Olive Harvest Tour
Olive Harvest Tour
Each year, the Holy Land Trust proudly supports indigenous Palestinian farmers by organizing an Olive Harvest Program. Hundreds of participants join in solidarity to pick olives from their groves despite enduring harassment and destruction caused by Israeli military forces and settlers. Visitors have a chance to help out with this critical project while also learning about important issues facing that region during our fact-finding tours. Don't miss your opportunity to take part - come stand together with us in support of these communities!
- Explore all the historical sites and political centers of the Holy Land: Ramallah, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Hebron, Bethlehem, and more!
- Develop connections with leading NGOs that are working to create a better, sustainable future of peace and justice in the Holy Land.
- Immerse yourself in vibrant learning opportunities exploring the complexity of Palestinian-Israeli identities and culture.
- Savor delicious Middle Eastern delicacies while you expand your knowledge!
Olive Harvest Tour Details
What to Expect
Unlike other tours that focus more on going from city to city, the Olive Harvest tour allows participants to spend longer periods of time within Palestinian communities. The Olive Harvest Tour intricately weaves you through the local culture, providing an opportunity to break down barriers and immerse yourself in unique cultural exchanges that will not be forgotten!
Spend quality time engaging in local lifestyles while creating moments of friendship, solidarity, and understanding. Take this journey for a truly transformative cultural experience that will ignite your global perspective in enchanting new ways.
History
For centuries, the olive tree has been a powerful symbol of peace and justice for indigenous people in the Holy Land. Even today, its symbolic power remains strong. However, since 1948 this cultural icon has come under attack: hundreds of thousands have been systematically destroyed by Israeli government to make way for non-indigenous forestry; devastating both local ecology and traditional ways of life which were so deeply intertwined with it. Together we will discover how much further can be achieved if these ancient trees are allowed to thrive again.
Cultural
Explore a rich rural culture and experience the ancient traditions that define many communities in this region. Participating with local families gives you a unique look into an alternate way of life - one defined by its reliance on land, but also through stories passed down from generations before us.
Local Relationships
Our participants come to understand the strength of Palestinian “Sumud” – demonstrating an unwavering resolve while living and resisting oppressive systems. Working directly with locals allows for a unique insight into this powerful concept, impacting each individual in profound ways.
Geo-Political
As you delve into the olive industry, a crucial sector to the economic prosperity of Palestine, so too will be revealed its role within Israeli settler-colonialism – and why it is targeted by policies aimed at displacement. Various Palestinian, Israeli and international NGOs are working toward ensuring justice for indigenous communities through strategic legal measures; discover how they strive to shape an equitable future in this region with rich historical heritage.
What's Included
- All necessary land transportation during the tour includes airport pick up and transfer.
- Accommodations during tour
- Breakfast and lunch and dinner
- Shared double room (Private room available upon request at additional cost)
- Services of a licensed English/Spanish-speaking guide (daily)
- Church of the Nativity Geopolitical Tours & Discussions Hebron Old City, Old City Jerusalem, Palestine Museum of Natural History, Palestinian Refugee Camps, Separation Wall Tour
- All entrance fees as described in the itinerary
- Honorarium fees for speakers
- Admin fees
Not Included
- Does not include Airfare. Airfare accommodations can be made upon request.
- Travel Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Pickup from Airport (can be arranged for $120 USD)
- Lunch on Arrival & Departure Day
- Laundry
- Telephone calls, or services other than those specifically mentioned.
- Costs for items not on table d’hôte menus such as water or other beverages at lunch & dinner.
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Olive Harvest Tour Sample Itinerary
Arrival. Meeting representatives from the organizing institutions for an overview and discussion of the program.
Half-day picking olives at a selected field. After lunch, political tour and sightseeing in Bethlehem, including a visit to a refugee camp and the Church of Nativity. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Visit to the Palestine Museum of Natural History with Dr. Mazin Qumsieh. A tour in the old city of Hebron: Visiting the Ibrahimi Mosque. Guided tour in Hebron old city, market, H1/H2 areas, Shuhada street. Visiting a glass factory. Free time. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Half day picking olives at a selected field in, followed by Presentation on the ongoing displacement, the refugee questions and ongoing displacement with BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugees’ Rights. Dinner and Overnight in Bethlehem.
Free day.
Half day picking olives at a selected field, followed by lunch. Visiting an olive press. Geopolitical presentation for a presentation on the Apartheid Wall, colonies (settlements) and land confiscation. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Full day of picking olives at a selected field, lunch included. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Tour in the Old City of Jerusalem. Lunch, followed by a tour with an Israeli activist around Jerusalem. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Half day picking olives at a field. Lunch. Advocacy session and future planning. Farewell dinner with Palestinian Folklore Dance Performance. Overnight in Bethlehem.
Departure.
Photo Gallery
Cancelation Policy
In the event of cancellation of travel services due to any reason including COVID-19 travel restrictions, Holy Land 360 must be notified in writing. Cancellation refunds are determined based on the date of notification in writing. Refunds are as follows:
- 45 days prior to arrival: 100% of the Tour/service cost
- 30 days prior to arrival: 80% of the Tour/service cost
- 15 days prior to arrival: 70% of the Tour/service cost
- 07 days prior to arrival: 50% of the Tour/service cost
- Less than 72 hours or No Show: No Refund
Some cancellation and refund policies are out of our control including:
- Refund for hotel payment will follow the hotel's cancellation policy
- Transportation cancellations will follow the transportation company policy
- Flight tickets cancellations will follow the airline's company policy
In case Group/Individual cancels the trip after commencement, the refund will be limited to the amount that we would recover from the hoteliers/ contractors we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation & missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.