guided tour of israel

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Life-changing Tours Since 1987 - Call Us Toll Free: 800.322.0788

Tours to the Holy Land: Trips & Israel Tour Packages 2024, 2025

"Every place we visited was breathtakingly beautiful, with stunning landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. We highly recommend visiting Israel to anyone who wants to experience an unforgettable journey. We had a life-changing time there and are already planning to return." Simon L. and Beatriz G. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024 "I had a wonderful time in Israel. I felt while I was there the precautions that were taken for our safety were well in hand. I still got to experience many holy sites and be blessed by walking the path that Jesus walked. Every day was started in prayer, singing, or scripture reading which also extended the blessing of the trip." Quincie L. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024

Our Israel tours & Holy Land tours of 9-24 days for the Evangelical Protestant Bible believer are what Pilgrim Tours does best. Prepare yourself for a life-changing journey to walk where Jesus walked and visit Jerusalem, Galilee, & Samaria. Each of our Israel tours is led by a local guide who is an experienced expert on the historical, cultural, scenic, and spiritual history of the Holy Land. If you travel with 10 or more people, a private group tour can easily be arranged. Pilgrim Tours can customize an itinerary to fit your group needs with many options to choose from.

Concerned about safety? As a Christian tour operator, the staff at Pilgrim Tours takes a Biblical perspective regarding the current situation in the Middle East. We do not believe that peace in Israel is something that will occur until the Prince of Peace comes to restore His kingdom. Please do not make a reservation with us based on the hopes of a calm future. If you long for the special blessings only available in Israel, we will take you there. An expert driver and guide will carefully keep you from any areas that could present a problem and treat you to the riches of Israel as our special guest.

Below is a large variety of Israel tour packages departing in 2024 and 2025 year-round.

View Our New Israel Tour Highlights Video! Click Here

Reserve your tour at least 6 months in advance for an early booking discount, groups and parties of 6 or more click here for special rates, scheduled 2024 & 2025 israel tours.

View our Israel tours ranging from 9-24 days.

Take a tour of a lifetime and bring the Bible to life.

Featured Sites in Israel

Explore a vast selection of beautiful historical and Biblical locations throughout Israel with our Israel Holy Land tour. You can visit Jerusalem, Galilee, and parts of Samaria, getting the life-changing opportunity to see where Jesus and many other Biblical figures lived and walked. We even offer Holy Land tours that allow you to see the Dead Sea, the Garden Tomb, and the Jordan River Baptism Site. Like all of our Europe tours , our Israel Holy Land tours are led by local guides who have extensive knowledge of the area and its history. If you want to experience the history of Israel and see the Bible come to life, our Holy Land tours give you that opportunity.

The city of Jerusalem offers a unique convergence of Judaism, Christianity, and the Muslim faith. For Christians who visit Jerusalem, you will learn about many stories of the Bible while walking her streets. Many actors in the Bible such as Abraham, King David, King Solomon, the twelve disciples and Jesus all lived, visited, or spent time there. The Passion week of Christ will be highlighted during our stay as we visit the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Western Wall, the Way of Suffering, and the Garden Tomb.

Sea of Galilee

Nowhere in Israel does the Bible come to life more than along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Pilgrims who visit the Galilee region have the opportunity to imagine what life was like 2,000 years ago and what Jesus and the twelve disciples experienced while fishing on the Sea of Galilee. The peaceful setting and the natural wonders of the Golan Heights to the east and Mt. Arbel to the west make for a great way to start your morning in quiet reflection. During our tour, we explore the Biblical towns of Capernaum, Magdala, and Nazareth and take a meaningful cruise on the Sea of Galilee.

The Dead Sea is not only the lowest and most lifeless lake in the world, but also nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean. Travelers will enjoy the beautiful colors of the blue water and the red mountains of Jordan to the east. Take time to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Dead Sea “float” either in the sea itself or at one of the warm salt water pools at our hotel. The Dead Sea experience is truly a bucket list visit you won’t want to miss!

Garden Tomb

Our visit to the Garden Tomb and its surrounding gardens is normally one of the highlights of our tour to Israel. The Garden Tomb is a rock-cut tomb in Jerusalem that was unearthed in 1867 and is considered by some Protestants to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. Our visit offers a unique time of prayer, reflection, communion, and praise, which will be a special life-long memory for many travelers.

Jordan River Baptism Site

The Jordan River Baptist Site or “Yardenit” is a baptism site located along the Jordan River just south of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. This site is frequented by Christian Pilgrims who enjoy imagining the setting of the baptism of Jesus. For anyone who would like to be baptized in the Jordan River, Yardenit has been developed to be a peaceful setting with beautiful gardens, clean colored water, changing facilities, showers, and a nice souvenir shop.

Caesarea Philippi

To many Pilgrim travelers, Caesarea Philippi is a special surprise while on their tour. Located along the rushing springs of Mt. Hermon, the beautiful and natural setting is where Jesus asked his disciples “Who do men say that I am?” He asked this question while observing the pagan worship of the god Pan as worshipers offered their sacrifice at the “Gates of Hell.” Our time at Caesarea Philippi is one of many opportunities throughout our tour to see the lessons and message of the Bible come to light in a special way.

Israel Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month for the Holy Land tour?

Taking a trip to Israel during the spring or fall offers the most enjoyable weather of the year but normally has the largest crowds. If you want to enjoy a peaceful tour with fewer crowds, consider visiting between December and February or June and August. We offer Israel and Jordan tours throughout the year, so you can select a trip that works for your schedule.

How many days do you need for a Holy Land tour?

We offer several types of tours of the Holy Land, so the duration of your tour depends on the tour package you choose. The Best of Israel Tour is our most basic offering and includes a Sea of Galilee boat ride, a trip to the Jordan River Baptism Site, the Dead Sea, and many opportunities to walk on the same land Jesus walked on. This is our shortest trip at just 9 or 10 days. Our most involved trips allow you to experience a wide range of historical locations over the course of a few weeks. Egypt tours are included in some of these packages, as well as tours in Greece and other countries. These tours can take up to 24 days, giving you the chance to spend an extended period of time learning about and visiting different parts of the world. From our Turkey tours to all of our Israel Christian tours, all of our tours feature a first-class hotel rating for the country you visit. We do offer some upgraded tours that offer better lodging options. You can review our hotel categories at https://www.pilgrimtours.com/company/hotelcomparison.htm . Check out any of our tours to view a day-by-day itinerary and see what amenities are included with each tour.

What is the dress code in Israel?

The dress code in Israel is different from other parts of the world. There are a few dress code basics you should understand before booking Israel tours: When you’re in Israel, there is no strict dress code. You can wear what you feel comfortable wearing. However, both men and women should try to dress conservatively and cover their shoulders and knees when visiting any of the religious sites throughout Israel. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid tank tops and shorts. Men need to cover their heads when visiting the Western Wall. Pilgrim Tours provides a Pilgrim Tours ball cap upon arrival in Israel, but you might consider purchasing an affordable kippa that you can bring when you visit Jewish sites. Some places may offer a free kippa, but these are generally low quality. (Women are not required to cover their heads at any sight.) You can figure out what you need to pack and how to dress each day by looking at the itinerary for our Holy Land tours. Guides normally offer guidance on how to dress for the next day while on tour. We also suggest looking at the extended weather forecast as you prepare and pack for your trip.

Is there a lot of walking involved on an Israel Tour?

Our Israel tours do require a significant amount of walking each day and you should be able to walk unassisted 3-4 miles per day on average. Make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes that provide adequate support. While there are bus and boat rides during these tours, you have to walk quite a bit to explore some of the Biblical sites. Our tour guides normally give the group a few options at sites for those that have physical limitations. One thing to keep in mind is that there are many hills and valleys in Israel which can make walking even more taxing. The amount of walking you have to do may vary based on the tour you take, so look at the itinerary before choosing your tour. The good news is that Israel is a beautiful country to see on foot, and you’ll have several opportunities to sit down and give your feet a rest. As long as you have a good pair of shoes and comfortable clothes, it’s easy to forget about all the walking you’re doing and enjoy the tour.

What passport & visa information do I need for your Israel tours?

U.S. citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond their intended stay to enter Israel. Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original. Israel: U.S. and Canadian Citizens do not need a Visa when entering Israel. Non U. S. /Canadian Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of destination. Contact your Consulate office for requirements.

What common languages will be spoken during your Israel tours?

Hebrew, Arabic and English.

What currency can I use on your Israel tours?

The U.S. dollar is widely accepted across Israel, and we suggest bringing about $30 for each day you’ll be on tour. U.S. dollars are recommended for use for small purchases and lunches. Lunches typically cost $15-20. It is important to bring about 20 $1 bills as some bathrooms charge a small fee for use. Credit cards may also be used for larger purchases. ATMs in Israel are all connected to European and American banking systems. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in SHEKELS – NOT U.S. DOLLARS. Please notify your bank before traveling overseas.

Do I need to bring a converter for the Israel tour?

Israel uses the European plug with two round pins. You will need to bring along the necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volt appliances such as hair dryers and electric razors as well as camera and cell phone chargers. Electricity in Israel is 220 volts 50 Hz.

What is the time zone for your Israel tours?

The time zone for Israel is seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT.

What climate should I expect during your Israel tours?

In Israel the climate is temperate, and temperatures all year-round are reasonable. Israel has two main seasons: winter (from November to March) is cold and rainy in most parts of the country; summer (from April to October) is hot and dry with little or no rainfall. The desert areas can be extremely hot in summer time.

Recent Reviews on Trustpilot, BBB, & Google

View what others are saying about our Israel tours on Trustpilot , BBB , and Google !

"Pilgrim tours is who I'll be recommending people to travel with. We've been trying to get to Israel for two years and finally made it!! Great company from booking to on the ground with great guides. All details taken care of with great hotels, bus, and the best guides!! Wonderful experience!"

