First time in Israel, where should we go?
Jun 21st, 2011, 09:13 AM
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First time in Israel, where should we go?
Dear Fodorites,
We're planning our first trip to Israel in September and we're looking for suggestions on what to see. We're a couple in our late thirties, we're mostly interested in historical sites and nature. We will stay a few days in a sea resort near Acre for a reunion, then we have four and a half days for touring, including a weekend, before flying out of Tel Aviv.
We'll visit Acre in the first part of the trip, and we definitely want to spend at least two days in Jerusalem. What about the remaining two days or so? We're thinking Masada, and maybe some place near the Sea of Galilee sea and Nazareth.
We'd rather travel by train or bus, at most rent a car for 24 hours or so. Possible itinerary suggestions are most welcome.
We're planning our first trip to Israel in September and we're looking for suggestions on what to see. We're a couple in our late thirties, we're mostly interested in historical sites and nature. We will stay a few days in a sea resort near Acre for a reunion, then we have four and a half days for touring, including a weekend, before flying out of Tel Aviv.
We'll visit Acre in the first part of the trip, and we definitely want to spend at least two days in Jerusalem. What about the remaining two days or so? We're thinking Masada, and maybe some place near the Sea of Galilee sea and Nazareth.
We'd rather travel by train or bus, at most rent a car for 24 hours or so. Possible itinerary suggestions are most welcome.
Jun 21st, 2011, 10:49 AM
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Is the resort town near Acre Naharya by any chance? If so, eat at Ida. It was the best meal we had in Israel.
4 days isn't much time. We just spent 9 days touring Israel with a private guide and we feel like we barely scratched the surface. Both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are great cities, but completely different. Masada is worth touring as well. Tel Aviv is on the water with a nice beach. We stayed in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee for 2 nights, primarily because it was close to the sights our tour guide had planned. As a city itself, with limited time, I'd skip it. It just worked well with our itinerary but it isn't a must-see.
You should look at the sights and things to do om each Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and based on your interests, divide your time between those 2 cities, with maybe a day trip to Masada.
I can also recommend the Harmony hotel in Jerusalem and Shalom in Tel Aviv. Both are charming, boutique hotels in excellent locations. They are part of the Atlas hotel group. They include an excellent breakfast and have free happy hours among other perks.
4 days isn't much time. We just spent 9 days touring Israel with a private guide and we feel like we barely scratched the surface. Both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are great cities, but completely different. Masada is worth touring as well. Tel Aviv is on the water with a nice beach. We stayed in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee for 2 nights, primarily because it was close to the sights our tour guide had planned. As a city itself, with limited time, I'd skip it. It just worked well with our itinerary but it isn't a must-see.
You should look at the sights and things to do om each Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and based on your interests, divide your time between those 2 cities, with maybe a day trip to Masada.
I can also recommend the Harmony hotel in Jerusalem and Shalom in Tel Aviv. Both are charming, boutique hotels in excellent locations. They are part of the Atlas hotel group. They include an excellent breakfast and have free happy hours among other perks.
Jun 21st, 2011, 01:34 PM
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MFNYC, thanks for the suggestions. I just looked up Ida and we are indeed not far. The hotels you suggest also look very nice although we're hoping to spend a bit less, if possible.
Also, we live in a large city by the sea with beaches and lots of bars and nightlife, which sounds similar to descriptions I read about Tel Aviv. Do you think it would be worth for us spending much time there?
Finally, the easiest thing for us would be to visit Tel Aviv first and then Jersusalem, but in this way we wouldn't spend shabbat in Jersusalem, which some friends told us would be worth experiencing (we're not religious so our interest is purely cultural, I hope this doesn't sound religiously insensitive).
Also, we live in a large city by the sea with beaches and lots of bars and nightlife, which sounds similar to descriptions I read about Tel Aviv. Do you think it would be worth for us spending much time there?
Finally, the easiest thing for us would be to visit Tel Aviv first and then Jersusalem, but in this way we wouldn't spend shabbat in Jersusalem, which some friends told us would be worth experiencing (we're not religious so our interest is purely cultural, I hope this doesn't sound religiously insensitive).
Jun 21st, 2011, 02:01 PM
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Travelino, while spending Shabbat in Jerusalem is indeed special, if that's your only chance to visit, you may miss out on other things you wish to do and see. No public transportation, limited restaurants and sights to visit.
Renting a car can get you out of Tel Aviv to places you might want to visit nearby. Well known archaeological sites like Caesarea, but also many smaller parks and historic locations.
