Zola Tours Help
“A trip to Israel is worth ten years of Sunday School.” —Zola
Zola Tours
is:
- A corporation of believers founded and operated by the staff of Zola Levitt Ministries, Inc. and practicing the same standards of integrity.
- A major travel organization specializing in the Holy Places. Our expertise and our professional relationships in the areas we serve are far superior to those of a general travel agency. We simply get better accommodations and better services at lower prices.
- A witnessing ministry (Romans 10:1).
Zola Tours
10300 N. Central, Suite #170
Dallas, TX 75231
Tel: 214-696-9760 (M–F)
Tel: 800-966-3377 (Anytime)
Fax: 214-696-5885
Note: Travel Experience International is now Zola Tours.
Request a full-color brochure or View the brochure online
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Israel Tour Comparison Tips
When you are shopping for the best tour to Israel, there are several things you should keep in mind:
- What hotel accommodations does the tour provide?
We choose hotels very wisely, drawing on our years of experience with almost all of them. We do not use hotels with low ratings, and we do not use better hotels that give poor service. We have found the best hotels at the best prices for our pilgrims. Our choices may include a wonderful countryside experience at Kibbutz Nof Ginosar for our Summer Tour and the very well appointed, Rimonim Hotel in Tiberias for our Spring and Fall tours. In Jerusalem, we frequently stay at Ramat Rachel Hotel for our Summer Tour and the centrally located Five-Star Inbal Hotel for our Spring and Fall tours. When in Eilat, we stay at the magnificent Queen of Sheba Hilton. In Greece we use the Divani Caravel or Divani Palace Hotels in Athens. These are all first-class hotels, offering excellent service and beautiful accommodations. The meals are full buffet breakfasts and hotel dining room suppers of the highest quality.
- What sites does the tour cover?
Zola’s tours cover the major Biblical sites in Israel and Greece. But in addition, Zola’s tours offer some things that others may not, such as an Archaeological Seminar including the Western and Southern Walls, Jerusalem’s Old City bazaar, and Beit She’an (an ancient Roman capital with ongoing archaeological excavations). Often there are extras that are not formally advertised in our brochure. For example, some tours have been treated to a Messianic congregation service, a music concert by a local messianic believer, and visits to the Hadassah Hospital to see Marc Chagall’s famous stained-glass windows.
- Are experienced guides used on the tour?
ZLM Israeli Tour Guide ZviWe have used our Israeli guides for more than 80 tours. They are official licensed guides and have completed an extensive course of study in order to qualify. Best of all, they are believers in Jesus as their Messiah. This adds something very special to what they have to say. In addition, our head guide has served in Israel’s armed forces in more than one war. He has held positions of some rank. These licensed guides know things about Israel that even most Israelis don’t know. It is a treat to hear them speak.
- What about travel accommodations inside Israel?
Our bus drivers stay with the group 24 hours per day. Some groups’ drivers are off evenings, going home and return to the group the next morning. They know our groups and they know how to serve us. And because we operate large luxury buses, we have more clout at local sites. There is less waiting in line and more preferential treatment.
- What expenses are covered by the tour price?
Our tours are designed to cover virtually all of your expenses. We do not have an “a la carte” price where you have to pay admission fees in Israel. Everything is figured in except lunches (everyone likes a different-sized lunch as we travel) and two dinners out where we take you to a choice of excellent native restaurants.
For everyone’s convenience, we collect a tipping fund from each passenger and pass those tips out as we travel.
- What else should I consider?
Our tour groups are treated well because of our pro-Israel TV programs here. And because we tip well, heels click for us. We do not subject you to excessive shopping (as some do, having made commission agreements with local vendors).
We don’t know of anyone who has been there more times (80+) than Zola Levitt Tours. The people, the places and the moments you will experience while in Israel will become memories to enjoy forever. God’s Promised Land—and you will be there! Is there anything more exciting or wonderful? It is our hope, of course, that you will choose to go with one of our groups, because we know what you will get for your money. But with whomever you choose to go, it is His land that beckons you. It is His hand that guides you. Treasure truly awaits you!
Holocaust survivors travel with us for free!
Israel Travel Safety
Many people have asked us whether it is safe to travel in Israel. This is a question that is usually only raised by persons who have not been to Israel in the past. Pilgrims are returning to Israel by the multiplied thousands in 2007. In the month of March, there were over 250,000 pilgrims in Israel, and they came back happy and safe, realizing how exaggerated the news reports have been concerning Israel. They realize that Israel has one of the world’s lowest crime rates, and that it is safer to walk in the streets of its cities than in most North American cities.
The news media is guilty of over-dramatizing the occasional isolated incident. The potential danger that exists to passengers who travel on group tours to the Middle East is no greater than what they would experience in domestic travel. The streets and villages of Israel are more secure than the streets and cities of our own country. Our tour operators abroad are knowledgeable, efficient, and equipped to handle last-minute changes in our itineraries. Even remotely potential areas of disturbance are eliminated from the program on the spot. The passenger who considers cancellation or the prospective tour member who decides to postpone his or her tour plans because of presumed insecure conditions is simply misinformed.
