate?" Per your request. If you want to share a room, we will do our best to match you with another participant. If you choose to have your own room, you may pay the single room supplemental charge.
NOTE: HEALTH REQUIREMENT: Participants need to be in good health and condition. We spend a lot of time walking the streets, towns and villages. Although the pace is casual, the walking will be consistent and can be hilly at times. You also need to consider the weather - it can be very warm. Due to the fact that we are travelling in a country with thousands of years of history, there is a lot of uneven pavement, cobblestone streets and hilly in various areas. Our days are filled with fun, fabulous sites and ... great attitudes!
"Where are most of the people from?" It's been a real treat to receive interest from, not only across the country, but around the world. We are simply a diverse group of like-minded women and all are welcome!
"Can we go to Bethlehem?" Our tour guide, will arrange the side trip (additional cost) when we arrive in Israel for those that would like to go. It will be approximately 4 hours.
"Is it safe to travel to Israel?" This is probably one of the most common concerns (and misconceptions) when considering a trip to Israel. The short answer is "yes, it is safe!" It is the #1 concern of every tour operator that it's passengers are safe and cared for during their time in Israel. I only wish I could insert a tape of the participants comments about how comfortable they feel travelling throughout the country. Most of them commented that they would never wander the streets of their towns at midnight but in Israel ... they feel safer than at home! Come experiene it for yourself!!!
"Is this a religious tour?" While this is a non-denominational / pluralistic tour, we do experience the complete tapestry that makes up Israel - Jews, Muslims, Christians, Bedouin and Druse. We also arrange a side tour (for those interested, at an additional cost) to Bethlehem. The feedback we receive from our women is that travelling as Jews, Christians, Aetheists (and all in between) helps to create a very rich environment for sharing and learning!
"What is the size of the tour?" Due to the distinct nature of this trip and some of the more "personalized" events, we keep the group size between 25-28. These numbers will vary slightly but we are very committed to maintaining the smaller size to be able to have our travellers truly "experience" the country.
"When does registration for the tour close?" When we reach our max number. We anticipate by March or April to be at capacity. Sometimes we have the opportunity to take a few more people. Contact us and we'll let you know if there is still space available!
"Will we have a full-time Tour Guide? Yes, we have a licensed tour guide with us the entire time that will share the history and stories of the places we will visit. You can read about Harrison on our home page.
"Do you recommend the travel insurance?" Although this is a personal decision, we certainly encourage all of our participants to be fully ensured. It's peace of mind! The tour operator offers AIG, however, you are welcome to use any other travel insurance you would like.
"What other expenses should we plan for?" The registration form (attached) details what is included and not included. In addition to spending money, there is an optional show in Jaffa (if they are performing while we will be in Israel) as well as an optional bike ride through Tel Aviv.
"What kind of weather can we expect?" October is generally a beautiful time of the year! HOWEVER, I always suggest looking at the weather report a week prior to travel. Jerusalem evenings are always cooler (even in the summer). The Dead Sea area will be warm!
"What happens if we don't know anyone that is going? Do you put us with a roommate?" Per your request. If you want to share a room, we will do our best to match you with another participant. If you choose to have your own room, you may pay the single room supplemental charge.
NOTE: HEALTH REQUIREMENT: Participants need to be in good health and condition. We spend a lot of time walking the streets, towns and villages. Although the pace is casual, the walking will be consistent and can be hilly at times. You also need to consider the weather - it can be very warm. Due to the fact that we are travelling in a country with thousands of years of history, there is a lot of uneven pavement, cobblestone streets and hilly in various areas. Our days are filled with fun, fabulous sites and ... great attitudes!
"Where are most of the people from?" It's been a real treat to receive interest from, not only across the country, but around the world. We are simply a diverse group of like-minded women and all are welcome!
"Can we go to Bethlehem?" Our tour guide, will arrange the side trip (additional cost) when we arrive in Israel for those that would like to go. It will be approximately 4 hours.
