Israel...A truely wonderful place - reann. Date of travel: Jan 2011
I have recently returned from an amazing trip to Israel and already I have booked flights to return. I must start by saying that I was overwhelmed and touched by the sincerity and friendliness of the people in Israel. They are by far the most generous and considerate people I have ever been lucky enough to meet. Whether they are of Arab, Armenian, Muslim, Catholic, Jewish or Christian decent or belief they all hold one thing in common, love.

We started our journey in Haifa, one night was more than enough and I would recommend taking a trip to Akko; an ancient, port city surrounded by water. It was like taking a step back in time where the high walled alleys, underground passages and fortresses all bare the mark of many nations that has left behind a series of impressive buildings. The stunning and breathtaking panoramas of the Bahai World centre is also well worth a visit.

Next we travelled to Nazareth, where we stayed in the most charming guest house that was very inexpensive and the location was perfect. The Fauzi Azar Inn is a 200 year old converted Arab mansion situated in the old city. The building has such character and warmth and the staff were unbelievably helpful. We decided to hire a car and take a trip to Tiberius, one of the most enchanting places I have ever been purely because of the tranquil, peaceful waters of the Galilean sea.

We spent the majority of our time in Jerusalem. At the gates of the old city they were offering “free tours” which we had heard good things about. However after speaking to a couple who had experienced this particular tour we were informed that they were heavily based on souvenir shops, cafés etc where the guides would gain commission. We decided to use a Guide that was recommended to us instead, we quickly agreed a very inexpensive price for a 3 hour tour of all the sites in the area. At first the guide was serious and almost military like but it quickly became apparent that he had enormous passion and love for his city. Many of the churches and sites closed quite early but to our surprise he was able to access the keys and gain us entrance to most of these. His Armenian connections came in very useful and he seemed to know all the nuns, priests and caretakers. We were also very touched that he had many heated discussions with shop keepers, waiters and even a monk because they were trying to rip us off by putting the prices up on their merchandise. He was also very considerate and even arranged for us to be blessed in the tomb of Jesus Christ (The church of the Holy Sepulchre) and to take Holy Communion in the church where Jesus Christ sweated blood the night before his crucifixion. (One of the most special things I have ever done.)

Nine hours later we were still seeing extraordinary things that were in no guide book or in no other tour... and he did not expect a penny more than we had originally agreed. Suhiel is a truly inspiring person of integrity; he is very proud of Jerusalem and loves sharing it with others. I would highly recommend that you arrange a tour with him if you can. He can be contacted by phoning 524653987. I am taking my mother to Jerusalem in May and I refuse to use anyone else but him to show us the amazing sites of this city.

Bethlehem was also very moving and a must see, you will drive past the west bank, a huge wall dividing the Palestinians from the Israelis. The Refuge camps and poverty that we stumbled across was a steep contrast from the opulence and wealth we had experienced only a few miles before.

The Dead Sea is a truly magnificent experience and one that can not be described…The drive through the dessert where you will see camels on your left and the river Jordon to you right, amazing!

Even though there are some severe conflicts in this wonderful place I have never felt such peace. Even though the threat levels are portrayed as being high I have never felt so safe and even though there is a serious divide of an enormous wall the bridge of love and a hand of kindness are never far away.

I have been to many countries around the world, some have “touched” my heart deeply but for some reason this place has “kept” my heart.

Please do not be put off by the exaggerations of the media, like London and New York everywhere has it’s problems, the only difference here is the very present soldiers, check points around every corner and extra security measures at the airport actually makes you feel very safe and they are never over bearing. Be sensible as if you were going anywhere else, this place is truly wonderful.

Holidays in Israel - Jan Price. Date of travel: Apr 2008
This is the fourth holiday visit to Israel and the first in Spring. The colours were vibrant and lush! We visited Cafe Tapuz which is set within orange groves and the smell of blossom was beautiful and the food delicious. We stayed for one week at Ein Gedi kibbutz at the Dead Sea in the Arugot Rooms. The food is kosher and plentiful. The only downside was the zoo within the kibbutz which was pitiful really. Poor animals! The scenery around Ein Gedi is probably the most stunning and dramatic I have seen and the weather fantastic! Warm but not humid. A must if you visit Israel.

Zack - our sensational israeli tour guide - Gilda Young. Date of travel: Mar 2006
We just returned from Israel and we had the most sensational adventure of a lifetime, with Zack Shavin as our guide. We not only covered the well known sights which came alive with Zack's amazing explanations but we also visited many places off the beaten track. If you are planning a trip to Israel, do yourself a favor and contact Zack at shavin@netvision.net.il Tour Operator: Zack Shavin

Mark Treston. Date of travel: Sep 2005
I seriously have to say it was one of the best trips I have ever taken. I took the time to see the entire country and cannot decide which was the best. All I can say is that people should travel. Get over the fear of what you hear or see on the news and realize that it is completely safe. There hasn't been any tourist who have died from a terrorist attack. In fact, there haven't been any in almost a year. Make sure you research the country well. If your time is short, go on a tour group. It's worth it. They are very flexible and interesting.

Camilo Aristizabal. Date of travel: Mar 2005
This was a fantastic trip; we went to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Negev, Dead Sea, Ramon, Masada, Galilee, Golan Heights and Red Sea. I completely recommend it. Israel is a country of open and friendly people. Do not be surprised if you are suddenly talking to a stranger about the country’s situation. Our guide was also the best. I also recommend trying to contact him for future trips; he knows very well the history of the country and the sights, especially Jerusalem history if you are interested. Tour Operator: Allon Raveh Travel Agency

Jordan Navarro-Abreu. Date of travel: Mar 2005
Israel was truly amazing. The food was nothing short of delicious everytime. The people were very friendly. The country itself is just so beautiful. Our biggest regret was not spending more time there. Tour Operator: none

Angus McWatt. Date of travel: Jan 2004
I've just returned from Jerusalem which was not quite the great religious centre I expected, more like a touristy flea market in a dusty town. I was expecting the ancient sights and buildings, but was sad to see they've been abused by the commercial element - it was the last place I would expect to see cheap T-shirts and the so on. Only for the die-hard religious believers, not really for the idle curious. Tour Operator: independent

Kitt Hutchison. Date of travel: Jun 2003
The best was a float on the Dead Sea - even though I was prepared for the experience it was totally unbelievable - you really just float without any effort and it feels amazing! But all the salt and minerals made it quite slimy so you really want to wash it all off when you have finished! Also go for a mud spa - its was divine - we went to a little wooden hut where a man smeared our group with thick Dead Sea mud from head to toe (you have to be firm and very specific about where NOT to let him plaster you!!) - then you dry off in the sun for about 10 minutes and then back into the sea to wash it off - your skin feels like satin afterwards.