Check out the Israel Parks authority website
Within the city limits of Tel Aviv but slightly out of the way (from the beaches) is the Eretz Israel museum, one of my favorites. It's a complex of galleries on artifacts, glass, coins, stamps, photography etc with an archaelogical site at the edge of it. It's also very close to the Diaspora Museum, Palmach Museum, and the Rabin Center for Israeli history. Yarkon Park an urban park is also nearby if you need to see some green
By the way, the airport isn't in Tel Aviv, it's near Lod which is almost as close to Jerusalem as to Tel Aviv itself so don't let that necessarily influence where you stay the last day
Renting a car can get you out of Tel Aviv to places you might want to visit nearby. Well known archaeological sites like Caesarea, but also many smaller parks and historic locations.
Check out the Israel Parks authority website
Within the city limits of Tel Aviv but slightly out of the way (from the beaches) is the Eretz Israel museum, one of my favorites. It's a complex of galleries on artifacts, glass, coins, stamps, photography etc with an archaelogical site at the edge of it. It's also very close to the Diaspora Museum, Palmach Museum, and the Rabin Center for Israeli history. Yarkon Park an urban park is also nearby if you need to see some green
By the way, the airport isn't in Tel Aviv, it's near Lod which is almost as close to Jerusalem as to Tel Aviv itself so don't let that necessarily influence where you stay the last day
Jun 21st, 2011, 06:42 PM
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Hi! You have a very short trip to Israel. If you are staying in Akko, then you are indeed close to Naharyia. It would be a nice switch from Akko. ( which is older)
With your very limited time I would skip Cesaria--especially if you have been in Akko. Although Cesaria is great--it is too redundant for someone on your budget.
I would consider leaving Akko very very early ( by car) and at least visiting Tel Aviv for the day. I would then proceed to Jerusalem for the last 4 or 5 nights ( unclear from your post) While in Jerusalem ( I would keep the car which I rented to get there ) and go for the day to Masada. It is not necessary to spend a night there unless you want to wake up early to climb the snake path, before sunrise and watch the sun rise from the top. ( in Sept. it is too hot to climb it later in the day) After I would drive back to Jerusalem and return the car.
While in Jerusalem there is much to see. The Old City with its' 4 very distinct sections. The new City--Yad V'shem, the Israel Museum, the City of David, make a reservation IN ADVANCE, from the STATES for the tunnel tours, Machne Yehuda ( before the Sabbath) All are important/interesting sites you don' t want to miss
It is a misnomer to think there is nothing to do in Jerusalem on Shabbat. Most of the museums are open. There are non-Kosher restaurants which are open. The only thing you miss is buses--you have to take taxis ( or walk. )
With your very limited time I would skip Cesaria--especially if you have been in Akko. Although Cesaria is great--it is too redundant for someone on your budget.
I would consider leaving Akko very very early ( by car) and at least visiting Tel Aviv for the day. I would then proceed to Jerusalem for the last 4 or 5 nights ( unclear from your post) While in Jerusalem ( I would keep the car which I rented to get there ) and go for the day to Masada. It is not necessary to spend a night there unless you want to wake up early to climb the snake path, before sunrise and watch the sun rise from the top. ( in Sept. it is too hot to climb it later in the day) After I would drive back to Jerusalem and return the car.
While in Jerusalem there is much to see. The Old City with its' 4 very distinct sections. The new City--Yad V'shem, the Israel Museum, the City of David, make a reservation IN ADVANCE, from the STATES for the tunnel tours, Machne Yehuda ( before the Sabbath) All are important/interesting sites you don' t want to miss
It is a misnomer to think there is nothing to do in Jerusalem on Shabbat. Most of the museums are open. There are non-Kosher restaurants which are open. The only thing you miss is buses--you have to take taxis ( or walk. )
Jun 22nd, 2011, 07:59 AM
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While it's true that more things are open in Jerusalem on Shabbat that there used to be, I still think someone whose only trip there was on Friday and Saturday would miss out. Many museums may be open Saturday, but they close early on Friday. Lack of public transportation IS a problem. Some restaurants that people might want to visit are the kosher ones that are closed, and some people actually want to shop for souvenirs, gifts, etc which would be difficult. If someone only had that time in Jerusalem they would have a good time, but why not leave more options open and make it great?
Jun 22nd, 2011, 09:38 AM
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AlexA and Elkaz, thanks for your input. We have in total five nights (aside from the time in Akko), from thursday afternoon to tuesday morning. One option we're considering is to get to Tel Aviv in the early afternoon of Thursday and stay until, say, Friday at noon, and then spent the other four nights in Jerusaelem, or maybe three nights in Jerusalem and one near the Dead Sea.
