Category Archives: Israel Tours
Top Must-See Sites in Israel
For many, visiting Israel is a dream come true. Thus, the importance of maximizing your time while there is something tour operators take into great consideration when creating customized tours. If your unfamiliar with Israel the help of a knowledgeable tour guide is extremely beneficial. And there are so many amazing sites to see it’s hard to choose which ones to make a priority during your Israel vacation itinerary. To help you with that ITAS (Israel Travel Advisory Service) has created a list of some of the top must-see sites in Israel.
Western Wall
Nearly 3 million people visit the Western Wall annually. Around 19 BC King Herod the Great began a massive expansion project, besides rebuilding the Jewish Temple, he extended the platform on which it stood. The Western Wall we see today is part of the retaining walls built during that time. Most of the stones used to build the wall weigh between 2 and 8 tons each, but others weigh even more, with one incredibly large stone located in the northern section of Wilson’s Arch measuring 43 ft. and weighing approximately 570 tons. The Western Wall is approximately 1600-feet-long, most of it is concealed by buildings. Due to restrictions put on Jews from entering the Temple Mount, the Western Wall plaza is the closest connection to the Temple. For this reason, it is the holiest site in Judaism.
The Temple Mount – Western Wall and the golden Dome of the Rock in the old city of Jerusalem, Israel
Caesarea Harbor National Park
In 31 BCE Augustus Caesar gifted a small Phoenician town to Herod the Great. He renamed it after the Emperor and built a major port, palace, bathhouse, hippodrome, stables and other impressive structures such as the aqueduct and Roman amphitheater. Visitors today can enjoy a breathtaking view the Mediterranean coastline as they stroll amongst the ancient ruins of Caesarea. A new Visitor Center offers a media presentation and rare archaeological artifacts inside one of the original vaults built by Herod.
Caesarea – Roman Amphitheater
Baha’i Gardens
On the list of World Heritage sites, the Baha’i Garden and Shrine complex is the holiest site for the Baha’i faith. It is also Haifa’s #1 attraction because of its stunning beauty and grandeur. The main garden is comprised of 19 steep terraces full of lovely flowers, fountains and small sculptures. From its base this striking floral staircase extends a half mile up the northern slope of Mount Carmel. Standing on its top terrace you can see the Haifa city and port, Akko, and the hills of Galilee.
Baha’i Gardens
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is the lowest elevation on Earth at roughly 1400 feet below sea level. It is one of the saltiest lakes with a salinity of approx. 34%. The Dead Sea lies in the Jordan Rift Valley bordered to the east by Jordan and to the west by Israel and the West Bank. Due to its harsh saline environment nothing can grow in it, however due to it’s high mineral contents, Dead Sea mud has been touted for its therapeutic properties for centuries.
The Dead Sea
Yad Vashem
Yad Vashem is Israel’s National Holocaust Museum and the largest of its kind in the world. The museum exhibits provide an accurate historical account, through various media, of the atrocities the Jewish people endured during World War II. Yad Vashem preserves the memory of those who perished and honors those who fought valiantly against the oppressors. It is a site every visitor to Israel should see for themselves to better understand the magnitude of this atrocity.
Yad Vashem Cattle Car
Our list of the top must-see sites in Israel could be much longer! Other amazing sites to include on your Israel vacation itinerary are: the City of David, Masada (another World Heritage site), Independence Hall, Rosh HaNikra, and the Jewish Quarter to name just a few.
Israel Travel Advisory Service is a highly respected, full-service tour operator specializing in Jewish Heritage tours of Israel. Contact: info@itastours.com
Visit Beautiful Israel Synagogues
A trip to the ancient land of Israel isn’t complete without a visit to some of its spectacular synagogues. You can easily request these sites from Israel travel companies which offer custom Israel itineraries. There are so many impressive synagogues scattered throughout Israel, in this blog entry we’ll look at three of them: the Hurva Synagogue in Jerusalem’s Old City, the Abuhav Synagogue in Safed, and Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue. Each of theses synagogues are unique and worthy of a visit during an Israel vacation.
