Frequently Asked Questions
You can get a full brochure from Noah or it can be downloaded here. https://maranathatours.com/wp-content/uploads/Null-BROCHURE.pdf
Should I purchase trip insurance?
Paul (our primary tour guide recommends it). Before you do, it is worth contacting your own insurance company to see if you already have travel and international health coverage. A full breakdown of the travel insurance can been seen or downloaded here: https://maranathatours.com/wp-content/uploads/Travelex-Brochure.pdf
What are flight departure and arrival times?
September 16th: Leave: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at 6:15pm (Turkish Airlines #80) Arrive: 9:55pm Tel Aviv (September 17th)
September 24th or 26th: Leave: Tel Aviv 8:40am (8/24 Turkish Airlines #865) Arrive: 4:35pm San Francisco
Can I make my own travel arrangements and pay for the land only portion of the trip?
YES. Depending on when you sign up I can give you the exact amount that the land only portion will cost.
What does the Land Only Tour cost?
$2,614.00
Do I need to have a roommate or can I get a room for myself?
YES. But there is an additional charge for having your own room. Single-room supplement totals for: $622 and if you choose the trip extension: $187.
When is the last day I can register?
UPDATED: Plan on registering no later than 90 days before the trip (June 18th). Final Payment is due 45 days prior to the trip (August 2nd). You can register after the 90 day mark, however depending on airfare your final cost will increase.
What are dates of the trip?
September 16th – 24th, with an optional extension thru the 26th (the extension is an additional $527.00 based on 20 people signing up for it).
What is the daily schedule like?
Breakfast is from 7 – 8 am, tour time 8 – 6 pm, dinner 6 – 7pm. although lunch is NOT provided , there will be time each day to buy lunch. Plan on walking between 2 and 4 miles a day.
What will the weather be like?
Average September Temperature in Tiberias is 81 degrees
Average September Temperature in Jerusalem is 72 degrees
Where will we be staying in Israel?
The Leonardo Club Hotel by the Sea of Galilee
Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem
Should I bring extra money?
They recommend that you bring $50 in $1’s for street shopping. Included meals: Unlimited buffet breakfasts and dinners for each day in Israel. Credit cards will work, however make sure your credit card doesn’t have a foreign transaction fee. There will be time to eat lunch (often on the run) but lunches ARE NOT included.
Should I pay with a credit card or check/money order?
The tour company covers the credit cart processing fee on your $500 registration fee. After you register you’ll get a bill for the remainder of the trip. If you pay the remainder on a credit card they will ADD ON 5% to cover the credit card processing fee, to avoid the extra 5% fee, mail a check or money order when you get your bill. The bill they send you will have their mailing address on it (here it is as well):
Maranatha Tours Inc.
18428 N. 42nd Place
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Are they breakfast and dinner options for someone who has dietary restrictions?
Yes. They can make arrangements for people who are: gluten intolerant, vegan or vegetarian. Please email Amie ahead of time so that she can make arrangements (amie@naranathatours.com)
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What else can I do in preparation for the Trip?
Paul recommended these books: Christians Traveler’s Guide to the Holy Land by Charles H. Dyer and In the Steps of Jesus by Peter Walker
Paul recommended this power adapter: BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter
If you still have questions after reading the above or below, email Noah: noah@sierra.church
From the Brochure: Terms and Conditions
ACCOMMODATIONS: First class hotels based on twin occupancy with bath. Single-room supplement totals for ISRAEL: $622 and MORE OF ISRAEL: $187.
MEALS: Unlimited buffet breakfasts (7 basic / 2 extension) and dinners (7 basic / 2 extension) daily in Israel are included. No meals are provided in USA. Extra charge for coffee, tea or other beverage not included in the menu of the day. If a passenger chooses not to have a meal, there will be no refund for unused meals.
