Review - Bein Harim Tours - See Israel, Petra and Egypt

When visiting Israel there are many considerations which you may not have to take into account in other travel destinations like religious sensitivity, dangerous places to go and Middle Eastern idiosyncrasies. Well to take the stress out of it all, and make sure that you see everything, many choose to take an organized tour. Not only that but on one of these tours you'll see sites that you probably wouldn't even know exist. There are three main tour companies two of them are rather large and impersonal and the third is Bein Harim.

Bein Harim has one day tours in Israel, Egypt and Jordan :

there are tours to Jerusalem, Masada, the Dead Sea, Nazareth, Tiberias, the Sea of Galilee, Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra, Beth Shean, the Golan Heights, Bethlehem, Jericho and even outside the borders of Israel to Jordan and Egypt.

The one day tours take you smoothly from site to site with informed explanations about the history and significance of each site. In particular it is worth taking the tours to Jordan to the ancient city of Petra or across the Egyptian border to visit St. Catherine Monastery or even Cairo. This way you get to see three countries instead of one! With a Bein Harim tour you won't have to figure out the logistics of the border crossing (this goes for Bethlehem as well).

Bein Harim Tours also has two day tours and 3 and 4 day tours as well as package tours which include your accommodation. If you are a Christian there are specific tours geared towards the Christian holy sites like Jerusalem in the Footsteps of Jesus.

Bein Harim Tours in Israel, Egypt and Jordan are :

·         Reasonably priced.

·         Visit all the important sites

·         Tours are given in several languages.

·         Transport is in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles.

·         Entrance fees to the sites are included in the tour price.

·         Bein Harim Tours are the only one of the "big three" Israeli tour companies which offers a "business class" tour for a few extra dollars. Here you get a smaller group and more personal attention.

·         There are pick-up points in Natanyia, Hertzalyia, Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem.

 

So when you are planing a trip to Israel consider saving yourself the headache of figuring out how to fit everything in and simply try Bein Harim Tours.

 

 

 

Eretz Israel Museum, Tel-Aviv

Although this is not the greatest museum for kids there is a planetarium which they will enjoy. Adults will get a great view of many aspects of Israel by visiting this museum which has several separate exhibits. Read this review of the Israeli museum before you go as it may not be to everyone's taste and Israel has other perhaps more interesting museums.

Rent a phone in the Holyland

Here's a site - Holyland Phone.com - which specializes in cell phone rental and specifically in Israel. Holyland Phone offers a number of different rental plans including the option to buy the phone, rent a sim or just rent and return the phone so that you pay only for the minutes used. Although the options are many the website is easy to navigate and the information is easy to understand. You also won't have to go pick up the phone as they deliver anywhere in the US or in Israel. Check them out if you will be needing a phone in Israel.

Use this site to search for Tel-Aviv Vacation Rentals

If you are looking for a rental apartment in Tel-Aviv then check out this site - IsraelApt.com as they deal exclusively with Israel, and at the moment exclusively with Tel-Aviv. You can search the site using various criteria like apartment size and price range. Renting an apartment is definitely more comfortable for longer stays and for large families as well as generally being cheaper than Tel-Aviv hotels.

Visit the Ramat Gan Safari

Although the Tel-Aviv or rather Ramat Gan Safari Zoo is an interesting day out for kids it is not really on a par with international zoos. In fact although called a "safari" it is about 10% safari and 90% zoo. When you enter the Ramat Gan Safari by car you drive through about 3 km of open ground with animals roaming freely and even coming up to your car, after that you drive into a parking lot, get out of the car and spend the rest of the visit is spent in the zoo. On leaving the Ramat Gan Safari you once again drive through the safari area and also through a lion enclosure.

A visit to the Ramat Gan Safari can take between 3 - 5 hours depending on your speed. There are toilets, restaurants, a petting zoo and in the summer even kids shows within the zoo. Entrance is 57 shekels for anyone over 2 years old. There are also discounts for groups. You can also enquire about a visit to the Safari at night!

Go here to the English web page of the Ramat Gan Safari.

Cheapest flights to Israel

When you are booking a flight to Israel from Europe I recommend using Arkia Airlines you can also check out Baltic Air, Berlin Air and Czech Airlines.

Eilat Attractions

Here are some articles I have written about the city of Eilat and the latest tourist attractions these are not the standard famous Eilat attractions but unusual and lesser known ones:

The latest tourist attractions opened in Eilat: Eilat attractions

Another interesting way to enjoy the Red Sea in from a see through kayak!