The Hurva Synagogue, originally founded in 1721, is in Jerusalem’s Old City. It was destroyed years later and lay in ruins for over 100 years. Rebuilt in 1864, the Hurva Synagogue was the central space used by the Ashkenazi Jewish community to gather for meetings and worship until its destruction by the Arab Legion in the 1948 War of Independence. Ten years later, a 52-foot commemorative arch was built over the ruins as a memorial. In 2010, a replica of the synagogue which was built on the site 150 years earlier was rededicated as a place of worship. The Hurva Synagogue is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people. One of its most spectacular features is the breathtaking 360-degree views of Jerusalem from the veranda which surrounds the dome.
The Abuhav Synagogue is another splendid site to visit during a custom Israel itinerary. This synagogue houses the oldest Torah scroll in Safed, believed to have been written by the Spanish Rabbi, Isaac Abuhav. Built in the fifteenth century – the interior dome is adorned with images of musical instruments used in the Temple in Jerusalem and various symbols from the tribes of Israel. Legend has it that Rabbi Abuhav and his followers built the synagogue in Safed around 1490, after expulsion from Spain. The synagogue is often visited by groups touring the Jewish homeland.
Lastly, is the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem. Built with funds provided by Sir Isaac Wolfson, a Jewish philanthropist from Great Britain, the Great Synagogue was consecrated on August 4, 1982 in memory of the six-million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. The Synagogue is the largest in the world. Its façade design is based on the Second Jewish Temple. The sanctuary features a colossal chandelier and gorgeous stained-glass above the Aron Kodesh. Free guided tours of the Great Synagogue are available when you call ahead. Or better still, let Israel Travel Advisory Service prepare the perfect custom Israel itinerary for you and your family or friends. While you relax we’ll do all the “heavy lifting”.
Top Sites to Visit in Israel this Summer
Israel vacation tours are the ultimate dream for those of Jewish descent as well as those who have embraced and devoted their lives to Judaism. As the melting pot of Jewish history and culture, Israel has an abundance of historically and culturally significant sites and attractions that are definite must-sees when embarking on custom Israel tours:
Jerusalem’s Western Wall
One of the most sacred places in Judaism is the Western Wall or Kotel. It is among the most visited sites in Israel, attracting thousands upon thousands of visitor’s year in and year out. At sunset on Friday’s Jews gather for a magical experience at the Kotel as they welcome in the Shabbat together. The underground tunnels are also worth visiting, comprised of excavations beneath the wall. These tunnels reveal stunning structures from significant eras including the Hasmonean, Herodian, Mamluk, and Umayyad periods. The Western Wall tunnels will lead you to all kinds of exciting discoveries, including underground structures like the Western Stone, which is one of the largest building blocks in the world.
The Jewish Quarter
Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter is something you do not want to miss. The Jewish Quarter isn’t only home to the Western Wall, but also a range of other important landmarks, like the Tower of David and the Temple Mount (Mt. Moriah). The Tower of David can be found near Jaffa Gate. This citadel comes alive at night with a spectacular sound and light show.
Masada
Masada is now a UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site. It was built by Herod the Great way back 30 BCE, as an imposing mountain fortress that offers incredible historical and cultural significance to the region. Among the ruins are Herod’s palace, terraces, store houses, bath house, and Roman siege ramp.
City of David
This site is exactly where King David established the kingdom he was promised. Today, the city is an amazing archaeological park rife with historically significant artifacts.
An important rule of thumb to remember when taking Israel tours is to gain the advice of an experienced Israel travel management company. Israel Travel Advisory Service can be helpful in planning out your visit to some of the country’s most sought after landmarks.
Packing Tips for Your Next Israel Tour
Packing lists are personal and should be based upon your own travel essentials, but it doesn’t hurt taking suggestions from seasoned travelers who have experienced Israel tours way before you, and therefore, have great insider knowledge on what you will need once you’ve stepped onto the Holy Land. Custom Israel tours are all unique in their collection of destinations and activities and packing for your own Israel vacation tours should be based upon when you will visit, which places you will be exploring, and the kinds of activities you will set out to do. Just the same, there are several basic items that you shouldn’t forget to include in your packing list such as:
- Bring appropriate and modest clothing. Even when your itinerary isn’t exactly built around Israel Jewish tours, you will more than likely visit religious sites, with Israel being filled with places taken straight out of the Bible. Synagogues, mosques, churches, and religious landmarks are mainstays in Israel tours, which is why it is best to pack and wear modest clothing. When visiting churches, mosques, or synagogues, it’s good to pack wraps and shawls or scarf for women to cover their shoulders or put over their heads. Men on the other hand, should wear pants that go below the knees and sleeved shirts rather than vests or tank tops. Women should likewise refrain from wearing dresses that are too short or clothes that are too revealing. The general clothing climate in Israel is on the casual and comfortable side.
