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Dear friends,
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Autumn is here. And that means renewal on so many levels. In Israel in particular, the Jewish year is winding down and we are gearing up for the Holiday season and the New Year. I am sure that you join me in the hopes and prayers that this coming year will be one of peace and happiness for all, and that we will all see a resurrection of visitors traveling to the Holy Land.
Wishing our Jewish friends and partners a very Happy and Healthy New Year,
Oni Amiel,
President & CEO
Amiel Tours
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 Amiel office hours during the Jewish fall holidays: |
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Please be advised of our offices hours during upcoming Jewish holidays:
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Friday September 18 - Sunday Sept. 20: Office Closed (Jewish New Year)
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Sunday September 27: 8:30am-12:00pm (Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur Eve)
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Monday September 28: Office Closed (Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur Day)
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Friday October 2 - Saturday October 3: Office Closed (Beginning Feast of Tabernacles/Succoth)
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Sunday October 4 - Thursday October 8: Regular hours (Feast of Tabernacles/Succoth week)
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Friday October 9: Office Closed (End Feast of Tabernacles/Succoth)
On Sunday October 11 we will return to our regular office hours
For urgent matters, please click here to contact an Amiel Tours staff person
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Border Crossing into Israel during the Jewish Holidays |
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Please note this year, the special hours of operations for the Border Crossings into Israel apply only for the Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur. The remainder of the Jewish holidays the crossings will all operate regular hours.
Sheikh Hussein Bridge(Jordan River Crossing)
- Regular Hours (including the New Year and the Feast of Tabernacles)
- Sunday-Thursday: 06:30-21:00
- Friday-Saturday: 08:00-20:00
Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur
- Sunday September 27 (Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur Eve): 06:30-12:00pm
- Monday September 28 (Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur): Closed
Allenby Bridge Crossing(Jordan)
- Regular Hours (including the New Year and the Feast of Tabernacles)
- Sunday-Thursday: 08:00-midnight
- Friday-Saturday: 08:00-15:00
Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur
- Sunday September 27 (Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur Eve): 08:00-11:00am
- Monday September 28 (Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur): Closed
Yitzchak Rabin (Arava) Crossing(Jordan)
- Regular Hours (including the New Year and the Feast of Tabernacles)
- Sunday-Thursday: 08:00-20:00
- Friday-Saturday: 08:00-20:00
Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur
- Sunday September 27 (Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur Eve): 08:00-12:00pm
- Monday September 28 (Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur): Closed
Taba Crossing(Egypt)
- Regular Hours (including the New Year and the Feast of Tabernacles)
Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur
- Sunday September 27 (Yom Kippur Eve) - Closing at 12:00pm.
- Monday September 28 (Yom Kippur) - Opening at 21:00
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Mazal Tov! Dead Sea a finalist in Natural Wonders competition |
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 In late August 2009, the Dead Sea reached the first "short list" of World's 7 Natural Wonders. Some of the other 14 site "finalists" include the Jeita Grotto (Lebanon), Grand Canyon (United States), the Bay of Fundy (Canada) and the Amazon River.
Naturally, we at Amiel Tours encourage all of our friends to join in the fun of voting and to give this wonderful site the international recognition that we believe it deserve.
As we always say, "Vote early, vote often"...
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New Regulations for non-stamped passports
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According to new regulations of the ministry of Interior, visitors not wishing to have their passports stamped upon entering Israel may fill out the Ministry of Interior's L-17 form and that form will be stamped rather than the passport. This form should be available at every entry point to Israel.
Attached please find the official Ministry of tourism explanation of the form as well as a copy of the L-17.
(**The above is subject to governmental decision)
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Visas for the Palestinian Authority from Allenby Bridge Crossing |
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Visas containing the stipulation "Palestinian Authority Only" apply only at the Allenby Bridge Crossing, and only for tourists specifically stating that their visit is to areas solely under the control of the Palestinian Authority.
Attached please find the official Ministry of tourism explanation of the Visas.
(**The above is subject to governmental decision)
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New Flights to Israel |
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Israeli Sun D'Or International Airlines has launched weekly flights between Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and Portugal's Portela Airport in Lisbon. Flights in each direction depart on Fridays.
