byronelaine

I am struggling to select final dates for my group of 14 friends for our trip to Israel with 4 days to Jordan. We have a company and all the itinerary worked out. Dates currently are May 23 to June 4th leaving from Jordan. I understand that Ramadan begins June 5th. I am also considering changing to the dates of April 11 to 23rd. 23rd begins Passover but we will be in Jordan. Are there any other conflicts I am missing? Is the weather so different between the months? Easter week is March 21-27....are there spring break crowds in April? Appreciate hearing your advice. TKS. EB

abram

If you're spending 4 days in Jordan, won't you be back in Israel during Passover?
I'd want to check if restaurants will be open, as making a kitchen ready for Passover is quite an effort.
The middle of the holiday could be busy as some locals will have time off and will travel.
The last day of Passover is a holiday and many things may be closed.

byronelaine

We would be in Jordan at the airport flying home on the 23rd of April. So Passover wouldn't be a concern. I have been trying to avoid crowds and so have zeroed in on the dates of Easter and Passover.

Oreet

If you are considering April 11-23 I would strongly suggest you start your itinerary in Israel and end in Jordan. Passover begins the evening of April 22 - this is super high season, prices will be much higher, there will be large crowds everywhere and the night of April 22 is probably one of the most expensive for hotels, not to mention that you will be hard pressed to find a place that will take a reservation that has you checking out on the 23rd.

All things considered I would try to move the dates up a few days to avoid Passover or come in June.

byronelaine

Our itinerary is April 11-12 Tel Aviv, April 13-15 Galilee, April 16-19 Jerusalem, and Jordan April 20-23. So we will be in Israel 3 nights BEFORE Passover eve. Will it be crowded then as well? Good weather?

mbgg

Your dates and itinerary are fine. The weather will be much more comfortable in April and you will leave in time to avoid the large Passover crowds.

mutuzadawson

The best time to visit 2016 to winter months of November to March are the coldest in Israel with snow in the northern reaches of the Golan Heights & occasional snowfall in Jerusalem.

jgg

We were in Israel in 2010 during Passover, not exactly what I wanted but were going during the kid's spring break so didn't have much choice. You should be fine. You may find Jerusalem a bit more crowded as many people will be there purposefully for Passover which will be coming soon, but we did not find it overwhelming. I planned the trip to be in Tel Aviv over Passover thinking there might be a bit more open. We arrived in Tel Aviv on the day of the first night of Passover. Everything was bustling, but by about 3pm everything was closed and the city was dead. Only places that were open was a Chinese restaurant and large hotel restaurants. The next day most things like stores and sites were closed but many restaurants were open - had one of our best meals at a restaurant called Goocha. By the next day most things were open and things were back on a regular schedule. You should be fine leaving Israel a few days before Passover