Bring every question

It is natural to have questions about safety when planning a trip to Israel. Conditions can change quickly and vary by location, so we encourage you to make an informed decision using current official travel advice.

Philip’s House works with our local partner, Sar-El Tours, and licensed guides to plan each retreat. Our local team reviews conditions and adjusts routes and activities when needed. These precautions support your journey, but no travel company can guarantee safety.

Before booking and again before departure, read the current U.S. State Department travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, including guidance for the places on your itinerary. Travelers from other countries should also consult their own government’s advice.

If you have concerns about your departure, talk with us. We will explain the arrangements for your retreat and the applicable Peace of Mind Promise and travel terms.

Reviewed October 7, 2026.

Every season in Israel has its own gift. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) bring the friendliest weather for walking the land. Winter is cool and quiet with the fewest crowds and the friendliest budget. Summer is hot, and the beaches and the Galilee are glorious.

Israel keeps the Bible's calendar, so its high seasons follow the feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and the Fall Feasts. Prices are lowest in December, January, July, and August.

Check the live weather and season guide further down this page to picture your dates.

"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage." (Psalm 84:5)

More people can afford Israel than think they can. Retreat packages typically include hotels, breakfasts and dinners, ground transport, guiding, and scheduled site admissions. Airfare, lunches, insurance, single rooms, tips, and transfers vary by departure. Read your retreat’s inclusions and exclusions before booking and budget for your personal expenses.

You can reserve your seat with a small deposit and split the rest into easy monthly payments. Many travelers start a year or more out and pay a little each month. Some receive gifts from friends and family toward the trip, and we help with the accounting for that too.

See the coming retreats at philipshouse.com/retreats for current pricing and payment plans.

Just imagine, you will soon walk through the set of the Bible. It has been said that a trip to Israel is like a year in Bible college. No classroom can do for your faith what walking Israel does.

To get excited about the sites you will see, here are the YouTube channels we recommend:

• Philip's House Devotions: two-minute films with founder Philip McCallum at 21 sites across Israel
• Sergio and Rhoda in Israel: an energetic couple from Nazareth who make Bible sites and stories come alive
• Expedition Bible: Joel Kramer brings scholarship and devotion to historic sites
• Appian Media: stunning videography exploring the lands, archaeology, and history of the Bible

You are about to encounter God in Israel.

Yes. Philip's House retreats were made for you.

The Philip's House team helps you prepare, and an expert guide leads your retreat. Some departures include group flights; others have flights arranged separately. Your departure’s itinerary explains your flight and transfer arrangements, along with the hotels, meals, transport, and site entries included in your trip.

Joining a retreat without a group of your own? You will travel with warm hosts and come home with new friends. It happens on every trip.

You will soon step off a plane and walk the golden limestone corridor of Israel's Ben Gurion airport. Immigration is your first stop, so let's get your passport ready.

• Check your expiration date. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your departure date.
• No passport yet? Apply here. Standard processing takes weeks, so start now.
• Running out of time or expired? Renew here.
• Departing soon? Expedited options are here.

Once your passport is in hand, upload a clear photo of its information page to your WeTravel booking. Please do not email passport images.

ETA-IL is Israel's Electronic Travel Authorization for eligible visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the USA and Canada. Check your eligibility on the official website and obtain approval before you travel.

Check eligibility and apply on the official ETA-IL website. The current application fee is 25 Israeli shekels (NIS); check the official website for updates.

Completing the online form and receiving approval are separate steps. Do not assume approval is instant. The Population and Immigration Authority recommends applying at least 72 hours before booking flights, hotels, or other travel expenses. Wait for your application result and follow any further instructions from the authority.

Once you receive your approval email, forward it to hello@philipshouse.com for your retreat records.

Travel insurance protects you and your investment, and not just on the trip. It protects you before you go: if a medical emergency or family crisis strikes between now and departure, coverage keeps you from losing your deposit and non-refundable costs.

Many Philip's House retreat packages include a basic medical travel plan (check your itinerary), but that plan does not cover trip cancellation or replacement. A comprehensive policy is still recommended. Philip's House has researched the options and shares our recommended insurance marketplace here Philip’s House earns a commission on qualifying travel insurance purchases through this link., where you can compare quotes from multiple companies. Compare these four things:

• Trip cancellation: covers you if you, a travel partner, or immediate family becomes ill before departure
• Trip interruption: covers you if something at home requires you to fly back early
• Pre-existing conditions: look for a waiver period that covers your health history
• Emergency evacuation: look for $500,000 to $1 million in coverage

Once you purchase, screenshot your policy number and the company's emergency contact, and keep both with your passport. Cancellation terms for your retreat are in our Terms and Conditions.

Most Philip's House travelers are part of a group flight booking. Your whole group flies together, sits in the same section of the aircraft, and ticketing stays flexible until a few weeks before departure. Flight details arrive in your inbox with plenty of lead time.

On the day you fly: arrive three hours early for international departures, meet your group at the check-in counter, and check in together rather than alone. Traveling as one group keeps everyone covered if anything changes at the airport.

The three big challenges are remembering everything, prepping in case your luggage is delayed, and squeezing it all in. We can help with the first two.