"We had a great experience in Israel with Pilgrim Tours. Everything went very well and there were no glitches or problems of any kind. The bus and driver were top notch as were the hotels and daily breakfast buffets. Our tour guide was great as his depth of knowledge of the people, history and languages Israel was quite amazing. We will very likely use Pilgrim again in the future."

"We have toured with Pilgrim Tours three times and what a blessing. Accommodations, excursions, information and food were all high quality. Post pandemic, we were so thankful to return to Israel."

"I couldn't have asked for more for a trip to the Holy Land than what Pilgrim Tours provided me. It was the perfect balance of spiritual reverence, history, geography, and social issues. I am so grateful for the experience that I had on this trip."

"Our church group just returned from taking a "Best of Israel" ten day tour. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I am so glad we chose Pilgrim tours. From our excellent hotel accommodations, to our wonderful tour guide, we enjoyed everything. Our trip exceeded our expectations. I would recommend Pilgrim Tours to anyone who is planning a trip to the Holy Land. We definitely plan to travel with them again."

View some of the sites from our Israel tours!

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Israel

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Israel. There are 223 trips to choose from, that range from 2 days in length, up to 15 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit Israel.

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223 fully guided tour packages in israel with 931 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Heritage of the Holy Land

Great trip. Wife is more, shall I say, more religious than I am, but, we were both totally inspired by this tour..

• Sightseeing

Jewish Israel Tour Package, 5 Days

A wonderful trip for the adults and children alike. Our tour guides—Eli, Erez, Dorit, and Yitzak—were all incredibly knowledgeable and engaging.

• Coach / Bus

Heritage & Holy Land - 8 days

The tour, Heritage and Holy Places was terrific!.We packed an enormous amount into the 8 days, and saw Christian, Jewish, Roman and Byzantine places of great interest. Also the borders of Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. Our tour guide gave us history, commentary and much insight into the history and current situation in Israel, as well as the Abrahamic religions. The hotels were very comfortable and our other travellers became a close group who were lots of fun. My only problem was the weather - I would not recommend travelling in Israel in high summer when the temperature can reach 45C. Thank you for facilitating our tour. Trenna Bridge

Jewish Israel Tour Package, 7 Days

Excellent Tour. The tour guides have managed the tour very well as per the plan. Hotel accommodation was also good. Great for those who are looking for a Jewish experience. Highly Recommend...

Discover Israel

Excellent tour guides, transportation services, and hotel accommodations. We were able to visit several historical and significant sites, with enough time in the afternoon to roam around and explore the area. Highly recommended!

The Story of the Israeli State - 10 Days

My husband and I had never been to Israel and booked this tour as a “bucket-list” event. Our tour guide, Efraim Native, was the best - he was a history professor, knew philosophy, religion, politics, economics, abd engineering - answering every question we had. He was friendly, helpful and made excellent food recommendations. Our tour covered Tel Aviv (our new favorite city), Haifa, the Golan (do not miss the Hula Nature Preserve), and Jerusalem (Old and New). We added the Masada/Dead Sea tour at the end. Finally, we chose the 5-Star hotel option and stayed in true luxurious accommodations). We will use Tour Radar and Click Tours again!

Past to the Future - The Story of the Israeli State - 11 days

I thoroughly enjoyed the Past to the Future - The Story of the Israeli State tour with Consolidated Tour Operators, Boaz, our tour guide, had a deep understanding of the history of the area, which made the experience come alive. The way he presented the places he took us, and in the order he presented them, gave us a real appreciation of Israel and its place in history. His attention to detail, easy-going personality, and expertise gave us an on parallel tour! Using Consolidated Tour Operators for our days in Israel was a treat. Not having to deal with or wait for strangers in a larger group also made the experience more personal. Will definitely recommend Consolidated Tour Operators and Boaz to friends and associates who are planning a trip to Israel! Many thanks, Lisa

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Galilee, Golan, Caesarea and Nazareth 4 days

We had a fantastic tour to Galilee, Golan, Caesarea, and Nazareth, the guide Tomer was extraordinarily knowledgeable and answer any questions we had. We highly recommend him for your visit to Israel. The communication and the booking process with the booking-tours company were smooth, and all pickup was on time.

Heritage & Holy Land 5 star - 8 days

Jewish Israel Luxury Tour 10 days

I've been to Israel 5 times but this is the first visit for my husband and the first time we are doing an 10-day tour together way, knowledgeable, funny, patient, efficient and professional, we had Ido (Jerusalem), George (Bethlehem, Jericho), Eli W (Masada, En Gedi, Dead Sea), Yonathan (Caesarea, Akko, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee) Kudos to all and to YONATHAN who is actually an Archaeologist, we are blessed to have him for 2 days, he has the personal and special touch, knowledge is excellent! Booking-tours is very organized from the Day 1 arrival at Ben Gurion to the last day of the tour, they took care of us, always making sure there is someone who is looking after us, esp point of pick up and drop off. We love Booking-tours company and will definitely recommend to our family and friends... Until our next visit, Toda Raba! Shalom!!!

Tailor-Made Private Israel Tour with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Tailor-Made Best Israel Tour with Daily Departure & Private Trip

6 Day Classic Israel Tour Package

7 Day Jewish Heritage Israel Tour Package

Israel's Rich History and the Dead Sea Experience (Private Tailored)

What people love about fully guided tours in israel.

Mark was great tour leader!

Ami, Dima and all guides were excellent! And overall very well organized and thanks to Oksana for prompt response!

Dear Folks, The tour was terrific and all I antiipated it would be - experiencing Israel in every way, shape and form everywhere we went! However, at my age the amount of walking was beyond my comfort zone after a several days. I was worn out after 4 days, and totally exhausted after the 6th day, after I'd rested my sore toe in the hotel the previous day! I'm in good shape for my age, however that much walking on unlevel terraine was w-a-y beyond my comfort zone and I'll sign up for that level of intensity again. The tour guides were great and professional. If I were to do another tour, I'll visit half to one/third the number of places we went, relax more, and spend more time at each place. Your foils online that answered all my questions were superb, kind and helpful. That's all, may God bless you all richly!

Regions in Israel

• Northern Israel (19)
• Central Israel (5)

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided
• Israel Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

International Versions

• Deutsch: Geführte Rundreisen in Israel
• Français: Israël : Circuits entièrement guidés 2024/2025
• Español: Totalmente guidado Circuitos en Israel
• Nederlands: Volledig begeleid Rondreizen in Israël

Guided Tours Israel

Private & small-group excursions in the land of israel.

If you are looking for safe, comfortable, and quality tours in Israel then look no further! We are happy to offer you high-standard excursions at affordable prices. We will personally pick you up from your hotel or cruise ship in a new and air-conditioned vehicle, and you can sit back and relax while we take care of everything for you while you are on tour with us. Expect top professional service from start to finish – or your money back.

Personal • Exceptional • Affordable Excursions

• Contact us & Inquiries
• From Ashdod Port
• From Haifa Port
• Private Tours
• Jerusalem and Bethlehem
• Jerusalem and Dead Sea
• Dead Sea and Masada
• Biblical Galilee
• Multi Day Packages
• Trip Planner
• Why Choose Us
• Read Our Reviews
• For Travel Agents
• Other Med Ports

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Our guarantee.

We will do everything possible to ensure you have an enjoyable time!  If for any reason you are not pleased with our service we will offer you up to 50% refund if you contact us directly after the tour.  We offer exceptional customer service in Israel and we are pleased to backup our commitment with this money-back promise!

Travel safely and get the real insight on the places you visit. We will give you expert guidance on the history and current affairs of the places you visit. We are very experienced with cruise visitors and will make your shore excursion in Israel an unforgettable experience. Thank you for visiting our website and we hope to see you in the beautiful and sunny land of Israel very soon. Toda Raba and Lehitraot! (Thank you and see you)!

E: [email protected] T: +972 772 285 363

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Shalom - meaning peace

Welcome to Israel—a land of contrasts and wonderful surprises. Join hundreds of years of voyagers who have flocked to this dynamic country. Ancient and modern, secular and sacred, Israel beckons visitors with its magnificent sites, holy places and warm Mediterranean climate. Here, age-old sacred shrines exist alongside futuristic skyscrapers and posh resorts with swaying palms alongside desert wasteland. No matter where you look, the legendary stories of mankind’s collective history come to life in this magnificent place.

Destination Must-See's

Dome of the Rock:

This structure dominates the old city. It is the shrine for Islam’s third most holy site. It covers a black stone in the mountain where Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven. It was the first dome shrine to be built and is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. It’s made of wood with marble slabs inside and covered with Persian tiles on the outside.

Known in the bible as Sea of the Arabah or Salt Sea, it gets its name from the high mineral content preventing anything from living in it. The lowest point of dry land on earth is the shoreline of the Dead Sea. Nearly 7 million tons of water evaporate from it every day, but the minerals remain.

Dead Sea Scrolls:

The first seven of many Dead Sea Scrolls were found by 3 brothers while gathering their goats high in the mountains. The brothers were not aware of what they found and sold the scripts. Years later, all scripts made their way to one location where the full content was finally revealed. See the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum to view the scrolls on display.

This is the birth place of Jesus. Christians all over the world consider this a holy site, but it is also significant to Jews because it is the burial place of the matriarch Rachel and birth place of King David. Manger Square is the main focus during Christmas celebrations three times a year.

Destination Must-Do's

Explore Jerusalem:

This historic location plays a major part in the 3 monotheistic religions. The heart of Jerusalem is in the Old City. This section is surrounded by a wall divided into 4 quarters: Armenian, Christian, Jewish and Muslim. Inside are important holy sites of the 3 major religions. Jerusalem also has a New City as well that still captures the original charm of the city.

