We are limiting the 2014 trip to 50 people. The dates for the upcoming trip are March 14-24 2014...with an optional 3 days at the end of the trip in Rome (until March 27th). Are you in?  Or do you know of anyone who might be interested in going? Email me

INSIDE ISRAEL -- watch 3 minute film trailer

 

  We believe that people who travel to the Holy Land:

• Are in search of a deeper understanding of their faith -- physically, spiritually & emotionally.
• Desire to add color & depth to the faith story that has already shaped their lives.
• Long to see, touch, & encounter real places & real people that bring real meaning to the Bible. (Below are some live web cam shot of the Western Wall & the Old City, Jerusalem).

   We believe that groups (large or small) that travel together:

• Gain spiritual enrichment in learning together “on site” as they walk where Jesus walked, follow in the steps of Paul, and view the Promised Land as Moses did.
• Build community by strengthening bonds among members, bringing together generations, and reaching out to non-members.

 

MEMORIES FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS Exhilarating. Exhausting. Educational. 2012 group with Israeli guide, Raz Zabar (right), explaining the significance of King David's City ____________________________________________________ "The 2012 trip to Israel was conducted with a great deal of thought and planning that far exceeding my expectations. I am still baffled of how well this trip went. I am even getting “goose bumps” while I am typing this. With all the noise of the troubles Israel faces I never once felt unsafe or even thought that the planned locations of the trip put us in harm’s way.  For the price that I paid I received way more that it was worth. All of the sites were my favorite because they had their own story which was fascinating and breathtaking to me. I absolutely hated group trips before this one because of past experiences but knowing Joel, trusting his judgment and embracing his friendship I took the challenge and loved every moment of the trip and group that I was so honored to be with during this trip. Joel and Raz were/are AWESOME together and this synergy, coupled with the grace of God, is what made the trip so beautiful and honorable. I am so blessed and humbled to know God, Joel, Raz, and the group that I was so fortunate to spend time with. Thank you Joel Freeman from the bottom of my heart."  -- Marcus   2012 group with Meron Reuben (former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations) after he had provided us with an fascinating overview of the challenges faced by the State of Israel ________________________________________________ "Thanks for a great trip. We really enjoyed being with your group. Everyone was really friendly and good to be with. We are home now and catching up on our naps.  Keep us tuned in to your future trips to Israel. Thanks again for your effort in making the trip worthwhile." -- Oscar 2012 group in a field of flowers, which will be desert within weeks _________________________________________________ "Thank you for the wonderful trip. Prior to going on the trip I did not know exactly what to expect. I suppose I thought it would be like other vacations we have taken to other parts of the world. It was not at all anything like any other trip I have taken. It was a surreal trip into all those Bible stories I learned as a child. It helped me to put them into a historical sequence instead of individual stories. I guess I loved Masada the best.  I can relate to a mother hiding her children. I loved floating in the Dead Sea and wished we had had an extra day there.  I loved seeing the River Jordan and participating in the Baptism. I was amazed to find out that the Sea of Galilee was really just a lake.  I guess I expected the Sea of Galilee to  be larger.  I loved being in the places where David hid and slew Goliath and lamented the death of Saul.  It was interesting to learn about Herod  and to find out that Jesus was really born in a cave. It has inspired me to be sure my Grandchildren learn all of these Bible stories as well.  I have told them  to include at least one Bible story to the bed time stories we read when they spend the night. All in all it was a wonderful experience and I love that we had great leaders we could count upon.  On your trip I felt I was able to sit where it made me comfortable and I could talk to whom I pleased and I could get to know people as I wished.  Thank you for picking Raz. He was great.  I would definitely recommend this trip to my friends.  It was the most unique vacation I have ever taken." -- Sue 2012 group on top of Masada -- Herod's ancient fortification near the Dead Sea. The black line indicates the original walls before the reconstruction of those walls. _________________________________________________ "We had a wonderful experience in Israel! We are so glad that our friends invited us to take this trip. Thank you for all you did to make this trip a success. Raz was great! We truly enjoyed meeting and interacting with him. We are enjoying reviewing all the photos we took (1,000+). I am annotating each one. It will take me several more days (weeks?) to get it all done, but worth the effort as I am happily re-living the trip while doing it." -- Jim and Rita 2012 group with the Mount of Olives in the background _________________________________________________ "Kudos for creating our superb Discovery Tour of Israel (Spring 