While vacationing in Turkey, it is sometimes desirable to break the monotony of sunbathing on the beach by visiting interesting places. Turkey undoubtedly boasts a wealth of attractions—each unique and captivating in its own way. In this article, however, we want to tell you about a particular trip: an excursion from Turkey to Israel (yes, such an option exists).
General Information
Back in 2024 (and even in 2025) the excursion from Turkey that included a visit to Israel was among the top 10 most popular tours among travelers—and for good reason. If you have the financial means, be sure to visit the place where Jesus Christ was born. Regardless of whether you are religious or not, this is an important part of history, featuring magnificent architecture and plenty to see. The tour of Jerusalem lasts about a day and is conducted at a brisk pace; after all, there is so much to see in just one day. Of course, you can see far more if you plan independently, but that means taking full responsibility for the logistics. If you’re up for the challenge, go for it, but if not, consider booking an organized tour.
The standard tour program usually includes visits to:
- The Pilgrims’ Center.
- Bethlehem (the Church of the Nativity).
- The Jordan River.
- The Dead Sea.
- The Old City.
- The Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- The Wailing Wall.
All these sites are often viewed in a rather hurried manner, and it is quite disappointing that more time is allocated for browsing the souvenir stands than for the actual tour. Nonetheless, you will still have the opportunity to see the attractions, take some photos, record videos, and enjoy the excursion. We will detail each stage of the tour below.
The Journey
The journey to Israel is not the simplest part, as Ben Gurion Airport is known as one of the safest in the world. Accordingly, you can expect extremely strict security measures.
The time required for customs and pre-flight security checks can be up to 2 hours. However, some travelers report that they did not encounter such stringent screening—much depends on luck.
Here are a few recommendations:
- Ensure that all your electronic devices are fully charged (you may be asked to turn them on; if a device is dead, a security officer might wait until it’s partially charged—along with you!).
- If you have a stamp showing prior travel in an Arab country (such as Egypt or the UAE), be prepared to answer questions about where you stayed, which hotel, and in which city.
- Avoid carrying too many items. A small backpack that can be carried as hand luggage is ideal and will also speed up the security process.
- If you hold a passport from a non-EU country (for example, from Eastern European states), consider arranging an agreement with your guide regarding a refund for the tour in case you are denied entry (there have been cases where travelers were not allowed to enter and later found it difficult to obtain a refund).
Be prepared for intensive security checks, and seriously consider whether to bring a child along – they are likely to find the experience uninteresting, and you might end up regretting it. (This has been proven!)
And regarding alcohol – NO!!! Alcohol is not prohibited in Israel, but consuming it may put you at a disadvantage. The climate can be oppressively warm, and if you are intoxicated, even mildly, it can become quite problematic. Please take this friendly advice seriously!
Returning to the topic of security checks, there have been instances when travelers were simply denied entry and had to wait for their group at the airport for a full day—the reason is never disclosed. So, the most intimidating part is the airport; after that, it’s much smoother. As with any informational article, we aim to warn you against the worst-case scenario, though reading these accounts might be a bit alarming. Yes, there can be difficulties with the security process, but it is not guaranteed that you will experience them.
Pricing
An excursion to Israel is not cheap, especially given the current exchange rates. It remains one of the few tours where it is advisable to opt for a guided trip, at least to ensure that you have an English-speaking guide who can clearly explain the sites.
A one-day tour costs between $240 and $270, which includes the flight. The child’s ticket is less expensive and largely depends on the airplane fare.
Departure Cities
There are two Turkish cities offering flights to Israel: Istanbul and Antalya. Both cities offer direct flights, and from Antalya you can also fly to Israel via Istanbul (ideal for those who want to explore Turkey’s premier city).
Ticket prices vary: a direct flight from Antalya to Tel Aviv costs around $106, while a flight with a stopover in Istanbul is approximately $160. Direct flights from Istanbul are priced at about $130.
Flight durations range from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Is a Visa Required?
Do you need a visa to visit Israel and how long does it take to process? The answer is simple: citizens of many countries, including those from former Soviet states, do not require a visa for stays of less than three months. This applies to most travelers in the region.