Sea of Galilee:

This is a mountainous region in Israel’s north that is divided into two parts. It is densely populated and has the largest variety of ethnic communities in Israel. Its natural beauty and landscapes make it a main tourist destination. However, it is also popular for its national antiquities parks, farming communities, nature reserves, Jewish holy sites, Christian holy sites, and the Jordan River. One of the best ways to experience Galilee is to take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

Visit the Western Wall:

Located in Jerusalem's Old City, the Western Wall is one of the holiest Jewish sites in Israel. Also known as the Wailing Wall or the Kotel, this sacred place is visited by millions of pilgrims each year so that they may pray and reflect. It is the only intact remnants of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and dates back to 2nd century BCE.

Enjoy Tel Aviv:

Tel Aviv is Israel’s economic and cultural center and it’s referred to as the “city that never stops.” It is the country’s first modern Jewish city in Israel, but it still holds quite a bit of history. Visitors can find several important Christian sites there, but it’s also teeming with restaurants, shops, old courtyards, fishing ports and night clubs that attract tourists from all over.

Expert Advice

As you prepare to explore Israel, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. Please dress conservatively when visiting holy sites throughout the country; shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted when visiting churches and other religious sites.

You’re in for a treat as you explore the many delicious flavors of Israel. Israeli food is based off Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisine. Common ingredients include lentils, nuts, raw vegetables, lamb and beef. Common beverages include mint tea, mint lemonade, egg cream and fruit shakes. Coffee lovers will enjoy Israel's Turkish style cup of java with its sweet notes of cardamom and caramel.

In Israel, religious items make popular souvenirs; these are not too hard to find in the "Holy Land." Many travelers love to collect beautiful glass-made products, ceramics and silver in Israel. Olive wood carvings are extremely popular here. For those who love beautiful jewels and jewelry, Israel is one of the world's leading diamond manufacturing and trading centers.

Featured Tours to Israel

Iconic Israel

Israel: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Israel: A Journey of Faith

Jordan & Israel: Cultural Crossroads

Brochures that Feature Our Israel Tours

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We just finished a two-week visit to Israel with Via Sabra. It’s impossible to pick a favorite location or event as the entire trip from start to finish was amazing. The service provided by Via Sabra and our guide was outstanding in every way. We wholeheartedly recommend Via Sabra for any family or group planning a trip to Israel. Ben, Nov 2022

I believe in slow travel. I'm definitely NOT a tour person. Yet, everything about Via Sabra blew my previous conceptions of what an organized tour could be. It was a trip of many lifetimes. Miri, July 2022

Via Sabra left no stone unturned to make sure every detail of our trip and travels was 5-star. The tour guides, chefs, journalists, military expert, and influencers were warm, engaging and incredibly knowledgeable. Avihai, owner of Via Sabra, and the entire Via Sabra team are true experts on Israel and know how to make each tourist feel special and important. I would not hesitate to have Via Sabra organize my next trip to Israel. Karen, May 2022

Another life changing tour - Via Sabra is caring and strives to accommodate any requests. We cannot recommend Via Sabra enough and we are looking forward to our next trip. Naomi S, 2020 (and 2018, and 2016)

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Early bird special - $200 off per person.

Available only between october 1-10, 2021.

Registration for the trip will open on October 1. Fill out this form to be notified when registration for the trip opens, so you can take advantage of early bird special pricing!

GIL YANIV GUIDED TOURS ISRAEL

Welcome to Gil Yaniv Tours – Your Gateway to Unforgettable Adventures in the Holy Land!

Our services

Luxury vehicle.

Mercedes Mini Van or similar.

COLLECTION AND DROP OFFS

Collection and drop-off to and from Ben Gurion Airport as well as VIP Transfers. Relax and unwind on a guided tour that start a the airport.

ACCOMODATION

We offer a range of hotel levels to suit your comfort and budget preferences.

Your Personal Travel Concierge

At Gil Yaniv Tours, we understand that every traveler is unique. That's why we offer personalized custom tours tailored to your interests, schedule, and budget, ensuring an unforgettable journey through Israel

Your Tour Guide Expert

Our founder and lead tour guide, Gil Yaniv, brings over 30 years of experience and expertise to every tour.

With a deep passion for Israel's history, culture, and traditions, Gil has spent his career sharing his knowledge and insights with visitors from around the world, providing a truly immersive and unforgettable experience of the Holy Land.

As a licensed tour guide, Gil has led countless tours across Israel, from classic sightseeing trips to off-the-beaten-path adventures that showcase the country's incredible diversity and natural beauty. With his warm and engaging personality, Gil is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors, regardless of their background or beliefs.

At Gil Yaniv Tours, we believe that travel is about more than just checking off a list of sights – it's about creating connections and engaging with the people and places that make a destination truly special. That's why our tours are designed to provide a deep and immersive experience of Israel, with opportunities to explore the country's rich history, culture, and traditions.

Well where do I start?

You made my first trip to Israel unforgettable your special insight & knowledge- I shall treasure the memories and thank you endlessly for your special care of all of us.

we will seen soon

We had a wonderful vacation thanks to you. I love the photos I took at the Golan Heights. The tour with you was one of the highlights of our trip.

Just in case I need it,

please give me your phone number again,

 in case someone asks me for a tour guide in Israel.

Steve and Irene Fuller.

United States

 This is Josh Levin and I just wanted to send you a quick email and thank you once again for being such a good guide for my father and I on our first trip to Israel.

In the end I think we both felt that you ended up becoming like a travel companion more than a guide.

You made our trip so much better and more enjoyable with your knowledge and mere presence.

 Thanks once again and try to keep in touch. Hopefully one day soon I will be back in Israel once again.

My friend (Jane) and I traveled from Houston, Texas to Israel for two weeks in Oct/Nov 2022. We were lucky that Gil was our tour guide! We had a fantastic time and attribute that to Gil - his experience and knowledge made the difference. We are both Christian and were interested in the areas Jesus lived / walked during his life. Our conversations with Gil were so much more - we learned about the history of Israel, current Israel and the people living there. We visited many cities and Seas (of course) that were unforgettable and Gil was so informative.  If you are planning a trip to Israel we highly recommend Yaniv Gil Tours and we are both hoping to visit Israel again with our families. Thanks, Gil, for all the great discussions, your humor, and making our trip so enjoyable and easy.

Houston Texas

Gil we would just like to thank you for a wonderful trip, you were very thoughtful, knowledgably and patient with my elderly father.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

New York, New York

We just got back from Israel and want to thank you for the tour in Israel and for helping us experience our dreams. Although there were issues at the airport you made it up and we are home and feeling fulfilled.

    Simoen Namwera

Why choose us.

Israel is a country rich in history, culture, and tradition, with countless sights and experiences to discover. But navigating this complex and fascinating destination can be a challenge, especially for first-time visitors. That's where a good tour guide can make all the difference.

A knowledgeable and experienced tour guide can provide a deep and insightful understanding of Israel's history, culture, and traditions, providing context and perspective that go beyond what you can read in a guidebook.

They can also offer insider tips and recommendations, helping you to discover hidden gems and unique experiences that you might not have found on your own.

But perhaps most importantly, a good tour guide can provide a sense of connection and belonging in a foreign land. By sharing their personal stories, experiences, and perspectives, they can create a bridge between visitors and locals, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Israel's diverse communities and traditions. 

Top Destinations

The Dead Sea

How it works, fill in the form, chose a date to travel.

Our Agency will contact you with a native English costumer service representative. You will get several custom made tour options and a fare price .

Once the offer is approved we will fix a date for your trip and a detailed itinerary.

Enjoy and Relax

Our Team will take care of you from your first step in Israel. The best way to travel is to minimize as much stress as possible.

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Phone: + 972-58-6262885

Guided private tours in Israel

We are a boutique tour guide agency specializing in private guided tours in Israel. Our tours cover a diverse range of destinations, attractions and activities. With our select team of expert tour guides, we will provide you with an exceptional tour experience and memories of a lifetime.

We have an extensive list of single and multi-day tours. However, all our tours are fully flexible and customizable to make sure we include your interests and expectations. Whether your passion is the Bible or archaeology, modern-day geopolitics, nature, culinary experiences or all of the above, we can tailor the perfect plan for you!

Why Tour With Us

Expert Planning

With deep in-country knowledge, we tailor each experience to your preferences, ensuring you can make the most of your time.

Personlized Journeys

Each itinerary is customized to your specific wishes, interests, and schedule, yet  with the freedom to change your plans on the fly.

Best Guides

Unveil the Holy Land with insider information only a local, private expert guide can offer.

Unbeatable Service

24/7 support to each tour, ready to set anything you need – VIP Airport service, transfers, restaurants, wineries and more.

Taste a glimpse of Israel

Single day tours.

Single-day tours are the most effective and comfortable way to cover certain destinations. They are also a perfect solution if you are limited on time. Our list of carefully crafted schedules for day tours will provide the maximal tour experience at any site and can be customized in any way you wish. The tours depart from your hotel in Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem. At the end, we can even drop you off at the airport for no additional charge. Led by any one of our expert guides, we promise to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Jaffa and Tel-Aviv

Israel’s Metropolis Unveiled

Sites of the First Miracles

Explore the Holy City

Caesarea and Haifa

Maginifcant Antiquities

Ride the Camel at Sea Level Sign

Contat us for more information about our day tours:

We booked a helicopter tour with Danny in March. Everything perfectly organized from A to Z!! It doesn't get any better! Thanks a lot for this! 100% recommended!

..My experience was eye-opening and life-shifting. Loved every moment. Best tour guide experience I've ever had!

Daniel provided the single best guided tour experience our family has ever had! .. Don't hesitate. Book Danny the Digger now!

From private tours to meetings with key religious figures in the old city, and helicopter rides – everything was unbelievable! I highly recommend his services, especially if you’re looking for something incredibly special and/or need to impress VIPs.

He is definitely NOT JUST ANY TOUR GUIDE. Danny plans, suggests alternatives, continually adjusting destinations according to his clients’ energies and interests… coming up with even more fascinating alternatives… He is ideal for VIP executive tours.

Explore Israel in-Depth

Multi-day guided tours.

