HOLY LANDS REVEALED
TRAVEL TIPS & HINTS

     
     
 

TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

We offer you, here, the experiences and ideas that we have heard from our many guests over the years. These tips and answers to questions may help your trip to the Holy Lands be more pleasant and enjoyable. If you have any hints or tips you would like to share with us or our guests, please e-mail us and we will add them to this page.

E-MAIL
info@israelrona.com

 
 

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14 TIPS LDS TRAVELERS SHOULD KNOW

 
  1. When is the best time to go to Israel?
Anytime. Spring is wonderful with flowers blooming and green hills. Fall has fewer crowds. We do not recommend January, the rainy season (Jerusalem gets about the same annual rainfall as London, most of it coming in January). The summer months of July and August can be quite warm. We do note that President Spencer W. Kimball wasn't specific about a time of year when he said: "Every Latter-day Saint who can afford it should go the Holy Land. It will change your life. I went, and it changed mine."

2. Will Daniel Rona be our guide?
Yes! Daniel guides more than 30 tours every year. He is the primary guide used by Holy Lands Revealed in Israel, and is the only guide we use unless a group specifically requests a different guide during the months of January or August when Daniel does not tour.

3. Do you ever have celebrities on tour with Daniel?
Yes. Concert pianist Marvin Goldstein (a Jewish convert to the Church) is a great friend of Daniel's and has been on tour twice. Lex de Azevedo and Kurt Bestor have been on tour. Michael McLean and Bryce Neubert credit their tour with Daniel as a major force in helping them complete their Garden CD (they returned to Israel on a special Garden Tour with composer Merrill Jenson in March 1997). Other celebrities have included Rabbi Stanley Wagner who was on a special Mormon/Jewish tour with Daniel. The itinerary is the same with celebrities as with other tours. The celebrity may add personal comments along the way; lecture during the evening; speak at a fireside; or perform a musical concert for that tour and members of the Jerusalem Branch. Occasionally General Authorities may be on a tour, but it is not Holy Lands Revealed's policy to advertise or promote these tours using a General Authority's name unless they have emeritus status. For a list of celebrity tours call our office or check the latest Holy Lands Revealed Newsletter or our list of Tour Dates.

4. What should I pack?
As far as clothing, it depends on which tour your go on and what time of year. We will send you a list of suggested items prior to your departure. The only important things to bring are your scriptures and your smile.

5. Will I have time to shop?
Yes. However, Daniel is very mindful that the primary reason you came on tour was to have an educational and spiritual experience. Thus, unlike other guides who receive commissions from shops where they take their tourists, Daniel does not cut into your tour day to take you shopping. He will point out places for you to come back on your free time at the end of the day and provide you with some shopping time at lunch. His primary effort is to give you a full and enriching tour day. Usually, you will have a free day during your tour to do as you like. It is also recommended that you may want to add an extra free day at the end of your tour to shop or rest before you return home. Sabbath days are always free.

6. Do I need a visa before I leave for Egypt or Israel?
No. You will be able to get visa paperwork for Egypt on the plane. It is less expensive and more convenient than getting it beforehand. Cost is approximately $15. For American Citizens, Israel is visa free.

7. Does Egypt cost a lot more?
No. The major expense for most people is the airfare and the time to see Egypt. Holy Lands Revealed has a special arrangement with the airlines we use to fly you into Egypt and out of Israel for the same price. Our most popular tour package includes Egypt, Petra and Israel with Daniel Rona. See the Tour Dates for prices and dates for the Egypt program.

8. What are the advantages of Holy Lands Revealed with Daniel Rona compared to others?
There are several differences and unique features of our tours. First is the fact that Daniel Rona is the only LDS licensed guide in Israel. According to Israeli law, each and every touring group (including BYU and other LDS groups) must have a licensed Israeli guide. Daniel is the only licensed guide who is LDS. Often with other guides you get a very non-religious site-seeing tour. The name of Christ may never be mentioned. Daniel provides you with a blend of history, cultures, customs and religion as only he can with his Jewish background. His LDS knowledge and the fact that he lives there and tours almost every week is unique. Daniel is always improving his tours and using tested methods to make them better. He uses Five Star Deluxe Hotels, and a charming Health Resort in the Galilee. The food is great. The tours are totally inclusive. You are free from any hidden costs or extras that you were not told about. Daniel was first to use exceptional high quality 'Walkman Headsets' so you can hear every word without having to crowd around him. A made-for-TV Video Series helps you to review and put into perspective each tour day. A Memory Book is also given to each tour member to help prepare for the tour. It also provides scripture references and has space for journal writing or note keeping. Gratuities are included in Israel. Daniel has service offices in the United States and in Israel. This is all Daniel does; he is free from other distractions or obligations which could diminish his attention to your program. Without other destinations, teaching assignments or other interests unconnected to his work and his mission, he is, as many have said, "Simply the best at what he does." . . . "Daniel offers a dimension in the Holy Land that no one else can offer."

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HOLY LANDS REVEALED
6589 South 1300 East, Suite 150, Salt Lake City, Utah 84121
(800/801) 272-RONA (7662)
Fax 801-278-4821
EMAIL 
info@israelrona.com

WEBSITE
www.holylandsrevealed.com

All photographs © Copyright 2004 Don O. Thorpe