Yearly Archives: 2018
Travel: Life-Changing Vacation Tours of Israel!
While Israel is relatively new to independence (celebrating only 70 years of independent country-hood in 2018), its ancient lands have seen a great deal of history and are home to numerous sites that are sacred to Judaism. Aptly called The Holy Land, Israel is filled with sacred places that make for really unique attractions, especially for those looking for a rich “Homeland” experience, those who love history, or those who simply want to get a taste of life in one of the most sought after worldwide destinations. Nevertheless, Israel tours offer so much more than religious heritage as you can plan custom Israel tours around energetic cities with all the modern conveniences you could ever wish for—not to mention the country’s exceptional natural attractions and stunning Mediterranean beaches. If you are considering booking Israel vacation tours, here are some life-changing benefits you are setting yourself up to discover:
· Israel tours are always comprehensive, mainly because the country is such a small place offering so many fascinating attractions to see and discover. If it is a religious experience you are craving, Jerusalem is definitely the best place to start your tour. Jerusalem is home to all kinds of hard to miss attractions, from the Old City to the beautifully restored Jewish Quarter, the Menorah, and many stunning destinations of historical and biblical importance. From here, it is easy to take side trips to the stunning beaches of Tel Aviv, followed by other must-see destinations like the Dead Sea, Negev, Galilee, and Masada.
· Tel Aviv is so much more than its leisurely beaches. Some places of interest that you should definitely consider to include in your Israel tours itinerary include the Independence Hall, and the Mini Israel Park—a famous destination in Latrun where you’ll find impressive miniature versions of important landmarks in Israel. Old Jaffa is also a must-see for its ancient ruins.
· Israel Vacation Tours are not complete without a taste of the country’s superb nature. Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, Israel is home to so many unspoiled beaches, with the added bonus of being close to the cities. Away from the coast, you’ll find unique and diverse natural wonders, ranging from deserts to lush hills and valleys.
How to Find the Best Israel Tours Trip Advisor
You may think you are trip-savvy enough to plan your own Israel tours, but DIY-ing a holiday to one of the most historically and culturally rich countries in the world is something you should think twice about, especially when you crave an all-out experience and a deep dive into the country’s amazing heritage, in all sense of the word. Many travelers are die-hard DIY-ers, but not long after a few bad trips, they turn avid fans of seasoned travel agents and tour providers who are honest-to-goodness experts in putting together unforgettable trips. Get your Israel travel advisory only from trustworthy tour agents and trip advisors who know their way around the desert country. Save yourself the agony, disappointment, and cost of a botched trip and follow these tips on finding the best Israel tours trip advisor:
- First, ask yourself: Exactly what makes a good travel advisor or agent? If you would ask seasoned globetrotters, they will tell you that the best travel specialist to turn to is not necessarily one with the widest array of tour options or the most expensive/cheapest packages on offer. Instead, they will say that the best tour advisor you should solicit help from is one that knows their way around your chosen destination. Naturally, a trip advisor specializing in Israel will be able to provide you the best Israel travel advisory and the best tour options, especially when you want a unique experience and not just a run-of-the-mill tourist holiday.
- Of the thousands of travel agents that will populate your Google search results, which should you choose? It can be quite daunting to sift through all Israel tours that your online search will return. A good approach is to look for recommendations from trusted friends, colleagues and other seasoned travelers in your family. The sooner you are able to find good Israel travel advisory, the sooner you can start really planning for your trip. Find an agent well in advance so you can have enough time to shop around. Don’t hesitate to check for references, and definitely look for a specialist in the location you wish to visit.
Tips for Planning Jewish Heritage Tours For Kids
Children have different needs and different preferences than those of adults and this is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when planning Jewish heritage tours for kids. While the primary purpose of taking them on the Israel Jewish tours in the first place remains to get them to connect with their roots, you also need to understand that there is no way they are going to make the same connections as adults do. Of course, this will depend on the actual age of the children and how much they understand about the trip.