Israel might seem small on the map, but it is dotted with so many diverse points of interests. From antiquity sites to high-tech visitor centers, and from holy destinations to helicopter tours. A proper, in-depth tour of Israel will take more than one day. Perhaps a lifetime. So, whether it’s to celebrate a family event, fulfill a pilgrimage dream, or enjoy a vacation of a lifetime, we can offer you a fully customizable tour experience. Let us know of your dates, your interests and expectations, and together we will build the ideal tour plan for you, counting in all Logistics, from the moment you land to your departure back home.

Multi-Day Private Tours

The Best of Israel

Private Tours for Christians

Uncover the Promised Land

Multi-Day Luxury Tours

Taste of the Best of Israel

Private Tours for Seniors

Memorable Experiences

Make Your Own Itinerary!

Customize Your Trip

Meet Our Guides

Danny “the Digger” Herman

Fredi Wiesner

Pini Refael

James Elgrod

Head off on an adventure, special and themed tours.

One of our biggest prides is our unique capability to arrange tours to special destinations, and guide tours that focus on specific themes. The special tours range from off-road excursions in the wilderness to a trip along the border with Gaza, or a 2 days intense tour Ramon Crater, or to Petra and Wadi Rum. The themed tours are especially exciting. Most of them relate to a fascinating archaeological mystery or riddle. They are often connected to a Biblical topic as well.

Herod’s Lost Tomb

The Quest After a Royal Tomb

Off-Road Tours

Explore Israel’s Countryside

The Ark of the Covenant

Search the Path of the Ark

Helicopter Tours

See It All – From Above!

Copper Scroll’s Treasures

Track a Legendery Hoard

Tour Israel with the best!

Our company specializes in private guided tours in Israel. From Eilat to the Golan Heights and from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, with our team of expert guide you will reach the most interesting tour sites of the country, try the best local food, and participate in the most exciting activities. And having great contracts at certain 5-star hotels we can also offer you top level accommodation, yet at very competitive prices.

All tour plans are carefully planned, yet can be fully customized to match your very specific interests and time frame. Enjoy the history, archaeology, culture, wine and food of Israel as you explore it with one of our top guides. Tour like a local, yet in style, and with a luxurious vehicle. Our team is made of carefully selected top-notch tour guides. They are all very experience, knowledgeable and with great social skills.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us and let’s start building your own amazing getaway to Israel!

Contact us , and let’s start building your amazing getaway to Israel

Israel and the Palestinian Territories Tours & Vacations

Intrepid does not currently operate any tours in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

Our Israel and the Palestinian Territories trips

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Israel and the Palestinian Territories tour reviews

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Discover Israel & the Palestinian Territories

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‘X’ marks the spot: What it’s like to be an agnostic in Jerusalem

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9 unique experiences in Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Israel and the Palestinian Territories at a glance

Capital city.

Jerusalem (population approximately 875,000)

Approximately 8.7 million

Hebrew, Arabic

(GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type H (Israeli 3-pin)

Learn more about Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Culture and customs.

There are many annual events marking important dates in religious and cultural calendars across Israel and the Palestinian territories. Jerusalem, also known as the Holy Land, is touted as the historical and religious center of the Western world, with followers of Christianity, Judaism and Islam all holding the city sacred.

As you would expect from such a destination, there are daily displays of devotion and pilgrimage that happen on the streets and in public arenas, as well as a wide range of things to see. Take note of any traditions or events that occur which might affect your travel plans.

Shabbat , or the Sabbath, is a weekly day of rest recognized by the religious and non-religious Jewish populations, as well as some others across the region. The resting period lasts from 20-30 minutes before sundown on Friday to an hour after sundown on Saturday night, and depending on which part of the country you are in, you will notice different levels of impact on public transport and businesses.

In Tel Aviv, for example, Friday night is one of the city’s busiest nights, so you shouldn’t be too affected. In Jerusalem, however, many restaurants close until Saturday night, and your hotel front desk may close for Friday evening and the next day as workers may be observing Shabbat. If you find yourself in Jerusalem and parts of Galilee during Shabbat, ensure that you have researched places to eat and things to see that will be open and available over this time. In other parts of the country, like the North Coast, Negev Desert, Dead Sea and Tel Aviv, your stay should be mainly unaffected; however, it’s best to have a back-up plan just in case your preferences aren’t open.

It is important to understand how Shabbat could affect your visit, as you may find yourself without many restaurant or cafe options, or having to walk or take an expensive taxi (if you can find one) to get around.

During the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar (the Gregorian, or ‘Western’, calendar equivalent dates of which change each year) Ramadan is observed by Muslims across the world as a time of spiritual rejuvenation. For this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset – refraining from eating and drinking during daylight hours. The period of Eid marks the end of fasting with three days of feasting and celebration. For the duration of Ramadan, expect almost all restaurants and some other establishments in Muslim areas to be closed during daylight hours, with the exception of hotels.

History and government

Ancient history.

The roots of Israel extend back thousands of years, and many stories of origin stem from the Hebrew Bible and trace back to Abraham, who is considered both the father of Judaism (through his son Isaac) and Islam (through his son Ishmael). Descendants of Abraham are said to have been held captive in Egypt for centuries before settling in Canaan, located where some of Israel and the Palestinian Territories’ contested regions are today. These sites, and especially Jerusalem, have been besieged and ruled by many empires over the centuries of their history – Babylonian, Persian, Greek Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, among others.

20th century

Fast-forward to the 20th century, when Great Britain supported an establishment of a permanent Jewish state in the region then recognized as Palestine. British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour stated intentions to set up a ‘national home’ in Palestine for Jewish populations under the Balfour Declaration. In late 1947, the United Nations approved a plan for the partition of Palestine. On 14 May 1948, Israel proclaimed its independence under the rule of the head of the Jewish Agency, David Ben-Gurion. For Palestinian Arabs, this meant a mass exodus from what was to become Israel.

Since then, as over many points during the region’s history, there has been a series of conflicts regarding control in the territories. Currently, parts of Israel and the Palestinian Territories are still contested, and complex political relationships exist in the country to navigate administration over certain regions, whether the responsibility of Israel, Palestine, or a combination of both. Israel has peace agreements with Jordan and Egypt , but not some other Middle Eastern neighbors, so border crossing can be complicated.

Eating and drinking

These regions are full of delightful things to taste. Whether you’re fine-dining in Tel Aviv or having a street-side snack at Machane Yehuda market in Jerusalem, there's no shortage of Middle Eastern cuisine to keep your mouth watering.

Found in food stands on street corners and in markets all around the country, falafel is touted as Israel’s national dish and, despite competing stories of where they were invented, these snacks are now a staple in Israeli cuisine. Made from fava beans, chickpeas or a combination of both, enjoy them as either part of a Middle Eastern mezze, or stuffed into a pita with hummus, tahini, pickles and salad.

Shakshuka accurately translates as ‘a mixture’, describing a dish of eggs baked in a spiced tomato, chili, pepper and garlic sauce and served in a traditional pan. Every street food vendor or shakshuka master believes they’ve got the best recipe, so it’s a good idea to taste a broad sample in order to decide for yourself!

Can anything be more perfect? This silky chickpea dip is a pita’s best friend, and can be lathered on nearly anything and everything, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. To take things up a notch, order a hummus masabacha (topped with chickpeas, paprika, lemon and tahini) or hummus kawarma (topped with lamb mince, onions and parsley).

The Greeks have got souvlaki, the Turkish have got doner, but in these parts, it’s called shawarma. This type of local kebab is all about the traditional spices used and the ingredients that get stuffed inside – think hummus, salad, pickled turnips and tahini. An easy on-the-go lunch.

Obviously, many Middle Eastern classic dishes are hard to trace back their origin; however, sabich is one that definitely finds its roots as Jewish Israeli. Brought here in the 1950s by Jewish immigrants from Iraq, this pita stuffed with fried eggplant, hard boiled eggs, salad, hummus and tahini is now one of the country’s most popular street food dishes. Sabich is often topped off with a drizzle of amba – a spicy sweet mango chutney.

Lechem bread

If you haven’t realized already, Israeli cuisine is big on bread. In particular, lechem bread plays not only an important role in the country’s diet, but is also of religious significance in Jewish cultures – often breaking two loaves of this bread signifies the start of a meal during Shabbat.

A sweet dessert found all around the Middle East, knafeh is a cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup, often flavored with rosewater or orange blossom. Perfect for an after-dinner snack, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

This part of the world is also known for growing wine grapes. The biggest wine-growing region, the Sharon Plain near the Mount Carmel range, boasts perfect conditions – a temperate climate and sediment-rich soils on slopes that face the Mediterranean Sea. Visit Zichron Yaakov, a town in this region, on an Intrepid Real Food Adventure for a day of wine tasting.

Geography and environment

With beaches and chalk cliffs on the Mediterranean coastline, parched desert in the north, mountains (and more desert!) in the south and fertile valleys in the center, Israel and the Palestinian Territories boast an astounding amount of diverse landscapes to travel through in a small area, meaning you can bounce from one geographic wonder to another with minimal travel time.   Sharing borders and cultures with Egypt , Jordan , Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza Strip, you can find modern cities, like Tel Aviv and remote villages in the mountains.

From the ultra-modern shopping malls of Tel Aviv to the laneway markets of Jerusalem’s Old City, there’s no shortage of shopping spots in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. In Tel Aviv and some parts of Jerusalem, expect to see some big global brands, as well as local favorites, such as Hamashbir and Castro.

During your time here, you’ll have opportunities to walk around and shop at local markets. For purchases under roughly USD 8 (ISL 30), it's best to carry small denominations of currency, as stallholders or retailers likely won’t accept credit cards as payment.

Outside of markets and Jerusalem’s Old City, bartering is usually not accepted, and most stores have fixed prices for their products. If you do have any questions about shopping at markets or stores during your time in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, ask your group leader who’ll be able to let you in on the dos and don’ts.

Israel and the Palestinian Territories travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Israel and the Palestinian Territories?

