Tour guide in Israel Philip Kool

Frequently asked questions

• Are one day excursions also possible?

  Yes, the most popular day trips are to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Lake Galilee and the Dead Sea region with Masada. I will pick you up and take you back to the place of your choice. For a walking excursion through the Old City of Jerusalem the starting point may be at the Jaffa Gate. Prices for day trips are on request.

• Is a private guide more expensive than a group trip?

  Sure, but the difference more than outweighs what you get in terms of privacy, flexibility, personal attention and, above all, peace of mind. This certainly applies if you share the costs among a number of travel companions.

• Group tour or private guide?

  An experienced private guide is a nice alternative for a group trip. For those who love comfort, independence and flexibility, this is the ultimate way to travel relaxed. For families with children it is a great experience to enjoy a holiday together after a busy year of work and school. A private guide is also ideal for travelling with seniors and those who are less mobile and like to travel at their own pace. My spacious 6+1 seater vehicle is easy to identify by its Ministry of Tourism logo, is very comfortable and spacious, air-conditioned, perfectly maintained and fully insured.

• Is Israel accessible for people with reduced mobility?

  Several of my former clients have been wheelchair users so I can reassure you that this is quit possible. More and more museums, archaeological sites and national parks are being made more accessible and adapted to visitors with reduced mobility. The Old City of Jerusalem does require more effort, but with some perseverance it is even possible to do well with a wheelchair with wide tyres. If you need more specific information about this then please contact me and we can discuss the possibilities.

• Is Israel a safe country to travel?

  In two words, ‘yes, absolutely’. Despite what you sometimes read and hear, it is not the Wild West in the Middle East, but a vibrant and well-functioning modern young country of more than 9 million inhabitants. It is a safe destination for young and old, child-friendly and geared towards families with young children. In 2019, 4.3 million tourists visited Israel. At the end all returned home with wonderful memories of a great holiday.

• What is Israel’s climate?

  The weather in Israel is often compared to the temperate climate of Florida and Southern California. Warm and sunny summers and generally mild winters. However, there can be sharp contrasts depending on the season and location. The best time to visit Israel is March to June and September to November. Summers are warm but doable.

• Is it possible to drink water from the tap?

  Almost all drinking water in Israel is desalinated and purified seawater and therefore perfectly drinkable.

• Is health care well organized?

  Israel has a very modern and accessible healthcare system that is well adapted to tourism. There are efficient First Aid clinics, modern hospitals and well-equipped pharmacies.

• Is it possible to travel between Israel, Jordan, Egypt or Sinai?

  Since the peace agreements were signed between Israel and Egypt in 1979 and between Israel and Jordan in 1994, border formalities between the countries have been normalized. A local fellow guide is usually arranged for visits to Bethlehem and Jericho, both within Palestinian Authority territory. In 2020, treaties were signed by Israel with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which opens up more possibilities for the near future.