As an alternative, would it make sense at all to spend the first day visiting either the Sea of Galilee (where), Nazareth, or Haifa?
As an alternative, would it make sense at all to spend the first day visiting either the Sea of Galilee (where), Nazareth, or Haifa?
Jun 22nd, 2011, 10:59 AM
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Now that I better understand your schedule. If you want to avoid Shabbat in Jerusalem
Spend Thursday and Friday night in Tel Aviv. Using a rental car ( making sure luggage fits in the trunk or covered part of the hatchback) go on Saturday to Masada. After Masada drive up to Jerusalem. If you can't check into your hotel ( sometimes, if guests aren't checking out due to the Sabbath rooms aren't ready--you CAN leave your luggage at the hotel or in the car trunk) spend Sat.night-Monday night in Jerusalem. Return the rental Sunday AM in Jerusalem.
Spend Thursday and Friday night in Tel Aviv. Using a rental car ( making sure luggage fits in the trunk or covered part of the hatchback) go on Saturday to Masada. After Masada drive up to Jerusalem. If you can't check into your hotel ( sometimes, if guests aren't checking out due to the Sabbath rooms aren't ready--you CAN leave your luggage at the hotel or in the car trunk) spend Sat.night-Monday night in Jerusalem. Return the rental Sunday AM in Jerusalem.
Jun 22nd, 2011, 11:52 AM
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I would recommend Green Olive Tours (http://www.toursinenglish.com/ | http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attract..._and_Gaza.html)
Jun 22nd, 2011, 01:49 PM
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The itinerary Elkaz shows is perfect for the short time you have. Just enough in TLV, then to Masada and finally ending in JER.
There are never enough days spent here as there's always something new to discover.
From JER on last day, just arrange for sherut (shared taxi) or private taxi to the airport.
There are never enough days spent here as there's always something new to discover.
From JER on last day, just arrange for sherut (shared taxi) or private taxi to the airport.
Jun 22nd, 2011, 10:59 PM
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Elkatz, this sounds like a good itinerary. The only problem I see is leaving our luggage in the car while we visit Masada. We wouldn't mind spending either Friday or Saturday night in Ein Gedi. Is it doable to leave Tel Aviv on Friday around 4pm or 5pm and drive to Masada, spend the night in Ein Gedi, viasit Masada Saturday morning, and then head to Jerusalem and return the car on Saturday afternoon in Jerusalem?
Jun 23rd, 2011, 01:13 AM
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The itinerary suggested by Elkaz is a good one for your limited time in Israel.
I would not go with Green Olive Tours, which was suggested above - these are tours with a clear political angle and will not give you a chance to see the major sites for such a short visit.
You can spend the night in Ein Gedi and visit Masada Saturday morning if you prefer. In any case you will not be able to return a rental car Sat. afternoon in Jerusalem as all the agencies are closed for Shabbat. You will have to return your car Sunday morning as mentioned. If it affects your decision, the parking lot at Masada is an underground lot underneath the visitor's center.
I would not go with Green Olive Tours, which was suggested above - these are tours with a clear political angle and will not give you a chance to see the major sites for such a short visit.
You can spend the night in Ein Gedi and visit Masada Saturday morning if you prefer. In any case you will not be able to return a rental car Sat. afternoon in Jerusalem as all the agencies are closed for Shabbat. You will have to return your car Sunday morning as mentioned. If it affects your decision, the parking lot at Masada is an underground lot underneath the visitor's center.
Jun 23rd, 2011, 10:10 AM
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Green Olive Tours got 5* rating on Tripadvisor (from a substantial number of readers) and the overwhelming comment from reviewers was how objective and factual the tours are. In contrast, my recollection of commercial tours to the mainstream destinations was that they painted a picture of rosy harmony - a view that did not fit comfortably with what I could see with my own eyes. But of course there is a big wall there now so that you don't have to see.
There are short tours of half a day.
Maybe I'm a traveller rather than a tourist in that I prefer to see the real country (warts and all) rather than work through a tick list of tourist sites.
There are short tours of half a day.
Maybe I'm a traveller rather than a tourist in that I prefer to see the real country (warts and all) rather than work through a tick list of tourist sites.
Jun 23rd, 2011, 02:51 PM
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The "wall" which is mostly a fence is designed to keep terrorists from coming over and blowing up people. If body parts are some of the warts you like to see then you are indeed missing out. During the days of the intifada and before the security fence was built the number of tourists in Israel was very low. I just went to Trip Advisor and tried to find the review--couldn't find it! BUT I do know that companies on Trip Advisor will ask for reviews and the accuracy of their reviews is the weakest link.
