What to see in Israel? And is it worth taking a private tour guide?

[aadambas]

I'm planning a trip to Israel this August. I was wondering what are the places of attraction there besides the well known Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa?
Which destinations require taking a private tour guide and where I can explore the place by myself?

[AnotherOneAmerican]

In Jerusalem, don't miss the underground market

or the wailing wall. (Don't forget to take a message to god to post in a crack in the wall)

Bethlehem, the church of the nativity is worth a look, the gold star where Jesus was born.

Walk up the trail to Masada at dawn along with everyone else, very popular and dawn half way up is exceptional.

Ein Gedi waterfalls (near Masada), take a swimming costume and towel for the lake at the top.

Swim in the dead sea. (very floaty)

[angiud]

Moved to Thailand Travel Forum

[craigt3365]

I spent a bit over a week in Israel 2 years ago. Did all of the above except Masada. It was quite cloudy when I was there, so not really worth the climb!

Transport is frequent and easy. English is spoken widely. Though signage is not necessarily in English, except at touristy places. No need for a guide. Get a good guide book and have fun! I like the Lonely Planet book. You can plan pretty much everything with it.

Beware of the scammers in the old city. You'll get some very well dressed person come up to you and offer to show you the sites. I'm very well traveled and know the scam. They are very aggressive and won't give up. One ended up following me and telling me this and that. I just ignored him. After 10 minutes he asked for $100. I just walked away.

[elektrified]

Go to Eilat on the Red Sea. Don't miss it.

[petertucker48]

Check this out and get the book (Asia Books ?)

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories

[MichaelSong]

The most interesting country I ever visited.

People are not friendly or helpful.

Be careful not to arrive on Sabbat (friday evening till saturday evening) . Impossible to get transport then, even elevators in hotels do not work. And alcohol is not served to women.

[elektrified]

The most interesting country I ever visited.

People are not friendly or helpful.

Be careful not to arrive on Sabbat (friday evening till saturday evening) . Impossible to get transport then, even elevators in hotels do not work. And alcohol is not served to women.

Some of the friendliest people I have ever met while traveling anywhere in the world were in Israel. So everyone has different experiences.

The Dead Sea is worth seeing for a day or two. The resorts however are aimed at elderly people who suffer from skin diseases and so forth. We tried a couple different resorts and it was like staying in a retirement home. But the floating experience is really unique.

The diving and beaches in Eilat were amazing. Great nightlife... Don't know if things have changed since the Taba agreement was implemented.

I would avoid Tel Aviv. Just another big city.

[craigt3365]

I found it a bizzare place to visit. A very strange vibe. And sorry to say this, but some very strange people. Not all, but quite a few.

Weird to be walking around and see sooooooo many machine guns in the hands of sooooo many young people. Young, small gals with these big machine guns. Everywhere. Tanks rolling down the roads. Armored cars near the southern border. Weird.