It is always a good idea to go for tour packages that have been designed specifically for kids and young children instead of dragging them along on a tour designed for adults. Should you choose to do the latter, there is a high likelihood that the kids will just be bored throughout the trip and they will be miserable. Not to mention the fact that adult Israel tours usually involve a lot of walking and the children might find it difficult to keep up with the pace. An even better idea would be to opt for custom Jewish Israel tours like the ones offered by Israel Travel Advisory Service. This option might set you back a few more bucks but the extra cost will definitely be worth it when measured against the quality of the experience that your kids are going to have while on the tour.
It is usually a good idea to plan Jewish heritage tours for kids around the holiday seasons because this is the time when most of the other kids will also be visiting the country. In addition to getting the chance to interact with more kids, they will also benefit from the fact that more events are usually also held around such periods and they will be able to attend the same.
How Much Do Jewish Heritage Tours Cost?
It is safe to say that as a person of Jewish heritage and roots, you probably feel close to Israel at a personal level even though you might not actually live in the country. In fact, this is one of the main reason so many Jews flock to the country every year for Jewish heritage tours and why even more would jump at the chance to visit the country even if only for a day. One of the biggest reasons why the latter are yet to embark on Jewish Israel tours is because of the expense. Which begs the question- how much do Israel Jewish tours cost?
The first thing you need to know about the cost of Israel tours is that they are not fixed and will depend on a number of factors, with the most important one being the tour agency that you choose to hire. Different tour agencies charge differently for their services which means that some charge more than others. However, contrary to what most people have been led to believe, some of the best tour agencies in the country, such as Israel Travel Advisory Service actually have some very affordable Jewish heritage tours. When comparing the pricing of tours from different tour agencies, it is important that you do not just focus on the number at the bottom of the estimate but instead look closely at the actual services included in the tour to decide whether the latter actually justify the cost. Otherwise, you could make the mistake of going for the cheapest agency only to end up with the worst tour of Israel ever. Another more general factor that will dictate the cost of the tour is the length of time you plan to spend in the country.
3 Expert Tips to Prepare For Jewish Israel Tours
If you get the chance to visit Israel on a Jewish heritage tour, you should take advantage of the opportunity and explore as much of the country as possible. Since there are so many places to explore and most of them are near each other, you can expect that you will be doing a lot of walking during most Israel vacation tours. So, the first tip to enjoying your tour of the country is to prepare for the walking. Of course, you do not necessarily have to be a marathon runner or anything like that, but you also don’t want to be left behind consistently by others in your group during the tour. If you are physically fit already then this should not be a problem but otherwise it would be a good idea to prepare by taking 20-minute walks daily prior to the trip. Still on walking tours, you must make sure that you bring along comfortable walking shoes if you want to keep your feet comfortable throughout the course of your trip.
Another important tip you should know about is with regards to shopping in the country. You should be happy to know that the US dollar is accepted in practically all stores in the country and you do not necessarily have to convert your money to local currency to shop around during Israel family tours. However, keep in mind that while they will take your money as given, the change you receive will usually be in the form of the Israeli shekel. Unless you are a math whizz who can covert the currencies in your head right away then you might want to make your purchases as close to their dollar valued equivalent as possible to avoid confusions with the change. You can also download a currency converter app to your smartphone, if you have one, prior to your trip.
Jewish Heritage Tours- Fun Facts about Hanukkah You Probably Didn’t Know
Most people agree that the best times to plan Jewish Israel tours are usually around the holidays when there is increased cultural and religious activity all over the country. Hanukkah, being one of the most important Jewish Holidays, is usually a top contender in this respect and is definitely a good time to go on Jewish heritage tours. So how much do you really know about the holiday?
For starters, even though Hanukkah usually coincides with Christmas and is usually celebrated around the same time, it has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas and started way before the latter was even conceptualized. On the contrary, Hanukkah is meant to celebrate the victory that the Maccabees obtained over their Greek-Syrian oppressors. The oppressors ordered the Jews to worship their Greek gods and when they refused they were forced to fight back for the sake of their beliefs.