2012)! Joel, thanks to your attention to detail and hands-on approach. Our Israel tour was a rare in-depth spiritual journey -- plus a comprehensive view of Israel's past, present and critical future. We didn't just visit Israel; we brought the meaning of the Holy Land home with us. Thanks again for the journey of a lifetime." -- Terry and Carolyn   Off to another site! Thoughtful gazes and naps on the bus! _________________________________________________ "Funniest Camel Ride" -- optional experience from a previous trip to Israel _________________________________________________ "A visit to Israel is an unforgettable experience. It's the trip of a lifetime and so much more than I expected. The sites transported me to events of thousands years past -- the Old Testament through the New Testament. It's all about God. In Israel I understand that this is the birth place of three faiths -- Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The differences in culture and theology are hard to ignore, but the richness of the land and the resilience of the people are undeniable. Beauty, history, landscape and culture will draw me back to Israel one day, but as I wait, I will share Israel's story with my own beloved country. And, I will hope that it draws you to visit one day soon." -- Miriam   Joel & Shirley Freeman at En Gedi _________________________________________________ What Motivates Us to Lead Annual Trips to Israel?   It takes an inordinate amount of time, energy & “brain-damage” to put together a group trip to Israel. Every traveler has legitimate questions and needs and we try to anticipate as many in advance as possible. Some issues are more detailed than others.   The process starts about 10-11 months prior to each trip. And there are endless discussions with tour operators, our travel agent and guides. We are always searching for the best pricing, coupled with the most excellent hotels, food and customer service. One could be exhausted before the tour even starts in Israel. Plus, the Middle Eastern region of the world ain’t the safest place on the planet.   So, why do we bother leading annual trips to the Holy Land? Good question. We do not even have to hesitate with our response.   - It’s because of the impact each trip has on the lives of every person who takes the journey. We get the joy of watching the decision-making process every person goes through before they sign on to such an adventure.   - It’s seeing the excited looks on people’s faces when they learn the behind-the-scenes historical backdrop to many sites throughout the region.   - It’s knowing that each person who has experienced the Holy Land will now not only “read” the Bible, but they will be “seeing” what they are reading.   - It’s the testimonials we receive from people, months after they have taken a trip to Israel.    We put a lot of thought into developing a trip that most of the other larger tour groups are not able to visit. We welcome you to be a part of the next trip (March). It's going to be an unforgettable adventure! israel   What's so Different About this Israel Trip?   There are many options when it comes to traveling to Israel. Our tours are different.   We keep the numbers small, which makes us much more nimble and we connect much better as a group than groups with, let's say, 2-5 tour buses.     We are very experienced. Raz Zabar is a registered Israeli tour guide. Very intelligent. Loves people. A military man. Knows the land from various disciplines -- geographical, topographical, archaeological, Scriptural, historical, etc. Raz is not jaded. He approaches each tour with a great passion that you can feel -- as if it was his first tour group.     We plan surprises every trip. For instance the former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations showed up during our last trip to give our group a 90-minute briefing about the situation in the Middle East. Extremely enlightening!!!    We have a lot of fun! Each group develops its own personality. When people travel together excellent  friendships, camaraderie and fond memories emerge.     If we happen to have extra time, we even throw in an extra previously unplanned site, if our group is willing and able.     We go to the archaeological site near David's City and actually get our hands dirty searching through pails of dirt excavated from under the Temple Mount. In past trips some have found jewelry, a first Temple coin, marble, etc.     We are also adding an optional 2-3 day itinerary in Rome to this trip! Paul's prison. The catacombs. The Coliseum. Sistine Chapel. The Vatican. And more.      Make contact  as soon as possible so that your spot on the trip will be secured for you. First come, first served. Every person who has been on this trip tells us that we should have charged more for the trip. But we are committed to keeping the pricing as inexpensive as possible -- at the same time never skimping on the quality of hotels, food, travel & customer service."                                                                -- 100,000 Blessings, Joel & Shirley -- Email

   Why do we require an up-front deposit? In order for us to get the flight and ground travel/hotel costs, we actually have to provide advance guarantee to Alitalia Airlines that all of the seats will be purchased and to the hotels and bus company we must guarantee that all of the food, ground travel, park, museum, and hotel costs are going to be covered. This is a big responsibility.

