We are two independent women in our 60s who are planning two weeks in Israel with a sidetrip to Petra in October 2013. We are hoping to travel independently, picking up tours in different cities or drivers when necessary. We are looking for especially good tour companies or planners for that sort of travel, and hotel recommendations at the moderate level, including airbnb. We also want to do an organized hike of some sort for a day or two and are looking for the most interesting terrain to cover (including stays indoors rather than camping). We are of moderate means, but adventuresome, although not interestied in roughing it or hostel stays (nor 5-star hotels!). Can someone give us an idea of the most efficient route for an itinerary and how many days you'd recommend in each city? We are interested in museums on history and local culture. This is our first inquiry. We've done no research as of yet. Have to begin somewhere. Found great advice here for earlier trip to Southeast Asia...
Need help planning two-week independent travel to Israel, Petra
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Two weeks is fine for a trip to Israel and Petra.
I suggest the following itinerary: start in Tel-Aviv. When leaving the city rent a car and tour the Galilee. Drive to Eilat via the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. from Eilat go to Petra for one or two days. Drive to Jerusalem via Mitspe Ramon and return the car. Spend the remainder of your trip in Jerusalem (minimum 3 days).
I recommend renting a car for the north because public transport is very inefficient there for tourist sites; a car will enable you to see five times as much. You could return the car in Eilat if the company does not have a drop-off charge and take a bus to Jerusalem. You do not need a car in Jerusalem or Tel-Aviv.
For good cheap accommodation I recommend the Youth Hostels: they are open to everyone and have private rooms:
www.iyha.org.il
For general information, you can start with this non-commercial guide:
http://amateurtraveler.com/travel-guides/israel%20travel%20guide.pdf
Government tourist site:
http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Pages/home.aspx
Tel-Aviv tourism site:
http://visit-tlv.com/
National Parks:
http://www.parks.org.il/parks/ParksAndReserves/Pages/ResultCampsite.aspx?Area=All%20regions&TextLike=&From=ParksReserveSearch
Museums:
http://ilmuseums.com/
Bus info:
www.otobusim.co.il
Trains:
http://www.rail.co.il/EN/Pages/HomePage.aspx
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