Okay - I've booked a place for Becky's bat mitzvah luncheon so now it's time to get down to business and start planning her trip.

So, since it's been twenty years since I've been, I feel like starting from scratch. Anyone have any favorite guide books or web resources? In the vaguest of plans, I'm thinking about a week in Jerusalem and maybe a couple of days in one of those resorts that have sprung up around the Dead Sea.

Kim, I have a few that I can sent you. The Frommer's; and a detailed guide to Jerusalem (Insight Jerusalem)

There are some websites I found useful--I'll dig them up for you in a bit. I also know of an excellent travel agent and general "expediter" in Jerusalem whose name I can pass on.

Amy sounds good, thanks; we'll be looking for a tour guide or something while there (we need someone who will be sensitive to our "special needs" traveler .

Kim,
I went to Israel on a Bar/Bat Mitzvah tour in 1996 and then again in 1998. Both were arranged by a tour operator in NY. I was so impressed with the tour guide that I requested him for the second trip and recommended him to others also. He is witty, funny, caring and speaks several languages rather well.
My elder parents who came with us in 1995 still ask about him. What I am trying to say is that he was good with children as well as with elderly. If you are looking for a tour guide (he does mostly his own tours these days) I can surely recommend him to you. He was a history major (I guess like most tour guides) so his tours tend to be rather interesting and educational. Just let me know.

I can probably recommend a bunch of tour guides, altho I've never used one myself.

As for the Dead Sea ---- it's gotten very, very dry. I spend a day there in 2000 and did not particularly enjoy it. Maybe there are some particular resorts that you are thinking about, but other than the (therapeutic) mud, and the kick of being able to float, not much to recommend it IMHO.

Now Sefad, or one of the nicer kibbutz guest houses ....

We'll talk.

M

I am going in a week, I will let you know when I get back at the end of the month!! I got a guide book, but have been reading National Geographic articles and other mags for some cultural background and info.

Thanks everyone; Henry - sure give me the name of your guide. We're doing the trip to celebrate Becky's Bat Mitzvah but she's doing the service here in April.

Riana, I'll be interested in hearing what you have to say about traveling there this time of year b/c we're still up in the air as to when to go.

Marian, let's tawk .

Kim, information sent via email.
All the best.

Kim: I can send you the name of the travel agent we use every year for the Museum's international council meeting. They made all our arrangements for guides, cars etc. She also arranged side trips for a few people to the Dead Sea and into Petra.

Let me know if you want her info.

quote:

They made all our arrangements for guides, cars etc. She also arranged side trips for a few people to the Dead Sea and into Petra.

Let me know if you want her info.

Absolutely; I didn't think Petra was "doable" from Israel (time-wise) but I'd definitley be interested.

quote:

Kim, information sent via email.

Got it, thanks!

Kim: They flew from the smaller airport in Tel Aviv to Elat and had a driver from there I think. I was not as in the loop on that side trip as I was for everything else. The travel company is:

Mabat
Speak with Carol. She is terrific.
Her email is: carol@mabat.com
Phone is: (011)972-39618930

We have a youth wing at the museum that has a good deal of activities.http://www.imj.org.il/eng/youth/index.html

And I heard from many people that the new space at Yad Vashem was very well done and worth going to. Here is the basic info on visiting there:

Entrance to Yad Vashem and the new Museum Complex for individuals is free of charge, and does not require prior reservation.

The Holocaust History Museum is open Sunday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Eves of Holidays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Hall of Names (in the Holocaust History Museum)- Sunday- Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fridays 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m.

Yad Vashem is closed on Saturdays and Jewish Holidays.
Yad Vashem is located in Jerusalem on the Har Hazikaron below Mt. Herzl and the Military Cemetery.

Just out of curiosity, has anyone visited/can one visit Masada?
I was watching a special on the Roman Empire last night, and they showed the remains of the city (fortress?) and the ramp up to it that the Romans built.

Kim, the Petra trip requires about two days, including travelling and staying overnight (required logistically). I haven't been, but know several people who have.

