Why you should take a guided tour in Israel
Visiting a new country is always an exciting experience – the scope of possibilities, new adventures to be had, new foods to taste and often an entirely new culture to experience. Israel – the cultural center of the Middle East is one of these such places.
Filled to the brim with world renowned heritage sites and historical landmarks – there just never seems to be enough time to visit them all! The truth is, and you’ll find a few more reasons in favor below, guided tours through and around one of these new and exciting places – especially a country like Israel – may very well be the best and most beneficial way to really witness the magic of the landscape as well as experience all the country has to offer.
There are countless options for guided tours in Israel, ensuring that each and every person, be it as part of a group or even as an individual traveler, will have the opportunity to enjoy and participate in such an exciting and dynamic place.
Despite only being 20,770 km2 in size, Israel’s landscape is incredibly diverse, with desert conditions reaching far down to the south, with lush green forest and fields as well as snow-capped mountains in the north.
When in Israel, it has become almost mandatory to at least get to the Old city of Jerusalem, Masada and experience floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea. The vibrant city that never sleeps, Tel Aviv is also home of different cultural and historically significant sites, while the Golan heights, the Negev desert and the spiritual center of Tzfat should all make it on to your “to visit” list. And that’s not all. Guided tours in Israel are in fact proven to be the most cost and time effective way to really engage with the “Holy Land”.
old city Jaffa in Tel Aviv
Contrary to popular belief, a guided, and therefore organized tour of Israel can end up being LESS time consuming than trying to explore the country on your own. Yes – solo travel definitely has its benefits, and in recent times independent travel has definitely been promoted as the way to truly engage with all a country has to offer.
The fact, however, is that joining a guided tour is not only an easy way to explore a country, but definitely the best way to maximize the time you have available and in so ensuring you get to visit, witness and experience the top things on your to do and see list.
Not only will joining a guided tour in Israel allow you to experience and photograph the country’s amazing landmarks and historical sites but simultaneously learn from experienced guides and tour leaders who are more than likely incredibly well versed in the ins and outs, facts and figures and historical backgrounds to the all the places you will visit, creating an optimal day/week out.
As an independent traveler there are many additional and unforeseen costs that are often forgotten about. These could include transport and food or even entry fees into national parks or monuments. As part of a guided tour in Israel, many of the little extras are included in the overall price and alleviate a huge amount of stress when traveling.
Remember that often tour guides and operators are able to get discounted prices or group rates and you’ll often find yourself moving right to the front of the queue which is a serious bonus if you are traveling to certain sites in Israel, especially during the summer months.
Over and above the ease and time and cost effectiveness of joining a guided tour in Israel, don’t forget two of the most important reasons. First and foremost you will have a knowledgeable professional guiding you to places you more than likely would not have been able to get to on your own. Whatever the reason, sometimes, especially when traveling in a foreign country, your experience can only be enhanced if you have someone who knows a lot when showing you the way.
Last but most certainly not least is something independent travelers forget about when they embark on their solo journeys. Company. People to share the experience with, to help take photographs of you while you float in the muddy Dead Sea or stand on top of Masada. The group who you can talk about your experiences with while you enjoy a shared falafel, hummus dish or other vegetarian/vegan meals in Tel Aviv or other parts of Israel. Sometimes, a guided tour is really just the best way to see a place.
If you still prefer to travel on your own check out great Self-guided options in Israel by foot.
Dead Sea playing with the mud
