We are going to be visiting Israel by ship at the end of April. We have four days, two based in Ashdod and two based in Haifa. We are particularly interested in Biblical historical sites led by a guide who can really interpret what we are seeing well. Could anyone recommend itinerary, quality tour operators, economical public transportation options to get to jumping off places? We are particularly looking for a tour company that uses a headsets with a live guide that speaks into a mobile microphone. We found in our tours in Spain that it made a world of difference to actually hear well despite background noises such as other tour groups. it freed you up to be examining the site rather than staring at the tour guide hte whole time too.
Posted by
8241 posts
Lots of tour companies, but focus on Jerusalem, Bethlehem. It will take you at least three full days to see the main sites in the Jerusalem area.
Posted by
OP
Washington State
3 posts
Thanks! That sounds doable. I have a friend who lived there and will be giving me advice about local tours.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33818 posts
I hope you enjoy the Bahai Gardens in Haifa (also the street food in the market)
Posted by
Phoenix, AZ
333 posts
Sounds wonderful! I can't recommend a specific company for tours but we lived there for two years. Since you mention Biblical history I assume you may be mostly interested in Christian sites.
Haifa's near the north, so try to tour the Galilee area (Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Capernaum, Mt of Beatitudes, etc.). If you are a follower of Jesus, I always felt more peaceful and like I could imagine Jesus here. You might could see the Galilee one day (quickly!) and Caesarea (one of my favorite historical sites!) in another. Nazareth could be substituted for Caesarea although I'd choose Cesarea. Personally, Haifa wasn't nearly as interesting as these cities.
Ashdod is towards the south and closer to Jerusalem, obviously a fantastic city but with so many incredible sites! You can see the BIG biggies here (Old City, Western Wall, Mt of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Church of Holy Sepulcher). And lots more, of course. Yad Vashem (the museum of the holocaust) is an experience you will NEVER forget.
I love the people in Bethlehem but it is a little challenging to cross over into the area controlled by Palestinians. Just because of distance and time; it's not at all dangerous. And it only has 2 main sites I believe. You'll make the most of your time in Jerusalem.
Posted by
OP
Washington State
3 posts
Thanks Nigel and Amanda. Amanda, Are there recommended economical alternatives to the big packaged tours? In other cities, we have managed to take public transportation and use guides. In fact in Rome a few years ago, someone in our group found a guide ahead of time that was recommended by rick Steves and she was fantastic.
Posted by
Phoenix, AZ
333 posts
I might be able to recommend a licensed guide. (let me ask them and PM you) And I wholeheartedly agree with the idea of a personal guide, ESPECIALLY with help with transportation. Public transportation is very thin in Israel, and if they had a car it would be the most effective way to go! There is a train running north and south on the coast but only 1 line going from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Basically only bus from Haifa towards Galilee. Also, sometimes groups are so packed they overwhelm sites! It's common to see a group of 50 touring a site, which can slow you down and really limit the experience.
Posted by
New Orleans
1217 posts
Several years ago I was in Israel with a small group and we had a fantastic, brilliant, and delightful guide, Miri Lowenberg. She leads tours for groups but also can arrange and lead a tour pretty much anywhere in the country for just one or two people, if desired. Her website is: www.meaningfultours.com. She can drive you in her minivan and work with you for exactly where you'd like to go. Her price for a personal tour will certainly be higher than traveling with a group; you'll need to contact her about pricing. However, when I'm back in Israel, I'll certainly hope to travel with Miri!
Posted by
Inlet Beach, FL
136 posts
Agree with Galilee area. If you want to stay in the general location, maybe Nablus and see Jacob's Well and Joseph's Tomb. You must try kanafeh, a local sweet delicacy, it originated in Nablus and is delicious! You may be interested in learning a bit about the Palestinians, including the Palestinian Christians (as opposed to strictly Israeli info as Rick alludes to in his video of Israel/Palestine). We've been twice and used Green Olive Tours, who does small group tours and will do private tours. If you are interested in learning in depth history, engage with them on taking a private tour with Yahav Zohar, who is a historical marvel, an Israeli in partnership with Palestinians, to give you both sides of the equation. Tell them what you are interested in, in general, and you can move a lot faster with a private tour. So much to see, you will have to narrow down to your 'must-dos'! https://greenolivetours.com