- It is good to have a day pack to bring with you on tours. Israel family tours that include active adventures can be extra demanding, which is why it pays having a day pack so you can bring a change of clothes, some refreshments, and all other essentials like your camera, phone, and other supplies.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes. Many Israel vacation tours involve a lot of walking, which is why it is important to have comfortable footwear with you at all times, along with proper sports or hiking gear, if you are into more extreme adventures. Sandals and flip flops are best for beach areas.
Whatever you do, don’t forget sun protection to keep your skin, face, and eyes from the harsh rays of the Middle Eastern sun. Pack sunscreen, a sun hat, and sun glasses regardless of the time of year.
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.
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.
Ultimate Tour To Israel
Want to enjoy the incredible value of a Jewish Heritage Israel Tour, with the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation? Don’t have time to organize your multi-day travel schedule on your own? There’s no need to worry you. Leave selecting hotels, booking flights, creating an itinerary, and all the other intricacies of creating the perfect trip, in the hands of a reliable tour operator. Utilizing a trustworthy tour agency which creates and manages Israel tours efficiently can also be cost effective at the same time. Jewish heritage tours organised by expert tour operators have all the qualities that you would expect, that is, style, comfort, and insight into Jewish heritage in the past, present and in the future. The breathtakingly beautiful sites will leave you awestruck. Become more aware of your Jewish connection than ever before. Learn about the long history and culture of your Jewish ancestors. The ultimate tour guides are knowledgeable about the rich religious, spiritual, cultural and historical importance of the various sites you’ll visit during your Israel Jewish Tour.
The tailor-made packages are designed to suit your travel needs. From dining to accommodations everything is looked after by the tour service operators with utmost care. You will be pleased by choosing a tour operator for your Israel tour. The various packages of Jewish Israel tour will offer a hassle-free way to experience the highlights of Israel and will enable you to sit back and relax as all of the planning will be done by the tour operator who will be on hand 24/7 to ensure everything runs smoothly. The carefully planned Israel tours will maximize your time in Israel, featuring the most important sites and attractions, with the best guides and the best value.
Israel Travel Advisory Service Tours works hard to ensure the quality tours they provide surpass your expectations. With the best customer service and well-designed packages, an ITAS tour is the right choice for your Jewish heritage tour.
Top 4 Tips to Help You Plan Your Holiday to Israel
Israel is a beautiful country with a lot of historical significance. The city of Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world and offers a lot of tourist attractions such as synagogues, churches, shrines, traditional markets, etc. It also has beautiful natural picturesque locations that attract a lot of tourists all through the year such as the Mediterranean Sea, Carmel Mountain, Rosh Hanikra Grottoes, Dead Sea, etc.
If you are planning your tour to Israel, you can either contact Israel travel advisory service for guidance or use the tips mentioned here to plan your holiday to Israel:
- There are numerous travel agencies that offer great deals on tours to different locations in the world including Israel. If you are planning your trip to Israel anytime soon, you must search on the internet for reliable agencies that are offering great rates on your trip. You don’t need to find one in the city since companies from all over the world offer these tours online.
- The next step that will help you in planning your trip effectively to Israel is by comparing the deals offered by different companies for traveling to Israel. Make sure that you choose a company that is providing a complete package inclusive of traveling, accommodation, city tours, etc. so that you can enjoy the trip without any worries.
- While visiting different websites to find the best package, do not forget to read about the quality of service such companies have offered in the past to gain idea regarding the reliability of the agency. If the reviews are positive on their website and online forums, then you can opt for the company for planning your trip to Israel.
All the reputed and experienced travel agencies have connections with different vendors in Israel which helps them in planning customized trips to Israel. You can find an agency that provides a custom trip. Custom trips will be organized by professionals to make sure you have a great time during your stay in Israel.