I am curious what you saw with your own eyes--care to explain,
I am curious what you saw with your own eyes--care to explain,
Jun 24th, 2011, 01:26 AM
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The link works fine.
Elkaz, you certainly believe your government's propaganda!
For those who haven't seen - 'The wall' is concrete, topped with barbed / razor wire and is twice as high as the Berlin Wall. Just google images of the wall and you will see. The wall is illegally built on confiscated Palestinian land, cuts villages in half, businesses from their customers and farmers from their land - and has been denounced as illegal and widely condemned. It has the same effect on ordinary life for the Palestinians as the 'apartheid roads' (described as such by the South African lawyer and UN Humans Rights investigator, John Dugard). These are the roads that illegal Israeli settlers can drive along but which ordinary Palestinians aren't allowed to use and which, again, carve the up the landscape, connecting illegal settler villages and dividing Palestinian villages and communities.
In Hebron 500 illegal settlers are guarded by 4,000 IDF soldiers. The settlers throw stones at young children trying to go to school, cut down the centuries old olive trees and burn the crops of the local Palestinian farmers. The IDF soldiers protect them while they do this.
The latest Lonely Planet guide to Israel and the Palestinian Territories describes the West Bank as follows:
"If there is a place in the Middle East you shouldn't miss, the 5800 sq km West bank is it. Plagued by war, terrorism, military check points, refugee camps and poverty; absolutely. But at the same time welcoming, intriguing, stunning - and more. A visit to this news-headline-hogging place will likely leave you with a host of conflicting emotions and unanswered questions, a profound sense of sorrow and quite possibly a headache. But it will also leave you with incredible memories, an insight into Palestinian life and the desire to return again and again."
The warm hospitality, quiet dignity and graciousness of the Palestinian people has to be experienced.
Elkaz, you certainly believe your government's propaganda!
For those who haven't seen - 'The wall' is concrete, topped with barbed / razor wire and is twice as high as the Berlin Wall. Just google images of the wall and you will see. The wall is illegally built on confiscated Palestinian land, cuts villages in half, businesses from their customers and farmers from their land - and has been denounced as illegal and widely condemned. It has the same effect on ordinary life for the Palestinians as the 'apartheid roads' (described as such by the South African lawyer and UN Humans Rights investigator, John Dugard). These are the roads that illegal Israeli settlers can drive along but which ordinary Palestinians aren't allowed to use and which, again, carve the up the landscape, connecting illegal settler villages and dividing Palestinian villages and communities.
In Hebron 500 illegal settlers are guarded by 4,000 IDF soldiers. The settlers throw stones at young children trying to go to school, cut down the centuries old olive trees and burn the crops of the local Palestinian farmers. The IDF soldiers protect them while they do this.
The latest Lonely Planet guide to Israel and the Palestinian Territories describes the West Bank as follows:
"If there is a place in the Middle East you shouldn't miss, the 5800 sq km West bank is it. Plagued by war, terrorism, military check points, refugee camps and poverty; absolutely. But at the same time welcoming, intriguing, stunning - and more. A visit to this news-headline-hogging place will likely leave you with a host of conflicting emotions and unanswered questions, a profound sense of sorrow and quite possibly a headache. But it will also leave you with incredible memories, an insight into Palestinian life and the desire to return again and again."
The warm hospitality, quiet dignity and graciousness of the Palestinian people has to be experienced.
Jun 24th, 2011, 04:31 AM
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I don't need to believe propaganda I know what i see with my own eyes. It is you who believe the propaganda that is put out. Apartheid roads--how come I can show you pictures of cars with PA plates on the same roads that I have driven in the West Bank--kinda kills your arguments. Refugee camps--who BUILT the refugee camps??? Why do they still exist? --since you seem to be so up to date on all the facts--how about sharing what you think are facts. Poverty--post and email address and I'll send you photos of the palatial mansions that are existing in the so called poverty areas. Check points--you are out of date, checkpoints are not there. Oh yes, there are points outside areas under PA control. BUT if you are crossing what amounts to a border--then you are checked. This is general procedure from one country to another.
Hebron--illegal settlers--Talk about 1929 will you. --if you dont' know what I am talking about--you are only showing your selective knowledge and great ignorance.
The Palestinian people??? where did they come from--what is their history, who were the leaders of their goverments? ( before being displaced???) what currency did they use, what did they contribute to society, what artifacts have they left.