Israel and the Palestinian Territories grant on-arrival visas to tourists of most nationalities. If you have evidence in your passport of visits to certain Islamic countries, Israeli border officials will scrutinize you regarding the purpose of your visit to Israel. The delay can be difficult and lengthy; however, patience and a friendly demeanor are advised when dealing with officials. Instead of an entry stamp, you will receive a loose entry card on arrival. Keep this in your passport until you leave, as this is evidence of your legal entry into Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

It is important to be aware that many Arab and Islamic countries deny entry to any person that has evidence of a visit to Israel. Syria, Iran, Libya and several other countries are included in this list. If you wish to travel to other countries in the region after Israel, please note that you may be refused entry if your passport, luggage or possessions indicate you have been to Israel.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of your tour itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in Israel and the Palestinian Territories?

Tipping 10-15% for good service is standard practice in restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as on tours. Taxi drivers and other service workers like hotel staff generally don't expect tips. Tipping is not compulsory in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, but if you are satisfied with the services provided, a tip is appropriate.

What is the internet access like in Israel and the Palestinian Territories?

Internet access is widespread in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, so accessing the internet via wi-fi hot spots is easy in Israel's cities. Rural areas will have less internet connectivity, so beware of this when traveling through remote regions of the country.

Most accommodation and some eateries offer wi-fi networks, which are usually free to use with an access code. If you wish to stay connected for the majority of your trip, it may be wise to purchase a prepaid SIM card with a data package or a wi-fi hotspot.

Can I use my mobile/cellphone while in Israel and the Palestinian Territories?

Cell phone coverage is excellent in Israel and the Palestinian Territories’ major cities and built-up areas. Expect limited to no phone coverage in more isolated areas like the Negev Desert.

Global roaming can also be activated when traveling through Israel and the Palestinian Territories; however, be sure to check with your service provider to find out about any fees you may incur when using this option, as sometimes this can be expensive.

What are the toilets like in Israel and the Palestinian Territories?

Most toilets in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are of the modern, flushable variety, but if you’re traveling in remote areas, you may still find squat toilets in use.

What will it cost for a…?

Israel and the Palestinian Territories' unit of currency is the shekel. Prices here are approximate and shown in US dollars for ease of comparison.

• Can of soft drink = USD 1.70–2.30
• One hour in an internet cafe = USD 4.50
• Takeaway snack or light lunch = USD 7–8.50
• Simple dinner at a cafe or restaurant = USD 17–29

Can I drink the water in Israel and the Palestinian Territories?

Tap water is considered safe to drink in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, unless marked otherwise. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Israel and the Palestinian Territories?

The vast majority of large hotels, restaurants and shops will accept credit cards. For smaller purchases, such as bus and taxi fares, markets and paying for something less than roughly USD 8 (ISL 30), it is advised to have cash on you to cover these costs.

What is ATM access like in Israel and the Palestinian Territories?

ATMs are easily found in Israel and the Palestinian Territories' cities and major towns. They’re less common in rural areas, so prepare accordingly before traveling out of urban centers. In general, ATMs in Israel offer a more competitive exchange rate for local currency than buying Israeli shekels outside of the country.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Israel and the Palestinian Territories?

• Passover (8 days, usually in April)
• Easter (March or April)
• Israel Independence Day/Yom Haatzmaut (April)
• Palestine Independence Day (15 November)
• Ramadan (ninth month of the Islamic calendar, usually May)
• Eid Al Fitr (end of Ramadan, May or June)
• Shavuot (Pentecost, sixth day of Shivan – May or June)
• Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year – usually September)
• Islamic New Year (usually August, September or October)
• Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement – September or October)
• Sukkot (Tabernacles – usually October)
• Simchat Torah (September to October)
• Hanukkah (December)
• Christmas Day (25 September)

For a current list of public holidays in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, including the movable dates noted above, go to worldtravelguide.net Israel and Palestine .

When is the best time to travel to Israel and the Palestinian Territories?

Israel and the Palestinian territories offer diverse experiences throughout the year, so there’s really no one ‘best’ time to visit. The shoulder seasons of April–May and September–October are ideal in terms of weather – pleasantly mild temperatures and little to no rainfall. However, many people choose to travel to the area over Christmas to experience winter festivities in Bethlehem, or in summer when coastal hubs like Tel Aviv and Haifa come alive at beach resorts and with outdoor nightlife. There’s a range of things to do in any weather, from skiing in the highlands to enjoying the sun near the Red Sea, so no matter what time you choose to go, it's a great place to take a vacation year-round.

Above all, it's important to note that travel will be affected during religious holidays, with the majority of shops, businesses and public transport shutting down for major public holidays and events. Be sure to consider how Jewish or other religious holidays, like Ramadan, may affect your stay.

What is the weather like in Israel and the Palestinian Territories?

Israel and the Palestinian Territories generally share a Mediterranean climate, with the summer months providing loads of sunshine and scorching temperatures that can reach upwards of 100°F. June to August usually sees the highest temperatures, with milder weather prevailing during autumn (September–October) and spring (April–May). Winter (around November–March) means cooler temperatures and light rain. Snowfall can sometimes occur in the highlands and even in Jerusalem

Are Israel and the Palestinian Territories safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Compared to many of its Middle East neighbors, Israel is quite progressive when it comes to a stance on LGBTQIA+ rights. Homosexuality is legal and some protections are in place regarding gender identity discrimination. Although same-sex marriages are not performed here, they recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. Since 2015, the Israeli Health Ministry has allowed transgender people to change their registered gender legally without sex reassignment surgery.

Tel Aviv has a thriving gay scene, with many of the bars and nightlife geared towards this. Tel Aviv also hosts a Gay Pride Parade each year in the second week of June, which attracts over 250,000 attendees from across the world.

In the Occupied Palestinian Territories the law does not provide any explicit protections for LGBTQIA+ persons, but there are no formal laws against same-sex sexual activities. Officially, same-sex relations are not illegal but social and cultural attitudes towards homosexuality can be conservative and laws against ‘indecency’ are sometimes used, on an irregular and unpredictable basis, to criminalize same-sex acts.

There are still many conservative regions around Israel and the Palestinian Territories, so be aware of the situation you find yourself in when you are traveling. In these areas, public displays of affection are not encouraged.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex – Israel and  Palestine – or ILGA before you travel.

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travelers who do not wish to share a room.

Are Israel and the Palestinian Territories accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Visitors to Israel and the Palestinian Territories with mobility issues will find most areas accessible and easy to get around, with modern infrastructure, despite the old architecture and ancient sites.

Many of Tel Aviv’s beaches can be accessed by ramps, and some hotel beaches have beach wheelchairs available for use. In Jerusalem, the Old City has an accessible trail for those requiring a wheelchair, and many of the sites are wheelchair-friendly.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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Israel Discovery

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Experience Jerusalem & the Dead Sea During a 9-Day Guided Tour of Israel

See some of the world's most sacred sites during this 9-day guided tour of Israel. Travel to Tel Aviv, where you’ll see the Habima National Theater, Rabin Square and Carmel Market. Walk through the ancient coastal city of Caesarea and the ruins of a once-raucous Roman amphitheater. Drive seaside roads to Tiberias and break challah during traditional multi-course dinner celebrating Shabbat, a day of rest. See Mount Beatitude, where Jesus is said to have preached the Sermon on the Mount — then journey to the Jordan Valley, where you can float in the buoyant waters of the salty Dead Sea. Traverse the cobbled alleyways of Jerusalem to the city’s most sacred monument, the Wailing Wall, and visit a Holocaust memorial honoring those who died in World War II.

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Start Tel Aviv, Israel. End Jerusalem, Israel.

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Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

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Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNSECO sites and places of cultural significance.

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Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

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Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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I Show People All Sides Of Israel

In our tours we’ll address both historical and current events from a balanced & non-biased point of view to help you determine your views of this land for yourself. Nevertheless we’ll have plenty  fun on the way. Looking forward to having you over :)

Shai Goren - guided tours

Tours i offer, classic tours, political tours, hi i'm shai.

A native Israeli, born in Jerusalem (1986) and was raised in a liberal Jewish home. Growing up in one of the most fascinating places in the world, I was always fascinated by the cultural diversity my city and country had to offer. Following my military service I spent a year in north and south America and then came home to get my tour guide license. Over the years I got increasingly exposed to our complexed political reality and turned my interest in politics into my job – aspiring to present all different communities and internal disputes of this region to my travellers as objectively as possible. I have a B.A. in middle eastern history and a M.A in middle eastern recent history from Tel Aviv University. I work with different groups from various places around the world, aiming to keep them engaged and interested in life here.

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BELIEF TOURS

ISRAEL  TOUR GUIDE 4U

I'm a professional Israeli tour guide.Tour with me and fall in love with Israel and its heritage

Tour Guide for you

im a professional Israeli tour guide, and lecturer. I know Israel inside and out. For years I’ve been , learning about this extraordinary land, its culture and history.

Tour with me and fall in love with Israel and its heritage, through an educational approach of both realistic and traditional perspectives, using humor and sensitivity along the way. My adjusted approach suits all ages and group structures, countries, religions and backgrounds. My tours are fully customizable and include VIP standards.

TEL: +9720546350673      EMAIL: [email protected]

BELIEF WILL SET YOU FREE

As a private tour guide, my tours are fully customisable, with an itinerary that we set together. It is created with all your specific requests, needs and interests in mind.

THE PEOPLE'S WORD

“ The infinite amount of knowledge he shared about the places they visited included all aspects of history and religion. The true love of his profession and the way he treated his guests made this an exceptional experience for them. Glad we have chosen his service and would highly recommend it to anyone .”

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Jerusalem Guided Tours

Explore the Alleyways of this Magical City

VIVIAN NADIR

Born in Melbourne, Australia, and a resident of Jerusalem for many years, I have been guiding tours all over Israel since 1998, with a focus on Jerusalem. Curiosity led me to become a tourist guide.

