Israel

[Driftwood999]

We would like to visit Israel for a main holiday. Just DH and myself. Would like to do some sight seeing, do not like to be confined to a resort. Could do 2/3 locations. Any recommendations please, general impressions, tips and advice on things to do or avoid would be much appreciated.

DEFINITELY include Jerusalem as there is so much to see there. xx

p.s. V jealous.

NoWittyName - Thank you for responding, have you been to Jerusalem or read about it?

I used to live out there (but long time ago now 95-98). If you like roman remains, go to Ceserea. The Galilee/Golan is beautiful. The Dead Sea is an amazing experience. Tel Aviv is party town/very cosmopolitan. There is so much to see/do in such a little country. Jerusalem; just so much history here. Would probably be best to book yourself onto a tour just to get the best out of it.

If you want to go to Bethlehem or Nazareth it is probably best to book yourself on a tour (you can do this locally), just because getting into the West Bank will probably be easier if you are part of a tour group.

What time of year were you planning to go? April/May/June is the ideal time as not too hot. April probably prettiest as the spring flowers will be out, esp by the Gallilee/Golan.

Just found this as this might be a way to do it if you don't want to be resort based: www.kibbutz.co.il/

Wow - I have nowhere near as much knowledge as CaurnieBred so shall leave you in her capable hands.

Enjoy!
(and if you've got space in your suitcase I can fold very small) x

If you go to Tel Aviv, eat out in the Manta Ray restaurant on the seafront. It is my favourite restaurant anywhere! You have to book on a Friday and Saturday night but other nights you can generally walk in for a table.

On a practical note, when you come through passport control they will stamp your passport. Ask them to stamp a piece of paper stapled into your passport instead, as an Israel stamp automatically excludes you from entry to certain other countries. It is not as bad as it used to be, but other countries change their minds and their rules on a regular basis.

I would divide the time between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Not only is there masses to see/do in both cities - and you have the beach in Tel Aviv, but they both have excellent transport routes to other parts of Israel.

We have never hired a car, but always gone round using the extensive national bus system or by going on day-long Egged Tours. We took two Egged tours when we were staying in Tiberius, both of which covered different parts of Northern and Central Israel. These had very informative guides and covered lots of the key places in one tour. Also agree with CaurnieBred that they enable you to visit towns, whih might be more tricky or daunting to visit under your own steam.

Depending on your interests, apart from the places already mentioned, I would alsorecommend Masada, Tiberius and Safed.

Agree with what everyone has said. Personally I wouldn't take buses, I would hire a car. Car hire at Ben Gurion has turned into a bit of a nightmare - I would recommend getting either a cab or using the Nesher minivan/communal taxi service (turn right when you come out of airport) to take you to either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem for the first part of your holiday, and hire a car there when you need it. My SIL is a travel agent in Jerusalem and her husband is a tour guide - if you want their details, send me a message! xx

PM rather than posting here