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Special extension to enhance the Oberammergau experience |
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 Once every 10 years, the Community of Oberammergau, Germany performs the Passion Play retelling the story of Jesus. The next Passion Play performance will take place from May - October 2010. Amiel Tours is proud to offer you the opportunity to complete the experience with a 6-day/5-night pre / post extension to the Holy Land to visit the sites where the story took place. Naturally, the attached itineraries are suggestions only and we are more than happy to tailor your extension to meet your clients' wishes.
Please click here for suggested itineraries.
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News and New Activities
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- Israel Museum
The Israel Museum is the largest cultural institution in the State of Israel and is ranked among the leading art and archaeology museums in the world. Currently the Museum is in the midst of a comprehensive program for renewing its campus, which includes new circulation facilities, increased accessibility and the reinstallation of the permanent exhibition galleries. The Museum continues operations with exhibitions and other activities in the Shrine of the Book, the Model of Second Temple Period Jerusalem, the Billy Rose Art Garden and the Ruth Youth Wing throughout the duration of the project, which will be completed in time for its 45th anniversary in May 2010.
- Autumn Nights at the Old City - Read more
Every Monday and Thursday through October 2009, from 18:30 the magical alleyways of The Old City of Jerusalem shall host experiential theater tours, musical performances and a culinary festival at the coffee shops and restaurants.
- The Old Courtyard at Kibbutz Ein Shemer - Read more
 Kibbutz Ein Shemer was one of Israel's first kibbutzim (communal settlements), established in 1913. Located 15-20 minutes east (driving) of Caesarea, today they offer a variety of tours and meal options. Optional activities include: a visit to the museum of agricultural machinery from 1900's and workshop for preserving such machines; a tour of today's kibbutz on cart pulled by tractor; a trip on reconstructed Turkish train from 1915; an explanation and demonstration of the old Oil press and flour mill; preparing and baking rolls in reconstructed brick bakery.
- Bio-Tour at Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu - Read more
Sde Eliyahu is a religious kibbutz located near Beit She'an and a pioneer of organic agriculture in Israel. Bio-Tour Sde Eliyahu offers a variety of tours suitable for all, demonstrating the interaction between man and earth and between tradition and modern technology.
Visitors may also choose a professional lecture on:
- The biology of the bumble bee and natural pollination.
- Organic farming
- Wild life in the Valley of Springs
- The Templar community
At the end of the program, groups may also arrange for a (Kosher) meal in the kibbutz dining room.
Visits can be arranged for Sunday-Friday, not including Jewish holidays.
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Upcoming Israeli Tourism Fairs / We look forward to seeing you at: |
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The Dead Sea Tourism Convention - December 3-6, 2009
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Hotel News |
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The new Leonardo Boutique Hotel in Tel Aviv offers 3 daily shuttles for their guests.
These shuttles are one-way shuttles (no return shuttle), free of charge and will operate until October 10, 2009.
- 11:00 - To the Hilton Beach
- 16:00 - To the Opera House / the Beach promenade
- 21:00 - To the Tel Aviv Harbor
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Come meet us at: |
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- Top Resa - September 22-25, 2009 in Paris, France
- Motivational Show - September 29-October 1, 2009 in Chicago, IL
- WTM - November 9-12, 2009 in London, England
- The Dead Sea Tourism Convention - December 3-6, 2009 at the Dead Sea, Israel
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Planning your trip to Israel - Dressing for the weather |
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Although Israel is physically a tiny country, we have a wide range of climates throughout the country and throughout the year. Help your clients know what weather to expect wherever they are in the Holy Land by checking Israel's weather on our website. Feel free to visit us there and browse at your convenience
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Booking Online Around the Clock |
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If you find yourself looking to book for your FIT clients on weekends or when our offices are closed, register on our B2B Online Booking system and place bookings around the clock! Registration is quick, easy and of course, free of charge!
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Finally |
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We would be most grateful if you would pass our News Flashes to all of your colleagues. Don't forget - for your convenience our News Flashes are now available on the Amiel website as well.
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