As the world opens anew for travel opportunities, Filipinos here in the UAE can now bring out their bucket list of travel destinations that they wish to fulfill – and one of must-visit sites is Israel.
Israel houses some of the holiest sites spanning several religions, making it one of the places that Filipinos wish to visit in their lifetime.
The good news is that for OFWs and their friends based in the UAE, Travelwings now offers a safe and secure pathway for tourists that will provide an unforgettable and memorable experience for those who wish to visit the Holy Land.
The Filipino Times recently had a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take part in Travelwings’ tour package during the Holy Week, and here’s our take on their offering:
Comprehensive briefing. When you decide to book a tour with Travelwings, their agents provide an all-out introduction and briefing for the destinations that you will get to visit during your stay in the country. Each of Travelwings’ agents are very knowledgeable of the protocols, procedures, and other important pieces of advise that you need to know when you travel to ensure that you will have a wonderful experience when you land in your preferred country.
Ease of access. Israel provides Filipinos with a visa-on-arrival facility, which means that you only need to bring your passport valid for six months with you when you decide to visit the country. Upon arrival at the airport, all you need to do is to have your passport scanned and your photo taken at one of Israel’s immigration counters and it will provide you with a paper slip that will serve as your visa during your stay. Be sure not to lose it!
Day 1: Arrival. We were greeted with one of Travelwings’ agents who assisted us our arrival at the airport and PCR test requirements on site. Our tour guide gave the entire group another briefing of the places and locations we would visit during our stay, and gave us interesting bits of trivia of various locations that we would pass through on our way to the hotel. Quarantine is required upon arrival.
Day 2: Dead Sea, Mount of Olives, Via Dolorosa. After our free buffet breakfast, we got the result of our PCR test and were allowed to head to our first destination – the Dead Sea. In the morning, there aren’t as much tourists so we practically had the beach to ourselves. Visitors will get to enjoy floating at the Dead Sea and its special mud that exfoliates the skin – just be sure to take extra care as you wade around its waters on foot as certain muddy areas might sink your feet until your knee.
After that, we headed to our next destination – the Mount of Olives’ Chapel of Ascension that houses a slab of stone believed to contain one of Jesus’ footprints before He ascended to Heaven. The area also has a dedicated spot for tourists to have a view of the entire Old City of Jerusalem, which was our next destination.
After lunch, the group headed to the Via Dolorosa or the ‘Way of the Cross’ placed in various quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem. Upon entry at one of their gates, tourists will immediately be mystified of the unique stone buildings and flooring as well as the convergence of people from different faiths in one place.
The Via Dolorosa visit concludes at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher which houses what is believed to be the Tomb of Jesus Christ.
Day 3 and 4: Revisit to Old City, Garden of Gethsemane, Church of Nativity, Bahai Gardens, Church of Annunciation, Sea of Galilee
The two remaining full days were designated as leisure days for the group, and we decided to revisit several areas that we missed on our first day including the Wailing Wall, several more stations of the Via Dolorosa, as well as the Garden of Gethsemane.
The Western Wall or the Wailing Wall provided an opportunity to pray for your wishes for the entire family and loved ones. Many tourists often leave notes on the crevices of the wall, that’s believed to ‘hear’ their intentions and fulfill them in one way or another.
The group also visited the Garden of Gethsemane which now houses a beautiful church and the garden where Jesus spent of his final moments in prayer before his arrest.
Upon return to Bethlehem, the group also went to the Church that housed the manger where Jesus was born – the Church of Nativity.
On the final day for leisure, the group also coordinated with Travelwings’ local travel agent, Jeries, for a special trip to the north of Israel where we got to visit the Church of Annunciation which housed the home of Mary and the workshop of Joseph, as well as the Bahá’í Gardens, and the Sea of Galilee.
Indeed, Israel is one of the world’s most religiously diverse countries, and it serves as a shelter for all those who appreciate architecture and history.
Travelwings’ Israel six-night tour comprises a travel throughout the nation, taking you to several archaeological and culturally significant sites. While discovering the myriad unsaid marvels that embellish Israel’s physical terrain.
This Eid Al Fitr, Travelwings provides all-inclusive packages to Israel, Kenya, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Serbia, and Zanzibar that include flights, accommodations, excursions to various tourist places, visas, and a variety of additional activities. The best part is that those who book Travelwings’ Israel package will get AED 400 off, while those who will travel to Kenya will also enjoy a AED 300 discount!
Filipinos planning to book one of Travelwings’ holiday destinations this Eid can contact: 04 556 1003
