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How to Choose the Right Travel Agency for Your Group Tour

Key Tips for a Seamless, Memorable Experience

When planning a group tour—whether it’s a faith-based pilgrimage, a multi-generational family adventure, or a cultural heritage journey—choosing the right travel agency makes all the difference. The right partner not only takes the stress out of planning but ensures the entire experience is smooth, meaningful, and memorable.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you choose wisely:

✅ 1. Group Travel Expertise

Choose an agency that specializes in group tours and has a proven track record. Experience ensures smoother coordination and fewer surprises.

✅ 2. Customized Itineraries

Look for agencies that tailor tours to your group’s interests, values, and travel goals—rather than offering cookie-cutter options.

✅ 3. Destination Know-How

Agencies with deep knowledge of your destination can unlock exclusive experiences and…

Walking in Faith: Christian Pilgrimage Tours to the Holy Land & Beyond

For centuries, believers have embarked on life-changing pilgrimages to walk in the footsteps of Christ and the apostles. Whether it’s standing in awe at the Sea of Galilee, praying at the Garden of Gethsemane, or tracing Paul’s missionary journeys through Turkey and Greece, a Christian pilgrimage is more than just a trip—it’s a spiritual experience that deepens faith and brings biblical history to life.

Why Take a Christian Pilgrimage?

A pilgrimage is not just about seeing sacred sites—it’s about connecting with your faith in a profound way. Here’s why spiritual seekers embark on this journey:

  • Deepen Your Spiritual Connection – Experience the Bible in a tangible way by visiting the places where Jesus and His disciples walked.
  • Strengthen Your Faith Community

Must-Experience Moments on a Holy Land Tour

Looking to visit the Holy Land? Discover the four must-experience moments on an Israel tour that bring faith, history, and culture together.

A trip to Israel is more than just a vacation—it’s a spiritual journey. Whether you’re exploring ancient Jewish sites or retracing the steps of Jesus, Israel offers moments that will stay with you forever. These four experiences are some of the highlights of any Christian pilgrimage or Jewish heritage tour.

1. Watching the Sunrise Over Masada

No trip to Israel is complete without experiencing the stunning sunrise from Masada. As you ascend to this ancient fortress (via a hike or cable car), the views over the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert will take your breath away. The story…

Jerusalem, Israel

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Visit Israel: A Journey of Faith and Discovery

Israel has always been a land of profound spiritual significance, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history. Whether you’re considering a Jewish heritage tour or a Christian pilgrimage, now is the ideal time to travel. 2025/2026 offers a unique opportunity to explore Israel through exclusive guided tours that bring both history and faith to life. Here’s why visiting Israel should be on your travel bucket list this year.

Why Travel to Israel Now?

  • A Deeper Connection to History: Israel is a place where the past meets the present. From the ancient streets of Jerusalem to the breathtaking views of Masada, this land offers a profound connection to Jewish and Christian faith. Explore places like the Western Wall and Church of the Holy…
multi-generational family trip

Why Israel Should Be Your Next Family Vacation – An Unforgettable Adventure Awaits!

Are you tired of the usual family vacation spots like Florida or cruises?

Why not consider Israel for your next family getaway? Israel has it all – from rich historical sites to thrilling outdoor adventures, and a diverse culture that will make your trip truly unforgettable. Here’s why Israel should be at the top of your travel list.

A Journey Through History

Israel is a unique destination where history, culture, and faith intersect. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient biblical landmarks, or learning about the roots of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Israel offers something for everyone.

  • Religious Heritage: Visit sacred places like the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Walk through the Old City of Jerusalem, where…
Bar Mitzvah boy with parents reading Torah

Planning Your Child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah in Israel? Aufgang Travel Makes It Unforgettable!

Planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a monumental milestone, not only in your child’s life but in the life of your entire family. Celebrating this special occasion in Israel, the heart of Jewish history and tradition, adds a profound layer of meaning to the event. Whether it’s the Western Wall, Masada, or any other sacred site in Israel, having this celebration in the Land of Israel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that creates memories to last forever.

But with all the planning that comes with a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, organizing such a memorable event can be overwhelming. That’s where Aufgang Travel comes in – we specialize in making your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration seamless, special, and stress-free. We offer both customization…

Entry requirements to Israel

Electronic Travel Authorization for Entry into Israel

The new date that an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) will be required for travel to Israel is now January 1, 2025. All international travelers from visa-exempt countries must have a valid ETA-IL prior to departing for Israel.

The ETA-IL system began its pilot phase on June 1, 2024. Currently, participation is voluntary for interested visitors from eligible countries. To thank those who use the system during the pilot, the fee for the ETA-IL will be waived.

Key ETA Details:
– Visitors with a valid ETA-IL can stay up to 90 days in Israel.
– The ETA-IL is valid for up to 2 years or until the passport expires.
– In case of passport renewal or changes in personal…

The David Kempinski Officially Opens Today on Tel Aviv’s Beachfront 

The renowned Kempinski Hotels brand brings 125 years of five-star European hospitality to Tel Aviv.

Housed in a 34-story skyscraper designed by Feigin Architects, the 250-room-and-suite property opens to guests today, on the heels of the recent announcement of Israel’s borders opening to international tourism. With the Kempinski brand’s devotion to five-star service and accommodation, The David Kempinski Tel Aviv will undoubtedly become the standard-bearer for the city’s luxury hotel offerings. Among the property’s highlights are 56 suites of unprecedented grandeur, with magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow guests to soak in the natural light of the region. It includes the property’s triplex-penthouse suite, the largest of its kind in Tel Aviv and spanning more…

Israel Entry Requirements as of March 1, 2022

Starting March 1, 2022, tourists of all ages are allowed into Israel regardless of their vaccination status.

Incoming tourists must present a negative PCR test – conducted within 72 hours of the scheduled time of departure. The test result must be in English and include the traveler’s passport details.

All passengers must take a PCR test upon arrival in Israel. This includes vaccinated and recovered persons. Pre-registration is required on the sampling company’s website “Femi” located at Ben Gurion International Airport.

Exempted from a pre-departure COVID are recovered travelers that will present airline officials with a positive result of a PCR test or a rapid (antigen) test that was taken at an authorized site less than three months prior to boarding…

Special Travelling Notes on Israel

THE WAILING WALL

Men and women are not allowed to pray together. Men should approach on the left, women on the right.

A major part of worshipping in the Jewish faith includes ritual cleansing. Around the plaza, you will see fountains for hand washing before heading to pray.

For women, knees, chest and shoulders must be covered.  If you forget to bring a covering, guards will provide you with a piece of fabric for that purpose. Men should wear trousers and shoulders should be covered.  Men must also cover their heads with a simple hat without decoration or a cap. Should you not have a hat with you, communal paper kippahs are available.