Dig for a Day at Beit Guvrin questions
 

Hello,

We are travelling to Israel in November and spending 5/6 days in Jerusalem, although some days will be day trips.
We have heard from friends who took a week-long tour of Israel that they really enjoyed the "Dig for a Day" and are wondering if anyone else has done it. Because we will not be part of a tour group and generally prefer to do things independently whenever possible, we are wondering about the logistics of getting to the gas station in Beit Guvrin from Jerusalem.
- Does anyone know of a way to get there besides by taxi?
- If anyone has taken a taxi, can anyone estimate what the cost for 2 by taxi would be?

If you have any specifics you would like to add about your experience on the dig or at Beit Guvrin, we'd love to hear it.

Many thanks!

I've been to Beit Guvrin a couple of times, but only by car. For lack of a better phrase, it's in the middle of nowhere, An scenic nowhere, but not that easy to get to by public transportation.
The Egged bus website shows a way to do it by 2 buses, but one of the buses only goes twice a day. I suppose you could take the first part--Jerusalem to Kiryat Gat by bus, and then taxi to and from the site. I dpn;t know if that will be easy or not.
Car rentals in Israel are not cheap, but if you can make a case for one, and then see other sites along the route, you might have really good day.
(No experience with the dig for a day program though. I visit lots of archaeological sites, but only as a visitor)
Also remember that November is rainy season, and committing to a one day program could be a washout

Thanks AlexA!

The only realistic way is by rental car. Not quite the same as dig for a day--but exciting and convenient is the Sifting project run by Ir David. I don't know anyone who has gone who hasn't enjoyed it. Check it out.


http://www.cityofdavid.org.il/Articl...eng.asp?id=212

YOu need to click "regular schedule" to get the November, non-holiday schedule.

Thanks Elkaz - that does seem to be a good alternative and we are considering it!

The Sifting Project run by Ir David was interesting; they will even give you a Certificate following your visit.
Try to go to City of David first. It is about a 3 hour tour and, IMHO, is something you should not miss.
Have a great trip.

The Sifting Project (as Elkaz suggested) was perfect for us. It ended up being close to our hotel. We really enjoyed it. Our archeologist guide, Frankie, was fantastic. We were lucky as there were only a few other people there besides us, so we got to hog her expertise. She did a presentation beforehand and after to explain how the project came about and show examples of finds. The whole experience was very, very positive and I highly recommend this.

Glad you went and enjoyed. The Sifting Project seems to be one of the things that is not known by everyone!