Israel for 7 days

IamtheWalrus

I'm going to Israel in mid November for 8 nights, flying in and out of Tel Aviv.

I'm not religious but would like to see some notable religious areas, not a clubber so don't want clubs. Going more for culture.

Can one visit the Gaza strip?

Can anyone suggest places/things to see?

Walrus

DainBramage

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

I'm going to Israel in mid November for 8 nights, flying in and out of Tel Aviv.

I'm not religious but would like to see some notable religious areas, not a clubber so don't want clubs. Going more for culture.

Can one visit the Gaza strip?

Can anyone suggest places/things to see?

Walrus

Even if you are not religious you should definitely visit Jerusalem. A visit to Ein Gedi/Dead Sea/Masada would be another day.
Sea of Galilee/Tiberias is also worth visiting.
Eilat in the south of Isreal is a great spot for snorkelling/scuba.

I was working in Tel Aviv for much of last year and it was still possible to swim in the Med in November.
There are plenty of good bars and restaraunts there but be prepared for Irish-ie high - prices.

I dont think its possible to visit the Gaza Strip without good reason and with all sorts of permits obtained beforehand. It is off limits to Israeli citizens. Even with a permit there is a good chance the IDF will turn you back at the border.

Israel is relatively small country and you should see plenty in 8 days, you should also consider hiring a car.

kerry4sam

I temporarily closed this thread but just re-opened it after deleting some off-topic; not suitable posts.

If you cannot answer the questions posed by our opening poster in here, then don't bother posting.

If you have an issue about any post, then please report.

Thanks,
kerry4sam

Fratton Fred

Jerusalem is an amazing place, even if you aren't religious. Try and get a tour that takes in Bethlehem as well.

I did a great coach tour from eilat to Jerusalem, via the dead sea and Jericho and it really is amazing.

You do actually float in the dead sea, it's unreal!

Btw, at airport security, be prepared for very very strict questioning and do not under any circumstance give any smart answers, they have zero sense of humour and will stop you boarding if you are anything but compliant.

I'm sure you'll be fine, but it's worth saying.

Wren A. Magreet

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

Can one visit the Gaza strip?

I've never been to Israel,but would love to go too!
I think DainBramage is right in regards to getting permission to enter Gaza.It's highly unlikely the Israeli authorities will give you permission to do so.I think there was a hullabaloo several years ago(possibly 2009) when Micháel Martin as a minister was refused entry to Gaza by the Israelis;if he didn't have luck,then it's unlikely you will!I think there's a suspicion amongst the Israelis that the Irish are Palestinian sympathisers - could be wrong.It might be worth contacting the Israeli embassy here for advice: http://embassies.gov.il/dublin/Pages/default.aspx

DainBramage

As per above only visit Gaza with good reason. Have any permits obtained from Israeli embassy in Dublin well beforehand. Don't expect an easy process from them. You will receive zero help from IDF at Erez crossing in Israel south of Ashkelon. It was tricky enough getting a regular business visa. If IDF allow you to enter Gaza dont expect a warm welcome from Hamas on the other side unless you can offer them something e.g you are a journalist who can publicise their cause or an organisation who can offer them aid... i.e its not a human zoo.
Hamas is listed as a terrorist organistion by US/Israel rightly or wrongly (despite the fact it was democratically elected.)
If you get into Gaza expect future hassle from Israeli authorities when you leave Ben Gurion airport. Expect hassle if you try to enter United States in the future also.

btw mods....I am apologist for neither and am not turning this to a political debate- just trying to offer pragmatic travel issues following a trip to Gaza. as this is a travel forum.

If you wish to learn more about the Palestinan plight in laymans terms (if that is your intention) in Israel then visit the West Bank which is much simpler to do.

ZomB13 F1Sh

I was considering doing a tour with G tours to Israel has anybody ever done this? Also is it relatively safe to travel around?

sawdoubters

http://wikitravel.org/en/Gaza

IamtheWalrus

Has anyone been to the Palestine village of Bil'in? Or know if it's safe to visit?

IamtheWalrus

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

Has anyone been to the Palestine village of Bil'in? Or know if it's safe to visit?

Is Sea of Galilee worth traveling from Jerusalem to visit?

Helen7475

Take a look in Tel-Aviv's municipality website, it is full with cultural events/places. In Jerusalem, I'd suggest to go with one of many guided tours, it will save you lots of time as it a bit trickier to do by yourself (unlike Tel Aviv where you can go easily from a place to place, in my opinion).
In the south you have Masada. Dead Sea... as well you can find stunning Bedouin resorts for overnight. In the northern part Nazareth and Haifa... and many more. everything depending if you go with car, stay over the night etc..
Enjoy your trip, it is indeed a unique place.

MarkY91

Hi all,

The gf and I are going to Israel from Friday 17th may to Friday 25th may.

Flights are booked already but not sure what kind of itinerary to make as group day tours are extremely expensive. Even a simple coach trip to the dead sea from Jerusalem is between €50 and €100. Crazy!

Neither of us drive so it's gonna be tough to see a lot, I guess.