   That's why we need an up-front deposit from each person, along with the payment schedule you will see below. The payment schedule is for your budgeting convenience. If you want to pay more at any time, you can do so and we will keep a record of all payments. We will place all of the funds for this trip in a separate account and will release funds when required to do so by the airlines, hotels and bus company.

   With rising fuel costs and taxes we have fought hard to keep the pricing as low as possible. You may find moderately less expensive 10-day trips to Israel, but when you compare the quality of the hotels, the food, the specialized customer service, and some of the unique experiences we provide on this trip -- you will realize that our price is a bargain.

   We have planned a layover in Rome for one reason: Since we are already there, why not stay for an extra 2-3 days to do a quick tour of some meaningful sights in Rome? Without the added cost of airfare, this is an excellent opportunity to add value to the entire trip. Right? The details are below...

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1.  INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE TICKETS (2014):
   
   Departing from JFK on Alitalia Airlines March 14: Leave JFK at 11:25pm and arrive Rome the next morning, March 15, at 12:40pm
   March 15: Leave Rome 2:45pm and arrive Tel Aviv at 7:05pm
   
   Returning: March 24: Leave Tel Aviv at 5:50am…this is their first flight of the day…and arrive Rome the same day at 8:40am

         For those coming right home: Leave Rome 10:30am (same day) and arrive JFK at 3:05pm (same day...7 hours difference).
   
   ROME OPTION: For those staying over in Rome for a few days: March 27 -- Leave Rome 2:45pm and arrive JFK at 7:20pm (same day...7 hours difference).

   
   Each traveler is responsible to get to JFK International Airport. We will supply a list of all travelers well in advance so that you can connect with other travelers in your region. Perhaps some will rent a van together and leave it at the JFK Airport in long-term parking (online payment for long-term parking at airports is always cheaper). Flight times are always subject to change.
   
   BAGGAGE: Alitalia allows one free checked bag (up to 50 pounds...23kg...verify this for yourself prior to the trip) and one small carry-on. Please weigh your bag to make sure that it does not weigh over 50 pounds. You will be responsible for any cost charged by Alitalia for excess weight or additional luggage.
    

2. PRICE (We worked hard to keep the price as low as possible):
   $3,975 per person, covers R/T airfare via Alitalia, ground travel by bus, hotels, tour guide, food (breakfast and supper), and all museum/park entrance fees...including airline tax tax and fuel surcharges as of June 2013.  (Taxes and fuel surcharge are subject to change until tickets have been issued.). Make checks out to: The Freeman Institute, Box 305, Gambrills, MD 21054.
    

3. PAYMENT, GROUP SIZE & WEATHER CONDITIONS:

   A deposit of $500.00 per person is due ASAP. $100.00 of the deposit per person is a non-refundable administrative fee.  (Payment is to The Freeman Institute...by check or cash. If you want to pay with credit card, 3% will be added to cover processing fee.)

   
   We are keeping this trip to 55 travelers because that is the most people for one bus. We want to retain a more intimate family atmosphere that is missed when more than one bus is utilized. If you know of people who might be interested in traveling on this trip, please send them to this website. In the unlikely event of the number of passengers falling below 15 travelers, the airfare may increase, as group pricing will no longer apply. We have set aside enough seats with the airline by placing a down payment for each ticket (your ticket). But once ticketing is finalized (in November) and the full price is paid, your flight ticket is non-refundable and non-changeable.
   
