My wife and I would like to take a tour w/a group to Israel. I need information on who to contact. Like to take a 10-14 day tour that would be an all-inclusive.

Thanks Tom

Perhaps you could give more information as to interests (museums, outdoors, etc), religion (Jewish/Christian tour), age group, etc.

The best I know of if you want to really see Israel is Pamela Levene. This special lady is an accredited guide with much experience and, after studying for years, incredibly knowledgeable. What Pamela doesn't know, isn't worth knowing!
Israel is a wonderful country, rich in stories and wonder - but it comes alive and is so much better when seen through the eyes of Pamela Levene.Contact Pamela on: [email protected] NOW!

Only two writings on Fodors in a year and they are both touting Pam Levene? Something is fishy?

Fishy? Probably not. Pam Levene posts a lot of info on another forum and she seems to be extremely knowlegeable and always willing to help. (p.s. I dont know her)

I talked to a friend last night who is interested in an Israel tour. I had received a brochure from Overseas Adventure Travel recently and it looks like a really good trip. My friend is calling today to get more info.

I read several traveler reviews of the trip on the web site, oattravel.com and am interested in the trip myself. I traveled to Morocco and Egypt with OAT and thought they did a good job. OAT specializes in tours with a maximum of 16 participants who are on the active side.

I was looking on this forum to find out the best time to go. I went to Egypt in October and it was still hot, so I'm thinking perhaps March or November.

Luisah:
Thanks for information on OAT. I looked at the 16-day tour to Israel. I see that not all meals are included but hotels are included. I did notice that there is a lot of free time. Over all this package looks good. Iam going to contact them to get more information.
Another travel company I felt was good, was Friendly Planet Travel.
Thanks again for information
Tom Cleveland

Hi Tom,

I really like not having all meals included; it gives you an opportunity to try local food and eat at your leisure -- or not. A quick lunch will give you more time to explore rather than spend too much in restaurants. I enjoy free time for the same reason -- I can pursue my own interests and get away from the group for a while.

I just finished re-reading Paul Theroux's travel book, Pillars of Hercules, and recall that he very much enjoyed the food in Israel.

One of my biggest complaints about escorted tours is the included meals. I would be much happier if they would drop the included meals and reduce the price accordingly. (with the exception of breakfast) Included meals are often generic buffets at the hotel, therefore you have no opportunity to explore and try the local cuisine.

I agree P_M. When traveling with OAT and GCT I've had buffets a few times and can't say the food was any better than mediocre. However, there have been meals where we've had the option of selecting from a limited menu and the food was good. And all the included meals in Morocco were good -- lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Tom,

Should you decide on the OAT tour you can receive $50 off per person if you give the name and number of a previous OAT/GCT traveler when you register.

If you don't have a friend or relative who has traveled with OAT and would like to use my name I will give you my e-mail address. You would get $50 off and I would get a $100 credit toward my next trip.