Great Tour

I had a great time on this tour. I saw everything that I wanted to see in Israel and Jordan. Our tour guide in Israel, Micky, was very knowledgeable and seem to know everyone everywhere. Our bus driver Kamall was also a very welcome and fun addition to the tour. Most hotels were centrally located and very nice; the one in Jerusalem was not centrally located, however, and when we had free time, it was a pain to get back to the hotel. I would recommend a different place in Jerusalem. I especially enjoyed staying at the Lavi Kibbutz - a fun and unique experience. I would also recommend adding another day in Tel Aviv, as I really don't feel I got to spend any time there. The best thing about the Jordan extension was, of course, the day at Petra, which really is something every traveler should see at some point. Jerash and the castles were also wonderful. I do think, however, that the extension could be shortened one day. Our last day seeing castles and Amman was almost too much. Adding an extra day in Israel and taking away one day in Jordan would be my suggestion. Our tour guide in Jordan, Hmazeh, was also very knowledgeable, but would it be too much to ask to get a straight answer from him? Everything was a joke or an exaggeration, and I do think some people were confused as to what we really were supposed to do, where we were to meet, what time, etc. As far as the food goes: I'm a picky eater and careful what I eat when I travel. I can't complain about the food too much on this trip. There will always be chicken! In Jordan, however, it seemed the "suggestions" from our tour director were actually pre-planned with people he knew, and it didn't always end with people being happy with the "choices" we were given. One last note: please, please realize that this is a demanding tour. I'm in decent shape and able to walk all day long without any problem. But the tour is demanding; lots of cobblestones, steps, and every day starts out relatively early. If you are not able to do this, please try another trip. You'll only get frustrated and behind, which will cause frustration within the group. If you want to see everything in Israel and Jordan in one trip, expect to move at a fast pace to get it all in.

A Great Trip

Initially I was worried about the safety of travelling in Israel , with the knowleagble tour guides and skilful drivers, both in Israel and Jordan, this trip told me otherwise. We visited many Biblical sites, learned many historical things and saw many wonderful ancient structures, especially in Petra. We got to taste the local food and float in the Dead Sea. However, this was a physically demanding tour involving lots of walking on uneven pebble pavements, steps, uphills and downhills. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the trip to the utmost and I would recommend this trip to anyone who loves to travel.

Great value

This 10 day tour is actually only 8 days. Days 1 and 10 are spent traveling to and from Israel. The hotels were high end with many meals included. GoAhead packed a lot of touring into those 8 days. Be prepared to get up early to cover it all. It would have been nice if Masada and the Dead Sea experience were included in the basic package, not an added expensive add on.

Never Again

I recently returned from the 10-day Israel tour which was just this year cut back from 11 days. My first Go Ahead tour will be my last. If you're looking for a cheap, cut-rate, bargain basement experience then go with Go Ahead. If you're looking for decent hotels, meals and optional excursions look elsewhere. Hotels they claim are centrally located are anything but. Lunch @ the Leonardo Hotel @ the Dead Sea was inedible. Overall, an experience I wish never to repeat.

Spiritual, Educational and Fun!

This was the trip of a lifetime! Hannah was an excellent tour guide. She made sure that we had the history from all perspectives and did an excellent job of presenting the Jewish and Christian aspects. I also have to applaud our bus driver Mohammed, who was able to safely transport us throughout the hills and mountains of Israel. The tour is fast paced, we were up and on the bus between 7:30 and 8:00 am each day. Our guide added some flexibility to the schedule to accommodate weather and the Sabbath. I don't think we missed anything. I can't explain the feelings I had, standing at the Sea of Galilee or in the Garden of Gethsemane. We began to say that we did not have "goosebumps", we had "God-bumps" We learned that if you travel in November, you need to be prepared for cool weather and rain - pack jacket, scarf, comfortable shoes, poncho and umbrella. I saw no need to be concerned about safety. The checkpoints are present, but certainly not intrusive. The people are welcoming. I returned home closer to my spiritual self and with a much better understanding of the history and geography of Israel.

Israel

Overall a great trip. Well planned and organized. I'd recommend less time at the Dead Sea (1 hr less) and more time at the Camel rides/evening dinner; otherwise, well thought out.

Great tour!

This was fast paced and fun with lots to see in a short time. Hotels and the included meals were wonderful!

A Perfect Tour at Christmastime

What a wonderful tour - the weather was perfect, we started with the cities and historical sites on the Mediterranean Sea, then all around northern Israel and the West Bank, down to Galilee, Jericho, and the Dead Sea. Finally to Jerusalem, the most perfect place to end the tour. The mixture of religions and customs was fascinating and awe-inspiring. Don't miss this one!

The Wonders of Ancient Israel

My trip to Israel was beyond words. The country is beautiful; I felt totally safe; people very friendly. I learned SO much from our outstanding tour director, Miky Horesh. He was quite knowledgeable and made the learning fun. It was very challenging insofar as the walking - lots of steps, walking on stones, down paths, etc. Sometimes we felt a bit rushed, but I realize that we had to see a great deal of sites in a limited amount of time. Miky knew all the ins and outs - where to shop, where to eat, when the traffic would be lighter, etc. He is truly a credit to his profession. I also cannot say enough about our bus driver, Kaml. He drove that bus all around the mountain sides with ease. Both were also very helpful in offering assistance on and off the bus, with the stairs, etc. Our fellow travelers were all wonderful too - everyone got along great. This was my second trip with Go Ahead, and once again, I was totally satisfied with the service that was provided. I will continue to recommend Go Ahead to my family and friends. Thank you for a wonderful experience that I will never forget.

Walking in the Holy Land

This is a fast paced tour, ready to board the bus at 7:30 each morning. There is so much to see and do. The tour guide was wonderful adjusting the schedule since the weather didn't cooperate one day for outdoor sight seeing. The guide was very well informed on history, the Bible and culture and she shared as much as she could with us. We have already recommended this tour to friends!