   GENERAL WEATHER DESCRIPTION: March is the nicest season of the year (Spring), with very comfortable weather. That's one of the main reasons we chose this time of year for our annual trips to the Holy Land. Temperature in Tel Aviv is usually between 61 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Jerusalem and the Golan Heights are approx. 5-6 degrees cooler, and The Dead Sea region is usually 5-6 degrees warmer. Modern, large-windowed air-conditioned/heated motor coaches -- designed for sight-seeing -- will be used for all ground travel in Israel.
   
   WHAT TO WEAR: Think layers. On some of the days you may want a long t-shirt and light jacket, while on other days a short sleeve T-shirt will do. So, bring a good range of generally light clothes, with comfortable walking shoes. There will be no need for any fancy clothes. The evening dinners will be in very nice open seating dining rooms, with an incredible choice of food to fill your own plate. Business casual wear is appropriate. You may want to pack a swimming suit for a hotel swimming pool or just in case the entire bus wants to stop and take a float/swim (weather permitting) in the Dead Sea! Remember that your checked suitcase needs to be under 50 pounds, so pack accordingly. Some airlines charge for an extra checked bag and/or an overweight bag.
    

4. PASSPORT:
   Photo copies of valid United States passports for all passengers must be received by November 15, 2013 for a ticket to be issued for that passenger. If you do not have a valid US passport, please start that process right away at your local Post Office. We will notify you of the best address to mail a photocopy of the first page -- in plenty of time to ship them all to the airline.
   IMPORTANT: The expiration date on any passport must be no earlier than September 2014.
   
   HEALTH REGULATIONS: No vaccinations are required. Water is safe to drink, but most people drink bottled water. You will always be reminded to bring bottled water when walking any distance.
    

5. PAYMENT SCHEDULE (info for 2014 Trip):
   -- ASAP: Deposit of $500.00 per person to guarantee your seat on the plane. Checks can be made out to: The Freeman Institute, Box 305, Gambrills, MD 21054.
   
   This is a low-risk deposit. ($100 per person is a non-refundable administrative fee for canceling...up to 90 days before departure. But if you have to cancel up to 90 days prior to the trip, they are even willing to waive the $100 admin fee if you can find people to replace the seats you are giving up.)
   
    -- Aug. 10^th, 2013: You must have another amount of $500.00 per person.
    -- Nov. 10^th, 2013 (130 days before trip): You must have another amount of $1,000.00 per person.
    -- Dec. 10^th, 2013 (100 days before trip): You must have another amount of $1,000.00 per person.
    -- Jan. 30^th, 2014 (40 days prior to trip): You must have the final amount of $975.00 per person.
                  -- Total: $3,975.00 per person (each payment date mentioned above is important)
   
   The payment schedule is designed to make it easier for travelers to better afford the trip. Knowing the payment schedule in advance, many can place the funds in an envelope every month so that there are no surprises when the payments are due.
   
   Two main elements make up this trip: 1. air travel 2. ground travel/hotel/food. You will see one unified price, but we have to address both aspects separately behind the scenes if anyone needs to cancel.
   
   IMPORTANT: In case of cancellations, the following penalties apply:
   
   CANCELLATIONS: In the event of cancellation from registration date to 90 days before departure, there is a $100 per person non-refundable administrative fee.
   Thereafter the following charges apply:
   * 89-50 days prior to departure the charge is 50% of total cost.
   * 49 days prior to departure the cancellation penalty of 100% of the total cost of the tour will be charged. No refunds whatsoever! Trip cancellation insurance is suggested.
   * No shows or cancellation after date of departure will receive no refunds.
   
   If cancellation is due to health or illness in the immediate family of the traveler, and can be supported by a Doctor's Certificate, this may be waived. Air travel cancellation insurance is recommended. While is is not required, if you can find a replacement for your seat(s) it would be much appreciated.
   