I haqve found this to be the best Eilat beach for water sports, especially for families: Hof Hahashmal

Visit the Judean Desert in biblical times

For a day trip from Jerusalem, travel into the Judean desert, especially if you are traveling with kids, and visit Genesis Land (Eretz Brishet) for a brief glimpse at life in biblical times. This Jerusalem travel day trip will actually take half a day but can be extended into a full day trip by taking in a few of the surrounding nature spots.Children of all ages will enjoy travelling back to biblical times as well as experiencing the stark desert landscape of the Judean desert south of Jerusalem. This Jerusalem travel idea will be most enjoyable for kids that have learnt of Abraham from... From: Jerusalem Travel Tip: Visit Abraham in His Tent at Genesis Land (Eretz Brishet)

Visit Abraham in his tent; eat fresh made ita and olice oil, ride a camel and all 20 minutes out of Jerusalem.. read the full article on Factoidz.

Purim Parade

Consider visiting Israel during the holiday of Purim which occurs at the end of Febuary or begining of March every year. It is a happy holiday with fancy dress parties and parades. This is a photo of one of the parade floats. to read more about it follow this link:

http://factoidz.com/building-a-parade-float-the-seven-days-of-creation/

Eating out in Israel

Israel is a land of immigrants; Jews came from across the globe after WWII and brought with them a tremendous variety of cuisine. You can find excellent Tunisian, Moroccan, Yemenite, Russian, Ethiopian, American, South African, Indian and many other food types through out Israel, including of course Middle Eastern food associated with the Arab countries of their origin.

Of course you will meet felafel and Shawama on every corner, and it has to be tasted. Then there are the less obvious choices. Generally I would say there are a wider variety of meat restaurants than milk, and being a Jewish country many restaurants are Kosher, and so separated into either meat or milk eateries, and closed on Shabbat.

The foods you must try are felafel, Shawama, humus ,tahina and schug/harif/chili paste, all of these you can find at any felafel or Shawama stand. Apart from these foods try the Moroccan couscous with a vegetable soup on top, and one of Israel's most loved breakfasts, Shakshuka, a mixture of tomatos and eggs. The Yemenite malawach is a circular flaky pastry served with grated tomatos, cheese and a boiled egg. Even more delicious is the malowach when served as "fatut" which basically means all cut up and messy. Fatut is a malawach cut up and mixed with honey, nuts Cinnamon and raisins, absolutely mouth watering.

I would skip the Japanese, Chinese and Indian foods in Israel, sorry to say I haven't found any that quite meet international standards. Then there is the European Jewish staple of gifilta fish, also not something you should go looking for, but I suppose it is a matter of taste. But try the Hungarian goulash or other homey European hot pot type meals.

When Israelis sit at a beach side, restaurant the standard items ordered are chips/French fries, salad and humus as well as perhaps a selection of savory pastries stuffed with meat, these are called cigarim, as they look a little like cigars!

Siesta Hotel Eilat

If you are looking for a reasonably priced all-inclusive family hotel in Eilat try the Siesta. Read this review for more details.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1960118/siesta_hotel_eilat_israel.html?cat=16

Nightmare in Eilat - Horror maze

This is not an unknown attraction, but is tucked away down a dark ally, and most tourists don't manage to fit it in to their busy schedule of water sports and 3D movies in Eilat. When I first heard of this place I thought, oh, another amusement park like horror house, but when I saw grown men screaming like little girls to be let out, I decided to take a second look. What is unique about this walk through horror experience is that the figures that come at you, are real, not plastic dummies. The promo says nightmare-haunted maze, maybe you'll be the next one on our chicken list.You enter through a narrow space, holding hands in a chain with 7 other gluttons for punishment, it is pitch black, and hands grab at you, screams and groans surround you, and even the floor beneath you is uneven and unpleasant. You can only move forward to the next chamber when you see a small red light, and follow it. At one point a man comes at you with a chain saw, and yes it is a real man and a real chain saw! I won't give away any more of the surprises, but if you can't take it and want to be let out, you need to shout "nightmare" and someone will come and rescue you. Of a group of 8 adult, only half of our group stayed on to the end, the others chickened out. So face your fears, and don't miss this attraction found only in Eilat, as far as I know.Where: Eilat, Israel. Next to Pizza place on middle level of the New Tourist Centre (don't know why it's called "new" it's actually the oldest tourist centre in Eilat) Opposite the I-Max.Open Hours: All week from 18:00-03:00Cost: 50NISWeb site:http://www.nightmare.co.il/# Hebrew only as far as I can see.
Not recommended for those under 14, pregnant women, people with heart problems or cowards!

