Israel tour in Nov - requesting tips for things to do/see (shopping, walking, eating) and packing (clothes, adapters)
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Israel tour in Nov - requesting tips for things to do/see (shopping, walking, eating) and packing (clothes, adapters)
My parents are going on their first tour ever in mid-November - to Israel (a dream trip). It's a 12-day tour and they have received some great info from the tour guide etc.. I understand that it's ear
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Israel tour in Nov - requesting tips for things to do/see (shopping, walking, eating) and packing (clothes, adapters)
My parents are going on their first tour ever in mid-November - to Israel (a dream trip). It's a 12-day tour and they have received some great info from the tour guide etc.. I understand that it's early winter there but with temps in the mid-teens to possibly mid-20s (Celsius), and that they might need sunblock and sunglasses, and definitely their hats. Should they pack an umbrella? Fleece jackets?
Any suggestions for a good brand for an adapter (for curling iron)? Apparently the hotels all have hair dryers as they would here in N America, is this true?
I've looked at several discussions - some wonderful information - thanks so much for sharing! I'd like some suggestions for shopping (mostly what to buy and how to determine value; their guide said he would recommend shops and how to haggle), what they could do in the evenings in various places and also on their free day in Jerusalem. They would likely join up with some others from the tour group and their guide may have suggestions. I don't think the museum is on the itinerary but if it's doable on their free day please let me know. BTW, they're in their 70s (though you wouldn't know it to see them - healthy, enthusiastic, etc.) and are looking forward to exploring and discovering. Should they shop in any of the hotel gift shops? we do like the olive wood carvings (e.g. nativity, Christmas tree ornaments) and I wonder where they can get those (nice, not too pricey, perhaps to help poor artists); maybe even a small wall or 'tabletop' painting. Any spices or food items to bring back (I've seen suggestions for flatbread, chocolate, dates - not sure if this should be hand luggage though).
Enough questions from me! Any and all tips and suggestions welcome.
Here are the places they'll be visiting and the hotels - recommendations for things close by or easily accessible would be wonderful:
Thank you!! 1. Tel Aviv, Jaffa? --- Metropoitan Hotel in Tel Aviv
2. Caesarea, Mt. Carmel --- Hotel in Netanya
3. Meggido, Nazareth, Galilee ---- Caesar Premier Hotel in Tiberius
4. Caesarea Philippi, Golan Heightd, Upper Galilee - the same hotel
5. Sea of Galilee, Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Tabgha, Ginossar, Boat Ride --- same hotel.
6.Bethany in Jordan, Mt. Nebo --- Grandview Hotel overlooking Petra.
7. Petra, the Kazneh, Main Street, ---- Dead Sea Spa Hotel
8. Dead Sea, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsamane --- Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem
9.Jerusalem, Yad Vashem, Mount Zion, Tomb of David, Upper Room , Via Dolorosa Holy Sepulcher Church Church of St Anne ---- Same Hotel in Jerusalem
10.Masada, En Gedi, Dead Sea, Qumran, Evening visit to the Wailing Wall --- Same hotel in Jerusalem
11. Free Day in Jerusalem --- same hotel in Jerusalem
12. Bethlehem, Herodium Garden Tomb --- same hotel in Jerusalem.
It's wonderful that your parents are coming on this trip - they will have the time of their lives.
