Travel4Fun2006

I am considering an 8-10 day trip to Israel and Palestine all by my lonesome. I was wondering if I can get away with simply securing my RT airfare into Tel Aviv plus one night's hotel stay and then develop my intinary in an impromptu manner? I have done this in the past when I have traveled to Europe and South Africa and really like the flexibility associated with it.

Also, I have done little research into this adventure so I am wondering whether daily tours to the Christian holy sites are readily available? I'm guessing that the answer is yes but want to be sure. Additionally, are there tours available that go into the Palestinean territories? What experiences have others had during these tours?

I'm thinking about going sometime in the next 4-8 weeks. In terms of costs, is food, lodging and tours relatively expensive compared to, let's say, the average U.S. destination? Also, I do not plan to rent a car. Is public transit adequate and advisable?

I would be interested in some suggested itineraries for 8-10 days.

Thanks in advance for your input.

africnow

Yes you can 'wing-it' in Israel just as in any modern European country or in North America. The only difficulty might be finding a place to sleep unless you are travelling top end. The less budget - mid level places are usually pretty full at that time of year.

Day trips for the Holy sites of all 3 major monotheisitc religions are easily available. One of the most popular is United Tours: http://www.inisrael.com/united/
Another is Egged. They are also the majopr inter-city transport company. You can get just about anywhere with them:
http://www.egged.co.il/Eng/

For travelling long distances in certain parts of the country the trains are more convenient and comfortable, if somewhat slower:
http://www.israrail.org.il/english/index.html

If you would prefer to stay at Christian Guest houses, check this site:
http://www.christusrex.org/www1/ofm/cic/CICguest.html
They might also be able to help you visit the Palestinian Authority areas.

That last is of course a very volatile situation. Inquire carefully and listen to the English news on the radio and TV on the day that you want to travel! Kol Israel broadcasts its English news
at 06:30, 12:30 and 20:30, local time.

Over all in terms of USD you should find the prices reasonable. Depends of course on whether you want to have a big sit down meal in a good restaurant or a fancy coffee shop, or if you are willing to eat 'street food' and from smaller local type eateries.

Clothes are very expensive as compared to budget type clothes in North America or Europe.

If you have any specific type questions will be glad to try and help. I live in Israel.

Travel4Fun2006

Thank you for your post. I'm considering roughly the July 21-31 time frame. Is this the high season for tourists? Regarding lodging, I would be most interested in budget to mid-level accomodations. It sounds like I would be better off reserving a hotel or guesthouse in advance for at least the first 4 days and then perhaps chancing it from there. Are internet cafes readily accessible in Jerusalem? I would like to use them for subsequent accomodations.

Thanks!

africnow

Yes, the school holidays in North America and much of Europe means that it is high season for tourists here.

Also April with the Passover and Easter holidays. People often book hotels for those holidays as much as a year in advance.

Do try to make your first night's reservations in advance. If it will be a few nights in the same place, so much the better.

If you wanted to wait, both the weather and the hotel/tourist season are much more bearable in the Fall and the Spring. In Autumn of this year the Jewish High Holy Days (which means that many places are closed) are 22 - 25 September and 30 September - 2 October, 6 - 7 October and 13-14 October. These dates include the Sabbath rule of evening to evening. Any time from 1- 21 September or after 16 October might be preferable for a first time tourist.

Re itineraries:
I strongly suggest at least 3 days for Jerusalem and Tiberias, if your major objective is the Christian Holy sites. Bethlehem is an easy 1/2 day trip from Jerusalem.

Yes internet cafes are plentiful and easy to use. Always visit 2 or 3 before you choose. The prices vary greatly. The hostels are the best for this usually. They will also help you book another hostel in a different city.

You can also check out the Jewish hostels, which are strongly seculsar and not religously inclined if you like:
http://www.youth-hostels.org.il/english.html

africnow

Sorry - that should read 3 days *each* for Jerusalem and Tiberias.

Travel4Fun2006

I'm seriously considering going the first or second week of September based on your comments. I'm just beginning to do some research and appreciate the suggestion of staying 3 days each in Tiberias and Jerusalem. I will probably have a total of 8 days. I figure (at this point) that I can begin my journey in Jerusalem and reserve lodging before departure. Then improvise from there. Stay tuned...

eri

The High Holidays start on Sept 22, 2006. They last (off and on) for almost 3 weeks till Oct. 15, 2006. The tourist season ends only with the holidays. Prices are rocket high till the end of the holidays. September, therefore, is one of the most expensive months for tourists. One of the main reasons is that the Israelis themselves are also on holidays. As a rule the whole period between the beginning of July to mid October is difficult accommodations and price wise.