Expert: Ian Cohen - 6/2/2004

Question
Hi Ian,

  My name is David and I live in New Jersey.  I have never visited Israel and am considering taking a trip.  I am 37 years old and would probably be by myself. Do you have any advice. Where do I want to go? What would be a good itinerary..I probably would have about 8-9 days tops.  Is it safe to go there as a tourist now. I have not traveled abroad before so I am a little nervous.  Is it expensive?  What is the best time of year to travel to Israel?? I like warm weather etc.. If you have traveled abroad and have visited any other places you can suggest..let me know.  I also heard Prague and Budapest etc are nice.thanks Ian!

Answer
It's very tough planning an entire trip, and you will have to help me every step of the way!

Imagine Israel divided into regions. You will need a certain amount of time in each region, with a hotel or kibbutz based in that region.

Let's start!

The Upper Galilee - is the most Northern part of the countryand includes The Golan heights. You can stay in a kibbutz in the area - clean air and great views!
A double room on a kibbutz will cost you approx $135.
This is a day.

The  lower Galillee includes the lake of Galilee, Nazareth,Tiberias, and other places of interest in the area. This is 1-2 days.

The Coastal Region stretches from Rosh Hanikra in teh North down to Tel Aviv, and includes Zefat, Ceseraea, Netanya, Haifa, and Tel Avivm Jaffa. This is 3 days.
You can find good hotels in Tel Aviv for $150 a night. the choice is wide.

Jerusalem is 2-3 days, including The Old City, New City, and surrounding areas. The Hyatt would cost around $180 a night. Reasonable 4 star hotels can be found for $150.

The Dead Sea is a day trip from Jerusalem. A hotel on the Dead Sea ( on the way to Eilat ) may cost around $150.

Eilat is a possible 3 days without a guide - parhaps pop over to Petra! Hotels in Eilat are a little more expensive, but theere are plenty of options.

Now, take a map, and work out dates and a possible route! Then send me your suggestion. It's a rough outline to begin with, and ecven while you're here, the interaction between you and your guide will shape many things.

Keep in touch
for hotels, go to

www.hotels-of-israel.com


Ian