In Israel there is a giant Menorah located in Jerusalem that cost 3 million dollars to set up. There is a Menorah inside the Holy Temple that is made purely of gold and most Jews still prefer golden Menorahs but this does not mean that the gold has anything to do with it and even a simple small Menorah from the dollar store should still be good enough for the celebrations.
The dreidels that most people associate with Hanukkah celebrations also have nothing to do with the meaning of the celebrations. They date back to the time of oppression when the Greeks forbade the Jews from worshiping their God and learning the Torah. However, Jewish children still formed their own Torah groups and so they would use the dreidels to disguise themselves as a group of sinful gamblers going about their activities whenever a Greek soldier happened to wander by.
Tips for Planning Jewish Heritage Tours for Children
Jewish tradition has always placed great value on children, and as parents we want what is best for them – their well-being, safety and education. Providing unique teaching opportunities through travel is a meaningful exercise for the entire family. A trip to Israel provides the perfect environment for youth to learn about their rich Jewish heritage. I mean, what could be better than visiting the land in which their forefathers lived. Time spent in Israel is without a doubt the most advantageous way to nurture a love and pride in their Jewish Heritage. Jewish Heritage Israel tours present a unique opportunity to educate your children about their Jewish roots by taking them to the ancient places where their ancestors lived as well as seeing the amazing modern State of Israel in all its wonder and beauty. There are some special factors when traveling Israel with children, you want to keep them engaged and having fun while giving them many chances to learn more about themselves!
Planning a fun-filled tour for the family can be a little tricky. You want it to appeal to both adults and children. Depending on the age of your child, you may want to choose a customized Bar/Bat Mitzvah Israel Tour or a customized family Jewish heritage tour for children. Doing so will allow you customize the dates of the tour, the sites you’d like to visit, the hotel accommodations and many other factors that can lend itself to having an exciting tour for the whole family. You’ll want to take in all the historical sites the Israel offers such as Masada, Ein Gedi, and the Dead Sea. You may also want to include the resort city of Eilat in southern Israel. There you can visit the Underwater Marine Observatory, swim with dolphins at Dolphin Reef or enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the beach. There is so much to do in Israel, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful time.
More great places to visit in Israel during your Jewish heritage tour for children include:
Rosh HaNikra – this stunning geologic formation, located off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in the Western Galilee, is something you’ll want to check out. The white cliff face opens up into spectacular grottoes.
Biblical Zoo – one of Israel’s biggest tourist attractions, the Biblical Zoo covers over 62 acres of incredible terrain in South Jerusalem. See over 170 species of animals in this idyllic setting with a man-made lake with waterfalls and pools.
Gan HaShlosha National Park – this national park in Israel features hot springs, natural pools and waterfalls in a lovely shaded setting. Great place for a swim!
NeotKedumim – the Biblical Landscape Reserve in Israel is a biblical garden and nature preserve located near Modi’in, halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Plant a tree in memory of a loved one here.
Beit She’an Archaeological Park – the largest archaeological site in Israel protects the ruins of the city of Beit She’an. Situated approximately 4 miles from Mt. Gilboa, it was the leading city of the Decapolus during Roman times.
Exploring the Advantages of Israel Day Tours
Israel day tours are among the most popular tour option among Jewish visitors who want to see as much of the country as possible and make the most of their Israel Jewish tours. They are special tours that start early in the morning and last for the day, taking tourists to different destinations around the country. There are many advantages that come with this type of tour, especially when compared to the other tour packages and the most notable of these advantages include the following.
Affordability
If you are on a rather tight budget then opting for Israel day tours would be a great option for you because they are way cheaper compared to regular packages. You only pay for the day’s activities instead of paying for activities throughout the time you will be in the country.