Eilat, Israel.

The Dolphin Reef in Eilat is one of the most beautiful beaches, as it has the added attraction of being the home of several dolphins. A few years back the reef was open for the dolphins to go in and out as they please, but due to human harassment they are now enclosed which actually makes it better for visitors to the reef. There is a swimming area which is netted off from the dolphin area, so you can swim right up to where they are. You can also pay about 250 shekels and scuba dive with the dolphins or snorkel. There are several feeding times through out the day when you can go out on the floating pier and dangle your feet in the water, and perhaps touch one with your toes! Restaurant service is on the beach as well as chairs and umbrellas. The only minus is the entrance price.

Web site:http://www.dolphinreef.co.il/Default.aspx?tabid=1
See all my photos from Eilat here: Eilat

Coming soon

I have just returned from a trip to the south of Israel, and ending in Eilat. Coming soon on this blog, photos and recommendations for the drive through the desert, Eilat, Siesta Hotel Eilat, Dolphin Reef, Nightmare and the best beach in Eilat.

The Flour Caves in the Negev Desert

There are two major road trips worth taking in Israel, one north to the Lebanese boarder and one south to the Red Sea. On the trip south there are plenty of stops to make along the way and in further posts I will tell you about others, but one of the most unusual is a trip to the "flour caves".
Travelling south from Jerusalem on route 90, the green hills of Judea turn to brown and yellow desert. By the time you pass the Dead Sea you will be in flat dusty terrain. Going off of route 90, the Arava Highway, and following a dust road marked in red, into the flat desert you will feel like you are driving across the moon. The dry, flat expanse is beyond ones imagination, and you won't see the caves in the distance as they are underground, to be more precise it is a canyon not cave.
Bring good walking shoes or sports shoes and candles or flash lights. the site is not guarded or monitored, and there is no entrance fee. You first walk for about 15 minutes through a gorge leading to the cave entrance. On the high walls of the gorge you can see lines of different shades of color, these indicate the water levels of previous centuries. Then you enter the caves, you can stand up right at all times. Seeing the caves should take about 30 minutes, not including the time to get there.The caves were hollowed out of limestone which was eroded by the streams of water (Nahal Pratzim) which once flowed through them.
The white dust of the chalk (marl) from the limestone leaves you ghost like from head to toe. The caves themselves vary from narrow to wide, and the assent could be challenging if you have any physical disabilities. Also do not park your car close to the cave entrance, or above the caves as there is a chance that it could collapse. The caves are estimated to be 18,000 years old. For more avid climbers/walkers, there is a blue and black route marked which will lead you from the cave exit up Mount Sodom which is 98% salt.
Where:Wadi Nahal Perazim. South of the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, west of Mt. Sedom.
Getting there: By car from the Arava Highway, between kilometres 193 and 194, turn onto a dirt road, which leads to the Amiaz Plain, there are signs to Nachal Perazim or the Flour Cave. By jeep via Nachal Zohar.
If you don't want to go it alone, try any one of the tour companies in the area. This will save you time and the anxiety of perhaps getting lost in this great expanse of frizzling heat.
When: Not in winter, as there can be flash floods. In the early summer or late summer, and best not at mid day, to avoid the heat. Try timing your visit so you can see a unique desert sunset.
Cost:Free entrance
Photo by Petal

Kibbutz mini-zoo day out for kids.

I am hesitant even to tell about this place as it's really unknown to tourists and I'd hate to see it over run, but in the heart of the Sharon Valley, close to Kfar Saba, lies "Touching Nature" at Nir Eliyahu Kibbutz. This is a travel experience more for the kids than the adults. The sleepy farm like community produces flexible polyethylene, has a wastewater treatment plant and a dairy. But none of those businesses are the main attraction here, in fact when you enter the Kibbutz you probably won't see a soul.