Traveling with a Child
There are no special restrictions for minors entering Israel; the same entry conditions apply to children as to adults (their passport must be valid for at least six months and one day beyond the date of entry).
If a child is traveling with only one parent, you must have the other parent’s notarized consent, along with the child’s birth certificate. These requirements are standard for international travel and may be enforced by border officials. Although an officer might occasionally overlook this, you should never rely on luck.
Interesting Sites
Let’s briefly review the attractions included in the tour:
Before the tour officially begins, all travelers are taken to the so-called Pilgrims’ Center, where a wide variety of souvenirs and religious items are sold. Prices here are notoriously high. Some items are better purchased in Palestine, where they are more reasonably priced and of similar quality.
After the Pilgrims’ Center comes the Palestinian Autonomous Territory – the place where Jesus Christ was born, at the Church of the Nativity. This small basilica was built over the cave where, according to the Gospels, Jesus was born. You can view both the cave and the basilica’s interior, which is adorned with many Byzantine frescoes, including a unique icon of the Virgin Mary smiling (visitors traditionally pray for the well-being of their children near it).
Prices at the church are exorbitant – one of the most unpleasant aspects of the tour. You are allowed to photograph everything.
After the Church of the Nativity, travelers are taken to the Jordan River. The purpose of this visit is to immerse oneself in the sacred waters and to purchase a white baptismal garment immediately before the immersion. According to legend, once purchased, the garment is never washed; instead, it is kept at home and worn during times of severe illness, as it is believed to aid recovery. On the downside, there are hardly any proper changing facilities – everything is done in haste and in a cramped, dirty space. It almost seems designed to prevent the traveler from questioning the necessity of these purchases. “Do as told, hurry up, fellow travelers!”
Incidentally, if you end up with an incompetent guide, you might not even get to the river because access is controlled – the river forms a border, and immersion is only permitted at certain times.
The Dead Sea is essentially a place where tourists are taken to simply witness its existence. There is little in the way of service – even the showers are basic. The primary purpose of the visit is more informative than therapeutic, as one hour of bathing won’t cure anything.
The water in the Dead Sea is extremely salty. Diving is not recommended – in fact, it is prohibited – because the salt will sting your face. In addition to the water, your guide will discuss the therapeutic properties of the mud and mention that it is best to purchase it pre-processed from a local shop (the key word here is BUY). It almost seems as if, if it were possible, they would charge you for every little thing – even for a complimentary smear of sea mud.
After the Dead Sea, the itinerary continues with Jerusalem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – the site where Jesus was crucified and buried. The visit follows a standard order: admire the interior decoration of the church, take photographs, and jostle with numerous other tourists. The crowds are immense and the pace brisk, so be prepared.
After the church, the tour proceeds to the Wailing Wall. Note that men are not permitted to approach the wall without head coverings. The wall is divided into sections for women and men. You can leave a note with your wishes, but space in the wall is extremely limited, so you may have to get creative.
Overall, the excursion is quite packed and is worth the expense of over $200 – at the very least, it will leave you with memories to cherish.
Helpful Tips
When embarking on an excursion from Turkey to Jerusalem, keep in mind some recommendations for visiting this deeply religious place. You are entering a region steeped in spirituality, so it is important to be mindful of the local residents in Jerusalem and throughout Israel. What do we mean? We are referring to the attire of the tourists. We recommend avoiding overly revealing clothing—no mini skirts, extremely short shorts for women, or casual cutoffs for men. Ideally, wear trousers or a long skirt, avoid high heels, and ensure that men wear a head covering, as it is required to approach the Wailing Wall (at least in the men’s section).
To clarify, do not equate a trip to Israel with a casual stroll along a beach; opt for modest, unassuming attire.
Also, make sure to have water with you as the climate can be very stuffy and you will likely feel thirsty. Your guide will remind you of this repeatedly. As for water prices, you can purchase a small bottle on the bus for about $2, whereas on the street you might get a larger bottle for around $1.
In summary, do not hesitate to choose the Israel tour if given the option. Share your observations and feedback in the comments!