The short version: layer-able clothes in non-wrinkle fabrics, two pairs of walking shoes (one for rugged trails, one for pavement), sun protection, a swimsuit, a light rain jacket in winter, and a small day pack. Pack two changes of clothes in your carry-on in case your checked bag is delayed, and photograph your luggage inside and out before you leave home.

Dress thoughtfully at certain holy sites. At the Western Wall, Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Beatitudes, and the Garden of Gethsemane, knees and shoulders stay covered. Ladies, keep a simple scarf in your bag as a head covering. Men, long pants at these sites, and a kippah at the Western Wall (free ones are provided). No political or religious messages on hats or shirts, and no exposed religious jewelry or Bibles on Temple Mount. Everywhere else in Israel, relax and be yourself.

The complete interactive packing checklist is further down this page. Tick items off as you pack, and print it if you like paper.

You booked through the WeTravel platform, and that same account carries your trip details: payment receipts and history, your itinerary and its updates, and pre-paying tips if you choose.

• Go to WeTravel.com and select "Sign In"
• Enter your email address, then check your inbox for a sign-in link
• Back on the site, select "Manage Booking"

Any trouble at all, write hello@philipshouse.com.

Every Philip's House retreat comes with its own app, a treasure map to encountering God in Israel: your day-by-day itinerary, the Scripture for every site, devotional films, and practical trip details in one place.

• Days before your trip, your customized app is prepared
• Download the My Trips app by WeTravel from your phone's app store
• Philip's House sends you your trip link; tap it and your retreat loads into the app

Save it to your home screen, use it on the bus between sites, and share it with your roommate.

Every retreat gathers on WhatsApp. It is how your travel community stays connected before, during, and after the trip: last-minute updates, shared photos, and group encouragement. If you are ever separated from the group at a site, it is also how you find your way back.

Download WhatsApp from your app store now and start using it at home, so it feels natural by the time you land. Your group's invite link comes from your trip administrator.

Israelis appreciate when travelers take time to know the people as much as the Bible sites. You will find them open and direct. If you have a question, just ask, and do not be offended if someone is more blunt than at home. It means you can be direct too.

One sentence will open hearts. The war has been tough on everyone. Try saying, "I am a tourist. I came to Israel to let you know that you are not alone." Watch what happens next. Some will be surprised, some may shed a tear or break into a smile of gratitude.

You will meet Jews both secular and religious, Israeli Arabs who have lived in the land for generations, and Israeli believers in Jesus building His kingdom in their homeland. Meeting them all will expand your heart.

Try a bit of Hebrew. Many Israelis speak English well, but a few Hebrew words open doors:

• Shalom: peace. Hello, goodbye, and everything in between. Learn this one first.
• Toda: thank you · Bevakasha: please · Ken / Lo: yes / no · Tov: good
• Boker tov: good morning · Laila tov: good night · Lehitra'ot: bye
• Slicha: excuse me or sorry, handy at the airport and in lines
• Manishma?: what's up? · Achi: my brother, a term of friendship
• Shabbat Shalom: the greeting on the Sabbath
• Kama ze ole?: how much does it cost? · Be te'avon: bon appetit
• Efo ha-sheruteem?: where is the bathroom? (You will use this.)
• Count to ten: echad, shtayim, shalosh, arba, khamesh, shesh, sheva, shmone, tesha, eser

Try one on a shopkeeper or hotel staff member, and watch what happens.

Amazing! You have never had veggies so fresh. Israel is a nation of immigrants, so the best flavors of the world are all here. If you like cheese, you are going to love Israeli breakfast. Try these:

• Shakshuka: eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, onion, and garlic, spiced with cumin and paprika
• Shawarma: lamb, chicken, or beef roasted on a slowly turning rotisserie, served in pita with tahina sauce
• Israeli breakfast: born on the kibbutz, a buffet of fruits, vegetables, salads, breads, pastries, dairy, eggs, and fish
• Fresh hummus: chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic, with warm pita
• Halva: a sweet confection of ground sesame, lovely in thin slices at breakfast
• Kanafeh: filo pastry browned over sweet cheese and saturated in pistachio syrup, served with Arabic coffee

Shabbat, the biblical day of rest, runs from Friday sunset to Saturday night, and experiencing it is one of the quiet highlights of a retreat. The country exhales. Shops close, roads empty, families gather, and on Friday evening you will hear "Shabbat Shalom" everywhere you turn.

Your hotel keeps the rhythm too. Meals are kosher, which mostly means you will notice meat and dairy are not served together; the food stays wonderful. You may find a "Shabbat elevator" that stops on every floor so no buttons need pressing. Your itinerary is planned around the day, so you lose nothing and gain a taste of the rest God wove into creation.

Your retreat already covers most costs in Israel, so you are budgeting for lunches, drinks, gifts, and souvenirs. For a 9 to 12 day retreat, $200 to $300 is a reasonable estimate, more if the legendary Old City markets are calling your name.

Cards. Debit cards can be used at compatible ATMs, but access depends on your card issuer and the ATM network. Before you travel, ask your bank whether your card supports purchases and ATM withdrawals in Israel. Confirm your PIN, daily withdrawal limits, overseas fees, and any travel-notification requirements. Check with your issuer about costs before using a credit card to withdraw cash.

