Israel Trip - Eliat or not?
Dec 21st, 2008 | 09:00 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2008
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Israel Trip - Eliat or not?
Shalom,
We'll be taking our first trip to Israel in just a couple of weeks. We'll be there for two weeks, traveling with a private guide for 10 days in the north part of the country. We had originally planned to go to Eliat for the last 3 days of the trip. However, I am now reconsidering and would be interested in opinions on the value of traveling to Eliat/Petra vs. spending more time in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Also, my husband is an avid golfer but does not want to golf while we're with the guide. Not traveling to Eliat would allow time for us to play in Caesarea. What would you recommend for the last three days of the trip?
We'll be taking our first trip to Israel in just a couple of weeks. We'll be there for two weeks, traveling with a private guide for 10 days in the north part of the country. We had originally planned to go to Eliat for the last 3 days of the trip. However, I am now reconsidering and would be interested in opinions on the value of traveling to Eliat/Petra vs. spending more time in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Also, my husband is an avid golfer but does not want to golf while we're with the guide. Not traveling to Eliat would allow time for us to play in Caesarea. What would you recommend for the last three days of the trip?
Dec 22nd, 2008 | 11:26 AM
#2
Joined: Jan 2006
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Hi ctee
Eilat is a good winter site, as there's rarely any rain there.
It's a nice diving destination (or gateway to the Sinai which is even better) Tropical Reef, World known birding spot, Beautiful mountains (old pre-cambrium rocks seen nowhere else in Israel)dropping into the gulf. The Timna site;
+ short walks through narrow canyons, or long walks from desert to sea with wonderful viewpoints....
Eilat is a good winter site, as there's rarely any rain there.
It's a nice diving destination (or gateway to the Sinai which is even better) Tropical Reef, World known birding spot, Beautiful mountains (old pre-cambrium rocks seen nowhere else in Israel)dropping into the gulf. The Timna site;
+ short walks through narrow canyons, or long walks from desert to sea with wonderful viewpoints....
Dec 22nd, 2008 | 01:06 PM
#3
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 412
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ctee, i guess it depends on what types of sites you want to focus on
-archaeological sites
-Christian or Jewish historic or religious sites
-natural beauty
Petra is a huge draw, someplace I hope to get to someday.
Eilat is a fun destination, and the weather should be nice, but not necessarily beach resort weather, in my opinion.
Of course, since Eilat is all the way at the south end of the country, driving to it would involve quite a bit of your allotted 3 days.
Also, are you planning on going to Masada and the Dead sea? If that's not in your plans yet, I would choose that over Eilat.
And how much time are you currently scheduled for in Jerusalem? Most people could easily add another 2 days to any trip for the city and nearby areas.
-archaeological sites
-Christian or Jewish historic or religious sites
-natural beauty
Petra is a huge draw, someplace I hope to get to someday.
Eilat is a fun destination, and the weather should be nice, but not necessarily beach resort weather, in my opinion.
Of course, since Eilat is all the way at the south end of the country, driving to it would involve quite a bit of your allotted 3 days.
Also, are you planning on going to Masada and the Dead sea? If that's not in your plans yet, I would choose that over Eilat.
And how much time are you currently scheduled for in Jerusalem? Most people could easily add another 2 days to any trip for the city and nearby areas.
Dec 30th, 2008 | 02:07 AM
#4
Joined: Jul 2006
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If this is your first time there, it would be bit of a shame to miss Eilat/Petra. Domestic flight to Eilat is short, eilat airport is in the middle of downtown. You can do a day-trip from Eilat to Petra, though it will be rather hectic and be a loooong day. You may want to save Petra for the next visit, hopefully as an overnight stay.
In case noone has mentioned, Jerusalem in January can be quite cold and rainy. Another reason you might want to consider a bit of sun. Having said that, Caesaria is beautiful.
As others said, the answer also depends on how you're going to be spending the first 10 days.
In case noone has mentioned, Jerusalem in January can be quite cold and rainy. Another reason you might want to consider a bit of sun. Having said that, Caesaria is beautiful.
As others said, the answer also depends on how you're going to be spending the first 10 days.
Jan 12th, 2009 | 09:49 PM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
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While Eilat is a very pleasant seaside resort town, it doesn't feel much different from similar locales in Florida, Texas, or California. The beaches themselves are OK, but nothing special. I prefer Eilat spending more time elsewhere in Israel over going to Eilat.
To be sure, Eilat is a good gateway to Petra and the Sinai. I enjoyed dive sites off Egypt's Sinai, which are easily accessible through Taba (across the border from Eilat). We also took a wonderful overnight guided trip to Wadi Musa/Petra which I think is a must-see. Still, you can access Petra through northern Jordan.
To be sure, Eilat is a good gateway to Petra and the Sinai. I enjoyed dive sites off Egypt's Sinai, which are easily accessible through Taba (across the border from Eilat). We also took a wonderful overnight guided trip to Wadi Musa/Petra which I think is a must-see. Still, you can access Petra through northern Jordan.