AIRLINE ROUTES & TICKETS: In order to keep prices low, MTI does not guarantee the most direct routing to your final destination. Once “printed” or “issued”, airline tickets cannot be changed or refunded thereafter. Air transportation to/from your destination will be economy class on IATA and ARC carriers utilizing APEX or SUPER APEX non-refundable, non-amendable tickets for groups of 10 or more flying together on entire itinerary. Full payment is due 45 days prior to commencement of travel. If the passenger cancels within 35 days of departure or after air tickets are written (whichever comes sooner), then 100% of airfare will be forfeited by passenger. All airfares are subject to government approval and change without notice. AIR–Because the travel dates are more than 6 months away, the costs and schedules could change. Please Note: A New York overnight may be necessary for any groups traveling from the West Coast, either on the outbound or return. Airline tickets are issued 45 days prior to departure. Seat assignments can be requested but are not guaranteed as most group seat assignments can only be finalized at the airport upon check in.
ADDITIONAL AIRLINE FEES: You may incur additional airline baggage and optional fees (food, Excess Baggage, Items of a Personal Nature etc…) and will be charged by the air line at checkin.
TIPS AND TAXES: Tips to guides & drivers, gratuities to porters, restaurant and hotel servers, fuel surcharges, foreign departure taxes and visas (for US passport holders) are included in the tour cost. (Increases in government taxes, fuel surcharges, gratuities and visas fees are subject to change). The taxes as of print are: ISRAEL $623, the tips as of print are: ISRAEL $110 MORE OF ISRAEL $42 per person.
SIGHTSEEING: By modern motor coach including services of English speaking guides and entrance fees to places included in the itinerary. Where available all groups will be provided with portable listening devices. Passengers are responsible for loss or damage of the device.
NOT INCLUDED: Passport, laundry, wines, liquors, mineral waters and after-dinner coffee or tea, meals not included in the itinerary, room service, sightseeing or services other than those specifically mentioned. Baggage fees and surcharges are different for every airline therefore please contact the airline for specific baggage allowance and fees. Maranatha Tours is not responsible for these related fees as this is solely the responsibility of the passenger.
PASSPORTS, VISAS: A valid passport is required for all passengers. If you do not have a passport please contact your local passport office. Passports must be valid for 6 months after return date. For all non-US citizens please consult the consulate for each country you will be entering as a VISA may also be required and will be the responsibility of each passenger to obtain.
CHANGES & DEVIATIONS: All changes and deviations will incur a $125 fee, plus any other additional costs associated with services included in the basic or pre/post tour and change requests must be received at least 90 days prior to the departure of the tour. Transfers are included in our group round-trip programs, passengers who deviate or purchase land only packages will be responsible for arriving and leaving independently and must transfer at their own expense.
TOUR PRICE: Price is based on international tariffs and rates in effect on date of proposal and is subject to change should there be a revision in AIR or LAND rates prior to payment in full of the tour price. Price is based on a minimum of passengers using double occupancy. In the event that a minimum of passengers does not book the tour within 91 days of departure the agent reserves the right to cancel the tour. You will be notified immediately upon any increase and will have the option of paying the difference or canceling with full refund. Late booking or changes may result in an additional fee. Maranatha Tours Inc. reserves the right to correct invoices, itineraries, and/or brochures without notice.
PRICE INCREASES: All prices quoted in this brochure are subject to change if not paid in full due to currency fluctuations, fuel surcharge increases, government taxes and fees increases or unforeseen circumstances. You will be notified immediately upon discovery of an increase and will have the option of paying the difference or canceling with full refund.
LAND ONLY: From time to time a tour may be canceled due to not materializing. If you choose to purchase a land only package and arrange your own domestic and international flight independently, Maranatha Tours Inc. will not be responsible for domestic, international flights or transfers of any kind. Maranatha Tours is not responsible for any International flight schedule changes. If domestic tickets are purchased by an individual all penalties and fare differences will be paid by the client.
RESERVATIONS: Reservations received within 90 days or less from departure may incur an additional late fee plus any additional fees based on air availability at that time of registration. For reservations received 90 – 61 days prior to departure a $100 late reservation fee) will be applied (plus additional airline & land fees).. For Reservations received 60 – 31 days before departure the late fee will be $200; for reservations received 30 – 1 days prior to departures the late fee will be $300 per person. Additional fees will be advised upon registration.
