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Introducing Israel

Israel has quite a timeline—and from its ancient cities to ultra-modern Tel Aviv, its many iterations are vibrantly evident. With millennia-old religious sites, uniquely middle eastern cuisine, swimmable Mediterranean coastline, and world-class hiking, the travel appeal to this many-layered country is universal.

When is the best time to visit? 
Spring and fall are the sweet spots here—specifically May and September. Summer (June through August) is simultaneously busy and very hot. You'll find popular sites and Tel Aviv's sandy beaches packed with people during the day, though mornings and evenings (and the excellent, air-conditioned Israel Museum) provide respite. December through February is chilly and wet, but the end of winter brings excellent conditions for hiking in the northern Golan Heights region: wildflowers and mild temperatures abound. Keep religious observances in mind throughout the year; this is a country that goes quiet during holidays.

How many days do I need?
Israel is small in size, but substantial in terms of history and culture. Those with limited time could check out Jerusalem's highlights in a day or two; travelers planning for 3-5 days can also visit the Galilee region or the beaches of Tel Aviv. If you plan to spend at least a week, you can do all of that and more: lounge by the Red Sea in the resort town of Eilat, visit Bethlehem, Jericho (the world's oldest city), and other important Biblical sites, or head into neighboring Jordan for an extended adventure. 

Things to Do in Israel
Visiting Jerusalem's Old City is an absolute must. Weave through the maze of market alleys, making your way through the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian quarters. While in Jerusalem, you'll also want to visit the Machane Yehuda food market for falafel, rugelach, and za'atar. Stroll down Tel Aviv's funky Dizengoff Street, take a surfing lesson, and explore the 4,000-year-old port city of Jaffa. Head north to visit beautiful Haifa, mystical Safed, ancient Acre, and the rolling hills of the Golan Heights. And of course, don't forget to take a dip (er, float) in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea.

Israel Travel Insights

Al Khazneh, Petra
Map of Explore Israel & Petra - 6 Days
Explore Israel & Petra - 6 Days

Explore ancient history and culture in Israel on this 6-day trip. Visit ancient synagogues and King David's tomb in Jerusalem, tour the ancient fortress of Masada, and let the healing waters of the Dead Sea soothe you. End your trip in Petra, Jordan's incredible desert city.

Old City in Jerusalem
Map of Family Adventure in Israel - 12 Days
Family Adventure in Israel - 12 Days

From Jerusalem's old city streets to the underwater world of the Red Sea, this family-friend adventure is the perfect 12-day getaway. Explore the City of David and see the Western Wall and visit the ancient desert fortress of Masada and soak in the Dead Sea. End your trip in the modern city of Tel Aviv for ancient ports and snorkeling in the Red Sea.

Dome of the Rock and Mount of Olives in Jerusalem
Map of History & Religion in Israel - 9 Days
History & Religion in Israel - 9 Days

Dive deep into Israel's history and religion on this packed 9-day itinerary. Walk through the Old City of Jerusalem and see the City of David, visit the lowest place on earth and float on the Dead Sea, explore the Judean desert, and tour ancient religious sites like the Mount of Beatitudes and Megiddo. Round off the tour with stops at Safed to learn about Kabbalah (Jewish Mysticism) and a free day in the beach city of Tel Aviv.

Blue skies over Jerusalem's Old City
Tel Aviv & Jerusalem - 8 Days

From Mediterranean beaches to the shores of the Dead Sea, this compact 8-day itinerary is the perfect introduction to Israel. Splitting your time between modern Tel Aviv and ancient Jerusalem, you'll tour the cities' cultural landmarks and historic highlights before embarking on a series of fascinating day trips into the surrounding landscapes. Take a cable car to the breathtaking hilltop fortress of Masada, wander the colorful markets of Acre, and look out over the Bay of Haifa from the fabled Hanging Gardens of Mount Carmel.