To answer a few questions -
- the odds are they won't need an umbrella, but it may rain a bit here and there, so if they have a small folding umbrella they may want to bring it. - a fleece would be a good idea, it can get chilly in the evenings, especially up north and in Jerusalem and they will be glad they brought one. - a curling iron may need more than an adapter - check carefully, maybe they already have one that is dual-voltage and just has a switch to change to 220V. Otherwise, appliances that create heat may have wattage that is too high for a converter and may need a transformer. - most hotels in Israel have hair dryers. - hotel gift shops tend to be pricey - if they are up for haggling then they may do better in the market in the Old City of Jerusalem and other sites like that. Since they are already in contact with their guide, he should be able to help point them in the right direction in terms of prices and in terms of where to find olive wood objects - they are easily available in Jerusalem. If they would like to purchase directly from the artisans, they may be able to do that in Bethlehem. - if they have time to visit the Israel Museum it is a wonderful way to spend part (or all) of their free day. - In terms of bringing food back home with them - you don't say where you are from, however, if they are returning to the US there are very strict limitations on what you can bring back with you. You may not, under any circumstances, bring any fresh food - so no bread or dates or fruit. You can bring packaged food items - so chocolates can be okay and spices - only if they are packaged, not loose. The USDA and Dept of Agric. are very strict about this and they will find the food even if it is packed in your luggage - they have dogs sniffing the luggage. If they find it they will confiscate it and you lose - so why bother?
Thanks Oreet! I appreciate your helpful responses.
The curling iron doesn't have dual voltage - I don't actually see any of those, just dual hair dryers but we'll keep looking for the adapter or transformer. I remember buying an adapter for the UK and still frying my hair dryer. Do you know how to tell if "wattage that is too high for a converter and may need a transformer."? Maybe I can google that. but a good tip.
BTW, do hotels also have complimentary shampoo/lotion/soap as in N America? Change the linens etc the same way?
We're in Canada so we'll check the gov't website for food restrictions - likely similar to yours.
Do you think it'd be safe for just the two of them (or with 1 or 2 others but w/o a guide) to do any short evening walks near their hotels? I have no concept of the specific hotel locations.
Thanks - they're excited but a bit anxious about packing just enough but not too much.
Forget about bringing a hair dryer to Israel. It will "fry" as you put it without a transformer. You'll need a transformer for the curling iron too. If your folks really can't live without that, then go to Radio Shack and buy a transformer for the 220V here.
Your hotels should all supply the complimentary soap, shampoo, etc.
With the exception of the hotel in Jerusalem, should be fine to take short evening walks. The Jerusalem hotel you mention in located in an area where there's really nowhere to walk to.
A converter will usually be okay for small appliances up to 40 or 60 watts - curling irons will be higher than that, so you would need a transformer. Depending on how much power the curling iron takes, a transformer can be quite heavy and may not be worth taking.
Most hotels, especially the ones you listed, have complimentary toiletries.
As to short evening walks near the hotel, no problem in most locations you listed. The exception is the Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem. There is really nothing near the hotel and the neighborhood just outside the hotel may not be the most comfortable to walk around - certainly there are no shops, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. around. However, they can walk a few minutes to the main street and hop on the light rail (tram) to downtown Jerusalem and the Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall where they can easily relax for the evening, have dinner, etc. and then take the tram back to the hotel.
I am assuming that your parents are taking a large group tour. ( since you mention going out at night with one or two others from the tour) Which company are they using? That would be the best way for us to determine some of your answers. Be aware that it is not always recommended to shop in the places the guide recommends. Frequently, but not always, the guides get a kick-back, so your parents should compare prices if what they want seems readily available.
They are going on a tour with a local radio station. The tour company is Christian Journeys out of Ontario. I guess I shouldn't call him the guide, as there will be a local guide who will speak at all the sites etc.. This guy is from the tour company and has been there many times.
I am assuming that your parents are taking a large group tour. ( since you mention going out at night with one or two others from the tour) Which company are they using? That would be the best way for us to determine some of your answers. Be aware that it is not always recommended to shop in the places the guide recommends. Frequently, but not always, the guides get a kick-back, so your parents should compare prices if what they want seems readily available. Posted by live2go
We will check the power on the curling iron. I noticed that it says on the packaging "worldwide dual voltage" but there is no switch to go between 120 and 240 so I'm not sure I trust it. They may call the company to ask what that means. I don't really see transformers for sale, just adapters or converters (are they the same thing?) at the local little shops. Maybe CAA (our version of AAA) may know since they do travel stuff.
