Affordable Israel Tours for Christians from South Africa
Q & A
Heavenly International Tours South Africa replies to questions:
Why Choose Heavenly International Tours?
- Affordable budget Christian Group Tours to Israel and other destinations.
- Special packages for church groups, individuals, and families from South Africa.
- Guaranteed departure dates for your convenience.
- Expert local guides for tours in Israel, Turkey, Greece, and Italy.
- Over 31 years of experience in organizing Christian pilgrimages and group travel.
Book your Holy Land Tour today with Heavenly International Tours and experience the journey of a lifetime!
Why should Christians visit Israel?
Q: Why is Israel such an important destination for Christians?
A: Israel is the birthplace of Christianity, and it holds deep historical, spiritual, and cultural significance. Sites like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, and Nazareth are central to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. For many Christians, visiting these places is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Christ, connect with the Bible, and deepen their faith.
Q: Is Israel safe for South African tourists?
A: Since October 7, 2023 Israel fought a war in 7 fronts: Gazah, Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Yemen.
Besides Hamas in Gaza there is a cease fire. Now days (July 2025) Israel negotiate the release of hostages and a cease fire.
We at Heavenly International Touts S.A takes safety very seriously. The owner of the company is an Israeli born, knows the dynamics and follows the daily security situation. From 7th July 2025 airlines started to return to Tel Aviv. We at Heavenly decided to resume tours to the Holy Land as from April 2026. Israel is generally safe for tourists, including those from South Africa. The country takes security seriously and has stringent measures in place to protect visitors.
Q: Do South African citizens need a visa for a trip to Israel?
A: No, South African citizens don’t need a visa to enter Israel. Like all tourists from around the world all that they are required is to fill up a tourist online form and pay a small amount.
Other nationalities in neighboring countries of South Africa. Countries like Swaziland and Lesotho don’t require a visa. All other countries do require. To apply for a visa you need to contact the Israeli consulate in Pretoria, download the application from their website and submit with all the requierments. A lot of personal information is required and therefore we can not assist with the application, other then give you a letter of invitation for a tour after you paid deposit for the tour.
What is the Tour cost
Q: How much a group tour package to Israel from South Africa cost ? What is the price for 7-8 days ?
A: The tour cost depends on the size of the group, airfare, Rate of $/Rand exchange, class of hotels, time of the year, etc.
Please send an email or click on the tour you are asking and click on INQUIRE to get a tour brochure with rates.
Q: How much it cost for children ?
A: Depends on the cost of the package, a child younger than 11 years old sharing a room with 2 adults gets a discountR4,000-R5,000.
Generally, the cost in our Super Saver groups for 7 nights tour.
Q: We are from Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and are looking for Holy Land tour packages.
Are there additional costs ?
A: The group departs from Johannesburg, so you will need to book online cheap flights to meet the group at ORT.
Q: What Christian sites are visited in Israel ?
A: We will follow all the important milestones in Jesus life (click on the links below for more information):
Nazareth, Cana, Mount Tabor, Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, Mt. Beatitudes, Baptismal Site at Jordan River, Caesaria Phillipi, Mount Carmel, Megiddo, Caesaria, Jaffa, Ein Karem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Mount of Temptation, Dead Sea, Qumran, Massada, Ein Gedi, Jerusalem, City of David, Siloam Tunnel, Temple Mount, Pools of Bethesda, Via Dolorosa, Ecce Homo Arch, Churh of Holy Sepulchre, Room of Last Supper, Garden Tomb, Gathsemane, Western Wall, Old City Walls, Israel Museum & Dead Sea Scrolls,
Q: Can I have Baptism in the Jordan River ?
A: Yes. All our group tours can have optional Baptism.
Q: Can we have a short ceremony to renew our vow ?
A: Renew of vow is done in Canna of Galilee. Depending how busy is the church with visitors, the group Pastor can conduct it at the yard.
Q: How much it cost to add a tour to Petra ?
A: Please contact us for more details.
Q: How to book a tour ?
A: All the steps are explained in the brochure.
Q: When is the best time for South Africans to visit Israel?
A: The best time to visit Israel is during the spring (March to July or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Avoid the hot summer months (June to August), especially if you’re not used to high temperatures. The winter months can be rainy, but many find it a good time to visit if they prefer fewer tourists.
