ISRAEL FAQ`S

What is Israel known for?

The memorable country of Israel is brimming with history and culture and the fascinating Dead Sea and the Red Sea. There are some wonderful beaches for family-friendly fun including Metzitzim Beach, Coral Beach a hot spot for snorkeling, and the clean, sandy shores of the Dead Sea at Ein Bokek Beach Broad. Float freely in the waters of the Dead Sea and bask in Dead Sea products like mud masks and other souvenirs made from these magical seas. Hiking adventures can be enjoyed in the rolling hills and valleys of Israel boasting breathtaking topography. Taste the award-winning wines at hundreds of wineries around the country, the grapes are grown here thrive due to the country`s microclimate. Ramat Dalton High located in the Upper Galilee region which is known as `Israel`s Tuscany` is one of the top vintage wineries in the country. Soak up the ornate carvings and mesmerizing mosaics that decorate ancient synagogues in Israel and visit New Testament Sites like Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified and Galilee where he preached. Spend evenings soaking up the surprisingly bustling nightlife whether it be at a beach party or at a disco or even in an old warehouse with live music.

What are the best places to visit in Israel?

Tel Aviv is dubbed as the `city that never stops` offering an abundance of attractions including beaches, museums, UNESCO World heritage sites, unique architecture and delicious cuisine. Tel Aviv boasts the best nightlife in the country and is also a deep spiritual city and the oldest port in the world, Jaffa. Jerusalem is the holiest city in the world and one of the oldest, `the city of Gold` features a unique mixture of old and new with UNESCO world heritage sites, world class shopping and dining, and the Old City which is the most interesting square mile in the world. Tiberias sits on the wester shores of the Sea of Galilee offering an abundance of beach and water activities. There are Jewish and Christian holy sites and the ruins of the 8th century Anchor Church. Boat rides on the lake, superb fresh fish served at restaurants on the promenade and the mighty Mount Berenice boasting breathtaking views.

When is the best time to visit Israel?

The beautiful country of Israel experiences warm weather for most of the year, which provides great conditions for visiting the various stunning beaches. The country does experience varied seasons, with different regions experiencing different weather patterns. And partakes in many festivals, religious holidays, and events that take place throughout the year, which can affect what time of year is the best for you to visit. Some of the recommended months to visit Israel would be April through May and October through November when the weather is relatively mild with sunshine and blue skies. These months also tend to bring a few crowds and lower prices for accommodation and travel. When visiting Israel always be sure to check the calendar regarding major Jewish celebrations, holidays, and events which can quickly increase the crowds and prices in the country. As well as complete business shutdowns during these religious celebrations and no public transportation. For more information, check out: Best Time to Visit Israel

How many days should I spend in Israel?

We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.

What is the best way to get around Israel?

By Car: Renting a car while visiting Israel allows the opportunity to explore the countryside and different destinations at your own pace. Driving can allow you to cover a lot of ground in a short span of time. Having a car in the bigger cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem can be a hassle due to limited parking, busy rush hour traffic, and the fact that there are plenty of public transportation options. Traveling around the countryside areas of Galilee, Haifa, Golan, and Negev is great in your own car. The streets and highways are modern and well maintained with driving on the right-hand side of the road and signposts in English.

By Train: There are trains run by Israel Railways connecting between major cities and along the coast to Ben Gurion Airport and up to Jerusalem. Trains are convenient and comfortable with a network of routes, timetables, and more can be found on www.rail.co.il. Trains do not run from the mid-Friday afternoon through till sundown on Saturday (Shabbat and Jewish holidays).

By Bus:The main bus company in Israel is Egged which offers modern, comfortable, convenient, and inexpensive bus travel. Buses run from city to city and to the outskirts with day passes available.

By Ferry:There are ferry services from Akko`s marina to Haifa port offered twice a day during the week and three times on Saturdays.

What is the currency of Israel?

The official currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). US Dollars are not accepted. You will need to exchange your dollars for Shekel upon arrival; there are ATM machines inside the arrivals hall at the airport. You can also exchange your money at the local banks and some hotels. For information on tipping in Tel Aviv please see our comprehensive guide. For more detailed information, consult our guide by clicking here Tipping in Israel.

Do people speak English in Israel?

The official language spoken in Israel is Modern Hebrew and the formal languages consist of Hebrew and Arabic. English is spoken and understood by most individuals in the service industry. We suggest you get a good English-Hebrew/Arabic Guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you and numbers 1 - 10.