What time of year are you planning to go? As you know, that makes a HUGE difference. For example, I would not go to Eilat betweeen May and end of September. And the reverse for the north. You know how the prayer book includes the prayer for rain between Simchat Torah and Pesach? Well,.....

M

Colleen,
Yes you can go up Masada.
You can take the cable car or if you are adventurous you can climb it. Either case it is advisable to get there really early in the morning in order to avoid 100 degree weather.

Wow - a cable car to the top? Aerial like on a ski slope, I presume? That sounds very interesting. Thanks, Henry!

We climbed Masada when I was with my parents about 20 years ago, about 1/2 way up the snake trail, Mom remembered she's afraid of heights - yikes. I'm proud to say she made it.

M, ideally, I'm hoping to go in November 2006, if the kids get a week off like they have the last two years. If not, I'm afraid we'll have to go late August early September 2006.

Riana, are you out there?

How was your trip to Israel?

Charity

I guess we're joining the Israel-travel club next March. And Kelly, we're using Mabat as well. Our synagogue is planning a group trip (about 40 people max) in mid-March of 2007. We're just beginning to pull it togther; I'm on the planning committee. Our biggest concern now is how to get there. Those of you on the east coast have it easy, with non-stops or one-stops aplenty. We're outside Milwaukee, and many of the flights I've seen (at sane prices) have two or even three stops. We've just about decided to drive to Chicago and begin our flight(s) there. But we're still checking, and since the trip is over 365 days away, nobody will even discuss flights with us seriously yet. Our goal is to stay under $1,000.

We're working with Zeev Natan from Mabat. He's done a lot of trips for groups in this area and is well-respected. He doesn't guide trips himself any more, but from what others here have said, it's a good company.

We've all agreed that the most daunting task will be to choose destinations. The trip is focused on adults and mature youth as it will center largely archaeological sites and Jewish history- no water parks and rapelling. Some wanted it to be a week long but we put our feet down and managed a 12-day trip. That's paltry, but it's meant to be an appetite-whetter for future travel.

Any advice? I know this trip isn't slow travel, but there are so many knowledgeable people here that I'll take whatever advice you're willing to offer.

We used Gordon Tours in Tel Aviv, they were really nice and had lots of options. I would say Jerusalem, the north Gallilee and the Dead Sea are the top spots that you should see.

Kim, In July it was pretty hot, but not too bad, we didnt have AC and just used a fan. I have been to much hotter places and didnt think it was that bad.

We did go to Petra. That was incredible. One of the wonders of the world for sure. We spent 2 days there and that was enough to go in twice and see everything. It's good to go early in the morning to beat the heat.

Have a wonderful trip!

Thanks Riana. Actually now we're going in November. As a matter of fact, Chris is calling the airline tonight to try to book our tickets using frequent flyer miles.

Mezzaluna: Zeev was in our office just yesterday. He stopped in to say hello and borrow the use of a computer in between appointments. He and my boss have known/worked with each other for about 20 years. We have used Mabat for every trip to Israel for the last 20 years and they are always completely professional and well organized, and most of all very helpful. I can't say enough good things about Zeev and Carol.

I will look through our files and post a list of some of the sights that we have included on past trips that are open to the public. Keep in mind we have an art slant but also include history.

Thanks, Kelly! I've got a growing respect for Zeev and Mabat. The more people I ask about him and the company, the more positive things I hear. I'll be waiting eagerly for your posts.

There are slow travelers in Israel.

If there are any questions for someone who has lived in Israel for 25 years, I'll ge blad to help.

I live in haifa and I think it's one of the prettiest cities on the Meditteranean. I think it should be included in any visit to Israel.

Sssteve, I agree about Haifa. Such a wonderful city! For anyone with an interest in contemporary art, a visit to the CoExistance Center in Wadi Nisnas and a guided tour of the Jewish-Arab outdoor art installations is fabulous. And the Hecht Museum of Archeology at the University is great. Beautiful neighborhoods for strolling, fun beaches, a very vibrant place. I can't wait for my next trip.

I have a question--what is the name of the artist's village just outside Haifa? I visited there three years ago, and cannot for the life of me remember the name.