Q: What kind of clothing should I pack for my trip to Israel?
A: Israel can vary greatly in climate depending on the region. In Jerusalem and the mountains, it can get cool in the evenings, so packing a light jacket is a good idea. If you’re visiting coastal areas like Tel Aviv, it’s often warmer. If you’re visiting religious sites, modest dress is recommended — women should cover their shoulders, and men should avoid sleeveless shirts when visiting churches or mosques.
Q: Are there any cultural or religious customs I should be aware of while in Israel?
A: Yes, Israel is a culturally rich and diverse country with people from various backgrounds, including Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Respect local customs:
Always ask before taking photos, especially in religious sites.
When visiting religious sites, follow the appropriate dress code.
Be mindful of the Sabbath (Shabbat), which runs from Friday evening to Saturday evening when many businesses close.
Food and Dietary Preferences
Q: What types of food can I expect?
A: Israeli cuisine is diverse, with influences from the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Jewish traditions. You can expect dishes like falafel, hummus, shawarma, and fresh salads. Many restaurants offer kosher meals (for Jewish dietary laws) and halal options. If you follow a specific diet (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free), most restaurants can accommodate you.
Transportation
Q: How do I get around Israel during the tour?
A: Most organized Christian tours of Israel provide transportation, which makes getting around easy.
Connecting with the Local Christian Community
Q: Are there opportunities to meet with local Christians during my visit?
A: Yes, many Christian tour groups in Israel offer opportunities to meet local Christian communities. You might visit churches, community centers, or meet local pastors and priests who share insights about the Christian presence in the Holy Land. Some tours also include experiences like prayer services at significant Christian sites.
Currency and Payment
Q: What currency is used in Israel, and should I bring cash or cards?
A: The currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases or when visiting markets. ATMs are easily accessible, and you can exchange currency at airports or local exchange offices.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
Q: Do I need any vaccinations or health precautions before traveling to Israel?
A: There are no mandatory vaccinations to visit Israel, but it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider for any recommended vaccinations before traveling. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers health-related issues during your trip.
Christian Pilgrimage Sites Outside Israel
Q: Are there any Christian pilgrimage sites outside Israel I can visit during my trip?
A: Yes, nearby countries like Jordan and Egypt have important Christian pilgrimage sites. In Jordan, for example, you can visit Mount Nebo (where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land) and Bethany Beyond the Jordan (the site of Jesus’ baptism). In Egypt, you could explore Christian sites linked to the Holy Family’s journey.
Local Christian History
Q: Can you tell me more about the history of Christianity in Israel?
A: Christianity in Israel dates back to the time of Jesus. Jerusalem is a pivotal city in Christian history, with the earliest Christian communities emerging here shortly after the Resurrection. Over the centuries, the Holy Land has seen a blend of different Christian denominations, including Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant traditions. Many sites in Israel, like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, are shared by multiple Christian groups, each adding to the rich spiritual history of the region.
16. What to Bring Back as Souvenirs
Q: What souvenirs can I buy that reflect the Christian heritage of Israel?
A: There are many meaningful Christian-themed souvenirs to bring back:
Olive wood carvings (often of religious scenes or figures)
Holy Land crosses (made from olive wood or other materials)
Religious books, icons, or prayer cards
Water from the Jordan River (many tourists take this home as a symbol of Jesus’ baptism)
Q: Israel Tour Itinerary for South African Christians
A: Please visit the homepage www.heavenlytours.co.za or https://heavenlytours.co.za/package/ to find all the current tour packages and itineraries. If you send us an email or fill up an inquiry, we will send you a comprehensive tour brochure with rates.
Q: Do you sell genuine anointing oil from the Holy Land ?
A: Yes. In bulk for churches. The minimum order is 100 10 ml bottles. For any less, shipping cost from Israel will be high. This anointing oil is genuine, made in Bethlehem in the Holy Land from Olive trees groves around Bethlehem and Nazareth: Rose of Sharon, Frankincinse, Elijah, Queen Esther, Myrth, Jasmin, Lily of the Valleys.
We answer to most of questions asked about Christians tours to Israel from South Africa