So far, we have an idea of basing ourselves in Jerusalem and then tel Aviv and doing day tours or making our own way to the sites outside of the cities as well as touring the cities in non your days.

So far what we definitely want to do is

Jerusalem
Tel Aviv
Dead sea


Then I see itineraries mentioning Galile, Haifa, Nazareth and other places so these will be our day tours.

The gf is religious so she will love that side of things whereas I'm an atheist but love history so I'm still really enthusiastic about seeing most of not all of the religious/historic sites.

We're both late 20's if that helps.

whomitconcerns

MarkY91 wrote: »

Hi all,

The gf and I are going to Israel from Friday 17th may to Friday 25th may.

Flights are booked already but not sure what kind of itinerary to make as group day tours are extremely expensive. Even a simple coach trip to the dead sea from Jerusalem is between €50 and €100. Crazy!

Neither of us drive so it's gonna be tough to see a lot, I guess.


So far, we have an idea of basing ourselves in Jerusalem and then tel Aviv and doing day tours or making our own way to the sites outside of the cities as well as touring the cities in non your days.

So far what we definitely want to do is

Jerusalem
Tel Aviv
Dead sea


Then I see itineraries mentioning Galile, Haifa, Nazareth and other places so these will be our day tours.

The gf is religious so she will love that side of things whereas I'm an atheist but love history so I'm still really enthusiastic about seeing most of not all of the religious/historic sites.

We're both late 20's if that helps.

Definitely do Bethlehem. Historically very worth it. Dead sea is with seeing too. It's a same day as Bethlehem trip if you can get it. Jerusalem is interesting and a few days there will show you a lot. Wailing wall, the old fort, the temples, Gethsemane, etc

Didn't bother with Tel Aviv. Bring money btw it's expensive!!!!

boardise

Bon voyage .
Was in Israel years ago -just got out days before the 7 day war ! Loved it -tho' was probably too young to appreciate it fully.
The street smells e.g.of melting chocolate were most alluring in Tel Aviv. Food great . Liked Haifa too.

Daisy 55

Masada, beside the Dead Sea! Especially if you like history. And def do the mud!

MarkY91

Thanks for the tips guys.

Didn't realize Israel would be so expensive!! I will have to do some homework

Dakotabigone

It’s a cash cow now.

johnire

We were there a few years ago and we couldn’t get over how expensive it was. Bring plenty of money!

MarkY91 wrote: »

Thanks for the tips guys.

Didn't realize Israel would be so expensive!! I will have to do some homework

Dakotabigone

The night life is crazy there too. Jesus was a bit of a wild one.

KERSPLAT!

I was in Haifa last year and loved it. The food is absolutely amazing, it can be quite expensive though. A must in Haifa are the Bahai Gardens, they're beautiful and it looks amazing again lit up at night. Decent night life there too with regards to pubs, didn't see any nightclubs but I wasn't looking

MarkY91

I knew it wouldn't be cheap but I didn't know it would be ridiculously expensive(people on trip advisor said Switzerland prices. That's insane). Flights are booked so I'll just have to accept it.

So we will likely base ourselves in Jerusalem to see it and do the tours over near it.

Will do a lot of "free" walking tours in both cities.

Then Tel Aviv for some beach fun and the tours over that side.

1 week Falafal and Hummus diet!! Lol

Nigel Fairservice

I was in Israel a while back for a short trip, did Jerusalem, Bethlehem the Dead Sea and the River Jordan. You'll probably have this idea from childhood about what Bethlehem should look like and it'll be nothing like that. I never pictured stopping off in KFC in Bethlehem as a child anyway :pac: The Church of the Nativity there is worth a visit. If you're going to the Dead Sea bring something to wear on your feet going into the water like an old pair of crocs, sandals, flip flops or something. The salt deposits are not comfortable to walk on in bare feet. Also don't shave before going into the water...it'll sting! I had a paper cut when I went in and it stung like mad.

MarkY91

Nigel Fairservice wrote: »

I was in Israel a while back for a short trip, did Jerusalem, Bethlehem the Dead Sea and the River Jordan. You'll probably have this idea from childhood about what Bethlehem should look like and it'll be nothing like that. I never pictured stopping off in KFC in Bethlehem as a child anyway :pac: The Church of the Nativity there is worth a visit. If you're going to the Dead Sea bring something to wear on your feet going into the water like an old pair of crocs, sandals, flip flops or something. The salt deposits are not comfortable to walk on in bare feet. Also don't shave before going into the water...it'll sting! I had a paper cut when I went in and it stung like mad.

Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely be going to the dead sea. It's one of the main reasons I was interested in Israel aside from the fascinating history.

I've read that online that Bethlehem is meant to be crap unless you're a very religious Christian. Which I'm not. But the girlfriend is so we will most likely have to go there for her to have her little pilgrimage.

Maybe I'll hang out in the KFC you mentioned lol.

Call me Al

Masada, Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Caeseria, Jerusalem, Jaffa in Tel Aviv. There's lots to see there, even if you aren't religious. There's so much history and it's everywhere.