Jerusalem's skyline from the Mount of Olives
Discover Israel & Jordan: Jerusalem, Amman, Petra & Tel Aviv - 9 Days

This 9-day journey through Israel and Jordan introduces you to some of the Middle East's most fascinating cultural and spiritual sites. After strolling the ancient waterfront and modernist squares of Tel Aviv, you'll hop over to Jerusalem to soak up the history and atmosphere of the Old City. Head west into Jordan to discover Roman ruins in Amman, then skirt the Dead Sea and Mount Nebo to reach the spectacular Nabataean city of Petra. After a detour into the wilds of the Wadi Rum desert, it's back to Tel Aviv for some beachside downtime before your departure.

Desert Fortress Masada
Map of Jerusalem, Masada & Dead Sea - 3 Days
Jerusalem, Masada & Dead Sea - 3 Days

Experience Jerusalem's ancient history and the beautiful nature of the Judean Desert on this short and sweet 3-day itinerary. Visit the Tomb of King David and stroll through an open-air market, see the Dead Sea Scrolls, and take in the views from the hilltop Masa fortress. End your trip on the Dead see to experience the rich minerals and world-famous salty water.

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
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Trip Reviews for Israel

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Middle East Mind Blowing
Israel | Dec 22 - Jan 1, 2023

Christine
Christine L.
West Lynchburg, VA | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2023

We visited 3 countries, Egypt, Jordan and Israel. Egypt was outstanding 4.5/5. The driver was excellent and the guide although a bit quiet at times was smart and helpful. Jordan was the highlight of the trip. All visitors must go to Petra and Wadi Rum. Mind blowing to say the least. If you go you must ask for Anees to be you guide! 10 out of 10 fantastic person! The trip fell off a bit in Israel as we were only given a driver and no guide. I don’t think a tourist should be left to navigate... read more

We visited 3 countries, Egypt, Jordan and Israel. Egypt was outstanding 4.5/5. The driver was excellent and the guide although a bit quiet at times was smart and helpful. Jordan was the highlight of the trip. All visitors must go to Petra and Wadi Rum. Mind blowing to say the least. If you go you must ask for Anees to be you guide! 10 out of 10 fantastic person! The trip fell off a bit in Israel as we were only given a driver and no guide. I don’t think a tourist should be left to navigate Old Jerusalem on his own. We did have to spend an additional $1150 on guides in Israel to get the full experience. Overall an amazing trip though. And oh yes the help we received from ambassadors at the airports in Cairo and Amman was outstanding as well!

Hotel Reviews
Helnan Dreamland Hotel & Conference Center
6th of October City
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shams al weibdeh hotel apartment
Amman
Authenticity & Character
Location
You
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Petra Palace
Wadi Musa, Petra
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holy Land Hotel - Jerusalem
Jerusalem
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nof Ginosar Kibbutrz Hotel
Tiberias
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tal By the Beach Hotel
Tel Aviv
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cairo Airport - Cairo (Transfer)
Egypt
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
CAIRO VISIT / PYRAMIDS GISA TOUR
Egypt
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cairo - Tour3 - Museum & Mosques
Egypt
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Meet & Assist - Queen Alia Airport
Jordan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amman-Jarash-Ajloun-Amman city tour
Jordan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amman-Madaba-Mount Nebo-Karak-Petra
Jordan
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Petra (With Site local Guide or private guide)
Petra
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
MASADA & QUMRAN
Israel

Qumran closed when we got there

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
JERUSALEM / Old City
Israel

No guide provided. Disappointing

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
JERUSALEM / MOUNT OLIVES /MT ZION
Israel

No guide

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
TIBERIAS / HAIFA / CAESAREA / ACRE / TEL AVIV
Israel

No guide

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Samir Bishara
Samir
Samir Bishara
Local specialist in Jordan | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2023

Thabk you Christine
Hope to see you again
Samir

A Tailored Trip to Israel with the best driver and guide!
Israel | Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2022

Claire
Claire W.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 16, 2022

Samir tailored the type of trip was asked for through Israel abs paired us with an amazing driver and Jerusalem guide. I highly recommend KimKim and Samir to use them as their number one drive and number one guide. Both then tailored our trip even more for us once we could focus on what we really really wanted to see on our trip. Although none of the hotels in our voucher where actually booked due to over flow the replacements hotels were in even better relocation for us to make the most of... read more

Samir tailored the type of trip was asked for through Israel abs paired us with an amazing driver and Jerusalem guide. I highly recommend KimKim and Samir to use them as their number one drive and number one guide. Both then tailored our trip even more for us once we could focus on what we really really wanted to see on our trip. Although none of the hotels in our voucher where actually booked due to over flow the replacements hotels were in even better relocation for us to make the most of our trip… so that was also a major win! Thank you for everything!