Hiking tours, pilgrimage tours and off-the-beaten track tours are my specialty. My passion for history and discovery of the unknown are the essence of all my tours.

As a licensed tourist guide, I can customise the tour to suit your interests.  I try to have you blend in with the locals and feel as much a part of the city as possible.

Half-Day Tours

In and Around Jerusalem

Old City Highlights

650 New Israeli Shekels

Uncover the secrets of Jerusalem's Old City - find out the reason behind the holiness of the Wailing Wall for the Jews - witness the spell of the Dome of the Rock - marvel at the simplicity of the Holy Sepulchre Church marking the place of Jesus's crucifixion and burial - learn why the Armenians have their own quarter

Mt of Olives and Gethsemane

Take in the breathtaking view of the Old City from the summit of the Mt. of Olives. Visit the Christian monuments connected to Jesus on the hillside, and see the burial grounds of both the ancient and modern city.

Archeaological Tour of Jerusalem's Roman Ruins

Step back in time 2,000 years, visiting the excavations of aristocratic Roman mansions, marvelling at the well-preserved mosaics and frescoes. Walk along an ancient first century street which bordered the Judaean temple compound, following in the footsteps of the Jewish pilgrims to Jerusalem.

Sight-Seeing by Bicycle

650  New Israeli Shekels

Cycle through the quaint Nahlaot neighbourhood to the government precinct - passing the Supreme Court, Parliament House and the Israel Museum - and then over to Mt Scopus with its panoramic views of the Old City and the Judaean Desert, cycling back through Mea Shearim. A great way to see a complete cross-section of the city of Jerusalem. (Rent a bike from Abraham's Hostel online through Smart Tour.)

Ein Kerem and the Chagall Windows

Visit this hidden jewel in the Jerusalem countryside, identified by Christians as the birthplace of John the Baptist, studded with churches and imposing 19th century mansions. End the tour with a visit to the famous Chagall windows at the Hadassah Hospital synagogue.

Mt. Scopus and Its Hidden Treasures

An elegant university campus founded in 1925 with a spectacular view of the Judaean Desert on one side and the Old City on the other; also the home of Jerusalem's first botanical gardens with indigenous plants set around an ancient 1st century graveyard.

Full Day Tours

Absorb Yourself in this Vibrant  City

Highlights of the Old City and the Mt of Olives

1,200 New Israeli Shekels

A fascinating introduction to Jerusalem for any first-time visitor. Take in the breathtaking view of the Old City from the summit of the Mt. of Olives - visit the Christian monuments connected to Jesus including Gethsemane and the Holy Sepulchre Church - place your wish in the Wailing Wall - uncover the beauty of the Dome of the Rock, holy to both Jews and Moslems.

In the Footsteps of Jesus and Mary

1,200 New Israel Shekels

Visit Bethesda where Jesus cured an invalid and next to where tradition cites the birthplace of his mother Mary - walk along the Via Dolorosa stopping at the stations of the cross marking Christ's passion - visit the Holy Sepulchre Church on Golgotha Hill - the Dormition Abbey, built in veneration of Mary - see the Last Supper Room and the possible place of Jesus's trial by the High Priest Caiphas

Old and New City (i)

The morning will concentrate on Jerusalem's historic iconic sites for Christians, Moslems and Jews located in the Old City; while in the afternoon we will venture to the government precinct to see Israel's parliament house - the Knesset, and the country's Supreme Court.

Old and New City (ii)

The morning will concentrate on Jerusalem's historic iconic sites for Christians, Moslems and Jews located in the Old City; while in the afternoon we will stroll through the ultra-Orthodox Meah Shearim neighbourhood ending in the colourful Mahaneh Yehuda produce market.

Old City of Jerusalem & Bethlehem

After exploring the Old City and its holy sites for Jews, Christians and Moslems, visit the 6th century Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, built over the birthplace of Jesus; continue to the Milk Grotto Church, and from there to Shepherds' Field where the angels informed the shepherds of the birth of the saviour in the City of David.

From the Western Wall Tunnel to the City of David

Begin the tour in the Western Wall Tunnel and learn about the changes to the Temple Mount from the time of King Solomon through to King Herod and finally by the Sultan Abdel Malek. Continue with an overview of the origins of the city of Jerusalem, and see for yourself how it evolved from a fortified Canaanite kingdom to ultimately become the capital of the Israelite republic 3,000 years ago.

Yad Vashem, Ein Kerem & the Chagall Windows

The tour covers a visit to the Yad Vashem holocaust memorial, and then changes mood completely as we stroll through Ein Kerem, a rustic village in the Jerusalem countryside, identified by Christians as the birthplace of John the Baptist, studded with churches and imposing 19th century mansions. We end with a visit to the Hadassah Hospital to view the Marc Chagall stained glass windows.

Hiking in the Judaean Hills

Nature and history combine as we hike through picturesque Mediterranean vegetation in the Judaean Hills, climbing along farming terraces from ancient times still irrigated with spring water. The tour begins at the Hindak spring and follows the Abu Yousef Valley to the Sataf Spring.

Dead Sea and Massada

If you agree to rent a car, I can drive you to Massada where you will discover the magnificence of one of King Herod's winter palaces and the natural beauty of the Judaean Desert. At the end of the day, indulge yourself with a dip in the Dead Sea.

The British Mandate in Palestine - Mt. Scopus and the Rockefeller Museum

Start off the day by stepping back in time  as you visit the Rockefeller Museum housing archaeological exhibits including the amazing Hisham Palace collection from Jericho. Continue for a relaxing walk around the Mt. Scopus university campus with a spectacular view of the Judaean Desert on one side and the Old City on the other; also the home of Jerusalem's first botanical gardens with indigenous plants set around an ancient 1st century graveyard and some of the finest early 20th century Jerusalem architecture.

Tour Testimonials

Dedicated, brilliant guide. Extremely informative and good value. Good in history across the various religions. And very happy to spend a lot of time with us. Thanks so much!

Miles Chapman

This is my second trip to Israel and my second time using Vivian as a tour guide. She is incredibly knowledgeable and I learn so much from her each tour. I love her knowledge base. This trip we asked her to give us a tour by bicycle and it was wonderful. We took four half day tours this week and learned so much about this amazing city. Thank you, Vivian!

Cindy Schiff

Merci à Vivian!  Très bonne guide, très instruite et gentille! Le guide parfait pour comprendre et vivre Jérusalem.

Patricia  Ballereau

Get in touch.

14 Shimon Street, Jerusalem

[email protected]

• Mar 24, 2022

Off the Beaten Track

• Jan 20, 2020

The Best Houmus in Town

Before you go, check this out!

We have lots more on the site to show you. You've only seen one page. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time.

How to tour Israel on your own: A step-by-step guide (with itinerary and maps)

If you are looking to tour Israel on your own, then you are in the right place. Whether its just wanting to go alone or a group tour timeline doesn’t fit your schedule. Or you’re in Israel on a business trip. Touring on your own doesn’t have to be difficult.

In a previous post I talked about visiting Jerusalem on your own. Traveling the whole country is going to be a little different. Everything you want to see in Jerusalem is packed into a small area. Everything outside Jerusalem is not.

Below is a how-to guide to traveling Israel on your own. At the bottom is an itinerary with maps. Here are the topics we are going to cover.

Can you travel Israel on your own?

When is the best time to go to israel, getting to israel..

• Getting around Israel.

Hotels in Israel

Hostels in israel, air bnb in israel, are tour guides available in israel, how much do private tours cost, how much do biblical sites in israel cost, is israel cheap to visit, can you swim in the dead sea, what should i buy in israel, what should i pack for a trip to israel, 2-week holy site itinerary..

All links are direct.

All currency is in US Dollars, unless otherwise specified.

Absolutely. People travel to Israel all the time on their own. But a lot of those people aren’t doing an intentional tour of biblical sites. If you want to do your own Holy Land tour through Israel, you can more than easily accomplish it though.

Jerusalem, can be done in 2 or 3 days. The rest of the country can take anywhere from 7 to 12 days. Tour groups normally split the country into areas. Eleven to be specific: 1) the coast; 2) Nazareth; 3) Galilee; 4) Golan; 5) Samaria; 6) Jerusalem; 7) the Shephelah; 8) Bethlehem; 9) Jericho; 10) the Dead Sea; and if you want the full tour 11) the Negev.

On a typical Holy Land tour of Israel, you would get on a bus and let the tour leader and staff plan everything out. Park passes, transportation, lodging, and even a few meals will be part of the trip cost. The group leader and/or tour guide will provide the itinerary and what-to-know about each site.

Because the industry of Holy Land tourism is such a big thing in Israel, hotels and transportation is rather abundant. There are a plethora of hotels, kibbutz (travel lodges), hostels, and Air BnB offerings. Which means that you have plenty of options. The down side is that, depending on the season, you may be competing with group reservations.

Although a rental car is going to be the most convenient for this kind of tour, there are other options. Israel has public transportation and there is even a biking path if that’s your thing.

You could even do a mixture of it all.

The best time to visit Israel is in April/May and October/November. There are a couple variables that go into this. For a full discussion on timing, check out my post on the topic right here .

Airfare fluctuates during the year due to global travel seasons. The highest airfare tends to be in the summer months, (June, July, and August) and December. This makes sense because the summer is typically when people travel due to the US school calendar.

December has started to become a bigger travel month over the years because of Christmas.

The weather is also a factor. The summer have zero precipitation. And the average temperature countrywide is 84 deg F with highs surging into the 90s and 100s F.

The winter months have high precipitation. With lows being in the 40s and 50s F. This makes the spring and late fall optimal for the weather.

Crowds are another problem. Unfortunately, there is no data on crowds, but there is data on tourist arrivals. Israel’s peak arrival month is October. This is due to the Jewish Holiday Yom Kippur. The spring is the next high. The summer months are a lull between spring and October. January is the slowest month.

