My husband and I are considering a spring trip with Gate1 Discovery, their smaller tour division. I wondered if anyone has any recent experience with any of their tours and specifically Israel?

Gate 1 has been around for years and reputable. I would however ask them for names of previous travelers of the particular tour you are considering. Preferably those who live in your state with an email address, or better a phone #. Then ask whatever questions you might have.

We are interested in a tour of Israel, we really don't want to do this on our own. We are considering Gate 1 or SmarTours; so, we would love to hear recommendations, too.

Marlib1951,

We went several years ago and used Isram Tours which is the oldest tour company in Israel. You had the ability to add on more or less days and areas. Our tour guide and bus driver were both excellent.

Here's a question about Israel tours. Years ago I was on one with Gotaas with our guide a young Israeli immigrant from England taking us especially to "Jewish" sites such as staying in a Galilee kibutz, Golan Heights, Nazareth, Masada, Shrine of the Book, etc.

A second tour was with Nawas using a Christian Arab guide including Hebron, Cave of Machpelah in Hebron, a typical Arab meal, etc. Both of course covered traditional Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Galilee sites. Each had a different slant to the sites though. The young Israeli was quite versed in archeology and the older Arab guide more versed in the political realities.

So the question is this: today are local guides Jewish rather than Arab? If so is this a government or patriotic policy? On the other hand, maybe tourist also go to Israel for sight seeing or recreation and not necessarily as religious pilgrimages. What do the tour companies mentioned cover?