"Is it safe to travel to Israel?" This is probably one of the most common concerns (and misconceptions) when considering a trip to Israel. The short answer is "yes, it is safe!" It is the #1 concern of every tour operator that it's passengers are safe and cared for during their time in Israel. I only wish I could insert a tape of the participants comments about how comfortable they feel travelling throughout the country. Most of them commented that they would never wander the streets of their towns at midnight but in Israel ... they feel safer than at home! Come experiene it for yourself!!!
Our ladies with our guide, Harrison Cohen
A Treasure!
Itzik, our driver, the best! We were certainly in good hands and he became "one of the girls!" At least Harrison wasn't all alone with ALL of these women!
Photo of "our" Itzik with the "Girls!"
Testimonials from our Travelers!
"Thank you for sharing the country, people and passion of Israel. I am renewed in my quest to live life to it's fullest!"
D. Boyer - CA
"What do I say? Words do not describe the magnificence of this trip!" Melissa, GA
"What an amazing trip with an amazing group of women! Thank you for showing us such a fabulous time! Your passion showed through every day!
Kim, TX
"I commend you for such an excellent trip! You created an experience for me that will always be deemed as unforgettable. I would like to say the trip exceeded my expectations. I had a wonderful time with wonderful people. A super tour and holiday!" S. De-Costa - Sri Lanka
"... Your trip was the trip of a lifetime. It has changed me more than I ever imagined and I recommend it to everyone (women)!...I will never forget this trip as it has left an imprint on me that is permanent. Thank you for your passion, humor and good will!
Robin, Boston
" Wendy, thanks for the incredible journey!"
J. Malis - GA
J. Malis - GA
"Wendy, thank you for an amazing experience! Going to Israel was a trip of a lifetime for me. Growing up Roman Catholic, and having traveled to Italy a couple of times, I thought I had seen and experienced my faith. Boy was I wrong! ... 23 women, of different faiths, experiencing together! Our guide, Harrison, covered every faith on the trip and then some. I was able to experience Bethlehem as well as
The Western Wall. It was remarkable from the standpoint that you look around and see so many people from around the world, of different religions, coming together and praying. The power of prayer was in the air - that was the highlight of the trip! I wondered if I would feel safe in Israel ... no problems. I'm more afraid to ride on my own towns rapid transit than being in Israel. Would I do this trip again? You bet I would - with wide and eager eyes and ears!!!
K. Van Volkenburg - GA
Jesus Tomb - Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Jesus Tomb - Church of the Holy Sepulchre
".... I just want to let you know how happy I am that you planned such a unique trip to Israel and that I was able to share it with you and two dozen other adventurers. Words could not have done this trip - to hear about it from others! We have made memories of a lifetime! ...."
S. Levison - GA
S. Levison - GA
" Thank you so much for a fabulous introduction to Israel! Just thinking of our group and our experiences together brings a smile to my face and heart!"
L. West - CA
One of our 3 mother-daughter teams!
We also had some good laughs ...!
Oh yes, we had some snafus along the way but nothing that couldn't be handled with a smile, a joke
(or a bottle of wine), and chalked it up to part of the travelling experience!
(or a bottle of wine), and chalked it up to part of the travelling experience!
Lunch at 3pm after breakfast at 7am???? Are you kidding? Thank goodness for munchies!
Running through the old city at record speed to get everything in .... Well, that won't happen again!
How did we get so lucky to sit down at the ONE restaurant in Israel that served terrible shwarma!
Other Links / Resources:
http://www.israelweather.co.il/english/index.asp Weather Forecast in Israel
http://themoneyconverter.com/USD/ILS.aspx Exchange Rate from US Dollar to Israeli Shekel
http://www.nepalhikingteam.com Nepal Hiking Team Arranges Adventure Trekking Holidays in Nepal.
This website and all of its original contents are copyright protected
http://www.israelweather.co.il/english/index.asp Weather Forecast in Israel
http://themoneyconverter.com/USD/ILS.aspx Exchange Rate from US Dollar to Israeli Shekel
http://www.nepalhikingteam.com Nepal Hiking Team Arranges Adventure Trekking Holidays in Nepal.
This website and all of its original contents are copyright protected
