Zola Tours Q&A
“A trip to Israel is worth ten years of Sunday School.” —Zola
10300 N. Central, Suite #170
Dallas, TX 75231
Tel: 214-696-9760 (M–F)
Tel: 800-966-3377 (Anytime)
Fax: 214-696-5885
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).
Note: Travel Experience International is now Zola Tours.
Passport Information
Apply early!
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 (100+) than Zola 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. Once our pilgrims tour with us 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. We have taken more than 100 trips to Israel, never cancelled one tour and have never had one safety problem in 27 years.
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 27 years and more than 100 tours.
Israel Travel Tips
- How should I pack?
Since the Israelis are very casual, you can pack lightly. Be sure to take comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, a swimming suit, and a sweater or jacket for cool evenings. Comfortable, casual and “mix-and-match” are the secrets to a successful tour wardrobe.
All passengers should wear modest outfits with shoulders and knees covered for touring religious sites (four days). Do feel free to bring along some shorts on the trip, however, especially for Masada and the Dead Sea area.
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. Ladies may want to bring along a dress or skirt just in case an impromptu opportunity arises to visit an evening synagogue service.
Some have asked if dining is formal, and what would be appropriate to wear. Formal attire is by no means a requirement. Men are not asked to wear coats and ties, and ladies are not required to wear dresses. Some do prefer to dress for dinner, and that is fine but not required. Casual wear is acceptable for dining throughout the tour. Many do dress up for Shabbat dinner on Friday’s so please do bring a nice outfit for that in case you decide to dress up.
Note: upon arrival in Israel you will receive a nice Immanuel Tours book bag for carrying your daily essentials like money, camera etc.
- How many pieces of luggage am I allowed to take?
El Al allows two check-in bags up to 50 pounds each, but we strongly recommend only one large bag. The carry-on must fit under your seat or in the luggage compartment overhead.
Carry-ons must not exceed 39 inches in total dimensions (length plus width plus height) and weigh no more than 17 pounds. Checked bags must not exceed a combined total of 106 inches in total dimensions (length plus width plus height) and must weigh no more than 50 pounds each. For example, if one bag is 62 inches, the second bag can be no more than 44 inches. There is a hefty charge for each pound over per bag.
- What travel documents do I need?
You will need a passport that expires at least six months after your return date. No Visa is needed to travel to Israel. If you will be traveling to Petra, a Visa is needed but we handle all the paperwork for you. All you need to submit is your passport information.
- 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 and Greece. Most luggage stores have Middle East adapter kits with converters.
- Do we need any shots?
No inoculations are needed.
- 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.
- Will I be assigned a roommate on your tour?
If you have not designated a specific roommate on your registration form, 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 for paying the additional single supplement noted on your registration form.
- Can I take photographs?
Yes, please bring your camera and fresh batteries. You may also want to consider bringing a flash drive to download pictures off of your camera.
Computers will be available most evenings for you to browse the internet and send emails.
- 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.
- How much money should I take along?
We do not recommend taking large amounts of cash. We do recommend taking at least $300 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 check cards or credit card. Traveler’s checks are not widely or easily accepted in Israel.
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 $400 in duty-free merchandise.
NOTE: Although U.S. paper currency is widely accepted, U.S. coins are not generally accepted 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.
- Will we be safe in Israel?
The areas where we travel are completely peaceful. We have never had a problem in 27 years of touring.
- What about Travel Insurance?
Zola Tours recommends Travel Guard Insurance. Apply online or call at 866-385-4839 and reference Zola Code 217022 for either insurance option. Choose between Basic and Deluxe Coverage.
- What will the weather be like?
Average Temperatures during our tour months:
March — Israel: 65–75 degrees, Petra: 90 degrees
June — Israel: 80–95
October — Israel: 70–80, Petra: 85, Greece: 60–70 - Will I have the opportunity to do laundry?
Laundry and dry cleaning is not self-serve in the hotels, rather you will drop your clothes off at the front desk and they will be returned to you. This can run $20-$30, depending on the number of items.
Many passengers find they can either wash items in the sink or just take enough delicates to get them through the entire trip. Before you drop your clothes off, please get a return time and date so you can be sure we’ll still be at that hotel once your clothes are ready. Clothes will be left in your room.
- What is the time difference?
Israel is seven hours later than US Eastern Time. For example, if it's 7 AM in New York, then it's 2 PM in Israel.
- Can I keep my valuables in my room/on the tour bus? Will they be safe there?
There is a safe in each hotel room. Also, the tour bus is locked at all times when we are 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.
- 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 (except for on-your-own lunches).
All entrance fees for all excursions during the tour are paid, however, one of the excursions calls for us to plant a tree in Israel. This is totally voluntary, but if you would like to do that, the fee is $10. Couples or passengers traveling together will often plant one tree together.
- What if there is an emergency?
How can my family get in touch with me and how can I call home?
Your packet includes a list of hotels where we will stay so your family can call the hotel directly. You will also be able to call home from the hotel. If you plan on calling frequently, it is recommended that you purchase a pre-paid calling card. The instructions on the card are easy to follow.
Most passengers find they get along fine without a cell phone as computers are available in the evenings where you can email loved ones. But if you would like a cell phone, you arrange one at this website: talknsave.net
- 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.