Nigel Fairservice

MarkY91 wrote: »

Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely be going to the dead sea. It's one of the main reasons I was interested in Israel aside from the fascinating history.

I've read that online that Bethlehem is meant to be crap unless you're a very religious Christian. Which I'm not. But the girlfriend is so we will most likely have to go there for her to have her little pilgrimage.

Maybe I'll hang out in the KFC you mentioned lol.

No bother. You will see people in Israel that are there exclusively for religious purposes. They were very devout and you'll see them a mile off but I wouldn't let that put you off. Myself and the gf are not particularly religious either but did find it interesting. We walked the stations of the cross in Jerusalem as well and it was fascinating (a lot more so than I imagined). Lots of other stuff to do there as well if you're not into the religious stuff.

Dakotabigone

Plenty of escorts there also if that is your thing.

Dr_serious2

Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee is lovely as is the Negev desert.

Extrememly expensive country as mentioned!

Mr.Maroon

I went there over ten years ago now. Stayed in Tel-Aviv and went on two day tours to Jerusalem, also went to the Dead sea.

No matter where you go in the world you'll always encounter rude and obnoxious people from time to time, but they just seem to be around every corner in Israel.
With all that's going on over there now, I can only imagine what some of the locals would be like now.

It's worth seeing though.

whomitconcerns

Watch out for the hasidic teenagers... Around the holy sites.. They actually spit on your direction as your 'not worthy'.

Disgusting... But not a major thing to avoid

KERSPLAT!

Mr.Maroon wrote: »

I went there over ten years ago now. Stayed in Tel-Aviv and went on two day tours to Jerusalem, also went to the Dead sea.

No matter where you go in the world you'll always encounter rude and obnoxious people from time to time, but they just seem to be around every corner in Israel.
With all that's going on over there now, I can only imagine what some of the locals would be like now.

It's worth seeing though.

Spent a week there in September and didn't meet a single rude person, Israeli or otherwise.

i71jskz5xu42pb

I stayed here when in Jerusalem, still remember it to this day, a few km outside the centre
https://www.itraveljerusalem.com/acm/notre-dame-de-sion-ein-kerem/

Jaffa is great
Worth looking into the list of top hummus places, they take it seriously there, you may as well try the best.
Haifa also very nice

Prep yourself for the airport security (out and back), they grill everybody.

KERSPLAT!

Leif CoolS Notebook wrote: »

I stayed here when in Jerusalem, still remember it to this day, a few km outside the centre
https://www.itraveljerusalem.com/acm/notre-dame-de-sion-ein-kerem/

Jaffa is great
Worth looking into the list of top hummus places, they take it seriously there, you may as well try the best.
Haifa also very nice

Prep yourself for the airport security (out and back), they grill everybody.

Forgot to mention security. I was there for work and had letters from the company in Israel which I handed over to security, I'm not sure if this made things easier. I didn't have any issues going over but leaving my bags were searched 3 times, pain in the backside pulling everything out and putting it back in. Just make sure you allow plenty of time.

Mr.Maroon

KERSPLAT! wrote: »

Spent a week there in September and didn't meet a single rude person, Israeli or otherwise.

You mustn't have left your hotel .
I jest of course before anyone starts calling me anti-semitic.

In all seriousness everyone has different experiences when travelling. I enjoyed my trip seeing the historical sites etc, but the locals didn't make an impression on me.

MarkY91

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I did read elsewhere that some locals are very rude there.

I have however experienced these kind of people in Rome, Paris and Hong Kong so I'm kind of experienced in being treated like **** abroad.

The fact we have no car, do you think its ok to use public transport to do our own day trip away from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv? Or do you recommend day trips with a company? Most of them are €100 which isn't much more than driving you around. This makes even paddy wagon day trips seem cheap.

Falafels, hummus and shawarma seem to me the "cheaper" eating options aswell as fruits.


I did red that the Jaffa area of Jerusalem is decent to stay in with a tram close by and not too far from the old city. So I'll stay in that area.

Still haven't looked up the best Tel Aviv area yet but the closer to the beach the better

kerry4sam

kerry4sam wrote: »

I temporarily closed this thread but just re-opened it after deleting some off-topic; not suitable posts.

If you cannot answer the questions posed by our opening poster in here, then don't bother posting.

If you have an issue about any post, then please report.

Thanks,
kerry4sam

Mod-note:

Two threads merged due to helpful information for the new'est' poster(s). Posts were also deleted by me.

Any issues with any future postings, please don't hesitate in reporting same.

Thanks,
kerry4sam

okatied

You can get a fairly cheap sherut from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and back. It's a minibus that isn't on a timetable, it just leaves when it's full. Otherwise rent a car for a few days. Would be cheaper than all the tours.

MarkY91

okatied wrote: »

You can get a fairly cheap sherut from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and back. It's a minibus that isn't on a timetable, it just leaves when it's full. Otherwise rent a car for a few days. Would be cheaper than all the tours.

Neither of us drive

We will stay 3 nights in Tel Aviv and 4 in Jerusalem.

I want some beach days in Tel Aviv and time to explore the city and surrounding areas