A converter will usually be okay for small appliances up to 40 or 60 watts - curling irons will be higher than that, so you would need a transformer. Depending on how much power the curling iron takes, a transformer can be quite heavy and may not be worth taking. Most hotels, especially the ones you listed, have complimentary toiletries. As to short evening walks near the hotel, no problem in most locations you listed. The exception is the Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem. There is really nothing near the hotel and the neighborhood just outside the hotel may not be the most comfortable to walk around - certainly there are no shops, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. around. However, they can walk a few minutes to the main street and hop on the light rail (tram) to downtown Jerusalem and the Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall where they can easily relax for the evening, have dinner, etc. and then take the tram back to the hotel. Posted by Oreet
Wow! Your folks will have a great time, and they are so lucky to have you hammer out these details for them!
An adapter fits the plug on your appliance to the socket in the wall. A converter makes 120V into 220V. An adapter is generally a small little plastic thing and light to carry -- you can get a set of adapters from a travel store or Hammacher-Shlemmer-type place. They frequently sell a set that covers all different types of plugs from all around the world; some people like it because they are prepared for any world travelling, I have also purchased something like 6 adapters from Amazon -- super cheap -- which is nice if you are likely to leave adapters in the sockets in hotels! (On Amazon search Electronics/ travel adapters.) Converters are generally very heavy and cumbersome.
It IS possible to have an appliance which is usuable in both 120 and 220 voltage systems without switching between them; my unlocked GSM phone which I use for travelling has a recharger which I can use in either system. (ie I do NOT need a converter but I DO need an adapter.) The curling iron manufacturer would be your best source for this discussion.
I agree with Oreet that a fleece would be very welcome. In November I would be prepared to layer; it can be cold but also can still be quite warm.
Your parents should NOT shop in hotel gift shops. I agree that they should be wary of individual places that guides recommend. The whole shopping question is a hard one for the forum to answer. Your parents are in their 70s -- many people at that age are not looking to acquire more -- so are you sure that they want to shop?
Many people find it particularly meaningful to purchase religious ritual items in Israel. The olive wood carvings are available all throughout the Old City of Jerusalem. It's not too difficult to determine value. Talk to various shop keepers; they will all stop haggling at the same point; voila! That's the value. Although for many people the haggling is the fun part; so let you parents do it. But buy them because you really like them, not because you believe that buying them will necessarily help "poor artists;" the connection between the desire and the reality is tenuous at best. If you want to make sure that your money is helping the artists, consider organizations like Yad Lekashish (aka Lifeline for the old); I once bought a very nice handwoven tablecloth made by a blind artisan there....
Personally, I am partial to ceramics. I like the ceramics co-ops (three are found on Nahalat Shiva in Jerusalem) where each shop sells the ceramics of muliple artists. I also love painted ceramics; Jerusalem pottery is the long standing leader in Armenian pottery (found on Via Dolorosa in the old city of Jerusalem) and the newer Sandrouni Brothers near the New Gate (again, old city of Jerusalem).
If your parents similarly like ceramics, and they feel strongly about doing "good" with their purchase, they might consider a really cool trip while in Jerusalem to Bait Jamal (they will need a car); a monastary at the burial site of St. Stephen and a newer nunnery next door where the nuns have taken a vow of silence. The nuns also paint beautiful pottery! Thus your parents could purchase hand painted pottery and support the nuns.
Oreet is partially correct about food; but you should check the Canadian laws regarding what foods you can bring into the country. In the US you cannot bring agricultural products -- no fruit, veggies, meat -- but you CAN bring chocolate and some spices and in some cases cheese....so you should check Canadian laws. I like to go to the "shuk" (outdoor market) and purchase fresh Halvah to bring back from Israel. In the US I can purchase packaged Halvah but it's not as fresh, so I like to buy some at the shuk. But many packaged food stuffs are exported and you can get them at home....or you can make them (like Zatar) so many food stuffs are really not worth it.