After entering the Kibbutz through the security gate you drive about 500 meters along the tree canopied road, and then on your right hand side of the road among the overgrown plants you will see a small old wooden gate, which leads you into the Kibbutz's "animal corner", or with a little stretch of the imagination you could call it a mini-zoo. Now the reason I am so in love with the place is because it's always empty, and because the animals are kept in a natural park like setting. There are usually one or two workers there who may or may not take money from you. The price is approximately 25 Agarot each. Normally they just look at you curiously and then leave you alone. This place was not established for the general public, it was intended for the Kibbutzniks. There's a wooden bridge that crosses over a fish filled pond, and a wide spectrum of animals including, a camel, horse, monkeys, peacocks, beavers, raccoons, sheep, goats and more. They are an odd bunch. The farm animals are in their stable and you may be lucky enough to be there when they are being fed, or when one gives birth. There's an enclosure with tortoises, and rabbits which the kids can play with.
Because they're not expecting guests, the only thing on sale is ice-creams. There is plenty of shade, benches and and undisturbed space to run around.
While in the area you can see what a Kibbutz looks like, and perhaps visit Kfar Saba or the adjacent Rannana, which has one of the biggest and best parks in Israel.
When driving to Nir Eliyahu be careful not to continue straight past the turn off as you will end up in Qulqiliya, an Arab village.
Where: Best to get to Kfar Saba and from there take a taxi, unless you are driving. If driving (map) from Tel Aviv area, take Gaya Highway north, at Ranana north junction take right and continue until you get to second traffic lights and a sign indicating Qulqiliya and Bet Berle to your left. Turn left and follow signs for next right turn to Nir Eliyahu.
Tel:972 9 764 7342
Open hours: probably 09:00-16:00 but can vary.
Cost: 25 agarot per person.
Web site:http://www.nirel.org.il/

Aladin's cave

If in Tel Aviv treat yourself to a meal at the restaurant with the best location in the city. Situated in the lod port of Jaffa, high up on the hill, the restaurant seems to literally hang off a cliff overthe sea, so that oyu have apanaramic view of Tel-Aviv's coast line.

They have a varanda/patio which gets you even closer to being over the edge, and the cool breeze inside or out makes this place a haven.

The restaurant is small and intimate, good for a romantic evening or a friend's night out. It is not the best place for kids, but I have been there with 4 kids ranging from baby to teenager and it was fine.

The atmosphere is warm friendly, but classier than the average places in the are, it is not a hummus joint. The lighting is from lamps, and the cool stone walls and antique looking decoration add to the cosy feel of the place. That and the fact that the building is more than 600 years old.

You can get fish, sea food, meat, fresh salads, and yes hummus, as well as wine and alcohol. The pickles are home made by the owner.

Where:

Aladin Restaurant, 5 Mifratz Shlomoh, Old Jaffa

Geting there:

2 minutes from the clock tower. Head for the entrance to the port, there is a fork, left is the entrance to the port and right is up to the artists neigbourhood, a few churches, and the old cobbled streets. Go right, keep walking, and it is on your left after about 10 minutes.

Tel:

972-3-682-67-66

Web site:

http://www.telavivisraelrestaurants.com/HomeEn.htm

Photo by Rose Katzman

Shuk/markets I love in Israel

Israeli markets are lively, colorful and loud. You can also get some great bargains, not just on food but also clothes, toys and jewellery. My favorite market has to be Jaffa flea market-Shuk hapishpashim . There are two parts to this market so make sure you see both. The inside market, which has 2nd hand jeans, clothes, jewellary, and more. And the outside market which is more like a street where the shops spill on to the pavement. They sell antiques, foods and junk. Jaffa is open all week. Another great market, mainly for atmosphere is the Ber Sheva market, which is sometimes called the camel market, as Bedouin bring their goods to town to sell, and perhaps the occasional camel. You can see piles of spices and "herbs" laid out on the ground, as well as the usual kind of stands. The Ber Sheva market is on a Thursday. Then there is the large Rosh Eyen market on a Friday (come early), plenty of parking, fruit, veg, clothes and modern products. There is a large Yemanite community in this area and you will see their influence. Try some Yemanite food while you are there - it's the best!

Apart from these three markets, Natanya has a pretty good one - not the one in town - but the one in the industrial area opposite the Hadarim Mall, open every Tuesday and Friday morning.

The Eilat market and Tiberius market are less attractive and geared more towards tourists. In Eilat there is the market along the promenade (tyelet), and another in a car park closer to the airport, the Tyelet has more variety.

Photo by Jackiekg