Heartland Experience

Grape Harvest

Pruning

Special Ops

The Heartland Experience

This Israel trip combines both touring and volunteering into an unforgettable adventure that will connect you to the land of Israel for life.

Come on this trip and you’ll get to travel throughout central Israel, visiting key sites in Judea, Samaria, and Jerusalem. Instead of just hopping on and off the bus like most tours, you’ll be able to make a difference in each place through volunteer projects like planting trees, helping on farms, or participating in archaeological digs.

Along the way, you’ll meet some of Israel’s most incredible pioneers, hear from dynamic speakers, and forge friendships with your fellow trip members.

The Heartland Experience is different from our other volunteer trips; it includes a pre-planned itinerary, more touring, and several nights in a hotel.

All ages are welcome to come on this trip.

Dates & Prices

ℹ️ Coming as a family? Every 4th person age 13 and over is free! (applies to immediate family members only)

10 Day Trip

arrive in Israel on Mar 31, 2025
airport pick-up is at 6:00 PM

depart Israel on Apr 9, 2025
airport drop-off is at 8:00 PM

Age 13+$2,400 + airfare

Ages 6 to 12$1,200 + airfare

Ages 0 to 5$480 + airfare

Last day to applyMar 3, 2025

registration closed

10 Day Trip

arrive in Israel on March 16, 2026
airport pick-up is at 6:00 PM

depart Israel on March 25, 2026
airport drop-off is at 8:00 PM

Age 13+$2,400 + airfare

Ages 6 to 12$1,200 + airfare

Ages 0 to 5$480 + airfare

Last day to applyFeb 23, 2026

Apply for This Trip

This is what others are saying . . .

I would highly recommend going on the Heartland Experience trip with HaYovel. It wasn’t just a tour. It was much more than I expected, getting to participate in so many different types of work. All of the HaYovel group was a joy to be around and they went the extra mile and made me feel like I was part of their family. We also met many of the local people and the hospitality from each one was amazing. If you want to see the Bible come to life and see where most of it happened, this is the trip to take. You will never be the same afterwards.

Paul

from Texas, USA

I can’t say enough amazing things about the Heartland Experience trip with HaYovel! For 2 weeks we were treated to the most breathtaking sights in the Biblical heartland and the warmest hospitality from the HaYovel team. We experienced the true culture by meeting some of the Jewish people and got to work together with them on their farms and in their vineyards. This is not just a typical tour – this is a once in a lifetime experience that combines the opportunity to both serve the Jewish people and to go on exciting tour days in Israel.

Rachel

from Missouri, USA

I recommend the Heartland Experience to anyone who has ever considered taking a tour to Israel. It is an opportunity of a lifetime and it is the best way to gain perspective of the miracles of redemption God is performing. Each participant takes active, powerful, faithful steps to work and be a part of this Kingdom of Israel redemption in our generation. It is such a blessing to serve and be the salt and light with our prayers, hands, and feet in the Heartland! It is transformational!

Genevieve

from New Mexico, USA

As a solo traveler and first-time visitor, I found this to be a most elegant way to experience Israel. The volunteer work imparts a sense of meaning, and friendships develop easily in pursuit of common goals. We saw a rich variety of historic and sacred places, and met many locals who expressed their passion and dedication to this beautiful land. I left feeling I had seen it for real, and having a tiny part in making the desert bloom. Grateful to the HaYovel team for sharing this place with us.

from Texas, USA

More About This Trip

Accomodations

For most of your trip, you’ll be staying in a room at our volunteer base on the Mount of Blessing, located in central Israel. Our accommodations are similar to a hostel and are simple, but still comfortable and with all basic amenities. Restrooms and showers are located in a separate building. If you come with your spouse or your family, you’ll be rooming with them. If you come by yourself, you will room with one or two fellow volunteers.

While we are volunteering and touring in the Jerusalem and Judea region, we’ll be staying three nights at a hotel in Jerusalem.

Transportation

We will help you book your flight to Tel Aviv, Israel. We’ll meet you at the airport at the designated pick-up time for the trip you select. Transportation is already arranged for your entire stay in Israel and is included in the price of the trip. For smaller groups, we will travel by 9-passenger vans. For larger groups, we will use private buses. At the conclusion of your trip, someone from our team will take you back to Tel Aviv at the designated airport drop-off time.

Meals

We have a team of chefs running our on-site kitchen and serving three delicious meals every day for our volunteers. All meals are covered in your trip cost.

When we travel or tour in certain locations, such as Jerusalem, there will be an opportunity to eat out at local restaurants. You can pay for this on your own, or if you’d rather not spend the money, our kitchen team will provide a lunch you can pack and take with you for no extra cost.

You can let us know about any allergies or dietary restrictions that you have when you submit your application.

Volunteer Work

Volunteer work will vary with each trip and each location, but will include things like:

Planting trees
Archeological work
Restoring/beautifying ancient sites
Picking up trash
Rebuilding stone terraces (ancient walls)

Each place you go will be a combination of volunteer work and touring an incredible historical or biblical site in Israel’s heartland.

