Jerusalem Travel Forum

Is it better and cheaper to tour Israel on my own or go with a tour group?
I would love to stay at the Mt of Olives hotel but that means I wont be able to go with a tour group. Does anyone know what the best way to travel?

Many years ago I traveled Israel by Bicycle. It was fabulous.
I'm not sure what it would be like now. Back then there was no problem cycling in the Golan, and along the West bank. I would still imagine you could travel around Galilee, Jerusalem and along the coast without a problem.

Please, read specially this from US Department of State: "In addition, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to the West Bank and to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. This warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued August 29, 2006."

Here is a link to the page: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_922.html

Jesper

Go on your own. You're more independent in what you see and do, you can stay longer at places you like and you won't have to spend too much time at places you don't like. So far I've been in Israel twice, both times on my own and had no problems whatsoever. Everybody involved with tourists speaks English. You can book tours, if you don't rent a car. There are also taxis, though taking them can be nerve wrecking. But you can always tell the drivers to slow down a bit.

Hi and Shalom:
Rent a car and travel on your own.
No problems anywhere in Israel, the roads are for the most part very good and well posted.
Travel is no problem in the Golan, Galilee (upper and western), coastal plains (between Rosh HaNikra and Ashdod) and the southern desert from Arad to Eilat, including the Dead Sea.
Martin

Only you can decide whether you want to go with a tour group or do it alone. What we are saying is that it is very easy to travel on your own in Israel - both with public transportation and a rental car (although the latter saves you a lot of time). A good guide book is all you need - just like anywhere else in the world.

Thank you, it was very helpful. Im planing a trip for this coming year.

I would love to bicycle around Israel. But I dont have the time for that. I will be going this coming year as long as everything goes the way im hoping.
thanks for your imput.

Thank you for the warnings. I will be very careful, but if its my time to go , what better place on earth to be.. But I suspect i will be around for the show.. lol

Well all of my answers have been to go on my own. Im excited. It will be next year. Thank you , you have been very helpful.

Welcome and enjoy.
Martin