Howdy y'all, the thread title says it all. Interested in taking my wife to Israel in the fall for a no-kids vacation. Something in the range of 7-10 days including travel. Decent to above average hotel accommodations to treat her to a great kid-free experience. I would prefer a Christian tour group that tours based on a faith-based perspective, Old and New Testament sites. At the same time, would not like to be 2 people in a 50 or 100 person group tour. So....if you've been before with a small or medium-sized tour company and had a great experience, or you know of great companies (or those to avoid), I would be grateful for the recommendations on tour companies, and any other things I need to consider (flights, security, etc).

Thanks and gig'em!

My church hosts 2 per year and my pastor is the guide. Haven't been personally but have heard amazing things.

He does one more strenuous trip a year with lots of hiking and one less strenuous for the older folks or people who just don't want to do that much hiking.

They are currently on the strenuous one as we speak and I think the other one is later this year in November.

Anyone is welcome to join.

https://legacymilestones.com/event/israel-less-strenuous-2023/

We went last year and hired a private tour guide. There are a ton out there and they all have to be certified by the city to do it, so you are assured a great quality and educational tour. Much better than doing a large tour group.

We chose a non-denominational trip the first time because we felt we would get a better understanding of the people and issues they face. We chose Tauck with one of their small group tours - about 20 people. You get to meet some folks but it is not overwhelming at all and makes for good conversation.

Had a Christian guide for a few days, a Muslem guide and then a Jewish guide. Then all three got together a few times to talk to all of us about politics and ask questions. You do get a better understanding of the tension that fills the air 24 hours a day over there. All Israeli guides are licensed by the state and all are required to know all the history, locations, etc. It seemed like all three were fluent in the religions and customs of each other.

We chose the trip that went to Israel and Jordan including Petra that was about two weeks. Top of the line hotels, transportation, entertainment, organization, knowledge and food.

You really come away with a different view of the whole area - you understand the locations, travel times, obstacles and history of places and events.

I might be in the area and may be able to get to Israel for a weekend. If I only wanted to do Jerusalem the old city, could it be done in a day.

Thinking of flying into Tel Aviv early on a Thursday and spending time at pool or beach. Friday would be Jerusalem probably private tour. Leave early on Saturday.

Can that be done.

Yes, it could be done. Personally I wouldn't want to do that, but if it's the only way to go then don't let it hold you back. I would just plan on getting yourself up very very early the day you want to go to Jerusalem so you can spend as much of the day there.

Maybe even stay the 2nd night in Jerusalem then drive back to Tel Aviv to fly out the 3rd day.

Yeah. That's easily doable. Jerusalem is less than an hour drive from Tel Aviv, and the old city isn't that big. I did the old city and the dead sea in the same day a few years back.

dr_boogs said:

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Howdy y'all, the thread title says it all. Interested in taking my wife to Israel in the fall for a no-kids vacation. Something in the range of 7-10 days including travel. Decent to above average hotel accommodations to treat her to a great kid-free experience. I would prefer a Christian tour group that tours based on a faith-based perspective, Old and New Testament sites. At the same time, would not like to be 2 people in a 50 or 100 person group tour. So....if you've been before with a small or medium-sized tour company and had a great experience, or you know of great companies (or those to avoid), I would be grateful for the recommendations on tour companies, and any other things I need to consider (flights, security, etc).

Thanks and gig'em!

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so I have been living in Israel the last 2 months (Herzliya Pituach) and working remotely.

I have lived in Israel 4 times over the last 3 decades.

If you have questions, you can ask them here or Private Message me.

StinkyPinky said:

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We went last year and hired a private tour guide. There are a ton out there and they all have to be certified by the city to do it, so you are assured a great quality and educational tour. Much better than doing a large tour group.

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actually tour guides are certified by the National Government authorities- it's a year long course and you have to take a final exam.

I know because I have been interested in doing it.

aduey06 said:

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I might be in the area and may be able to get to Israel for a weekend. If I only wanted to do Jerusalem the old city, could it be done in a day.

Thinking of flying into Tel Aviv early on a Thursday and spending time at pool or beach. Friday would be Jerusalem probably private tour. Leave early on Saturday.

Can that be done.

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Yes you could do Jerusalem in a day

I would HIGHLY recommend that you skip the beach (aren't there beaches in the United States?) and actually see the Holy Land

which would be Jerusalem and if you have time then you could drive to Tiberias and at least go up close to the Sea of Galilee

I have lived in Israel a total of 3 years and have been everywhere in the country (including staying at hotels or Airbnb in all the major locations) so if people have questions I can answer. Or I can ask my neighbors and people in my Regus office in Herzliya here tomorrow.

Thanks. The flight I was looking at landed mid day so figured I couldn't go into Jerusalem that day. Trying to use Hilton points and the hotel is across the street from the beach.

But the Saudis saw the moon a little earlier than expected so I may have another free day. I think the Sea of Galilee would be cool to see.

Is there any dress code in any of the holy sites. I figured on wearing shorts because it will be hot but didn't know if you had to cover up or wear pants in anywhere.

I honestly can't remember. At the wall, men do have to put a cover on their head, but they provide them if you need them.

I can't recall anywhere else I went that had something dress code related, but it could also be because I was "passing muster" anyways so I didn't hear anything.

Looking back at my photos I did not see any men in shorts in any religious site. Around town, the locals do wear them.

If you get to the sea of Galilee there is a museum that is very interesting. Supposedly the boat Jesus hauled the fish into is there. There is a boat trip that goes by the locations mentioned in the bible, but you would not have time to visit them.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher is very special and crowded. You can actually touch Calvary's rocks in there. The Tomb is incredible. Allow time, but it closes exactly when they say. A Muslim family has had the keys for generations.

If you get to the Garden of Gethsemane,you look back across and see just how small old town is and how quickly then could go back and forth particularly when the Roman were marching.

You cannot take a laptop or i-pad on the plaza around the Dome of the Rock. They don't want you to stop and pray Jewish or Christian prayers - I guess they don't think you can read scripture on your phone. Just one of all kinds of strange rules all over town.

Try to get by all four districts to see how everyone lives currently.