You’ll also be meeting new people every day who will share their stories with you, give inspiring teachings, and help equip you to be an effective and trained advocate for Israel’s land and people.

What do I need to do?

Signing up for a trip is simple. All you need to do is follow these 4 easy steps:

APPLY

Choose your favorite trip and click “apply”. Follow the instructions to submit your application.

It will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to fill out your application and will require a photocopy of your passport and a $200 non-refundable processing fee (this amount will be deducted from your trip cost).

TALK WITH US

Once you submit your application and pay your processing fee, someone from our staff team will reach out to you and schedule a phone call. On this call, you’ll have the opportunity to get answers to any questions you may have and we’ll give you additional details about what to expect and what you should bring with you.

BUY YOUR TICKET

After you talk with one of our staff members, we’ll let you know how and when to book your flight to Israel. It’s very important that you DO NOT BOOK YOUR FLIGHT until you receive a go-ahead from our staff team. We have a specific airport pick-up and drop-off time that you need to keep in mind when booking your flight.

COME TO ISRAEL

Between when you submit your application and the day you arrive in Israel, we’ll send you all the information you need to be prepared, pack everything you need, and be ready for a life-changing Israel experience you will remember forever.

We’ll meet you at the airport!

Select a Trip

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel to Israel right now?

Given the current conflict in the region, traveling to Israel, including Judea and Samaria (also known as the West Bank), requires careful consideration and a personal decision on if now is the right time for you to come to Israel. However, we encourage people to consider coming despite the ongoing war that Israel is fighting against their enemies. Your presence and support are profoundly meaningful to the Jewish people, especially during times of conflict. Standing with them not only offers practical assistance but also provides a powerful statement of solidarity and encouragement.

As you make your decision, it may be helpful to know that:

Our volunteer base camp is situated within secure areas protected by the Israeli military around the clock
There is a strong military presence on the roads and highways we use while volunteering and touring
Our volunteer base is located north of Jerusalem and is not in close proximity to either the Gaza border or the Lebanon border.
Despite the current situation, we are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure the safety and well-being of all volunteers that come to Israel for one of our programs.

Who can come on this trip?

Everyone is welcome on our Heartland Experience trips – young and old, guys and gals, families and singles.

The volunteer projects are only as strenuous as you want them to be, We encourage everyone to be part of each activity to get the most out of their trip, but if you are elderly or have young children to take care of, there is no obligation to participate in everything. Applicants are encouraged to be physically fit and in good health.

In regards to the country you are traveling from, we accept volunteers from over 90 different countries around the world. See the question below “Do you accept volunteers from my country?” for a full list of the countries that can apply for this trip.

Are there any vaccination or COVID-19 testing requirements?

No vaccine is required. As of March 1, 2022, Israel is welcoming foreigners from abroad regardless of vaccination status or COVID recovery status.

No testing is required. As of May 20, 2022, all PCR testing and quarantine requirements have been lifted for foreigners entering Israel from abroad.

Do you accept volunteers from my country?

To be eligible for one of HaYovel’s programs, the country that issued your passport must be on Israel’s list of allowed, visa-exempt countries. If you hold a valid passport issued by one of these visa-exempt countries, you are eligible to apply for a trip with HaYovel.

Do I need to apply for a visa before coming to Israel?

You do not need to apply for a visa before coming to Israel for one of HaYovel’s programs. All you need is a valid passport. You’ll be issued a standard visitor/tourist visa when you go through passport control at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Please note that you will need to complete an electronic travel authorization process a few days before arriving in Tel Aviv. Further instructions will be sent after you apply and are approved for one of our programs.

Please note that only citizens of certain countries are eligible to enter Israel and participate in a program with HaYovel. See the question above “Do you accept volunteers from my country?” for a full list of allowed countries.

What are your airport pick-up and drop-off times?

Our team will pick you up at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv at 6:00 PM on the start day of your Israel trip. You must book a flight that arrives at least one hour before the designated pick-up time (in this case, 5:00 PM or earlier). If you choose a flight that arrives in the morning or early afternoon, you’ll have to wait until our 6:00 PM pick-up time.

Our team will drop you off at Ben Gurion International Airport at 8:00 PM on the final day of your trip. You must book a flight that leaves at least 3 hours after the drop-off time (in this case, 11:00 PM or later). If you book a flight that leaves the next morning, you’ll need to wait at the airport or make your own arrangements to stay the night somewhere.

Does this trip include all the usual tourist sites?

The Heartland Experience trip focuses on sites and volunteer projects in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. Many of these places are important biblical and historical places that are never on the itinerary for most Israel tours. There is so much to learn and discover in Judea and Samaria and we think you’ll love every moment of it and have no regrets. You’ll also get to spend time in Jerusalem and go to the Temple Mount and the Western Wall.

Some other well-known tourist sites such as the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea are NOT part of the Heartland Experience trip.

See More Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

Check out our FAQ page, or get in touch with our team. We'd love to hear from you!

See Frequently Asked Questions