Suggestions please, for a quick visit to Israel

[RooFlyer]

I'm planning to spend three days in Israel next year and would appreciate any suggestions and advice on what to see. (Yeah, I know, not a long time but I'm doing a lot this trip.)

At the moment I'm planning to stay in Tel Aviv and take day trips out, but that could change.

At least one full day will be spent in Jerusalem visiting the historic sites. I'm not interested in beaches and have been to the Dead Sea on the Jordanian side, so that would be a low priority; but Masada likely.

Daver6, I've reviewed your 2016 TR

 

[LadyC]

I'm not sure if you read one mile at a time but Lucky was in Israel recently. His trip report is not up yet but should be soonish. Not sure if that helps any but at least it is (will be) a recent report.

 

[JohnM]

If Daver6 fails to spot this thread, send him a PM - err, 'conversation'-starter.

 

[juddles]

Waking up in Jerusalem to the sound of prayers at mosques is quite unique.

But be careful - there is not a lot of room for error in Israel, especially if you are going into sensitive areas like Jerusalem and Bethlehem, etc. The Israelis do not have a sense of humour, and may not understand someone with a passport full of countries who just wants to sightsee.

 

[Daver6]

What time of year are you planning on being there?

What kind of things do you want to see? Historical stuff? Museums military or otherwise?

Masada is awesome. However, if you've little interest in the Dead Sea, then it cuts out the other major attraction in the area. If you still go, I'd strongly suggest staying at the youth hostel at the base the night before and climbing prior to sunrise.

Any thoughts on how you plan to get around? If purely staying in Tel Aviv along with Jerusalem then public transport is the way to go. If you're day trips are organised tours, then another issue solved.

If you have any possible way to extend your time there, I would do so. Now I'm just getting hungry thinking about all the amazing food!

 

[RooFlyer]

Timing either early March or May. Strong interest in history (buildings, but a few museums OK) but with limited time I'm hoping to see a bit of the country as well. I'm interested in the Dead Sea, but having seen it (and been in it) from the Jordanian side, I think I'll skip the bathing experience this time, given time constraints.

Haven't checked out logistics yet, but would still like to see Masada. hmmm might hire a car for two days ...

At the presently limited knowledge, my fall back will be daily day tours out of Tel Aviv, but from your TR I think the bus (coach) to Jerusalem then self guide will be the go for that one. yes?

In Jordan, I saw Jesus' baptism site and then went down to the Jordan River where we were told there was also a baptism site on the Israeli side. Stood and looked over the Jordan to the folks on the Israeli side looking back at me! Might be cool to stand on the Israeli side this time.

 

[Daver6]

It will be warming up in May in Tel Aviv, but not too bad at all.

In terms of seeing ruins and even Jerusalem, are you the type of person who is just happy to see things or prefer the guided tour with explanation? If the former, then a wonder around the old city is easy. In fact, even one day you would just be touching the surface.

If your interest is history, then perhaps Caesarea and/or Akko. In fact, you could probably do the abridged version of both in one day, but would be a long day. Also traffic can be really bad. Having said that, if you're ok with driving on the right side of the road, you'll be ok. Especially if you want to hire a hire in Jerusalem to drive to Masada. Again, I'd say stay overnight at the base and hike up for the sunrise. You could be back in Jerusalem early afternoon with ease. Or from there potentially drive up to the baptism site you mention before heading back to Jerusalem (having said that, I don't know who controls the roads in that area, but Jerusalem to Masada area is all Israeli controlled and safe).

Buses between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are very frequent with travel time around an hour. From the main bus station in Jerusalem you can get a tram to near the old city or just walk the few kms. Its probably worth walking one way at least to take it in. Even both if you have the time.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you're there on the Sabbath (Fri sunset to Sat night sunset) there is no public transport. Tel Aviv is pretty open for business still though.

My response is a little random. Ask whatever you need to know and I should be able to answer.

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks again.

First draft schedule. It will be rushed, and inadequate, but being a solo traveller who can start early and usually has lunch of fruit on-the-go, I can get a lot more into a day than most tourists!

