Isram Israel FAQs

We’ve updated the most “Frequently Asked Questions” and hope that much of what you’ve been wondering about will be covered here. The tour programs referred to are our ever so-popular Israel Prelude, Minuet, Overture, Rhapsody, Serenade, Symphony and Israel Plus Eilat and Petra. Our staff is at your service to assist in making your travel experience with Isram Israel, second to none.

We’ve made a careful selection of the topmost hotels in the country, according to price ranges. And we’ve even added the newest most trendiest properties to the selection. Each property is centrally located, has a welcoming lobby lounge, fine dining outlets and a
swimming pool. So you can’t go wrong. Let us know if you favor the more traditional old-world charm hotels or the contemporary style hotels with that modern vibe. We’ll consider your budget and help you make the perfect choice. And while you’re browsing the hotel choices, take note of the special room categories included at many of these fine hotels, some with use of the exclusive Executive lounges!
Our tour inclusions are very clearly outlined on every program so that there is no guess work. Cutting corners and offering a list of “optional” services for an extra cost is not our thing. We believe in providing you with the best value for every dollar you spend and making sure that the most interesting sites in Israel are covered on the program you’ve selected. Prior to departure we will email you all the information you will
need including suggested gratuities (guide, driver, hotel personnel) which are not included in the cost of your tour. Tips for included meals are covered by Isram. Rest assured that on an Isram Israel tour, you’ll see and experience more than you’ll ever imagine.
Many are now using their own cell phone provider’s services to tap into special deals allowing them to utilize their own mobile phones abroad. Don’t forget the various apps (Whatsapp, Viber, etc.) allowing you to stay connected without extra cost as long as you’ve arranged for international service to be available during your trip. Or, you can purchase a SIM card for your phone at airports, kiosks and phone stores at your destination. Just make sure with your phone provider that your phone will work abroad.
While Ben Gurion Airport regulations keep changing as to where hosts can greet the arriving guest, at press time, almost all of our escorted tours will meet you just prior to entering Passport Control so that we can assist in the process from this point onward including luggage retrieval and escorting you to the awaiting vehicle for your transfer. Upon departure from Israel for your international flight, appreciate our special services at Ben Gurion Airport. We’ll accompany you through the security and airline check-in formalities and have you enjoying the great duty free shopping in no time.
A Third bed (roll-a-way) or a pull-out love seat is available in all our hotels for one child to join the parents. Special rates are available for the child as third in room.
We know that part of the enjoyment of joining any group tour is the wonderful acquaintances that are made and the sheer fun in having diverse personalities that really lend to the whole group experience. We also know that the “more the merrier” does not quite cut it when traveling extensively throughout the country. With this in mind, we’ve capped our group size in Israel at 28 max so that they remain intimate, comfortable and with plenty of room in the vehicle to spread out. We also provide headsets to each of the participants when the group may be over 15 passengers so that they can easily hear the guide from any position. We’ll be happy to let you know the group size expected on your tour closer to departure. Just give us a call.
Every participant on our tours must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months from day of return to the U.S.

A copy of your passport bearing your signature must be provided to Isram Israel when booking your tour as it is required by the hotels. See also important information under VAT.

Israel: As of January 2025, travelers must have a valid visa or the Electronic Travel Authorization to Israel (ETA-IL) approval before starting their journey. It is recommended that the application should be completed prior to purchasing your tickets. If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, please go on-line to: Israel-entry.piba. gov.il to fill out the mandatory application which also requires a fee.

Note: Israeli citizens or holders of an Israeli identity number do not need to apply for an ETA-IL. If you have a visa to Israel issued by your country of citizenship, you are not required to apply for an ETA-IL.

Jordan: Please refer to visa requirements as indicated for your tour choice. No refunds are made for passengers denied entry to Jordan for lack of visa. Please note, passengers holding both Israeli and foreign passports may only exit Israel to Jordan utilizing their Israeli Passport. Please be sure to forward us both your Israeli Passport and your secondary passport when booking tours to Jordan (American or Canadian etc.). Note that Israeli passport holders, regardless of dual citizenship, cannot cross to Jordan at the Allenby Bridge.

Egypt: Visas are required and will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport (our representative meets you before passport control to assist with this) for US and Canadian passport holders. The cost is included in your tour unless otherwise indicated, for US and Canadian passports

Speak to our specialists for any further clarification.
On many tours, we do accept children and offer children’s discount. And, we recently have developed many family vacations with special prices for children. In some cases, and in some destinations, children should be over the age of eight. Of course, we can customize a tour, designed for your specific needs and the ages of the children.
The following credit cards are accepted for deposits and full payments: Visa, Master Card and American Express.
Make sure your Isram Israel emails always go straight to your inbox. Add us to your address book. Need Help?
A brochure tour offers set departure dates, itineraries and prices based on group participation. A custom tour is designed to meet your special needs and interests. Often, this will include all of the features of a group tour, but usually tailored for smaller groups from 2-15 participants.
Please see the General Information section in our Isram Israel brochure, which outlines the payment dates as well as the cancellation fees for each tour.
Absolutely! And best of all, you’ll be able to take advantage of the group rates at the hotels, while touring in your own private vehicle with private guide. There are some significant advantages in this, one of which is total flexibility. You are able to change the site inclusions as much as you like. For example, if you are an art lover and would like to visit some more of the fantastic art museums and galleries within each city, we’d be happy to do this. We only ask that you stay within the timing of the tour day and pay the required entrance fee (if any). Otherwise, the guide is always ready to enhance your experience customizing it to your own personal interests. Click here for details.
Most U.S. bound travelers find that the night flights are more convenient than the day flights and domestic connections are more accessible. As such, a 12:30 A.M. or 1:00 A.M. flight departure time is not a problem. You can keep your room up till your departure to the airport provided your flight date is the same date as the hotel check out date of the tour.