Question 1

What language do you guide tours in?

Accepted Answer

I speak English, Hebrew, German, and Yiddish fluently, and I'm happy to guide your tour in whichever of those languages you prefer.

Please note that my tours differ slightly depending on what language they're given in. Hebrew tours are the most energetic; English the most politically correct; German the most efficient; and Yiddish the funniest.

Question 2

Are you a licensed tour guide?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I'm fully licensed by Israel’s Ministry of Tourism. In Israel, tour guiding is a regulated profession, and earning a license requires an intensive two-year training program approved by the Ministry, followed by written and field exams. Ongoing annual training is required to renew the license.

The Ministry coursework, combined with my university and independent studies, gives me extensive knowledge of Israel's history, archaeology, religions, geography, ecology, and cultures, along with practical skills, like guiding techniques and first aid.

Question 3

Why hire a private tour guide?

Accepted Answer

Hiring a private tour guide offers two main advantages: customization and flexibility.

Unlike generic, off-the-shelf group tours — which are preplanned for the masses and can't be modified — my private tours are designed around you.

I consult with you in advance of your trip to get a sense of your passions — history, cuisine, nature, art, you name it — and then choose from Israel's thousands of historical landmarks, natural wonders, fascinating museums, boutique wineries, and hidden-gem restaurants to create a custom tour itinerary just for you.

And private tours travel at your pace — not the predetermined pace of a massive group tour. We can pause whenever something catches your eye, spend extra time where your curiosity takes you, or adjust plans entirely on the spot — no rigid schedules, no rush.

Question 4

How much does a private tour of Israel cost?

Accepted Answer

My private tours of Israel usually cost $400 per day, per group. This includes my services as your licensed tour guide and driver, along with basic planning support.
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This daily rate does not include the cost of hotels, meals, fuel, or entrance fees to attractions, which are typically billed separately unless otherwise arranged.

Question 5

How do I arrange a private tour of Israel?

Accepted Answer

Just reach out to me via email or WhatsApp with some details about your tour group size, travel dates, and the ages of everyone in the group. Then we can set up a phone call or Zoom session to tailor your tour exactly to your needs and interests.

Question 6

Is it safe to travel to Israel?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: Yes

Long answer: Yes. More below.

Tourists who get sick or injured while traveling in Israel will likely receive better medical attention than they're accustomed to in their home countries — travel insurers consistently rank Israel among the world's top 10 countries for the quality of our hospitals and overall health care.

And street crime in Israel is rare. The Global Organized Crime Index assesses a significantly lower crime rate for Israel than for countries like the United States or the United Kingdom. It’s common here to see children playing outside on their own well into the evening, elderly neighbors strolling through the park, and young women in miniskirts heading out to nightclubs, alone, without concern.

For us, that's the norm.

Question 7

Is it safe to drink the water in Israel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's safe to drink water from the tap in Israel.

The Environmental Performance Index gives Israel a score of 92.8 for our sanitation and drinking water, significantly outperforming the United States (86.1), Australia (87), and Canada (88).

Around 85% to 90% of Israel's drinking water comes from desalination plants, which purify seawater and brackish water to make it clean, safe to drink, and tasty. This purified water is then provided to most of Israel's taps, including garden taps.

Jerusalem, however, is unique: It enjoys local spring water, which, in addition to tasting better than purely desalinated water, is also holy.

Question 8

What language do people speak in Israel?

Accepted Answer

The primary language spoken in Israel is Hebrew.

In addition to Hebrew, about 20% of Israelis speak fluent Arabic and about 15% speak fluent Russian. And because Jews have returned to Israel from over 100 countries, many households speak additional languages, ranging from Albanian to French to Judeo-Zo (yes, it's a thing).

Israelis usually learn English starting in second grade, and all foreign films and television shows are subtitled, not dubbed. So most Israelis are very comfortable speaking English.

Question 9

What is Israeli "chutzpah"?

Accepted Answer

Israelis often speak in a way that may come across as blunt — or even rude — in other cultures. For us, politeness is considered insincere; honesty and directness are valued more.

We’re not a “let’s do lunch” kind of people. When we say “yes,” we mean yes. When we say "no," we mean no.

So don't be surprised if an Israeli you just met points out that your fly is open, recommends a good dermatologist, or invites you to Shabbat dinner — all in the same conversation.

That straightforwardness is what we call chutzpah — a Yiddish word that's become part of Israeli identity.

Our blend of frankness and warmth reflects the close-knit, community-minded culture here. And as our guest, you’ll be welcomed right into it.

Frequently Asked Questions