Our own staff members travel along with our groups. With our constant awareness of the current political situation in Israel, we would not subject them to hazardous conditions. Likewise, our good reputation (even our continuation in business) is dependent on not placing our tour groups in an unsafe position.
Our own staff members travel along with our groups. With our constant awareness of the current political situation in Israel, we would not subject them to hazardous conditions. Likewise, our good reputation (even our continuation in business) is dependent on not placing our tour groups in an unsafe position.
During our time in the Holy Land, no one has access to our tour buses except members of the tour. Since our bus drivers own their own buses, they are extremely careful to take care of them and maintain the best possible security. Whenever our drivers must be away from their buses, the buses are always locked. We have never had a security problem in all our years of travel in Israel, which include 26 years and more than 80 tours.
Israel Travel Tips
- How should I pack?
Since the Israelis are very casual, you can pack lightly. Be sure to take comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a swimming suit, a sun hat, and a sweater or jacket for cool evenings. Comfortable, casual and “mix-and-match” are the secrets to a successful tour wardrobe. Ladies should wear modest outfits with shoulders and knees covered for touring religious sites. Men also will need to have their knees covered at religious sites. Do feel free to bring along some shorts on the trip, however, especially for Masada and the Dead Sea area. It is also wise to bring “water shoes” for the Jordan River baptism and floating in the Dead Sea. Many passengers, both men and women, find it quite comfortable to tour in shorts during the day at these warmer locations. Each evening, we will post the next day’s itinerary on the hotel’s bulletin board so that you may know in advance when shorts are not appropriate.
A tote is useful for carrying cameras, extra film, notebook, maps, jacket, bottle of water, aspirin, etc., during the day for sightseeing on the bus.
- How many pieces of luggage am I allowed to take?
Two check-in bags are allowed, but we strongly recommend only one large bag and one carry-on for your handling convenience.
- Do I need an electrical adapter?
Yes, if you plan to iron your clothes or use a hair dryer, etc. The current is 220V in Israel. Most luggage stores have Middle East adapter kits with converters.
- Should I take my Bible?
Yes! Having a Bible along greatly enhances a tour of the Holy Land, since you will be seeing the places where so many of the Bible’s significant events occurred. You may want to bring along a specially colored pen/pencil to highlight those scriptures you have studied while in His land.
- Will we be able to purchase things overseas?
Yes, but there are some restrictions as to what you can bring back into the U.S. It is a good idea to leave some room in your suitcase for packing those items you purchase.
- Do we need any shots?
No inoculations are needed.
- Will I be assigned a roommate on your tour?
If you have designated a specific roommate on your registration form, then that person will be your roommate. Otherwise, we will strive to assign a compatible roommate based on the information provided on your application. Please note that if we cannot provide a compatible roommate, you will be responsible to pay the additional single supplement noted on your registration form.
- Can I take photographs?
Yes, please bring your camera, lots of film and fresh batteries. It is best to protect your film in a filmshield bag (ask your local camera dealer) since it will be exposed to airport security X-rays.
- How much money should I take along?
We do not recommend taking large amounts of cash. We do recommend taking at least $200 in small bills (ones, fives and tens) that are in good condition (bills that are badly worn may not be as readily accepted). The rest of your money should be in the form of travelers checks (small denominations are best) and credit cards. Travelers checks and credit cards are readily accepted at the larger Israel merchants. The smaller shops prefer U.S. dollars or Israeli shekels. You will need approximately $25 per day for light lunches and snacks during sightseeing, in addition to any shopping you might wish to do. You may bring home up to $800 in duty-free merchandise. Experienced travelers bring extra money in the form of travelers checks on any trip.
NOTE: Although American currency in paper form is widely used, American coins are not acceptable in foreign countries.
- How do I carry prescription medicine?
Keep it in its original bottle with label, if possible. Otherwise, label it plainly. Please be sure to pack prescription medicine in your carry-on luggage.
- May I tape record the guides during the tour and on the bus?
Yes, we recommend it! Be sure to bring enough video or audio tapes.
- Will we be safe in Israel?
The areas where we travel are completely peaceful. We have never had a problem in 26 years of touring.
- Do we have to be careful about what we eat and drink?
Public health standards in Israel are equal to those in the United States. The water is completely safe to drink. The food is excellent throughout the tour. We do recommend drinking bottled water during our time in Jordan.
- Should I drink lots of water?
It is very easy, when away from your normal routine, to drink considerably less than you’re used to drinking. So make it a point to drink plenty of water.
- Will we have any tips or fees?
All tips and fees are collected with your final payment and are shown on your Registration Form. Once you leave your gateway city, all tipping and fees will be handled for you by your tour escort.
- Can children go along?
Yes. Children over 6 or 7 usually enjoy the trip very much and derive a special inspiration from it.
- Is there a number I can call to get further information?
Yes, call Zola Tours at 214-696-9760 during office hours (9 AM to 5 PM Central Time) and we will be glad to help you. You may leave a message on our answering machine after business hours.
- One last tip:
The air inside plane cabins is very dry. Because the transatlantic flight is long, many passengers find they arrive feeling very “dried out.” You may find it soothing to take along a chapstick or lip balm in your pocket. You may also wish to have a small bottle of orange juice or water with you to sip as needed. Water is available from the galleys on the airplane.