In most cases, Gates to Israel will be able to fully refund the payments. The money can also be placed on a future trip with Gates to Israel. If flights are purchased with Gates to Israel, there is not a guaranteed refund on your airfare (but you may receive a flight credit). Trip insurance is key in this scenario.

The May 2026 trip is currently planned for 1 bus of participants (42 participants or 21 couples). This is a smaller tour to develop community and connection with your spouse and other Christian Couples.

The Marriage Design in Isarel ranges from $5300 – $6000 per person (as of January 2025), depending on the time of year, hotel availability, and other considerations. Prices are based on double occupancy and do not include airfare.

There are a limited number of single rooms available at an additional cost. This “single room supplement” cost ranges from $1500 to $2000 depending on the dates of trip. If you desire a same sex roommate, we can try to match you to one, provided there are solo same sex travelers. If a roommate is not found or the potential roommate cancels their trip, the remaining party must pay for the single room supplement. The Marriage Design or Gates to Israel is not responsible for roommate assignments that do not work out.

Due to the nature of our trips, we respectfully request that unmarried couples plan NOT to attend as roommates, but to room separately instead. Ask another dating or engaged couple to come as well and this will avoid having to pay for the single room supplement. If unmarried couples are signed up as roommates, The Marriage Design will adjust the rooming situation, and a single room supplement fee may be required from both individuals.

Our trips are for adults 21-65 years old. Adults over 65 years just need to be mindful that the trip is fast paced with a higher level of activity than most tours of Israel. We will walk 3 plus miles per day at a moderate pace on uneven surfaces, stairs, hills, and inclines.

For this tour, you need to be able to climb stairs without assistance, walk at a modest pace for a few miles each day on uneven and/or inclined terrain, and transport your own luggage in airports. Many international sites and facilities, including the tour bus, do not have accommodations for persons with mobility limitations (including canes, walkers, and wheelchairs). Many participants prepare for this trip by walking three miles or more per day for a month prior to your departure.

All those with a US Passport do not need a visa to enter Israel. You will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).  They cost about $7 and can be secured after you register for the tour.

We will give you arrival and departure windows for your flights, and as long as you book within those windows, we will pick you up from the airport and drive you to the hotel. If you book outside of the arrival and departure windows, we can assist you in transportation and accommodations but there could be additional costs.

You may book your flight in any manner that suits your needs, just book within the arrival/departure windows we will provide and send us your flight itinerary.

No.

There are several participants who have allergies and sensitivities to fragrances, so we kindly ask that you refrain from cologne, perfume, body sprays, or fragrant lotions on this tour.

Moshe and Gates to Israel will help to determine the best course of action to get you the medical attention you may need. Not all health insurance policies cover international travel, so please purchase travel insurance so you will have the proper coverage in Israel.

In addition to the $220 USD CASH TIPS (in envelope for Moshe), you will need money for one lunch and two dinners per person (~$120), as well as money to purchase souvenirs. Many places take credit cards, but for small items in markets and shops you may want to bring $50-$100 in small bills. There will also be an opportunity for a “Thank You” donation at the end of the trip for Moshe and his team that will be collected by Mike and Brad.  If you would like to participate in this, donations must be cash.

Yes. Our touring takes place after breakfast until late afternoon. There is time in the evening to relax, participate in optional group activities, chill in your room, explore the city we are in, or enjoy your hotel amenities.

Yes! We will have a baptismal ceremony in the Jordan River in Galilee. Your spouse can baptize you, or one of The Marriage Design Leaders can do so. The current cost is $15 to rent a towel, wear the required white tunic, and have access to the restroom facilities.

Jeans are appropriate in Israel and many people wear them to dinner. Just remember, if it rains on us, we will continue to tour, and jeans are slow to dry. Past participants prefer lightweight pants that are both comfortable and quick to dry if it rains.

If you are wearing leggings as actual leggings, you are fine. Leggings as pants, even with a shirt that covers your bottom, is not appropriate. The Jewish idea of modesty is different from the American idea of modesty, and we desire to respect their culture and error on the side of caution.

At some sites, yes, at others, no. When we are visiting churches or Jewish sites (3/4 of our days), you cannot show your knees or shoulders. This applies to both males and females. Low-cut tops are also prohibited.

In May, the average rainfall in Israel is minimal, averaging about 0.2 inches. While it would be uncommon for it to rain, it is always a possibility. If it’s raining, we will continue to tour, so you will be walking in the rain all day. You can check the forecast before we leave to determine if you want to bring waterproof shoes.

Water Shoes are very useful in three of the locations we will visit. 1. If you are being baptized in the Jordan River, the bottom is a little slippery and there are cute little fish that love to nibble toes. 2. When we raft on the Jordan River, it would be easier to do so with water shoes instead of bare feet. 3. If you are planning on getting into the Dead Sea, the crystalized salt on the bottom can cut your feet. Water shoes protect your feet when you are walking or swimming in the water. Waterproof shoes are normal shoes that you wear to walk and help keep water off your socks and feet.

We will go out to dinner as a group twice and you will have a date night with your spouse twice. Some people enjoy “dressing up” for these activities, but usually that translates to nice jeans or pants and a nice top. Nothing fancy is required. Many people like to change after walking in their outfit all day.

It likely won’t work unless you have an Israel specific plug. Most hotels we are staying at have hair dryers in the room, but they are similar to hair dryers in US hotels as far as power and ability to dry your hair. If you desire to bring these items, just purchase one that has an Israeli/Euro plug (220v) so it will work correctly with your converters.

Yes, if it does rain, you’ll need the raincoat to cover your head and upper body and the umbrella to shield yourself depending on which way it is raining. We would recommend both a raincoat and umbrella that are small and compactable.

No, our hotels will provide us with any towels we need.

You do not need bug spray. We will be walking most of the day while it is sunny, so bring sunscreen if you need it.

Past participants who are photographers have commented that the pace of the trip and the need to stay with the group makes it difficult to stop, take professional pictures, and still hear all the site explanations and devotionals. They also state that pictures with an iPhone 10 camera or higher is sufficient for their needs on the trip. As a special treat, there will be one professional photographer on the trip hired by The Marriage Design.

Please limit your luggage to one CHECKED bag (which will go under the plane) and two CARRY-ON pieces (which will be with you on the plane). The carry-on pieces are: one traditional carry-on (21” roller suitcase, backpack, etc) + one personal item (purse, shoulder bag, tote bag, backpack, etc). Remember, you will be paying for your CHECKED bag at the airport upon departure.