Hi: will have 5 add'l days in Israel in early May after completing tour focused on Jerusalem & nearby areas. Looking for shorter tours or private guide for other areas, including Safed & Negev desert. Lodging recommendations as well.
First trip for my wife, third for me.
Would also appreciate advice on how others have handled security concerns. Thx!
If you’re spending time in Jerusalem, email my taxi driver Jamal Taha at [email protected] who was highly recommended by my hotelier in Jerusalem. Jamal grew up in Jerusalem and is fluent in Arabic, Hebrew and English and is an excellent driver meaning he won’t scare you. He prefers being paid in American dollars but does accept credit cards with an additional fee. I also paid in shekels.
I was ripped off by some taxi drivers in Jerusalem until the owner of the hotel where I stayed suggested Jamal who said I would be in excellent hands and I was. He drove me all over Jerusalem and when I was ready to be picked up, he was never far away.
My favorite part was driving through the Judean mountains that was a tranquil experience with dramatic views. I had just spent time in Santorini and the Judean mountains were my favorite. We passed bodouin homes that were interesting and was a day well spent. Jamal’s phone number is 0522 967 965.
Did he also drive you outside of Jerusalem, maybe acted as a guide?
I travel to Israel frequently for work. I was just there. You are aware that there is a lot of civil unrest and demonstrations right now? Israelis I know say it is the worst period of their lifetime and people are threatening civil war. There have also been a heightened awareness towards rocket attacks recently.
Did he also drive you outside of Jerusalem, maybe acted as a guide?
We went to Bethlehem, Jericho, the River Jordan and passed the Dead Sea.
