FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the trip? (dates) 

The tour begins on the morning of Monday, May 5th, 2025 and concludes on the evening of Saturday, May 10th, 2025. Departure from the U.S. should take place in the afternoon of Sunday, May 4th, 2025, with the return to the U.S. scheduled for the early morning of Sunday, May 11, 2025. We suggest arranging tickets on EL AL Flight 28 departing EWR on Sunday May 4th 2025 at 1:30 pm arriving in TLV Monday May 5th at 6:55 am 2025 & EL AL Flight 27 departing TLV on Sunday May 11 2024 at 12:30 am arriving in EWR Sunday May 11 2024 at 5:15 am or EL AL Flight 25 departing TLV on Sunday May 11 2024 at 1:00 am arriving in EWR Sunday May 11 2024 at 5:45 am

Can I arrive earlier or extend my stay to visit family & friends in Israel?

Absolutely! You can arrive earlier or stay later than the official trip. If you arrive earlier you would need to meet us in TLV on Monday morning at the beginning of the trip.

What is the cost structure of the trip?

Lubavitch of Yardley operates as a not-for-profit entity, striving to provide an incredible Israel experience that is truly a journey of a lifetime, all the while minimizing expenses as much as possible. The cost of the trip stands at $4800 per individual (based on a group of 8) when sharing a room with another participant. For single occupancy add $1075. This fee excludes airfare, gratuities, and select meals. 

Which hotel will participants stay at while in Israel?

Perfectly positioned in the very heart of the city, The David Citadel is Jerusalem’s leading luxury hotel. The David Citadel Jerusalem overlooks the old city of Jerusalem. It features a large swimming pool, free gym, and a range of dining facilities; all with panoramic views. Free WiFi is provided in the entire building Guest rooms are modern and spacious. The bathrooms are large and feature both a bath and shower. At The David Citadel you have a modern spa and wellness center. You can choose between Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, or a simple snack from the pool bar (open in summer). The hotel is just opposite the Mammilla shopping area featuring a variety of shops, cafés and restaurants. The property is 20 minutes' walk from the Western Wall.

How strenuous is the trip?

The itinerary is quite intense, with long and activity-filled days. We'll be covering many sites on foot and ascending many ancient steps. Spending significant amounts of time outdoors also requires a considerable amount of energy. And let's not overlook the vitality needed for dancing! If you have any health issues, it's advisable to consult your doctor regarding the itinerary.

How do I book airline tickets?

We have enlisted the services of Joy Travel to assist with flights to Israel. Joy Travel specializes in travel between the U.S. and Israel and offers discounted rates from all major U.S. airports. They also handle connections from smaller cities, allowing for a smooth hotel transfer upon arrival. Joy Travel also enables you to cover tickets using American Express Membership Rewards points. You may contact Joy Travel at 718-473-7622 or by email at [email protected]

Or you can make your own travel arrangements. 

Passport Validity
As is customary for international travel, your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry to Israel or you may not be permitted to travel.

Do I need to purchase insurance?

WE STRONGLY URGE YOU TO TAKE OUT COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE IN THE
EVENT THAT YOU NEED TO CANCEL YOUR TRIP.
For your convenience, we have made arrangements with SMS-Travel Insurance
Center of Omaha, Nebraska. SMS has over 25 years of experience as worldwide
insurance brokers and can help you choose the policy that best meets your needs.
Our contact person is Yonah Engel, mention promo code: ISRAELMAVEN. Email:
[email protected] ; USA phone (402) 404-5205. If you take out
insurance with 14 days of making your first payment towards the trip (land or air) you
may qualify for "cancel for any reason" with a return of up to 75%.

Is having a functional cell phone necessary during the trip?

We strongly recommend that all participants have a working cell phone while in Israel. This serves as an important security precaution and enables effective communication with tour leaders. A recommended approach is to ensure your phone works in Israel through your service provider. Alternatively, you can explore options like renting SIM cards or cell phones for the duration of the trip. 

What are the terms of payment?

All prices and payments are in US DOLLARS
Deposit of $500 USD per person to secure reservations.
Balance of payment to be made 45 days before the start of the trip by 03/21/2025