One thing to note here. Travel is highest in October because of Yom Kippur. But this doesn’t mean tourist sites are going to be packed. And low travel in the summer doesn’t mean that sites won’t be packed.

Because of the nature of Israel, Jewish families are spread across Israel, Europe, and the United States. So, there is a lot of travel to and from Israel to visit family. And not to tour. Arrival numbers do not differentiate this.

At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong visiting in the spring or fall.

As noted above, airfare fluctuates. Prices are highest in June at the beginning of the summer tourist season. Prices are lowest from October through March .  Average Airfare in 2020 before COVID was between $650 in the low months and $1,300 in the high months. With spikes up around $3,400.

International air travel has 1 major port of entry, Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv sits on the Mediterranean Coast and is pretty central in terms of not being too far north or south. It’s roughly an hour or so drive from Jerusalem.

There are a couple other “international” airports around the country. But they are small, mostly used for regional international traffic and don’t support the major airlines.

Your best bet is to fly though Tel Aviv. Its central, and all your follow-on transportation services are well established there. Like rental cars, airport shuttles, buses, city transportation, and more.

Can you enter Israel by boat? Yes, the main passenger port is Haifa. In the south on the Red Sea is the Port of Eilat. Both offer 24/7 customs services. Along the western Mediterranean Coast there are several marina’s which offer customs services on call.

Are there any border crossings on land? Yes, there are crossing points with Jordan and Egypt. In Eilat , use the Rabin crossing point to go to and from Jordan. And the Taba crossing point for Egypt. On the eastern border with Jordan, the Sheikh Hussein crossing point is the primary one for foreigners and Israeli citizens. The Allenby Bridge is primarily for the Palestinian population going to and from Jordan, but foreigners can use it too.

For an exhaustive list of border crossings and customs checkpoints, check out what the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has to say right here .

Getting around Israel .

If you follow the itinerary below then the most convenient option is to rent a car. Most of the major rental companies are in Israel. Avis . Budget . Hertz . But there are also some competitive options native to Israel and the region. The problem with renting is the usual suspects: cost, gas, and parking. Check your favorite travel booking site for prices as they fluctuate like any other location.

The average cost of fuel in Israel over the last 2 years has fluctuated between $6 and $6.81 per gallon. In New Israeli Shekels (NIS) per liter that comes out to 5.38NIS and 6.05NIS per liter.

Something to note about fuel grades. In most countries outside the US, the fuel grade is higher, usually in the 90s (93, 95, or 97). Whereas, in the US its in the 80s (87, 89, 93). This means the fuel has been refined more and therefore more expensive.

The next option is public transportation. All the major cities have some sort of public bus or tram system. There are a few options for traveling between cities on public transportation though. Egged buses facilitate travel throughout the country and Dan Buses travel in and around the Tel Aviv area.

Bus fares vary based on the city and distance. For example, an Egged bus from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is around $5. A bus from Tel Aviv to Nazareth is around $20.

Although taxis are an option here, you’re going to spend a lot of money.

Uber is present, but only cabs are allowed to provide the service. Ridesharing in general is very limited. Scooter-sharing services, Bird (US), Lime (US), and Wind (German) are available in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Other options include biking and hiking, which will not be covered here.

The big thing to keep in mind is that many of the churches that were built to commemorate something in the Bible are in towns. So, public transportation and walking is doable. But archaeological and historical sites, such as Dan and Caesarea Philippi, are often well outside the public transportation routes.

To really see the Holy Land on your own, a rental car is your best option.

Lodging in Israel

When it comes to lodging, there are several options. Hotels, hostels, kibbutz (travel lodges), and Air BnB to name the major ones. The driving factor here will be whether you prefer ‘crawling’ or ‘basing.’ What I mean by ‘crawling’ is that you stay at a different place each night while you go. And ‘basing’ means you get a room in an area to stay for several days and go out from there each day.

The way I’ve set up the itinerary below, both crawling and basing are utilized.

Because of the nature of Israel’s tourist industry, many hotels, hostels, and lodges provide meals. And some of those layouts are extensive. But not all locations do this, so make sure to verify when you book your stay.

Hotels in Israel aren’t all that different than the United States when it comes to cost. In general, they run from about $100 all the way up to $1,000 per night for a room. Prices fluctuate with the seasons. But you can expect places charging around $100 for the 2- or 3-star level. And the upper $100 and $200 range for the 4- and 5-star level.

Luxury hotels, like the King David Hotel and the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem are upwards to $1,000 per night. They come with all the bells and whistles.

When you travel with a tour group, lodging costs are included in your group travel. That’s the benefit of doing a group tour. Another benefit is that most group tours will choose decent hotels. You won’t be staying in low-end places unless there is no other choice. Usually a poor hotel choice is a result of traveling in a saturated tourist season.

What is a kibbutz? Technically a kibbutz is a collectivist commune that shares the burden of tending crops. Kibbutz literally means ‘gather.’ They started in the early 20th century in Galilee.

There are lodging locations around Israel that call themselves kibbutz, but really they are kind of like a resort. They have large dining rooms and offer buffets as part of the stay. They may or may not be associated with an actual kibbutz. If they are it’s part of their economy. The quality ranges.

Hostels are another option. They charge by person. What you can expect with a hostel is a bed, a social atmosphere, and meals.

If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, they are basically bunk houses. Rooms can have anywhere from 4 to 10 beds, or more. Community lounges allow you to relax or socialize. Bathrooms are common spaces as well.

The price range for a bed at a hostel is between $20 and $80. With the higher end offering more amenities or possibly a private room. No private bathroom though.  

Hostels are generally geared towards young solo travelers who want to meet new people. However, all ages are welcome, and so are groups.

Amenities can vary widely as well. For example, Capsuleinn in Jerusalem has enclosed bunks with lights, electrical outlets, TV screens, and air vents. Other hostels are merely bunk rooms.

Some hostels have kitchens so you can cook your own food. And some offer nightlife and social activities.

To book, check prices, and find availability of hostels check out these websites or go to booking.com.

hostelworld.com

hihostels.com

hostels-israel.com

Air BnB is the third option. If you aren’t familiar with the latest craze in lodging, Air BnB is an online hospitality marketplace. For the most part, listings are often for full houses, apartments, or condos. But sometimes people will list rooms or granny flats.

All listings are facilitated by Air BnB but listed by the property owner.

For owners listing their properties, Air BnB is essentially a small business. As a result, customer service and amenities vary greatly!

Air BnB is basically like having your own apartment in the city for a couple of days. And you won’t get bothered by maid service.

Although, Air BnB is huge in the US, Israel has a rather large inventory of listings.

For the most part, scams on Air BnB hit the property owners, but there are some issues to be aware of.

1. Never pay for an Air BnB stay in cash or off the website. [ Article ]

2. Be cautious if your host wants to transfer you to another listing. [ Article ]

Yes, there are tour companies in Israel that offer day trips as well as multi-day trips. The most well-known are Abraham Tours and Sandemans New Europe Tours .

Abraham Tours has hubs in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Eilat. The company is run by the Abraham Hostel company. Most of their tours leave from their hostels. This is a good thing; you won’t be riding around town picking people up at other hotels. You meet up, start the tour and finish.

Single day trips with Abraham Tours range from around $40 to $100. That is mostly dependent on the distance to the destination.

Sandemans offers a free tour of Jerusalem that last about 2 hours. It’s advertised as free because its tip based. It’s used to train new guides and give them experience. Sandemans offers a few other day-tours in Jerusalem and also in Tel Aviv. Average cost is around $25. They are walking tours, which means they leave from a specific starting point. So, no time wasted picking up other tourists.

When looking for a tour company, watch out for tours that pick you up at your hotel. There is nothing nefarious about it, but time is wasted. Sometimes upwards to 2 hours each way. These companies tend to charge a little more as well for the door to door service.

The other issue that you may encounter with any of these companies is frequent shopping stops. Some tourists like to shop their way through a destination. Also, tour guides sometimes get kickbacks for stopping.

With the day tours mentioned above, shopping is going to be rather limited.

One last thing to note, these are not theologically based tours. You will get religious history, but you aren’t going to get Christian theology.

Maybe the day tour isn’t your thing. Or, you are fine setting up your lodging, but you want to combine your touring and your transportation. A private tour is a good option.

Private, or luxury, tour guides in Israel cost around $200-$300 a day. But this isn’t necessarily per person. And it isn’t expensive by any means. With more people in the group, the per-person cost goes down.

If your timing doesn’t fit with a group tour from your church or community, this might be the route for you.

The plus side with this option is that you can plan out your trip with the tour company.

Private tours vary in terms of theology. If you go with a church group from home, you’re going to get lead by a seminary trained leader. With a private tour, most likely you are going to get a professionally trained tour guide. They may or may not be adequately prepared with theological learning points.

I believe that any Holy Land tour should also be theologically based in order for a traveler to get the most out of their time. However, if you have a small window of opportunity, then a private tour might be the answer.

Both Abraham and Sandemans offer private tours. Shin Luxury Tours is another option. They only do private tours and are staffed with more experienced guides.

An unlimited Park Pass from the Israeli Nature and Parks Authority is about $45. You can access around 70 sites with it. All of the archaeological sites will be on the pass. Churches, lookouts and most everything in Jerusalem are not. But they’re free anyway.

The pass is good for 2 weeks starting on the day of its initial use.  

In Jerusalem, the pass is only good for the City of David Archaeological site.

Other locations in Jerusalem that require an entrance fee are:

The Western Wall Tunnel Tour – Adults $11. Seniors, disabled, and children are $6.  

The Church of the Redeemer Tower – Everyone $5.

The Israel Museum – Adults $16. Students and Seniors $12. Other discounts $8.

The Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum – Entrance to the museum and grounds is free. A guided tour for 2 people will run you around $150. An audio tour is $18 a headset.  

The Western Wall, Temple Mount, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Old City Wall walk, and other sites in Jerusalem are free of charge.