Flexibility
Most people love going for Israel day tours because they are very flexible in terms of their itineraries. This increased flexibility is particularly ideal for people who want to have some private time during their tour to do things like attending to business matters or just to take the day off and relax in their hotel rooms. With an Israel day tour, you only go out on the days when you really feel like doing so and you are free to spend the rest of your time doing other things that might be of interest to you.
New experiences
Every time you go on a day tour, you get to link up with a new group and, if you are lucky, also get a new guide for the tour. This means that you get a chance to meet and interact with new people every day and share new experiences each time- something that definitely makes the entire trip to the country much more exiting.
Israel Jewish Tours FAQs
Israel Jewish tours are very popular among tourists of Jewish descent who account for more than half the tourists who flock to the country every year. From synagogue tours and mountain tours to Israel day tours and Jewish heritage tours, there are many tour packages to choose from and this can make it quite difficult to decide on which one to go for. Here are some of the frequently asked questions when it comes to the subject of Israel Jewish tours.
Who can go for these tours?
Jewish heritage tours are special tours designed with people of Jewish descent in mind. Their main purpose is to give the tourists a way to literally walk in the footsteps of their ancestors- to see the things they saw, do the things they recommend and visit the places that they went to. However, that said, there is still no restriction for non-Jews who wish to go on the trips provided that they are comfortable with the destinations that are mapped out in the itinerary.
Which destinations are included?
The best Israel Jewish tours, such as the ones provided by ITAS, usually cover all the destinations that are of special significance in Jewish tradition, religion, culture and way of life. This includes places within and outside the capital. The specific destinations will, however, depend on the tour operator and the tour package that you choose.
How much do the tours cost?
The costs of Jewish heritage cultures are not fixed and will differ from one tour operator to the next one depending on a number of factors such as the length of the tour, the type of tour package and the activities to be done while on the tour. But the good news is that most of the best tour operators will be quite happy to give you a free price quote upon request so that you can see exactly how much it costs.
Tips for Choosing the Right Israel Tours
One of the best ways to get in touch with your heritage is to visit the place where it all began. If you are of Jewish descent, then Israel is the ultimate destination you’ll want to visit at least once in your lifetime. While many of you living outside the country would love to visit it as many times as possible, the unfortunate truth is that very few will get to visit more than once. This means you’ll want to make the most out of your tour and enjoy the best experience possible. The key to achieving this lies in selecting the perfect tour company to take you there. You’ll want to be sure to choose a company that has the knowledge and expertise to do the job. You’ll want a tour company that specializes in Israel travel and tours and that has had many years of service in the travel industry. Besides using a seasoned veteran travel agency, you’ll want to check to make sure they have a good E&O insurance policy in the remote possibility something unexpected happens during your trip. Another thing you’ll want to consider is what previous clients have to say about the company. Always check online, usually you can find reviews on their website or social media pages. What their customers say will tell you a lot about the type of service they provide.
Most Israel tours offered by various travel agencies cover the most popular and most famous Jewish heritage destinations; you do not necessarily have to do a lot of research on your own to know which places to visit. So while that is a consideration in choosing one of many Jewish heritage tours, you’ll also want to take into account restful accommodations, mode of transportation throughout the country, and if you have any dietary restrictions, what the meals are like. Focus on things like your comfort and safety. These factors can make a huge difference in your enjoyment. While Israeli travel agencies utilize government licensed guides who are trained in history and cultural sites in the country, this doesn’t make all agencies equal. Yes, they can escort you to all the most notable sites in the land but selecting the tour company which has extensive relationships with vendors, guides and drivers makes a huge difference in the quality of your trip. Israel Travel Advisory Service (ITAS) has been in the Israel travel industry for over 40 years. They are the originator of Israel Bar/Bat Mitzvah tours. They hand pick their guides to provide the absolute best level of tour services. In choosing ITAS for your Jewish Heritage Tour you cannot go wrong – they provide a high standard of service in professionalism, comfort and enjoyment.