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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Is also better to receive cash for tips as the amounts added to credit card bills usually don`t make it to the wait staff.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?

In restaurants leaving a tip of 10, 15 or 20% of the total bill is pretty typical, with 20% being a very generous tip for outstanding service. The best way to tip your wait staff is with cash as the amounts left on credit cards bills rarely make it to your server.

Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?

Hotel staff in Israel will appreciate any tips they receive for their service. Normally tipping the bellman 5NIS per bag is standard and leaving the housekeeper with around 5-10NIS per day is reasonable. If you utilize the concierge at your hotel, leaving them with a few shekels for their service would be appreciated, and if you plan on ordering room service you should tip around 5% – 10% of the bill. Always check your bills to make sure a service charge was not previously added.

Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?

Tipping taxi drivers in Israel is not a common practice and generally, drivers do not expect to receive tips. The locals do not normally tip taxi drivers so if you were to leave a few extra shekels they would be very pleased, you can also round up to the nearest shekel and have them keep the change.

Tour Guides: Is a tip required?

Tipping your tour guides in Israel is very common and the amounts usually depend on if the guide is self-employed or employed by a company. For example, if you take a tour with a self-employed guide then normally they automatically include an amount for gratuity in the total cost of your tour. Always double check your bill and if not included then be prepared to leave a tip of around 15%. If the guide is employed by a large company then a tip of around 15% should be given to the guide and around 120-150 shekels for the driver.

Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?

Leaving a tip at spa`s in Israel is not a common practice. However, if you are happy with the service then you are free to leave the therapist a tip at your discretion.

Final Thoughts

Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. This is also true for hotel staff, however, if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.

When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.