Best Tour Companies To Experience Israel

Israel is a country rich in history and culture, with many sites of religious significance. When visiting Israel, it is highly recommended to take guided tours to fully appreciate the country's complex history and ensure an enriching experience. There are many tour companies to choose from, each offering unique experiences and catering to different interests and preferences.

Some popular options include Abraham Tours, Immanuel Tours, Gate 1, Odysseys Unlimited, and America Israel Tours. These companies offer various tour styles, such as group tours, private tours, and custom itineraries, ensuring that travellers can find an option that suits their needs and budget.

When choosing a tour company, it is essential to consider factors such as expertise, local knowledge, reputation, flexibility, accommodation options, sustainability practices, and health and safety protocols. By selecting a reputable company with positive reviews, travellers can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey through Israel's historic sites, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes.

Private guides vs. group tours

When deciding how to explore a new place, one of the key considerations is whether to join a group tour or opt for a private guide. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and travel style. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between private guides and group tours for your trip to Israel.

Private Guides

Private guides offer a more personalised experience, allowing you to explore Israel at your own pace and according to your specific interests. You can choose the dates, destinations, and activities that appeal to you and change your plans if needed. This flexibility is ideal for travellers who want a tailored itinerary or those with specific needs, such as dietary restrictions or mobility requirements.

Private guides also provide more opportunities for interaction and building a personal connection. You'll have direct access to a knowledgeable local expert who can share insights about the country's culture, history, and attractions. This option is perfect for those seeking a deeper understanding of Israel beyond the typical tourist experience.

However, private guides can be more expensive than group tours, and you'll need to do your research to find a reputable and qualified guide. It's essential to check reviews and ensure your guide is licensed and experienced.

Group Tours

Group tours offer a more social experience, allowing you to meet and interact with fellow travellers. This option is usually more affordable, as the costs are shared among the group, and it can be a great way to make new friends, especially if you're travelling solo.

Group tours typically have a set itinerary, which takes the stress out of planning your trip. You'll have a clear idea of what to expect, and the tour company handles all the logistics, including transportation, accommodations, and entrance fees. This can be a significant advantage, especially when visiting a country like Israel, where language barriers and complex transportation systems can be challenging.

However, group tours may not offer as much flexibility. You'll need to stick to the group's schedule, and there might be activities or destinations included that don't interest you. Additionally, travelling in a large group can be less intimate and may not allow for spontaneous experiences or detours.

Both private guides and group tours have their benefits. Private guides offer flexibility, personalisation, and in-depth local knowledge, while group tours provide a more social and affordable option with the convenience of pre-planned itineraries and logistics. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, travel style, and preferences for customisation and social interaction.

Christian tours

There are several tour companies offering Christian tours of Israel, with packages that can be customised to suit your needs.

Holy Land Tours Travel

Holy Land Tours Travel offers a range of Christian tour packages, including:

• 10-day Holy Land Tour to Israel
• 12-day Holy Land Tour to Israel and Jordan
• 13-day Holy Land Tour to Israel and Rome
• 14-day Holy Land Tour to Israel and Greece
• 15-day Holy Land Tour to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel

Israel Christian Tours

Israel Christian Tours is a Christian tour operator with over 40 years of experience. They offer all-inclusive Holy Land tour packages with Christian orientation, as well as custom-made private tours for small groups and individuals. Their tour packages include:

• 8-day Heritage of the Holy Land Tour
• 11-day Pilgrim Tour of Israel and Jordan
• St. Catherine Monastery Tour from Eilat
• Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Tour
• Nazareth and Galilee Day Tour
• Masada and the Dead Sea Tour
• Caesarea, Haifa, Rosh Hanikra, and Acre Tour
• Jerusalem Old and New Day Tour

Pilgrim Tours

Pilgrim Tours has been organising life-changing tours since 1987. They offer a large variety of Israel tour packages, including:

• Best of Israel Tour (9 or 10 days)
• Best of Israel "Slower Paced" Small Group Tour (10 days)
• Israel in Detail Tour (13 days)
• Best of Israel, Wadi Rum, Petra, and Mt. Nebo Tour (12 days)
• Best of Jordan and Israel Tour (10 days)
• Best of Israel and Rome Tour (13 days)
• Best of Israel and Malta Special Tour (12 days)
• Israel and Egypt Tour (15 days)
• Exodus - Egypt, Jordan, and Israel Tour (14 days)
• Best of Israel and Steps of Paul Tour/Cruise (13 days)
• Israel and German Luther Reformation Tour (13 days)
• Best of Israel and Greece Tour/Cruise (14 days)
• Best of Israel and Italy Tour (14 days)
• Petra, Israel, and Rome Tour (14 days)
• Best of Jordan and Israel Tour - Superior First Class (10 days)
• Jordan and Israel in Detail Tour (14 days)
• Israel in Depth Tour (13 days)

Jewish tours

When it comes to touring Israel, there are a plethora of options for travellers to choose from. Here is a list of some of the best Jewish tour companies:

Ayelet Tours

Ayelet Tours offers a range of Jewish Heritage tours that are fully escorted by a professional guide. Their tours typically cover Tel Aviv, the Galilee, the Dead Sea/Masada region, and Jerusalem, with options for extensions and add-ons. They also offer worldwide Jewish Heritage tours that go beyond the typical tourist attractions and include "off the beaten track" cultural destinations. Ayelet Tours has a strong reputation for customer service, with many satisfied customers praising their knowledgeable and personable guides, as well as the transformative impact of their tours.

Tourist Israel

Tourist Israel offers Jewish Heritage Tour Packages that provide a deep connection to Jewish history and storytelling. Their packages are highly customizable and can be tailored to specific interests, timeframes, and budgets. Tourist Israel's tours cover a range of sites, including ancient archaeological wonders, the Dead Sea, and the Old City of Jerusalem, maximising time spent at each location. They also offer Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Tours.

