FACTS AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE HOLY LAND

Climate              

The climate in the Holy land is reasonably predictable and seasonal. Summers can get hot especially in the months of July and August and quite chilly in the winter, particularly in the northern hills. Snow occasionally falls on the hills and Mount Hermon in the north turns into a ski resort in the winter. Rain falls only during the winter, but is often more sunny than cloudy. In the summer, the Holy Land suffers for days at a time the hot desert wind know in Arabic as 'khamseen" (meaning fifty). Jerusalem summers although hot in the daytime, are fairly cool at night requiring a sweater.

Currency  

The Israeli currency is Shekel (NIS). Exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis with one (1) US Dollar equaling approximately 4 NIS. Most stores and hotels also accept US dollars as well as other foreign currencies. Cash and traveler's checks are always recommended. Credit cards are also a good exchange media, and more often than expected, personal checks may be accepted.

Israeli money can be exchanged at Banks or Money Changers.

Visas        

Tourist visas for Israel, Jordan or any other Middle Eastern destination should be obtained from your local respective embassies or consulates. US citizens do not need visas to visit Israel.

Time        

The Holy Land is 2 hours ahead of GMT, 7 hours ahead of US EST and 10 hours ahead of PST.
Israel also uses daylights savings with similar dates as those in the United States.

Holidays

Christian Holidays:  

Assumption of the Virgin

Ascension

Pentecost

Palm Sunday

Good Friday

Easter

Christmas

Jewish Holidays

Sukkot

Purim

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

Hannukah

Pesach

Shavuot

Muslim Holidays

Mawlud

Ras Es-Sana

Ramadan

Eid Al Fitr

Miaraj

Eid At Adha

Clothing           

When visiting the Holy Land, two sets of clothing should be taken. Conservative attire should be worn when visiting religious shrines and Jewish Orthodox areas. For women and men, shorts are not acceptable at these sites. Women should wear skirts or pants , men should stick with pants. Tank tops are also not recommended.

Traditional western clothing is appropriate in the Middle East.

Food                   

All types of food are available in the Holy Land, from Big Macs to Falafel Sandwiches. Local fast food is fairly inexpensive and delicious. You can find falafel sandwiches, shawerma (similar to Gyros in the U.S.), Lahm wa Ajeen (Meat Pizza), Kababs, Hummos as well as Italian pizza and hamburgers.

Sit down dining is a fun experience with the traditional Palestinian dips and antipasto, barbecued lamb and chicken.

Most hotels have buffet breakfast.

When in Tiberias and the Galilee, fish is a must.

All western type foods are available in grocery stores and supermarkets such as cereal and peanut butter.

ATLAS TOURS & TRAVEL IS A DIVISION OF ATLAS AVIATION

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