What to Pack for a Christian Tour of Israel: The Complete Pilgrim's Packing List

The two most-asked questions in the days before any Holy Land tour: "What should I wear?" and "Do I need a converter?" This guide covers both — plus the small things you'll desperately wish you had packed (and the items you can absolutely leave at home). The biggest packing mistake first-time pilgrims make is overpacking; you'll walk 3–5 miles a day on uneven stone, and every pound in your bag matters.

What's the dress code at Israel's holy sites?

Most Christian, Jewish, and Muslim sites in Israel require modest dress: covered shoulders and knees for both men and women. Some sites add hair covering for women (or kippah for men) — these are usually loaned at the entrance.

• Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Bethlehem, Garden of Gethsemane: shoulders and knees covered.
• Western Wall (Kotel): shoulders and knees covered; men receive a kippah; women may receive a wrap.
• Temple Mount (Haram al-Sharif): strict — long pants/skirts to the ankle for women; no shorts for men. Tank tops banned regardless of gender.
• Mosques: women cover hair; both genders cover shoulders and knees; shoes off.

Practical tip: wear modest base layers and carry a lightweight pashmina or scarf in your day bag. You can drape it over bare shoulders or tie it as a skirt at any moment.

What shoes should I bring?

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are the single most important item in your bag. Israel's old cities are uneven cobblestone; many biblical sites involve climbing or walking 1–2 miles on rocky paths. We recommend:

• One pair of broken-in, supportive walking shoes or hiking sneakers — your daily workhorse.
• One pair of dressier shoes for hotel dinners — flats or loafers, not heels.
• One pair of sandals or flip-flops for the Dead Sea and hotel pool.

Don't bring brand-new shoes. Don't bring high-heels — Jerusalem will eat them alive.

What clothing should I pack?

Plan for layers. Mornings can be cool (50°F in Jerusalem in March), afternoons warm (75°F+ in the Dead Sea region year-round). For a 10-day trip:

• 5 short-sleeve shirts or blouses (modest cuts).
• 2 long-sleeve shirts (cotton or moisture-wicking).
• 2 pairs of pants/trousers (lightweight, quick-dry).
• 1 pair of long shorts (for hotel/Dead Sea only).
• 1 pair of capris or a midi skirt (women).
• 1 lightweight jacket or fleece — Galilee evenings can be cool.
• 1 light rain shell — useful November–March.
• 2 dressier outfits for nicer dinners or Sabbath services.
• 1 swimsuit + cover-up (Dead Sea, hotel pool).
• Underwear and socks for 5 days; do laundry mid-trip if needed.
• 1 wide-brim sun hat or baseball cap.
• 1 scarf/pashmina for site coverings.

Color note: light, neutral colors handle dust well and reflect heat. Avoid pure white — limestone dust shows.

What about toiletries and medications?

Israel has modern pharmacies and you can buy almost anything you forget. Still:

• Sunscreen. SPF 30+. The Mediterranean and Dead Sea sun is no joke.
• Lip balm with SPF. Dry climate; chapped lips are universal.
• Refillable water bottle. 1L+. Israel's tap water is safe and you'll drink more than you expect.
• Probiotics + Imodium. Most travelers are fine, but new water and food can cause issues.
• Personal medications — bring originals in original bottles, plus a backup supply in your carry-on.
• Insect repellent for Galilee and Sea of Galilee dawn services.
• Eye drops. Dust and dryness wear on contact lens wearers.

What electronics do I need?

• Outlet adapter, type H or C. Israel uses 220V, three-pin plugs. Most modern electronics handle 220V automatically (check the brick: "100–240V").
• Phone with international plan. Most US carriers offer $10/day passes; Israeli SIM cards cost $20–$30. Free WiFi is widespread.
• Portable battery pack. Long touring days drain phones fast — especially with photos.
• Camera (optional). Modern phones suffice for 95% of travelers.
• Headphones. The flight back is 11+ hours.

What documents and money should I bring?

• Passport with 6+ months validity. Required for entry.
• 2 color copies of your passport — one in your luggage, one with a fellow traveler.
• Trip insurance card and policy number.
• Credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Visa and MasterCard are accepted nearly everywhere; American Express less so.
• $200–$400 in US cash for tips, taxis, and small purchases. ATMs are common.
• If extending to Jordan: $60 USD cash for visa on arrival, plus a few extra dinars worth of small bills.

What should I leave at home?

• Heels. Cobblestone destroys them.
• Brand-new walking shoes. Blisters will ruin a day.
• Excessive jewelry. Leave the wedding rings and a single watch only.
• Hair dryer. Hotels provide them.
• Heavy books. Bring a Kindle or e-reader.
• Drone. Restricted in Israel; permits required and rarely worth the friction.

What's in my own bag every trip?

After 40+ trips to Israel, here's my personal pilgrim's "wish I had this" kit:

• Refillable water bottle with built-in filter (in case I'm lazy about filling it from the tap).
• Compression packing cubes — they cut my luggage volume by 30%.
• A pocket-size journal — there are moments at the Garden Tomb or the Sea of Galilee at dawn that you'll want to write down before they fade.
• A small Bible. Not a study Bible. Something you can read while standing on the Mount of Beatitudes.
• Granola bars or trail mix for long touring days when lunch is delayed.

One last note: pack everything you absolutely need (medications, change of clothes, walking shoes) in your carry-on. Lost luggage is rare but can mean a day or two of inconvenience while it catches up to your tour.