The cost of travel in Israel is on par with the cost of travel in the United States. This is true when it comes to hotels, food and souvenirs. The only exception is gas, as noted above.

Travel costs stack up due to eating out, hotels, transportation, and site-seeing. However, visiting Israel is not like visiting Disneyland. Overall, visiting Israel can be done on any budget.

If a hotel offers food with your stay, then you’ve already saved money.

In my post about the cost of a Holy Land tour , I stated that a standard tour averages at around $300 per day per traveler. This is a great number to work with. If you are traveling on your own with a spouse or friend you can easily bring this number down with your transportation and lodging choices.

Yes, you most certainly can swim in the Dead Sea. There are 7 beaches where you can wade into the water. Or you can just plunge in.

The salt content of the Dead Sea is 9 times higher than the ocean. This means 2 things.

1. You will float high. It will actually be difficult to go underwater. The reason for this is that the salt content makes the density higher. If you’re a nerd like me that means the water has more weight (technically it’s mass but weight is more understandable), per volume than ocean water. When you get in any liquid, the weight of the volume displaced is equal to your weight. So, when you get in the Dead Sea less volume needs to be displaced.

2. The higher salt content will start to sting after about 6 or 7 minutes. So, don’t stay in too long. And don’t open your eyes underwater. Get in, do your mud thing, get out, and take a shower. Take a break and get back in if you want.  

For a great discussion on souvenirs to buy in Israel check out my post on the topic right here .

Here is the list of things I cover in that post.

• Ahava mineral lotion from the Dead Sea.
• Widow’s Mite
• Olive wood carvings
• Historical photographs – Elia Photo Service
• Charm jewelry from Magdala
• A Kippah from the Western Wall (FREE)
• Your pictures (FREE)

For a discussion on buying antiquities, check out my post on the topic right here .

And guidance for bringing back sand is here . Spoiler alert, I don’t recommend it.

For a discussion on how to prepare for your Holy Land tour, check out my post on the topic here .

In it, I cover the following topics:

• The paperwork
• Preparing for your flight.
• What to pack.
• Non-clothing gear.
• Determining your gadget requirements.
• Stay connected.
• A picture plan.
• Make a commitment to have fun.
• Jewish Holidays.
• A money plan.
• A souvenir plan.

Also, check these other posts to get clothing recommendations.

What to wear.

Types of shoes that work best.

Best styles of hats to protect your head.

And, a discussion on pockets .  This post is geared towards security and preventing pickpockets from taking advantage of you.

If you want to use your own phone, or rent one, check out this post on the topic right here .

And lastly, for information on power needs, such as adapters and converters check out this post .

There are 11 areas that we’ll hit. This list is predicated on the assumption that you will be landing in Tel Aviv.

1. Coast (1 night)– After a night or two in Tel Aviv, we’ll head south to Ashkelon (30-40 miles). Then head back north, stopping in Caesarea (60 miles) and then Haifa-Acre area (20 miles). Stay the night.

2. Jezreel Valley (Nazareth) (1 night)– We’ll get up early and head to the Jezreel Valley (20 miles). It’s up to you to choose where to go first. If you want to hit Megiddo , Nain and Mount Tabor you can (optional). Or you can go directly to Nazareth and start. But don’t forget the Wedding Church in Cana and the ruins of Sepphoris in Zippori (both within 5 miles of Nazareth). Sepphoris is where scholars believed Joseph took Jesus to teach him the craft of carpentry. Stay the night in Nazareth or head to Tiberias.

3. Galilee (3 nights)– Head to The Sea of Galilee (15 miles). We’re going to stay here for a few days. There are a ton of sites to visit, such as Capernaum , Magdala , and the Mount of Beatitudes . Don’t forget to get a boat ride on the sea. The Galilee and Golan areas are best done over 3 days, but you can take whatever time you want. Stay a few nights in Tiberias .

4. Golan (part of Galilee stay) (90-100 mile day) – Take a day trip away from Galilee to go north. At first glance it might appear to be boring. But the archaeological sites at Dan and Chorazim are large and provide a window into life in the Old Testament. At Dan, parts of the alter were found and scholars created a mockup 1:1 scale altar. It’s huge. Head back to Tiberias for the night.

5. Samaria (1 Day)– on your way to Jerusalem you will travel through the West Bank and Samaria (100 mile day). Notable sites include Jacob’s Well , Mount Gerazim (this has a fascinating history), and Shiloh (the religious capital of the ancient Israelites). There Sebaste and Nablus are noted for reference, I recommend driving through due to safety concerns.

6. Jerusalem (4-5 nights) – For an exhaustive itinerary of Jerusalem check out my post on how to tour Jerusalem on your own . The ancient city can be done in as many days as you like, I suggest 3 days. We’ll stay here for a bit longer than that though, since we have some other sites to see in the area.

8. Shephelah (1 Day) (40-50 mile day)– The Shephelah is the region between the coastal plain on the Mediterranean coast and the Judean hills. Here you will find the archaeological sites at Gezer , Beth Shemesh , and Lachish . On your drive you can make a stop to overlook the Valley of Elah , where David defeated Goliath. Head back to Jerusalem.

9. Bethlehem (1 Day) (20-30 mile day) – In Palestinian controlled territory, Bethlehem is full of interesting things. The Church of the Nativity is the traditional site of the birth of Christ. Its gaudy accoutrement is shocking. The Shepherds Field Chapel is more soothing and less stressful. Hit the Fields of Boaz on the way out of town and head south to the Herodium . This is a fortress Herod had built for him inside of a hill. Head back to Jerusalem.

7. Jericho (1 Day) (40-50 mile day)– Take an excursion out to Jericho for the day. On the way stop at the Inn of the Good Samaritan , Dani Lookout (great view of the Judean Wilderness), The Monastery of St. George and the archaeological site at Jericho . Head back to Jerusalem.

10. Dead Sea (1 Day) (90-100 mile day) – Leave Jerusalem behind and head east to the Dead Sea. First stop is the Baptism site on the Jordan River . Then head down to Qumran . There are 7 beaches on the Dead Sea. Kalia Beach , Neve Midbar Beach , and Biankini Siesta Beach are the farthest north. Mineral Beach is on the way to Ein Gedi where you’ll find a trail hike and the Ein Gedi Beach . Ein Gedi is where David hid out from Saul. Continue south and stop at Masada . Further to the south are the Ein Bokek Beach , the Segregated Beach and the Zohar Beach .  Cut to the west and arrive in Arad where you’ll stay the night.

11. The Negev (Southern Desert) (1 Day) (160-180 mile day) – The Negev is the most overlooked part of Israel. It’s hot and seemingly devoid of sites. But the archaeological site at Arad gives us insight into how the Nabateans lived. The Nabateans are known for Petra in Jordan. Head west to Be’ersheva and then south to Avdat and Makhtesh Ramon . This is pretty far south, but is a must-see. It’s called the Super Bowl and it’s comparable to the Grand Canyon. It’s 25 miles long and 5 miles wide. Head to Tel Aviv

This turns out to be about a 14 to 15-day trek. You can shorten or lengthen it however you see fit. In the coming weeks I’ll be posting info on each site so you can find out more information. Or if you are traveling on your own you can tailor your journey.

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Daily Briefing April 7: Day 184 – A guided tour of the fronts after six months of war

W elcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

It is day 184 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today’s episode.

On October 7, Hamas led a cross-border attack killing 1,200 people in southern Israel and abducting 253 people to Gaza. Israel responded with a military campaign to topple the Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip, destroy the terror group, and free the hostages.

The day after the Hamas assault, Lebanon-based terror group Hezbollah began attacks along Israel’s northern border, saying it was acting in support of Gaza. Quickly, other fronts became active, including Houthi strikes on shipping routes in the Red Sea. And the shadowy long arm of Iran colors all.

Today on The Daily Briefing, we tour each of Israel’s active fronts and look back over the past six months. We hear about successes, lessons learned, and where we may be heading even as the IDF withdraws most troops from the Gaza Strip.

For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog .

Discussed articles include:

Live blog April 7, 2024

Four soldiers killed fighting in southern Gaza as war on Hamas hits six-month mark

Two hurt, one seriously, in West Bank highway terror shooting

IDF hits Hezbollah air defenses in northeast Lebanon after terror group downs drone

THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Ci vilians and soldiers killed in Hamas’s onslaught on Israel

THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown

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Israelis commemorate Bible's Jordan River crossing 3,300 years ago

The event drew participation from hundreds of individuals across the country who engaged in various activities, including a musical prayer service, and guided tours in the jericho area..

The Jordan River crossing is a cornerstone moment for the Israeli people

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How Tesla Planted the Seeds for Its Own Potential Downfall

Elon musk’s factory in china saved his company and made him ultrarich. now, it may backfire..

Hosted by Katrin Bennhold

Featuring Mara Hvistendahl

Produced by Rikki Novetsky and Mooj Zadie

With Rachelle Bonja

Edited by Lisa Chow and Alexandra Leigh Young

Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Diane Wong ,  Elisheba Ittoop and Sophia Lanman

Engineered by Chris Wood

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When Elon Musk set up Tesla’s factory in China, he made a bet that brought him cheap parts and capable workers — a bet that made him ultrarich and saved his company.

Mara Hvistendahl, an investigative reporter for The Times, explains why, now, that lifeline may have given China the tools to beat Tesla at its own game.

On today’s episode

Mara Hvistendahl , an investigative reporter for The New York Times.

Background reading

A pivot to China saved Elon Musk. It also bound him to Beijing .

Mr. Musk helped create the Chinese electric vehicle industry. But he is now facing challenges there as well as scrutiny in the West over his reliance on China.

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We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

Fact-checking by Susan Lee .

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Katrin Bennhold is the Berlin bureau chief. A former Nieman fellow at Harvard University, she previously reported from London and Paris, covering a range of topics from the rise of populism to gender. More about Katrin Bennhold

Mara Hvistendahl is an investigative reporter for The Times focused on Asia. More about Mara Hvistendahl

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