Tours of Israel?

[indieFan]

Hello Everyone,

My mother and aunt will be traveling to Israel in January 2007. They have a few questions that I thought some of you might be able to help with.

1. Can a tour be booked in Israel at each of the archeological sites when they are there or does this need to be done beforehand?

2. Should they get a private tour or a group tour? What has your experience with either/both been?

3. Are there any specific tours that you would recommend?

4. Is it possible to drive around Israel safely on your own?

Thanks,
indieFan

[Greg Needel]

Originally Posted by indieFan

Hello Everyone,

My mother and aunt will be traveling to Israel in January 2007. They have a few questions that I thought some of you might be able to help with.

1. Can a tour be booked in Israel at each of the archeological sites when they are there or does this need to be done beforehand?

2. Should they get a private tour or a group tour? What has your experience with either/both been?

3. Are there any specific tours that you would recommend?

4. Is it possible to drive around Israel safely on your own?

Thanks,
indieFan

I will do my best to answer, but alot of this depends on exactly what and where they want to go.

1) Most major historical sites are available just to walk up to and pay a fee there. There are a few exceptions to this rule like some of the more "unique places" that let you do archaeological digs etc, but they will be fine 95% of the time.

2)I have been to Israel 4 times. once with family on a private tour, twice on tour bus groups (different objectives), and once for FIRST (semi private tour, thanks Alisha). The times that I got the most out of the experience as far as seeing the sights was with the private tours. In Israel seeing it with someone who knows the country makes all the difference to your experience because you will learn things that would be over looked on your own. I would recommend a private tour simply for the flexibility available. On a group tour time frames are very concrete, while with a private tour you can adjust your time frame as needed. Overall I would not recommend doing it alone unless you speak the language or are very familiar with the country.

3)I don't have any recommendations except read alot of reviews before you book anything.

4)Yes and no. Can you drive well yes you can, but besides the risk of ending up on the wrong road and Hebrew road signs, Israeli drivers are like NYC drivers on a bad day. The only driving I would recommend doing is up to the north where is it mostly highway, driving in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem is a nightmare.

If you have any other questions feel free to contact me.