I think that the best way for your parents to determine what to see on their free day in Jerusalem is to buy a guide book, read the descriptions, and choose what their favorite thing is. They also should check the websites of the various museums and the What's On magazine in their hotel room to see what exhibits are at the museums, and what the cultural institutions are showcasing. They might find a museum exhibit that really strikes their fancy (for example, a watch exhibit at the Islamic Art Museum in Jerusalem (forget the actual name of the thing) and a concert in the evening.
Remember that Israel is small; it's not unheard of at all for someone in Jerusalem to go to Tel Aviv for a concert for the evening.... There are also many plays performed in English, so they should consider the theater and concert venues. The cafe culture is very important in Israel; in the evening they can always sit in a cafe and watch the world go by. In Netanya, Tel Aviv, Tiberius, they can happily while away the evening sitting at a waterside restaurant and in almost every place they will enjoy strolling around in the evening, which they can do safely.
It turns out that mom's curling iron indicates that it automatically switches between voltages so that's great. All they need is an adapter so here's hoping that all brands are made equal! they definitely vary in price.
You're right, they're not looking to acquire more things for themselves; they will buy some momentoes for themselves (we tend to buy food things when we travel!) or something they will use, but they'll mostly buy as gifts for others. Perfect timing for Christmas shopping!!
They will definitely have to learn the 'art' of haggling, and I hope they're as strong there as they are here in not falling for "helping the poor starving whomever" :) They'll be fine. They're there to explore and experience the land where Jesus spent His earthly time, so shopping will be a minor part.
The shops in the Old City are generally very over-priced. They expect you to bargin and if you are good you can go down 50%. Shops on Ben Yehuda Street also have leaway for bargining. A shop someone recommended to me as being good and having good prices ( no bargining) is called Gans. It is on Rivlin Street-- right off of Jafa near the Village Green restaurant ( and Mike's Bar)
In terms of the tour--sounds like the people doing it have done it for years so it should be well organized and well run. I googled a bit and think I found the tour. ( hosted by 95.1?)They appear to have a free morning for shopping. I would consider going to the new city or the Israel Museum at this time. The tour provides a very intense Christian experience but you don't get to really see any of Israel the modern country! ( or maybe take the 99Bus which is a hop on hop off--and just stay on!)
A adaptor for any plug should be no more than $5.00. If you are looking at something significantly more--you are over spending. Amazon.com has some as does Radio Shack ( is that store in Canada) Many hotels also loan them at the front desk.
Thanks live2go. I'll be sure to pass the shopping tips and the hop-on-hop-off bus - that could be really fun. Yes, you found the right tour! I forgot about Radio Shack (which is called The Source here in Canada), but yes, should be cheap. Not sure about 5.00 (you know, here they blame increased gas prices and inflation and exchange even when we're on par with the US). Anyway, they're just a bit over a week away from their trip so excitement is building!
BTW, we heard that at the bathrooms at various tourist sites, an attendant "holds" the toilet paper until you pay, and also that there are two types - modern (for which you pay) and more "rustic" options. Is this true? What exactly does this mean? No handwashing facilities in the rustic one?
There are modern restrooms at Israel's tourist sites. At the churches, however, you'll often be expected to pay a small fee for using the facilities. This is reasonable considering that there's free entry to all churches.
The only bathrooms I have ever seen in Israel where the attendant doles out paper for the admission price ( not a donation to the attendant) are a handful of ones in the middle of a city, maintained by the city and opened to the public. Years ago that was true in bus/ train stations but I haven't seen it for years and years. ( I have been making multiple trips each year for more years than I care to remember--okay close to 30 years) Today, some bathrooms, i.e bus station in Jerusalem you pay for admission and then walk in ( you pay a turn style type of machine) It is all of 1 shekel which is about 30 cents American!
