Our free CHLS Resource site is full of articles, videos, and study courses that bring the lands of the Bible to you.

No, The Center for Holy Lands Studies is a ministry department at the Assemblies of God, USA National Office. We work with in-land tour companies in each of the countries visited, in planning trip programs.

Safety and experience remain our top priority. CHLS constantly monitors the safety and security issues of the Middle East. Rest assured that CHLS will make every effort to ensure your safety. The personnel affiliated with CHLS are trained to assist and instruct you in matters of personal and group safety. Lodgings are located in safe, gated areas, with security staff. If there is ever a hint of potential danger, CHLS does not travel into those areas. CHLS does not take chances! Almost everyone who returns from their program remarks, "I never once felt unsafe." Like any form of travel, though, there can never be a 100% guarantee of safety. Nevertheless, CHLS has an excellent safety record.

All CHLS programs are considered unconfirmed (provisional) until 25 participants are registered 90 days prior to the scheduled date of departure. In light of the early unconfirmed status of CHLS programs, it is recommended and important that the following two items be considered:

1. Individuals and groups should make sure to register ASAP to be counted as part of the required minimum number of participants.
2. Participants are also advised not to make any personal travel plans until the program is considered confirmed at 90 days prior to departure. Should a participant desire to purchase personal airline tickets, make additional hotel arrangements, or purchase any other travel arrangements not under the auspices of CHLS administration (prior to 90 days of the scheduled departure date), it is recommended that he/she consult CHLS prior to any such purchases. CHLS cannot be held responsible for any personal flight or land arrangements made by a participant.

Most CHLS tours include a group flight with main cabin economy seating, departing from a nearby major airport; ORD, JFK, LAX, DFW, ATL, etc.. Participants can register with or without the group flight. Please note that group ticketing seats cannot be upgraded. If a participant chooses to register without the group flight, the CHLS office will provide information on departure and arrival dates and will arrange in-land transportation from airport to hotel.

Yes. Overseas medical and general liability insurance is provided for the duration of your trip and is included in the overall cost of your program.

No. Though not required, it is strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance above and beyond the coverage provided. If you wish to protect your travel investment against an unforeseen cancellation or a needed emergency return flight home, it is recommended that you purchase a travel insurance policy. If you desire to purchase such a policy, you should be aware that most insurance companies will restrict certain coverage unless you submit for coverage within 14 days of registering for the program. Consequently, you should not delay in purchasing this insurance.

If you need to purchase travel insurance, you should refer to the list of providers below.

Please note that CHLS is not involved in securing the travel insurance offered by these companies and is not under any contract with the companies listed below. Any questions or concerns related to insurances should be directed to our offices ([email protected]).

• Brotherhood Mutual – 1-800-333-3735 ext. 5680 
• Access America – 1-866-807-3982
• Insure My Triphttps://insuremytrip.com – 1-800-487-4722
• Travel Guard – 1-800-826-4919
• Travelex – 1-800-504-7883
• AAA – 1-800-463-8646
• Faith Ventures – 1-888-674-4047

CHLS programs are designed to eliminate the numerous incidental financial responsibilities one often encounters on packaged tours. Tour agencies and their clients often publish a low base price giving the appearance that viewers have discovered a bargain. On such programs, participants are held financially responsible for any number of fees not accounted for in the published program cost. These “hidden” or “unannounced” fees can add up to as much as $150-300 by the end of your trip. In an effort to minimize individual responsibilities for undeclared fees, CHLS has calculated these fees and included them into the overall program cost. Except for the daily lunch meal and items related to optional personal choices, the program cost covers all such incidental fees and tips. For clarification, please review the “Covered” and “Not Covered” features listed below.

Items Covered in the Program Cost:

1. Roundtrip airfare (from designated airports; may not be available for some programs)
2. All scheduled program activities
3. Program accommodations
4. All hotel and program-related tips
5. All inland transportation
6. Any local guide as needed
7. CHLS Guide/Instructor
8. Two meals a day (breakfast and dinner)
9. Pre-trip packet
10. Overseas medical and general liability coverage

Not Covered in the Program Cost:

1. Daily lunches and specialty beverages (including bottled water, coffee, and other specialty drinks)
2. Personal travel insurance – recommended
3. Any incidental personal expenses for snacks, souvenirs, shopping, etc.
4. Any flights, lodging, transportation, or meals not included in the program schedule and itinerary

Most days begin with breakfast followed by a departure between 7:30 and 8 a.m. The group will travel to the sites by bus, where participants will begin their hikes and visits of the sites. Most days will involve moderate hiking. Lunch usually falls between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. It is highly recommended that you carry snacks with you. Eating small snacks throughout the day is best for keeping energy stored up in the body. At the end of the day, we will arrive at our hotel or lodgings for dinner and needed sleep. Timeliness is extremely important. Small delays like waiting for a tour member who isn’t ready could cause an entire site’s visit to be eliminated. Please do your best to be punctual and not separate from your group during tours.

Casual dress is recommended, such as lightweight pants/shorts and T-shirts. A lightweight hat is a must, preferably one with a brim that covers the neck and ears. Some sites will have cultural sensitivities regarding dress for both men and women. For these instances, make sure you bring clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, no flip flops.

CHLS uses the physical settings of the Bible as a doorway into the biblical world. During your tour or study program, you will discover the geographical, historical, cultural, and spiritual realities that shaped the biblical stories and events. As you explore the Bible in the context of its world and physical setting, you will be amazed at how its message speaks to you more clearly than ever before.

At times, the pace is demanding, and daily activities often go for a full 8 – 10 hours. Most CHLS travel locations are not flat, nor are they smooth under foot. CHLS strongly recommends preparing well in advance of your trip departure date. Walking for thirty minutes, going up and down stairs, hiking at a local park, are all great ways to help you prepare.

In addition to regular tourist-type purchases and daily lunch expenses ($15-20 per day), it is recommended that participants bring cash for incidentals of about $15-25 per day (coffee, water, soda, snacks, souvenirs etc.). US dollars and credit cards are accepted in most situations.

The hotels or lodgings that you will be staying in are comfortable and provide a relaxing environment after a full day of sightseeing. All rooms are double occupancy unless you pay for the single room option in your registration.

Breakfast and dinner are included in the program cost (usually buffet-style at the hotel or lodgings). Lunches are not covered; however, options are provided each day based on the program schedule. As previously mentioned under ‘Extra Cash,’ please be sure to budget $15-25 per day for lunch.

The heat in parts of this region is a very real concern. Even during the rainy season (mid-October to mid-April), it can still become hot. Staying hydrated is extremely important. CHLS will always have a sufficient supply of water on the bus; however, it is not always available to you during onsite hiking and touring. Some participants bring powdered electrolyte replenishment mix, such as Gatorade, Powerade, Propel, etc. Also, CHLS recommends that you limit your caffeine intake during the program, which may be wise to begin a week or two before the program.

Yes. In Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, and Greece, you will need a Type C outlet adapter to plug in any electronics.

You can buy a two- or three-prong adapter

Most hotels and lodgings will have internet access either in the lobby or in the sleeping rooms. Fees may be incurred. Most of the buses that CHLS uses come equipped with Wi-Fi as well.