Hebron--illegal settlers--Talk about 1929 will you. --if you dont' know what I am talking about--you are only showing your selective knowledge and great ignorance.
The Palestinian people??? where did they come from--what is their history, who were the leaders of their goverments? ( before being displaced???) what currency did they use, what did they contribute to society, what artifacts have they left.
Jun 24th, 2011, 09:06 AM
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Hatred? What did I say that indicates hatred. Fact is I am as familiar with what you are saying as I am with what I believe to be the truth. Can you say the same? Have you ever sat down and spoke and listened ( really listened, not just heard the words) to someone who disagrees with you. I have!
Prior to the intifada(s) Arabs, Palestinians whomever--freely traveled in and out of Israel. I spend summers near the beach. Frequently parked near my vehicle were multiple vehicles with Blue PA license plates. Frequently parked were charter buses with the same plates. People went to the beach and freely enjoyed. The weren't molested, they were subject to rocks and they weren't subject to verbal abuse. Then came the intifada. Hundreds were killed, Jew and Arab, adult and child--and their crimes--eating pizza, waiting for a bus, riding a bus, attending a Passover Seder! So, Israel in self-defense built a barricade. ( do you realize the US is building a barricade on the US/Mexican border and Mexicans are NOT crossing and killing Americans)
Once this fence and or wall were built ( if it is alway a wall, explain why in Bilian they are protesting against a FENCE ( whose route IS being changed, to acommodate the Arabs, by order of the "Apartheid" Israeli Supreme Court) the number of attacks dramatically stopped. While not perfect, it is the best show in town. ( short of totally infringing on the rights of ALL Arabs--Israeli and others)
I"ve asked many questions--I've commented on your accusations, but you haven't responded, telling me I have hatred is not a response--it is a cop out.
Prior to the intifada(s) Arabs, Palestinians whomever--freely traveled in and out of Israel. I spend summers near the beach. Frequently parked near my vehicle were multiple vehicles with Blue PA license plates. Frequently parked were charter buses with the same plates. People went to the beach and freely enjoyed. The weren't molested, they were subject to rocks and they weren't subject to verbal abuse. Then came the intifada. Hundreds were killed, Jew and Arab, adult and child--and their crimes--eating pizza, waiting for a bus, riding a bus, attending a Passover Seder! So, Israel in self-defense built a barricade. ( do you realize the US is building a barricade on the US/Mexican border and Mexicans are NOT crossing and killing Americans)
Once this fence and or wall were built ( if it is alway a wall, explain why in Bilian they are protesting against a FENCE ( whose route IS being changed, to acommodate the Arabs, by order of the "Apartheid" Israeli Supreme Court) the number of attacks dramatically stopped. While not perfect, it is the best show in town. ( short of totally infringing on the rights of ALL Arabs--Israeli and others)
I"ve asked many questions--I've commented on your accusations, but you haven't responded, telling me I have hatred is not a response--it is a cop out.
Jun 24th, 2011, 10:38 AM
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Yes - thousands of deaths but let's look at the actual numbers:
In the most recent offensive 'Operation Cast Lead' Israeli assaults resulted in between 1,166 and 1,417 Palestinian deaths (350+ of which were children) plus 5,000+ Palestinian wounded...oh and 13 Israeli deaths. Israel has been condemned by the UN and the international community for the use of white phosphorus, human shields, unnecessary force and breaching Geneva conventions (shooting unarmed civilians, aid workers and ambulances).
The total Israeli deaths from Qassam rockets (which triggered the Israeli 'Operation Cast Lead')? 23.
http://www.theisraelproject.org/site...997&ct=3887857
As I said - you only have to google 'Israeli wall images' to see the size and scale of the wall. If the wall was purely for defence it would follow the '67 green line. It does not. It takes in illegal settlements and is designed to divide further the West Bank and annex land.
In the most recent offensive 'Operation Cast Lead' Israeli assaults resulted in between 1,166 and 1,417 Palestinian deaths (350+ of which were children) plus 5,000+ Palestinian wounded...oh and 13 Israeli deaths. Israel has been condemned by the UN and the international community for the use of white phosphorus, human shields, unnecessary force and breaching Geneva conventions (shooting unarmed civilians, aid workers and ambulances).
The total Israeli deaths from Qassam rockets (which triggered the Israeli 'Operation Cast Lead')? 23.
http://www.theisraelproject.org/site...997&ct=3887857
As I said - you only have to google 'Israeli wall images' to see the size and scale of the wall. If the wall was purely for defence it would follow the '67 green line. It does not. It takes in illegal settlements and is designed to divide further the West Bank and annex land.
