I'm thinking of planning a family trip to Israel for my daughter's college graduation next June. So it would be with my 2 adult kids, 20, and 22 at that time, for about 10 days.

I've never been, and don't know where to begin. We'd like to visit some family in Jerusalem while there. I typically do my own trip planning and don't go in guided trips, but would consider a tour in this case.

Should I consider a group tour? Would it be best to go with private guides? Is there an option that mixes structured tours with some free time to wander on our own?

Thanks

1 more thing I'd like to add is I prefer not being tied down with a tour group for dinners when staying in major cities with lots of dining options. Other than that, I am pretty flexible.

We just returned on Friday from a 2 week trip to Israel with our kids ages 17 and 14 and my parents. I too typically do all my own planning and don't do guided trips, but my parents really wanted to have a guide so we hired a private guide for the six of us. It was fabulous!! We had 9 days guided and five days on our own (well one of those was in Petra with a different guide). We found having a guide perfect as I know we saw more things as he knew exactly where to go, where to park, what to see, etc. Plus the conversations we had about politics, religion, etc. were just amazing!!

We scheduled it so we had one free day in Jerusalem, one in Eilat and two in Tel Aviv. We always had dinner on our own but Menachem gave us excellent recommendations.

We saw plenty of tour groups and unless you can find a small one - max. 12-15 people I would not want to go that route. It was bad enough getting behind one to see something - if I had to travel that way the whole time it would not have been fun.

Plus, with a private guide we were able to tweak the itinerary as we went along.

I will be writing a full trip report shortly.

There are many tourist destinations in this world where you could just wing it and make all your own arrangements. At first glance Israel might appear to be one of those places since its so tiny. But in reality, there is SO much to see here, and so much back story (5000 years of continuous history) that it is in fact a great shame to not take a professional guide and get the most out of this fascinating country.
Now, big tours can be a serious drag. You are so restricted in what you can and can't do. The tours appeal to the lowest common denominator, the guides can also be very hit and miss.
The best of both worlds is to go with a private tour guide. Obviously this is more expensive, but if you can afford it its definitely worth the money. And you can mix it up with time with your family - its completely flexible and according to your own needs.
Usually a tour to Israel is once in a lifetime, so why waste it. Get the most out of it with a private guided tour for your family.

Hi
We've been to Israel twice. Both have been self drive tours. I bought several good guidebooks, Fodors, Frommers and InSight, and have used them twice. We did take a 1 day guided tour of Jerusalem and enjoyed it very much. It is fun to explore on your own. Last year we went to Tel Aviv [our favorite] again and drove to Eilat to spend Yom Kippur. We went from there crossed the border and took a taxi to Petra. Spent 3 nights there and returnd to Eilat. Still haven't been to Haifa and Akko so am considering a third visit.
Enjoys your trips, it's a wonderful country.

Hi!
Israel's holly sites are better seen in a guided tour which will provide all the historical knowledge on these places.
Since you don't wanna be tied to a group, I think the best way to go is planning your own trip and taking a one day tour to Jerusalem. there are plenty of tour services that provide half day tours, both groups and private. let me know if you need recommendations on tour companies.

I would consider a group tour if the group isn't that large (maybe 10 or less). I supposed a private guide would be even better, but I'd have to compare the costs. The one thing I don't want to be tied down to with a group is dinners. 1 or 2 if it just works with the schedule is ok, but generally I like to explore neighborhoods and try different 'local' restaurants when I travel. I do think though that we definitely will need some professional guidance here.

Alan43, I think the key is in the fact that you have been to Israel already twice and you are considering coming again! The problem is if you are coming for one time only. Israel is so unbelievably rich in history, it is very difficult to get the maximum out of a single short visit. Don't forget we are talking about biblical history, Roman history, the Crusades.... there are very few places in the world that have had so much action over such a long period of time.
(full disclosure, I'm a tour guide, but I'd prefer you to go with a competitor of mine than miss out on all this incredible country has to offer).

A combination of both free time and tours is best. You don't really need a guide at all locations, however having one gives you the insite you might expect from a place such as Caesarea, Masada or the Hula Valley. A good paper guide is great but when you have an experienced licensed guide to show you around you know you are going to the places you expect to visit (without getting lost driving around). There are regular tours to many sites through the country but they are very limited and you don't really get more than a small taste of several places, plus the younger generation may or may not find such a tour interesting. A combination of private guide and free touring would be best. I recommend three days in Jerusalem/Dead Sea. 4 days in the north and the remaining 3 days to explore the center of the country such as Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Casarea, Ayalon Institue, museums, etc, which don't necessarily need to be guided.

Chana
Israel

I agree that private guides may be the way to go. A tour will probably feel very retrictive.There is a lot to see in israel - jerusalem, The north (Galilee and Golan), Dead Sea/Masada, plus a lot of great ancient sites throughout the country. And a 2 day add on to Petra is a must ! If you ask on this forum, you'll be able to get a lot of great suggestions for guides.

I think the private guide route is the way to go, and worth the splurge.

Thanks.

We have been to Israel 3 times and when we went as a family group we hired a guide and van for a good portion of the trip and found it the most advantageous. If you need recommendations, I could seek some out with friends and family who live there and, also, see if I guide (our former Rabbi), is still giving tours as he was great.

We did hire a private guide/driver for the 8 of us. We leave June 1! We had to rearrange a few things because Shavuot falls in the middle of our trip, and some of the hotels were booked up or had minimum stays that didn't fit into our time frame.

This is where we're staying:
June 2-5, Harmony Hotel, Jerusalem
June 5-6, Tsell Harim Hotel, Dead Sea
June 6-8, Caesar Premier, Tiberias
June 8-9, Erna Hotel, Naharya
June 9-11, Shalom Hotel, Tel Aviv

I know it's a lot of moving around, but I have faith in our guide (Dina Horn).

We really loved the Harmony Hotel, particularly the pedestrian street located behind it - bought a great/unique glass menorah in one shop on that street and a large art piece I just love from another!! Enjoy your trip!!

I will be sure to check out that street! I usually buy some form of 'art' (a print, pottery, etc) when I travel.

Thanks.