Hotel Reviews
Tal By the Beach Hotel
Tel Aviv

Did not stay at any of these hotels but I will say amazing to all as don’t want to hurt the hotels.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Magdala Tiberias
Migdal

Did not stay at any of these hotels but I will say amazing to all as don’t want to hurt the hotels.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Harmony Hotel Jerusalem
Jerusalem

Did not stay at any of these hotels but I will say amazing to all as don’t want to hurt the hotels.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
JORDAN VALLEY TOUR (J) (Tiberias to Jerusalem)
Israel

This was a great day as we wanted to tailor it complete so our driver suggested the Dead Sea… so we had an incredibly beautiful and fascinating drive to the Dead Sea. Great day!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
TEL AVIV / CAESAREA / HAIFA / ACRE (ACO) / ROSH HANIKRA / GALILEE. (J)
Israel

Loved R.H and Gailiee!!! Everything else was fascinating too but really enjoyed that part of the day.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Professional, prompt, informative, personable and listened to what we’d like to do and flexible with leaving times from Hotels.
Transport
Safed, Golan Heights
Israel

Banias Springs was lovely to walk round and Golan Golan Heights Fascinating

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
JERUSALEM TOUR (J)
Jerusalem

Very moving morning to go to the Holocaust museum. Our guide was phenomenal and changed a lot of the planned day to accommodate what I’d really like to see. Amazing day!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Just like our driver… our guide was Professional, prompt, informative, personable and listened to what we’d like to do and flexible with leaving times from Hotels
Transport
JERUSALEM WEST TOUR (J)
Jerusalem
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
BETHLEHEM
Israel

Bethlehem is a must!!!!! Incredible day and again our guide and driver made the day so smooth and amazing!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Samir Bishara
Samir
Samir Bishara
Local specialist in Jordan | Reviewed on Nov 16, 2022

Hi Clair
Was an honor and pleasure.
would we see you again ?
Be well and safe ?
Sam

Israel and Jordan ... an unforgetable journey
Israel | Apr 27 - May 8, 2022

Gloria
Gloria L.
Bradenton, FL | Reviewed on May 11, 2022

In Israel, our guide Joseph was amazing as he educated us throughout the Old City of Jerusalem. He was knowledgeable and invested in what he was doing. He truly cared and enjoyed all aspects of the trip. Our visit would not have been the same without him.

In Jordan, our guide Wasef was a wealth of information. He was kind, he was informative, and he was passionate about giving us the best experience in our journey. He was energetic, spoke excellent English and negotiated for us on our... read more

In Israel, our guide Joseph was amazing as he educated us throughout the Old City of Jerusalem. He was knowledgeable and invested in what he was doing. He truly cared and enjoyed all aspects of the trip. Our visit would not have been the same without him.

In Jordan, our guide Wasef was a wealth of information. He was kind, he was informative, and he was passionate about giving us the best experience in our journey. He was energetic, spoke excellent English and negotiated for us on our purchases. He helped save us money by his ability to communicate on all levels.

There were so many highlights during our stay, it was absolutely amazing.

Hotel Review
Enjoy Desert camp
Wadi rum

Amazing place, excellent food, wonderful people. A great experience! Highly recommended, it was a highlight of the trip!

Tips for future travelers

This is a must see... enjoy the camel ride!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
I loved it all!
Activity Review
JERUSALEM / Old City
Israel
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was name Joseph and he was intelligent, kind, had passion for educating, and was overall one of the best guides we had. He was born inside the Old City and so was his father who is also still living there.... it was a very special experience!
Transport
Local specialist: Samir Bishara
Samir
Samir Bishara
Local specialist in Jordan | Reviewed on May 11, 2022

Thank you Gloria
Was our pleasure hosting you, glad to know that you had a peasant trip.
At your service anytime.
Warm regards
Samir