Gil Travel

Gil Travel has been a leading travel management company specialising in Custom Jewish Heritage tours of Israel for over 50 years. Their tours offer a unique opportunity to connect with your roots, combining popular sites such as the Dead Sea Scrolls with off-the-beaten-path experiences like visits to ancient settlement ruins and museums celebrating Jewish musical history. They craft luxury heritage tours that cater to diverse groups, always keeping your unique Jewish heritage needs at the forefront. Gil Travel has collaborated with esteemed Jewish organisations like Birthright and Maccabi USA and sends thousands of travellers on their dream Jewish heritage trips to Israel annually.

America Israel Tours

America Israel Tours is a local specialist, offering both group and private guided tours with custom itineraries. They have earned a reputation for providing reliable service, with knowledgeable guides and well-organised itineraries. Their tours cover iconic Israeli destinations and offer unique experiences, ensuring a smooth and enriching journey through the country's rich cultural and religious heritage.

Gate 1

Gate 1 offers Israel's Legacy tour, which includes visits to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the Mount Zion Hotel, among other highlights. Their tours are led by knowledgeable and personable guides, providing a well-paced and enjoyable experience.

Tauck Tour

Tauck Tour provides tours of Israel and Jordan with local guides and smaller groups, ensuring a more intimate and personalised experience.

Catholic tours

Catholic Journeys

Catholic Journeys has over 20 years of experience in organising pilgrimage tours to the Holy Land and Israel. They offer four different Catholic Holy Land pilgrimages, including:

• The Holy Land and Jerusalem Pilgrimage: A traditional pilgrimage with 4-star accommodations in Israel.
• The Holy Land Pilgrimage with Jordan and Petra Tour: This tour includes an overnight stay in Bethlehem and a visit to Petra in Jordan, with 4-star accommodations.
• The Holy Land Pilgrimage with an overnight stay in Bethlehem: Their lowest-priced pilgrimage, featuring 4-star accommodations in Bethlehem and Nazareth.
• Holy Land Pilgrimages to Israel featuring Foodies Tours: This premium pilgrimage focuses on food and faith, including visits to a winery, a brewery, a Bedouin lunch, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Accommodations are in the best hotels in the Holy Land.

206 Tours

206 Tours offers Catholic pilgrimages to the Holy Land, covering destinations such as Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem. Their tours are led by spiritual directors, providing a complete itinerary that follows the paths Jesus walked. In addition to Israel, they also offer itineraries that include Rome or other religiously significant destinations. Their Holy Land, Egypt, and Jordan tour is particularly noteworthy, taking pilgrims to lands of significance in both the Old and New Testaments.

Compass Travel Israel

Compass Travel Israel provides Catholic pilgrimage tours of Israel led by local guides who are experts in the historical, cultural, scenic, and spiritual aspects of the country. Their tours include:

• Catholic Pilgrimage Tour to Israel (5 days): Visiting Tel Aviv, Nazareth, Cana, Tiberias, and the Sea of Galilee.
• Catholic Pilgrimage Tour to Israel (8 days): Exploring Jerusalem, Gethsemane, Ein Karem, Bethlehem, Qumran, and Jericho.
• Catholic Pilgrimage Tour to Israel (10 days): Covering Mt. Tabor, Jerusalem, Gethsemane, Tel Aviv, Caesarea, and Nazareth.
• 2024 Christmas Tour Package in Holy Land Israel (7 days): Including midnight mass and Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem.

Luxury tours

Israel is a destination steeped in history, culture, and religion, attracting millions of tourists and pilgrims annually. The country is relatively small, but some visitors prefer to join a tour to enhance their experience.

America Israel Tours

America Israel Tours offers a standard service level with group tours and custom itineraries. Their tours are suitable for families and mature travellers, with a focus on providing a comprehensive experience. They have received excellent reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Noah Tours

Noah Tours provides standard service with a personal touch, catering to families and travellers from 18 to 55+. They design custom itineraries to ensure a unique and tailored journey through Israel. Noah Tours has earned an impressive 5 out of 5-star rating.

Audley Travel

Audley Travel is a well-known luxury tour operator with a global presence. They offer custom itineraries and private guided trips, ensuring travellers have a personalised experience. Audley Travel receives consistently high ratings, with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Backroads

Backroads is a luxury tour company specialising in group tours and private guided trips. They cater to a wide range of travellers, including families and mature adventurers. Backroads has an excellent average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Pilgrim Tours

Pilgrim Tours provides group tours and custom itineraries with a standard service level. They cater to a broad age range, including families, young adults, and mature travellers. Pilgrim Tours has received excellent reviews, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Travelous

Travelous is a luxury tour company offering custom itineraries and independent, self-guided packages. They cater to families, students, and travellers of various ages. Travelous has earned a remarkable 5 out of 5-star rating.

On The Go Tours

On The Go Tours provides affordable group tours and tailor-made itineraries for travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences. They have received positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is committed to sustainable tourism and offers small-group tours with a focus on local immersion. They cater to budget-conscious travellers and have a standard service level. Intrepid Travel has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

G Adventures

G Adventures is a global tour operator offering small-group tours and expeditions. They have a standard service level and cater to a wide range of travellers. G Adventures has received good reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Trafalgar

Trafalgar provides luxury tours with a focus on group trips and river cruises. They cater to families and mature travellers, offering a dedicated service throughout the journey. Trafalgar has earned an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

These luxury tour companies offer unique and personalised experiences in Israel, ensuring travellers can explore the country's rich history and culture in comfort and style.

Frequently asked questions