Most ( I'd say 99.9%) of the modern bathrooms are just like modern bathrooms in the US--and I assume Canada--you stand on the women's line ( walk in, no line for men's) go to a stall, etc. etc. LIke any bathroom in a public place they sometimes run out of paper and while in Israel I always have tissues in my pocketbook. ( like I do in the US). Generally they are clean--but occassionally.... but again no different than in the US.
The number of "rustic" washrooms is far and few between. In fact the only one I came accross in the past 10 years or so was in the Golan Heights, at a battle site. It was indeed rustic--a hole in the ground. --no water for anything. ( carry a small thing of hand sanitizer)
BTW there are no restrooms on Israeli buses. ALL gas stations are required to have restrooms open to the public and 99% of those are clean. Buses will make sufficient stops that most people have no problems.
Relax, let your folks relax and start saving your pennies for YOUR trip. When you hear about the one your folks took you will be jealous and want to go too!
Yup, it'll likely be on my travel list (when I was looking up information on the internet about some of the various places I almost forgot that I wasn't going!). One day...!
Multiple trips each year - wow! That's a lot. Hope you still enjoy it and can discover something new and special each time.
Just returned from a cruise that visited Israel with a full 4 days in port (2 each in Haifi and Ashdod). I can only say that our visit was spectacular and one of the best trips I've experienced. I was not disappointed in the country, nor our licensed guides. The sightseeing was very special. Our days were long but satisfying ... I can only alert you to one aspect ... lots of walking so do start a little regimen of physical fitness prior to departure. So many sights to see ... we did not have enough time in our short stay. Do enjoy your visit ... we did and vow to return for a longer stay.
I concur, the markets and even some street vendors are the way to go for souvenirs ... the identical items at a fraction of the price of tourist/hotel stores ... lots of opportunities to shop. As to electrics ... do you have a Brookstone nearby (they carry very good quality dual voltage hair-dryers, converters and such) ... my wife has used their branded products for several years in 30 countries with no issues.
Just wanted to thank everyone for their great tips & advice. You all were right on about everything! well, except the weather :) it rained quite a bit and was chilly most days (my parents wew properly attired and had an umbrella so no problems for them). They had a good trip/tour and saw some amazing places. Did tons of walking; food was mostly westernized in the hotels and they were surprised at how pricey the restaurants elsewhere are.
They didn't get to many markets or some of the other suggested places (Mom tripped and really hurt her foot so week 2 wasn't comfortable for her at all - she got a cast when she returned home). Not too much shopping - they remembered your tips so were careful and didn't fall prey to any cons or over-pricing.
And yes, bathrooms were decent though in some places the other women were wishing they hadn't drank so much coffee etc! My folks were fine.
So, thanks again everyone - you're awesome! They now are going through their photos to label them; then I'll make a calendar for them (alredy did a photo album).
Ruth-Ann, I just read your posts today and I'm glad I found them, as I was looking for a Christian tour of Israel. I live in Toronto. Can you tell me if your parents' tour was composed mostly of senior ladies and gents, and also how many people were there in the tour group? I'm in my late 30s, and I'm just wondering what the age range is. Thanks in advance!
Their tour was mixed, mostly 50+ but some 40s. They mostly seemed 'energetic' and able to do everything. I think I saw in one picture a 30-ish female. Group size -- I'm trying to remember what they said; i know a couple more were added at the end so there were a few more than intended. Maybe 30-something? I can check with them if you'd like. I know there are other Christian tours - some out of Winnipeg (like this one or one by Bridges for Peace) and others out of Toronto - (e.g. David Mainse of 100 Huntley Street/Crossroads Communications). The Tour Group company who did it for this tour is out of Ontario and he had told me that they get a range of ages on their various tours.
Feel free to let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to get answers. This discussion forum is awesome too!
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Israel tour in Nov - requesting tips for things to do/see (shopping, walking, eating) and packing (clothes, adapters)