TOUR PROTECTION PLAN: (optional): Maranatha Tours Inc. recommends you purchase a Tour Protection Plan for Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay, and more. To view/download the Policy, go to: http:// policy.travelexinsurance.com/323A-1217.
DEPOSIT, PAYMENTS AND CANCELLATION: A deposit of $500 per person plus the cost of optional travel insurance (if elected to take) is required to secure reservations, which will be applied to the price of the tour. An additional 25% of the remaining balance will be due at 200 days prior, 120 days prior, and 60 days prior to the departure. The remaining balance to be paid in full not later than 45 day prior to departure of the tour. If payment is not received 45 days prior to departure, a $100 late payment fee will be assessed. All cancellations must be in writing by letter, fax or e-mail to Maranatha Tours and will be in effect on the date of receipt by Maranatha Tours Inc.T here is no exception to cancellation fee. Any exceptions must be in writing from Maranatha Tours Inc. Air penalties are not part of the percentages below and vary based on the airline policy at the time of ticket issue. Returned checks incur a $30 NSF fee. Cancellation Fees:
- •121 + Days Prior: $100.00 per person administration fee
- •120 – 91 Days Prior: $200 for international tour, $500 for international tour and cruise
• 90 – 61 Days Prior: $500 for international tour, $700 for International tour and cruise • 60 – 46 Days Prior: 50% of tour cost
• 45 Days Prior or less: 100% of tour cost
RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY: Land arrangements including surface transportation: Maranatha Tours Inc., and the participating Tour Operators operate the land tours offered under this program only as agents of the railroads, car rental contractors, steamship lines, hotels, bus operators, sightseeing contractors and others which provide the actual land arrangements and are not liable for any act, omission, delay, injury, loss or damage or non-performance occurring in connection with these land arrangements. International air carriers and other IATA carriers, steamship lines and other transportation companies whose services are featured in these tours are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyance. The passage contract in use by these companies when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the companies and the purchaser of these tours and/or passage. The tour operator reserves the right to change the itinerary, delete or substitute sites when tour operator feels it to be in the best interest of the tour. Maranatha Tours does not provide additional assistance to any passengers that have physical or mobility limitations as tour itineraries require full mobility. Please advise Maranatha Tours if you have any limitations that may impact your tour.
FIT TO TRAVEL: By registering, passengers accept responsibility for being in good health and able to walk and travel on the tour. Many sites are not accessible to physically challenged and may limit the overall tour experience. Maranatha Tours does not provide additional assistance to passengers with physical or mobility limitations as tour itineraries require full mobility. Please advise Maranatha Tours if you have any limitations that may impact your tour.
ITINERARY CHANGES: The tour operator reserves the right to change the itinerary due to emergencies. If itinerary changes necessitate extra overnights, you will be charged the cost of the additional hotel accommodations, meals and single rooms supplements required. Should sights be missed due to necessary changes, no refund for missed touring will be given.
CHANGES & DEVIATIONS: All changes and deviations will incur a $125 fee, plus any other additional costs associated with services included in the basic or pre/post tour and change requests must be received at least 90 days prior to the departure of the tour. Transfers are included in our group round-trip programs, passengers who deviate or purchase land only packages will be responsible for arriving and leaving independently and must transfer at their own expense.
CREDIT CARDS: All prices include a 5% discount for payment by cash, check or money order.
EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS:Foreign currency exchange rates fluctuate daily. In the past years the, Euro rates versus the US Dollar fluctuated from a low below 1.10 to almost 1.70 (meaning that one Euro cost $1.10 to $1.70 US). It is very difficult to set the price of a tour when we cannot predict what exchange rates will do. We price our tours at $1.10 = € 1 and adjust for fluctuations at final billing. If the rate drops below the original rate, we pass the savings on If rates increases, we must pass those costs on.