Day 1. Public transport Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and self guiding walking, return to Tel Aviv
Day 2 Hire car, drive north to Haifa and Akko, night at or near Nazareth/Sea of Galilee.
Day 3 Nazareth, drive south, Beit She'an, Jericho, night at a Dead Sea resort
Day 4 Very early start to Masadra, return to Tel Aviv

May have to extend to 5 days

 

[Daver6]

Looks good. I'm pretty sure the buses between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem will run well into the evening. Again, if you can avoid the Sabbath in Israel, it would be beneficial I think.

Consider stopping at Caesarea on your way from Tel Aviv to Haifa. Sounds like it would be of interest to you. If you intend on doing the walking tour of the gardens at the Bahai temple, don't just turn up 10 minutes prior. The English language tour is very popular and they only let in a certain amount of people for each tour. We missed out. Views of the gardens were still amazing.

On thing not no your plan is spending time in Tel Aviv (and drinking wine). A walk through Jaffa I suspect would also be of interest to you. Tel Aviv has many little neighbourhood that are very different and interesting.

 

[RooFlyer]

Ok, looking like 4 full days, Sunday-Wednesday towards the end of April (and missing all pubic holidays), with itinerary much as above. Tel Aviv, with its food, wine and beach pleasures I'm afraid will have to be missed this time.

Have an early (7am) flight out on the last morning, to LHR on BA. Can anyone recommend a hotel near Ben Gurion airport for the night before? I will have a hire car, so doesn't have to be right there, but close preferred.

Check-in at 4am or 5am-ish, if travelling J?

 

[Daver6]

Before you can even check in at the airport, you go through the first security check. This is the slow one with an often lengthy line. Be prepared to be asked about what you have been up to there etc. More questions are asked when you leave than arrive in the country. Suspect they are just looking to see if you sweat the answers and act suspiciously more than anything. The very good news for you is there is a special J line which is significantly shorter. Once I waited about two minutes in the J line and another time maybe 10-15 minutes. Just make sure you go to the J one.

Where will you be coming from the night before? While I don't know of any airport hotels, sort of wondering if it might be worth staying on the coast so at least your prior evening is decent. Traffic should be pretty ok if you're aiming to get to the airport between 4am and 5am.

The BA lounge is pretty average. Actually reminded me a little of the BA lounge in Munich. If you're after food, the terminal outlets might be a better option. I purchased a schwarma and took it into the lounge. Most expensive one I bought in the country and by far the worst too

 

[RooFlyer]

Coming in from Masada that day; might go via Jerusalem again.

I thought about staying on the coast, but Google tells me that its 25 mins to the airport (probably a bit less in the early hours) plus I'll be returning a hire car.

Hmmm ... Trip Advisor shows that the airport area is almost a hotel free zone, and the nearest ones rate very badly. Arrrgh! I hate early morning flights, but need to maximise my time in London that day. Might take the last flight out the day before.

What time should I rock up at the first security point at the airport, travelling in J for a 16:40 departure?

 

[Daver6]

I think turning up at the first security checkpoint 2 hours prior to departure should be relatively safe. Having said that, I really can't comment on whether that might be a very busy time or not though.

Another option is to just stay in Jerusalem that night. Drive to the airport is 40 minutes, but once on the highway its that all the way to the airport.

Was going to suggest dropping the car off in Tel Aviv and taking the train to the airport...but you're leaving too early for that.

Can you change to the 9:45am departure? Much more civilised a time.

Otherwise, bite the bullet and stay in a cough shack by the airport. Drop the car of the evening before departure, take the train into Tel Aviv for dinner and return. Likely would need an uber/taxi to get from the airport to the hotel and train station though.

While there is uber there, its not quite as common as other places. You can use an app called "Gett" for taxis there. If you're interested let me know and I'll see if I can find a referral code for you that gets you some initial credit.

 

[RooFlyer]

Can you change to the 9:45am departure? Much more civilised a time.