Shekels. Israel's currency is the Shekel. Cash helps at local lunch spots, markets, and street vendors. Exchange at recommended spots your guide will point out, or withdraw shekels from a compatible ATM using a debit card approved by your bank for overseas use. Many restaurants and shops that cater to tourists also accept US dollars directly. The converter below labels the rate’s source and date, or clearly marks an illustrative fallback.

Tipping. Many Philip's House retreat packages include tips for your guide and driver; check your itinerary. When tips are included, there is nothing to worry about, though you are always free to bless your guide or driver with something extra. When they are not included, plan roughly $10 to $15 per person per day for your guide and $5 for your driver.

Your phone. Most modern smartphones work in Israel. Check with your carrier about an international plan, or better, use an eSIM. Philip's House recommends Airalo Philip’s House earns a commission on qualifying Airalo purchases through this link. for Israel eSIMs (code PHILIP2632 saves $3). Short-term SIM cards are also available at the airport, and the local team will help you get connected.

WiFi. Your tour bus and your hotel both provide free WiFi, which covers most of the day. Video calls home are easy.

Electricity. Bring a travel plug adapter specifically rated for Israel’s Type H sockets. Type H is Israel’s three-pin standard, not a European two-pin plug. A plug adapter changes the connection; it does not convert voltage. Check the input-voltage label on each device or charger and its manufacturer’s instructions before use. Devices marked 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz support a range of supplies; single-voltage appliances may need a suitable voltage converter. Ask the manufacturer if you are unsure, especially for hair dryers and styling tools.

Philip's House sets the pace of each retreat at the level of physical activity your group asks for. On average, an Israel trip has 40 to 60 miles of walking spread across 9 to 12 days, with plenty of rest stops between.

Israel is a modern society set in an ancient place. Most sites have level pathways, but expect stairs, uneven ground, and rough terrain at archaeological sites, and narrow old-city streets where the bus cannot reach the entrance.

Bring comfortable walking shoes you have already broken in at home, and prepare in the weeks before your trip with a couple of long walks each day. Your feet will thank you at the Southern Steps.

Tell us, and we will plan for you.

Mobility. The retreat pace is set to your group, the coach is comfortable, and many sites offer level paths and shorter options. If stairs or distance are a concern, let us know when you book and we will shape the days so you miss nothing that matters.

Dietary needs. Israeli hotel dining is a wide buffet, generous to vegetarians and most diets, and gluten-aware options are common. Tell us about allergies or medical diets ahead of time and we will make sure your hotels and restaurants know you are coming.

Yes, the tap water in Israel is safe to drink, and bottled water is everywhere for the road. Carry a water bottle; the sun is stronger than it feels.

No special vaccinations are required for Israel. Healthcare there is excellent and pharmacies are easy to find in every city. Bring your personal prescriptions in their original packaging, plus simple basics like pain reliever, throat lozenges, and bandages.

Yes. For many travelers this becomes the moment of the whole retreat: stepping into the same river where Jesus was baptized, with your church family singing on the bank.

Many Philip's House itineraries include a stop at a baptismal site on the Jordan, where robes and towels are available and your pastor can do the honors. If being baptized in the Jordan matters to you, tell us when your retreat is being planned and we will make room for it.

Welcome to the Promised Land. Here is the walk, step by step:

• Exit the plane and follow the long corridor with moving walkways to the passport-scanning machines. Scan your passport, look into the camera, and a small blue entry permit prints.
• Take a picture of your entry permit immediately and keep it with your passport all trip. You need it to exit immigration, and it can help you reclaim sales tax on purchases when you leave.
• Turn right into the immigration hall. When it is your turn, simply say you are on a church retreat to Israel. Immigration may ask where you are staying, so keep your first hotel's name and address written down with your passport.
• After immigration, collect your luggage and follow the airport signs to arrivals. If your itinerary includes an airport transfer, follow the meeting instructions supplied for your departure.

Your departure’s itinerary explains your flight and transfer arrangements. Review it before you travel so you know where to meet your group and whether an airport transfer is included.

It rarely happens, and we prepare for it anyway.

Before you leave home, photograph your luggage inside and out, and pack two changes of clothes in your carry-on. If your bag does not appear at baggage claim, the lost luggage counter is at the far right end of the hall; give them your hotel address and your photos, and your Philip's House team will follow up until the bag finds you. Almost all delayed bags arrive at the hotel within a day or two, and your carry-on keeps you comfortable in the meantime.

You go to see the land. You come home transformed.

"There was something about my trip to Israel that recalibrated my whole life. There's something about coming here that gets you onto God's schedule." (Philip McCallum)

What you carry home is not just photographs. Tell your story. Host a dinner with your fellow travelers while it is fresh. Share one story in your small group; one story from Israel, told well, can inspire the next person to go. And keep the land close: the free devotion films take you back two minutes at a time.

The best Israel travelers come back, and then come back. There is always more to see, more people to meet, more of God to encounter in that land. When it starts stirring, the coming retreats are here.