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Each trip is a little different so times and activities may very.
Remember you are on a studying tour so this is no vacation. If you are looking to lounge around a pool and shop all day then these trips are not for you. The idea is to get the most out of each day and experience as much of the Bible as possible. For many people this may be their only trip to the Holy Land. Also, this tour requires us to travel as a group so keep others in mind as decisions by tour leaders are based on what is best for the group rather than the individual alone.
6:15 am – Wake up call (It’s early but worth it)
Time to get ready for your day. While it would be great to sleep in there is just way too much to see and we want everyone to get the most out of the trip. Start to mentally prepare before the trip for this type of schedule and that way it will not catch you off guard.
Helpful Hint: Layout all your clothes and anything you need the night before to help maximize your morning. If it is a transition day where we move hotels then you will bring your luggage and all your belongings down to the lobby before breakfast.
Helpful Hint: Bring a small bag or backpack that you can keep on the bus each day with extra snacks, Gatorade, money, passport, sweatshirt, sunscreen or anything else you may need during the day. This way you can resupply your little hiking backpack each time you return to the bus. The bus is completely secure and a great place to leave your valuables.
7:00 am – Breakfast (Best part of waking up)
There is no better way to start the day then with an amazing sampling of Israeli breakfast cuisine, coffee and fellowship with your friends on the tour. You will be overwhelmed by the assortment of food each morning in the breakfast buffets, which guarantee to have a little something for every type of palate.
Helpful Hint- Leave a few minutes early from breakfast to use the bathroom and check out of your room at the front desk so you don’t hold up the group when it’s time to leave.
7:45 am- Devotional and Instructions (Perspective is key)
The touring day begins by meeting together with your trip leader for a quick devotional time to set the focus for the day as well as go over any important details.
8:00 am – Lets go (It’s a Big Day! You will not believe what you get to see)
While other tour groups are just starting breakfast we are on our way to our first sight in order to get the most out of our day.
Helpful Hint: Have all your things ready to go so you can exit the bus quickly when you arrive at your destination (water filled up, sunscreen applied, snacks, camera, study guide). Your tour leader will let you know when you are 5 minutes from leaving the bus to help you be ready.
10:00 am -Let’s continue to experience the land (On and off the bus)
During your tour you will be on and off the bus often traveling between Biblical sights. Depending on the day you will see between 3-6 different site locations. Take good notes and journal often, as this trip will feel like it is flying by.
Helpful Hint: Take advantage of the time that you will have on the bus. Your guide will let you know if you will be traveling for just 15 min or up to 2 hours. While driving, take time to journal the last location, look outside, ask questions or update your Facebook (when WIFI is available on the bus). Try not to sleep, as there is a lot to see and experience while driving.
Noon or something close to it – (Lunch prepared just for you)
Your Israeli guide and driver will be taking care of your lunch and preparing it for you onsite. While other tours require you to pay for lunch and lose precious sightseeing time driving you into town to find a restaurant, your GTI team will have it ready for you when you return from your teaching site.
Helpful hint: Pack snacks that you can carry with you throughout the day. Lunch is not always right at noon plus a majority of you will be dealing with a 8-10 hr time shift which means your time clock in regards to eating will be a bit off. Snacks on hand are a lifesaver. Just make sure they don’t contain chocolate or anything else that can melt easily.
3:00 pm – This country may be small but there is a lot to see!
You will be amazed at how much there is to do, see and learn while on your study tour. It’s good to mentally prepare before the trip for full days of learning and engaging with Middle Eastern culture. It’s around this time of the day that you are glad you brought some snacks, have broken in those shoes, and did the Pre-trip Course.
Helpful hint: Bring a sharpie pen and some zip lock bags with you every day. Some of the best souvenirs for friends and family are rocks and pottery shards you find at different teaching locations. What friend wouldn’t want a rock from the streambed where David fought Goliath.
Helpful hint: There is so much to see and experience that it can be overwhelming. Taking the time before the trip to do the Pre-trip Course will build you a foundation and help make the trip itself feel less like drinking from a fire hose.
6:00 pm – Arrive at the hotel around dinner time (Let’s break bread together)
When you arrive at a new hotel unload your things and wait in the lobby as your tour leader passes out your keys to your rooms. Each night you will be treated to an amazing buffet dinner that will allow you to enjoy dishes that you recognize and love as well as try some delicacies that may be new. During dinner, as well as afterward in the lobby, is a great time to connect with friends and discuss the many things you have seen as well journal your thoughts and experiences.
Helpful hint : Each night take time to journal your experiences. Due to the quick pace of the tour you have to stay on top of this every evening or you will begin to forget the amazing things you have seen and learned.
8:00 pm - You’re tired but don’t go to bed yet (Jet lag can be tough)
You’re going to be tired and want to enjoy a good night’s sleep but the best way to get over jet lag is to adjust to your new time zone. Do what ever it takes to stay up to 9 or 10 pm. This is a great time to contact family back home (always remember the time difference), set out your things for tomorrow, or open up your Bible and journal.
Helpful hint: Contacting family back home can be done via phone, Internet, Skype, Face time or a whole lot of other options. Click here to check out the section regarding staying in touch with family and friends while on your study tour.
Helpful hint: Bringing a prescription or over the counter sleep aid can be very helpful during the first few nights as your body begins to adjust to the new time zone and work through jet lag.