My main problem is that I had a chokkers day of research in London planned that day. However .... such is my disdain of early flights (and I don't want any more "it seemed like a good idea at the time!") that I've now totally re-organised my UK itinerary and .. tah-dah! .. yes, its now the 9:45am departure from TLV. Still an early start to the day, but not a total horror. Thanks for making me think about all this.

So I guess I'll now get a hotel down by the beach and drive the car and return it before the flight. Can you advise the rental-car lay-out at the airport? Is it attached to the airport or miles away, like many locations in the US?

I missed your earlier comment re a referral code for 'Gett'; apologies - yes, please.

 

[Daver6]

My main problem is that I had a chokkers day of research in London planned that day. However .... such is my disdain of early flights (and I don't want any more "it seemed like a good idea at the time!") that I've now totally re-organised my UK itinerary and .. tah-dah! .. yes, its now the 9:45am departure from TLV. Still an early start to the day, but not a total horror. Thanks for making me think about all this.

So I guess I'll now get a hotel down by the beach and drive the car and return it before the flight. Can you advise the rental-car lay-out at the airport? Is it attached to the airport or miles away, like many locations in the US?

I missed your earlier comment re a referral code for 'Gett'; apologies - yes, please.

Excellent move I think! Sorry, cannot comment on the rental car situation. I've only taken the train of been dropped off there.

Will PM you the link. It gets you 20 NIS off your first five trips. Obviously, my brother also gets something out of this.

Perhaps consider dropping the car off the night before (especially if you can do that in Tel Aviv). Parking can be a nightmare (unless your hotel provides?). Possibly consider staying near a train station for a speedy morning departure. Something like the Crowne Plaza in the Azrieli Centre is right next to Hashalom station. Downside is you aren't right on the beach, but it is walkable or just take a bus (frequent, easy and cheapish). Altentively use the bike sharing option.

Right near the hotel is Sarona Market with plenty of food options and HOME which is an excellent spot to go to sample Israeli wines (about 40 available by the glass or tasting size).

 

[RooFlyer]

Right near the hotel is Sarona Market with plenty of food options and HOME which is an excellent spot to go to sample Israeli wines (about 40 available by the glass or tasting size).

Bingo. 1,000 likes Crowne Plaza it shall be with car drop off the afternoon before.

 

[RooFlyer]

Question on hotel taxes in Israel. the Crowne Plaza web site says:

Taxes and Additional Charges
Taxes: 17% per night not included in quoted rate
17PCT VAT TAX WILL APPLY ONLY WHEN NO TOURIST VISA STAMP

I guess they are talking about only one 17% tax? If you do a pre-paid, non refundable rate, will they charge the VAT up-front? Doesn't matter much, just like to know the mechanics of it.

 

[Daver6]

Question on hotel taxes in Israel. the Crowne Plaza web site says:

Taxes and Additional Charges
Taxes: 17% per night not included in quoted rate
17PCT VAT TAX WILL APPLY ONLY WHEN NO TOURIST VISA STAMP

I guess they are talking about only one 17% tax? If you do a pre-paid, non refundable rate, will they charge the VAT up-front? Doesn't matter much, just like to know the mechanics of it.

Pretty sure you aren't charged up front. Essentially, tourists are exempt from paying VAT on accommodation, but Israelis have to pay it.

Given passports don't get stamped, it just means show your Australian passport and no problem.

 

[Daver6]

What dates are you in Israel? PM me if you'd rather not post publicly. I'm there in early May for work.

 

[RooFlyer]

Going to be there a week or so too early ..

Arrive midnight 21 April, hire car, Crowne Plaza City Centre Tel Aviv
22 April drive to Acre (Akko) - Akkotel
23 drive Nazareth, Beit She'an, Jericho, Qumran Caves (might be optimistic!! - but I start early) - CP Dead Sea, Ein Gedi
24 drive to Tel Aviv via Masada (not trying for dawn), return car, - CP, city centre
25 day tour to Jerusalem, CP city centre
26 fly out.

I'll be a busy little vegemite, but hope to see a lot.