Private Guided Tours in Israel

In an earlier article I outlined all the various form of getting around in Israel. As a guide with my own private car for private guided tours, I am of course a little biased. But I think,it is appropriate to set out the advantages and disadvantages of seeing Israel of this way .

Israel may be a small country, but it is one of the countries in the world with an extraordinary long and complicated history and cultural differences. Many can find their way around by themselves, but the function of the guide, on a group tour or in private guided tour, is to make it all come together into something comprehensible.

Private guided tours are tours for one to 10 people, all traveling together in one vehicle. The average is family tour of 2-6 people. All vehicles used for transporting tourists in Israel must be lisenced and qualified. They are all quite new, luxury airconditioned vehicles. Only one type of person is allowed to drive such cars, and that is a fully lisenced qualified guide.

Time is Money -  The time spent in Israel is precious, and should be used to the fullest. By having a local, knowledgable guide in charge, you know that you will accomplish the itinerary and possibly more.

Flexibility -  You spent time before the visit setting up an itinerary. You want to complete this, but you are in Israel also to have a holiday. In a private guided tour, your are in charge of when to start, when to end, where to eat. You can even make changes on the spur of the moment.

Getting There – Using a local guide will save you a lot of time and headache. The guide knows the country, knows which roads to take and at what time of the day, knows the best places to park, especially important in the cities. Though Israel has quite a good road posting and traffic signals, and in three languages at that, you can relax while the guide gets you there safely.

Avoiding Israeli Drivers – Your guide will also know the ins and outs of the traffic, will know how to handle Israeli drivers and their very special traffic rules (often against the official traffic laws).

Comfort – You travel to Israel in relative comfort, you chose a hotel for the greatest comfort. Your touring experience should be in the same class, comfort for you and your family.

Understanding What Happened – The function of the guide is also to tell you the history and special events that has made Israel so unique. No visit is chronological, so it can become very confusing. Your guide will also be able to give you those little details that hopefully will make it come alive, and maybe even make some sense.

Asking Questions – Your guide will explain and talk to you about both the old and the new, how one has influenced the other. You can ask all the questions you want, and get answers.

Off the Beaten Path – You want to get off the beaten path and see something that is of special interest to you. Your guide will arrange that with one or two phone calls. You need reservations for special sites, your guide will set it up, whenever possible.

Shopping and Eating Out – Guides in Israel also know of the good shopping places, even the off the track places. They often know special restaurants, the places where Israeli also go. The locals always know the best places.

Meeting Israelis – You are free to stop where you want. You can start up conversations with Israelis as you are touring. Despite the rumors Israelis are open and friendly people to themselves, but even more to visitors. No visit to Israel is complete without a chat now and then with a local.

I said advantages and disadvantages. Not many of the last. The biggest is probably the cost. I am aware that not all can allow themselves the financially higher cost of touring Israel this way. Another disadvantage (at least for some) is that you don’t really get to mingle with other
travellers. Israelis can be met at any time (see above).

So the advantages really outnumber the disadvantages. For anyone wanting to tour Israel in with a private guide and car please contact me for free consultation.
If private car touring is not for you, and you still want to tour Israel, feel free to contact me and I can and will advice for group tours also.