SupraChica

We're thinking of taking a tour of Israel in Mid-December this year. Is that an ok time to go? Prices seem to be lower in that time frame and people have mentioned on other tours to us that the lower prices reflect a negative in either weather or atmosphere.

Also anyone done the Israel tours with Smartours?

Thanks!

zengeos

It will be on the cool side in December, with frost a possibility in places. However, I was in Italy in Mid Dcmber a couple years ago and I had now problem with the cooler weather. You WILL be there during the Christian holiday season and it can be a little crazy during that time I suspect.

I was in Israel mid summer many many years ago, so can't give any other specifics on travel in december.

mark-

AlexA

Prices are much lower because of weather (think cool and rainy) and because there is less demand--most people travel during summer vacation and or holidays.
Spring and Fall are ideal weather times, but prices are much higher due to Jewish holidays and the increased number of travelers then

sandi

The weather could be a factor, especially in Jerusalam with rain and cooler temps. That said, when we visted it was in January expecting the worst and had appropriate clothing just in case.

We lucked out! All but one day with clouds and cool temps (believe a brief shower), it was sunshine and mid-70s. Tel Aviv was warmer still and Masada even warmer.

Just have appropriate clothing for changeable weather (toss in a small umbrella); if not you can certainly "shop."

W9London

In summary, it's quiet and less expensive. Also I personally prefer cooler weather than scorching heat and tourist crowds of summer.
One thing you won't be able to enjoy much is swimming, if that's what you're planning. We went to Eilat in November and it is already too chilly to go into the water.
However, for general travelling purposes, you'll just need sweaters and coats. It does get quite chilly in Jerusalem which is in higher altitude.

aby

Hi SupraChica

This is a good time to visit the desert
e.g. Judean Desert
<font color="red"> If you hike - do not go into the canyons!!! floods can occur on a shiny day </font>

An amazing bird spectacle!! (not only for birders!) in the north
<font color="green">Hula Valley re-flooded area
</font> come before sunset you shall never forget those moments !

aby

zlaor

Where are you from?

If you are from a place where you measure the snow by the foot in the winter, December will be just fine for you.

It is cool and rainy in December with snow in place of high elevation.

If you go in the end of December make sure you catch the Christmas season in Jerusalem where pilgrims come to the via della rosa.

africatravel

I was in Israel last December and it was pretty cold in the mornings and evenings. It rained on and off throughout the trip, we visited Tel Aviv, Haifa, Nazareth, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, and Eilat.
It was nice and warm at the Dead Sea and Eilat, but it SNOWED in Jerusalem!!!

aby

snow is rather rare in Jerusalem...

if you like archaeology, consider also Bet-She'an Arch' site (a rather warm area)

alros

Hi
Here is a link from an Israel travel portal with a page about the weather:
http://206.251.241.46/PlanningYourTrip/
The page is from the Israeli Ministry of Tourism so there is a lot of other useful information in the site.

As far as Smartours, I havn't heard of them but here are a few other operators with good feedback. Ofcourse it also depends on what kind of traveling you prefer--luxury, budget, adventure and so forth.

Isram at http://isram.com/isram/index.htm is a well known and experienced operator with a variety of tours around Israel.
Gems in Israel at http://www.gemsinisrael.com/tourtypes.html also has a variety of tours including some interesting short city or regional tours. Finally, in case you are interested in more adveture oriented tours, Sesert Eco Tours at http://www.desertecotours.com/English/index.asp also has regional and city tours and goes to Jordan and Egypt as well.

Good Luck

StanKase

alros; Before I get in contact with the touring firms you suggest can you give me any idea of the cost +/-10% per day day of 6 or 7 full day private tour for 2 adults in a fairly current model sedan with a professional guide/driver with 5-8 yrs, guide experience.
Thanks.

sandi

Stan

If asking for a private tour within the time you have, it would be difficult for an individual who has been to Israel as a tourist to provide an estimate other than the actual tour operator/s.

Consideration of where you visit (Tel Aviv, Jerusalam, Masada, Haifa, the Golan, etc.) time of year, type of accommodations, sights you visit, will all impact price.

You can check the links provided for an idea of the set itineraries from these operators, then write to each with what you'd like and see what they suggest and cost.

It's always a good idea to get a few quotes, 3 is good. But you should compare apples-to-apples, so if one of the itineraries strikes your fancy from one of the operators, have all 3 price. Then go from there.

alros

Thanks Sandi. Hi Stan, I don't know the prices off hand. Best thing to do, as Sandi suggested, is to first take a look at the sites, and then if you like an operator contact them to get more information and a quote. Sorry I could'nt help further.

Alros

aby

hi StanKase

if you need a private guide, maybe it is better to deal directly with guides

i can recommend Ido Yahel (more than 8 years of experince though)
Cell: 052-3211391 (u can even SMS)
[email protected]

aby