Meals: while the food is wonderful with great variety, you will find it is different than your normal fare. You'll find lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Please avoid road side stands, bottled water is readily available, pack over the counter meds for upset stomach. Your tour includes the breakfast and dinner buffet at your hotel. Lunch is at your own expense - you'll stop somewhere as a group, some people only want to eat twice a day or eat trail mix.

Passport: must have at least 6 months left before expiration, name and address for airlines, leave one photocopy of your passport at home and take one photocopy with you (packed separately), neck or money belt

Health precautions: Health/accident insurance, shots - none required. Recommended: all routine vaccines up to date, plus HepA, typhoid for adventurous eaters, polio one time booster, list of hospitals participating in Bluecard worldwide

Packing tips: Bible, adequate supply of prescription medicines, extra pair of eye glasses/contacts, sunscreen, clothing: casual, easy, jacket, long pants, skirts, swimming suit, required: men-hat, women-scarf, good walking shoes, film is expensive in Israel

Travel Insurance: Travelex Insurance Services, 800-228-9792, our company code is 12-6020

Security: From the American Embassy: the potential for violence in the area remains high. The risk of being involved in violent incidents is decreased by travelling in groups (do not go off alone) and avoiding the old city at night except the Jewish quarter. Exercise caution at religious sites on holy days; Friday and Saturday. Immodestly dressed visitors have been assaulted in Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods. Israel has strict security measures that may affect visitors. Travel restrictions may be imposed with little or no warning. The tour guide may change the tour at any time based on security information.