   ITINERARY CHANGES: Changes -- deviations from the main flight itinerary are not recommended. Why? We are required to have a certain number of travelers booked before the airlines will grant us the group discounted rate. Any deviations must be requested in writing via EMAIL. If you leave early or return individually and not with the group there is a $100 surcharge plus an additional airfare differential for the deviation. Group fares generally do not permit upgrades to first class. But sometimes they will open up for a limited number who wish to use their frequent flier miles. Any passengers wishing to upgrade may arrange their own airfare. An airline credit of $1,000 off the total cost of the trip will be given to those passengers who wish to make their own airline bookings. It is requested that they seek to make the arrangements as close as possible to the itinerary for this trip. Any additional ground travel arrangements and cost to catch up with the rest of the group or to leave early/later will be each traveler's responsibility.
    

6. NOT INCLUDED:
   Passport fees; phone calls; valet/laundry service; overweight or excess baggage on airplane; and all other items that are strictly personal in nature; flight insurance (highly recommended); any beverage (please note that the custom abroad is to include coffee or tea with breakfast only); it is an extra charge when served mineral water, sodas, wine or liquor; expenses within the USA or Canada; and tips.
      TIPS:  This is an important part of the trip. Tips are a tangible way of saying "thank you." We suggest that you bring $100 in $1 bills for tips throughout the trip. (Also, a minimum $100 tip per traveler for our registered Israeli guide, Raz Zabar, is customary. Raz works very hard before and during the trip to make it a stress-free experience for you. Plus, you will learn much from Raz and will feel honored to give him such a tip. View the tip guide below and plan ahead. The tip for Raz and the bus driver will be collected at the end of the trip.)
         Tipping Guide:
             Bus Driver: $5.00 per person per day
               Restaurant Wait Staff: $1.50 per person
                 Hotel Porter: 50 cents per bag per person
                   Hotel Room Maid: $1.00 per person per day
                     Any Additional Local Guides: $2.00 per person per day

   
   PASSENGER RESPONSIBILITY: The Freeman Institute, Joel Freeman, and Raz Zabar accept no responsibility or expense on any personal purchases made while overseas. Any personal purchases are the full responsibility of each passenger.
   
   MOBILE PHONE: It is important that we have one mobile phone for every 3-4 travelers. Sometimes we are shopping in a crowded market for a couple of hours, with a designated meeting time and place set up in advance. If someone gets lost or disoriented, it is always good to know that we can call their cell to help guide them back to the rest of the group. Call your cell provider to determine the best way to upgrade your current cell phone for this international trip. Please let us know if you are willing and able to bring your cell.
   
   SINGLE or DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (Hotel): If you are a person traveling alone on this trip, you need to realize that prices mentioned for this trip are based upon double occupancy hotel rooms. There is an extra charge for one person staying in a room. If you are traveling alone you may want to reach out to friends and family to see if there is someone you know who is willing and able to travel with you on this trip. That way you will be staying in a double occupancy room (covered by the basic cost of the trip) with someone you know.
    

7. TRIP INSURANCE OPTIONS:
   It's ultimately your choice. But we highly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance, which should cover emergency evacuation, cancellation, delay, illness, loss of damage to personal belongings and luggage etc. You can purchase trip insurance at any time during the entire process prior to the trip, which will cover all costs (flight, hotels, ground travel, etc.). Here are two options for you to consider:
    

   • Travel Guard -- 800-826-4919
   • Access America -- 800-284-8300

    

8. CONTACT INFORMATION:
   Joel A. Freeman: 410-729-4011 / EMAIL -- The Freeman Institute, Box 305, Gambrills, MD 21054.

  NOTE: Before every trip I (Joel) always get calls from nervous travelers who have just seen images of a car/bus bombing or a fiery protest on CNN or Fox. I do not want to downplay any of these images or fears, but there always seem to be situations covered by the press prior to every trip. We will be going on this trip unless Raz (a military professional) or the US Department of State officially states that it is not safe for US Citizens to travel to Israel during this period.

  The last trip I took was preceded by terrible reports and fiery images on the TV. When our group arrived in Tel Aviv, there was complete safety and none of the people we met in Israel throughout the trip expressed a bit of concern. It's kind of like the way people from Europe express their concern about visiting Baltimore or DC because of the reports they have heard in their news about the crime and the murders in the region.

Safety and Security are Paramount: