lcohensales

Can you recommend some guided, smaller tours? 4-6 friends turning 60 are looking for a 12-14 day tour of Israel, with Jewish culture. I am having a hard time finding some really good tours. We prefer a group but not the large trips with multiple buses. We like nice hotels but centrally located is as important. The tyour can be up to 14 days with Eilat and Petra as an add-in. I would also like ideas on what is preferred--touring Jerusalem first or at the end of the trip? Thanks for your thoughts.

sandi

If located in the US, there is a company called ISRAM, that while doing 'set group' departures, will also plan private safaris. Last I checked ISRAM was located in NYC, on 3rd Ave (unless they've moved offices).

Another is Gate-1, located in the suburbs of Phila, PA. who also does set group departures, but will custom design an itinerary.

Best to have an idea ahead of time - total # of days in-country, where you wish to visit (cultural).... specific sightseeing, type of lodging, and estimated budget.

Do know that for the extension to Petra requires minimum 3/days.

Give them a call and see what they can offer.

Good luck!

lcohensales

Thanks. I will try those agencies

jeep61

We toured Israel (nine nights) and Jordan (two nights) with ISRAM in October 2013. We stayed with cousins for a few days before and after the tour. Our group in Israel was too big in our opinion but we had a fantastic guide who managed it well. It was just the two of us for the three days in Jordan so that was a nice surprise. The trip was excellent on all counts. Hotels, food, transportation, everyone was great!

Elkaz

With 6 people for the same, or slightly more you may be able to hire a private guide who will plan the perfect itinerary just for you. A guide who drives is around $750 a day. They can help make hotel reservations. When you travel overnight with a guide you pay for their meals and hotel ( but they get breaks, it won't cost what it cost you)

RE: Petra you can do a 1 day tour from Eilat. You leave early in the AM and return at night. There is absolutely NO need to spend a night or two in Jordan. You can, of course if you want to.

thursdaysd

Re: Petra - a one day tour from Israel is inadequte. You can easily spend at least two full days (three nights) at Petra and not run out of things to see. And doing a day trip would certainly mean missing out on an evening visit by candlelight.