We would like to take a tour of Israel and are thinking of going with either Gate 1 or SmarTours. Has anyone used either of these companies and were they good as far as sightseeing, hotels, meals, etc. Thank you in advance for your anticipated help and opinions.

Carol

We went with Margaret Morse Tours.
margaretmorsetours.com
and we were extremely pleased with all the arrangements...very personalized service and deluxe/first class accommodations.

I cannot compare prices with other tour companies, but we were very well treated and entirely pleased.

I have used Gate 1 on several occasions with great success.

Kathy
Paragon, Indiana, USA

I saw Gate1 labels on suitcases in the morning for pick-up at the Dan Panorama, Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, can't recall now. This hotel is nice, good location in Jerusalem, great breakfast buffet.

Thought I would come back to ask what type of tour you are looking for.....Christian? Jewish? Secular?

Gate 1 can give you what you want for sure........and I can recommend a couple of marvelous guides. In my opinion and experience the guide "makes" the trip.

Have you gone to Israel before?

I have a trip being planned through Gate 1 for September 3--14 (Christian)....

Kathy
Paragon, Indiana, USA

I have taken both Smartours &Gate1 enjoyed both equally. However I think that Smartours is a better value. I wnt to India w/Gate 1 Smartours shadowed us the entire way the diff was Smartours was less..I enjoyed my Smartours exp so much I booked again for another trip!!!there are also pleasure to deal with

Thank you, I appreciate all of your replies! In this particular case, both SmarTours and Gate 1 are identical in price. Actually, Gate 1 is little bit less as they charge a little less for taxes and for using a credit card to pay (seems more secure than using cash). I am hoping that it will be safe to travel trough Israel, as the State Department web site mentions great caution if one goes there.

Again, thank you for all of your help and if there is anything else you think I should know, please let me know.

carol

Carol.....I just came back from Israel on the 23rd of March. You are very, very safe there. The State Department's warnings are always "over the top", in my opinion. You are VERY safe in Israel. You are no less safe, in my opinion, than you would be if you traveled to a major city in the USA.
When are you planning to go? I hope that you will not let anything stop you from doing this. It is a wonderful place!

Kathy
Paragon, Indiana, USA

Hi Kathy, Gate 1 has a trip departing on October 19 of this year which we plan to reserve. We expect it to be still quite warm but not the rainy season, yet. We do at least three international trips/tours a year but have not been to Israel and have looked forward to it for some time now. I do believe the same as you that the State Dept. is overly cautious with their warnings but needed to know that was a fact from recent travelers. Thank you.

carol

"Actually, Gate 1 is little bit less as they charge a little less for taxes and for using a credit card to pay" - isn't this a law in US you pay the same amount doesn't matter cash, credit card or check?

If you are interested in a Jewish tour, I would highly recommend Israel Discovery Tours, Inc.
They're phone number is 800-362-8882.
www.israeldiscoverytours.com
Ciao,
Frank

Carol....did you book your October trip to Israel with Gate 1? Is it a Christian group or a Jewish group? Was just going back through posts and wondered what your plans ended up being. *smile*

Kathy
Paragon, Indiana, USA

Kathy, we booked the November 2 departure with Gate 1 as October 19th was sold out. Unfortunately, we procrastinated a little too long for that particular date. But, I am sure the early November trip will be fine. I don't think the trip is either a Jewish or Christian tour but will visit many different sites/sights.