Israel anyone?
- Thread starter elmo2109
- Start date
hi elmo,
i went on a backpack trip to egypt, israel, greece and turket but that was a long time ago, back in 1998!! but i must say tat it is a great trip...
Egypt -
First stop was Cairo - of cos all the famous plcs like the pyramids (must watch the laser show at nite), museum etc is a must go.
Spend 1 day at Alexandria, but find tat it is nothing much...
then took a train up to Aswan,
of cos must visit abu simbel!
And definately take the nile curise... it will bring u to edfu, ensa, kom ombu, luxor, karnak and valley of the kings.
after tat, we took a curise across red sea to
Sharm El Sheikh. (climb up mount Sinai and see the sun rise, very pretty!!!)
from sharm el sheikh, we went across the borders to Israel - eilat.
Israel
Eilat - the first town, sea side place, very modern. nothing abt war, or bombs is mention here... just like a resort.
went upwards to dead sea... then to Jerusalem.
old town and new town etc... spend 3 days here too
then went to Tel Aviv. another modern town. from here i took a curise to another greek island.
I still have the hard cafe Tshirt at Tel Aviv.
heard tat the shop is closed already.
hope tat this gives u a preview of the two plcs that u r going...
i went on a backpack trip to egypt, israel, greece and turket but that was a long time ago, back in 1998!! but i must say tat it is a great trip...
Egypt -
First stop was Cairo - of cos all the famous plcs like the pyramids (must watch the laser show at nite), museum etc is a must go.
Spend 1 day at Alexandria, but find tat it is nothing much...
then took a train up to Aswan,
of cos must visit abu simbel!
And definately take the nile curise... it will bring u to edfu, ensa, kom ombu, luxor, karnak and valley of the kings.
after tat, we took a curise across red sea to
Sharm El Sheikh. (climb up mount Sinai and see the sun rise, very pretty!!!)
from sharm el sheikh, we went across the borders to Israel - eilat.
Israel
Eilat - the first town, sea side place, very modern. nothing abt war, or bombs is mention here... just like a resort.
went upwards to dead sea... then to Jerusalem.
old town and new town etc... spend 3 days here too
then went to Tel Aviv. another modern town. from here i took a curise to another greek island.
I still have the hard cafe Tshirt at Tel Aviv.
heard tat the shop is closed already.
hope tat this gives u a preview of the two plcs that u r going...
Hi
I went Israel and Jordan with my church two years ago (2004). It's a beautiful place. It's awesome - and I believe it's a choice you'll not regret.
In Israel, they accept US dollars and major credit cards. So, not to worry. Always make a point to visit Dead Sea from Israel side as scientist cound that the ingredients from Israel side contains more minerals than other countries surrouding Dead Sea. Try to get Ahava Dead Sea products - the handcream is good!
Israel is safe. In fact, this is a good time to go as not many people are going and you get to enjoy sightseeing without other tourists around (unlike popular places like Australia, NZ, etc).
I went Israel and Jordan with my church two years ago (2004). It's a beautiful place. It's awesome - and I believe it's a choice you'll not regret.
In Israel, they accept US dollars and major credit cards. So, not to worry. Always make a point to visit Dead Sea from Israel side as scientist cound that the ingredients from Israel side contains more minerals than other countries surrouding Dead Sea. Try to get Ahava Dead Sea products - the handcream is good!
Israel is safe. In fact, this is a good time to go as not many people are going and you get to enjoy sightseeing without other tourists around (unlike popular places like Australia, NZ, etc).
Hi elmo2109,
Israel is beautiful! And very peaceful too. I was there 2 months ago... went to Tel Aviv & Dead Sea, followed by Jerusalem. If you wanna see some picts, I've got some uploaded on http://community.webshots.com/album/117706140GCcjVf
for more info, you can try browsing on http://www.sareltours.com (pronounceD Sar-EL tours) They provided guided tours in Israel, though I'm not sure whats the charges like. Many of their tour guides are messianic jews, and they will be able to tell you sooo much about the beatiful land. So one thing I do advise, is gotto read the bible before you go sightseeing. Really.
But trust me... it's worth it.
Israel is beautiful! And very peaceful too. I was there 2 months ago... went to Tel Aviv & Dead Sea, followed by Jerusalem. If you wanna see some picts, I've got some uploaded on http://community.webshots.com/album/117706140GCcjVf
for more info, you can try browsing on http://www.sareltours.com (pronounceD Sar-EL tours) They provided guided tours in Israel, though I'm not sure whats the charges like. Many of their tour guides are messianic jews, and they will be able to tell you sooo much about the beatiful land. So one thing I do advise, is gotto read the bible before you go sightseeing. Really.
U will need a seperate passport to enter Israel. Singapore immigration will only issue u the passport when u have a valid and confirmed itineary/airtickets to Israel. U can use the Israel passport when u are in israel, when u cross over to egypt, u can switch to your singapore international passport. U can go apply for your visa (both egypt and israel) once u have both the passports.
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
Hi Freesia
For Jordan, I only visited Petra, the rose city. But's it's really manificent... unbelivable! From Jordan, I went to Israel by land. Jordan contains vast pieces of wasteland - makes me aware of why the children of Israel moans and groans during the 40 years of wandering - it takes God's grace to survive there for 40 years.
I stayed at Marriott Petra - beautiful hotel in the midst of a waste land. Early morning, we can looked across the valley to see Aaron's Tomb.
Oh yes, we visted Mt Hor where Moses put up the bronze serpent. Eye-opening experience. Awesome!
For Jordan, I only visited Petra, the rose city. But's it's really manificent... unbelivable! From Jordan, I went to Israel by land. Jordan contains vast pieces of wasteland - makes me aware of why the children of Israel moans and groans during the 40 years of wandering - it takes God's grace to survive there for 40 years.
I stayed at Marriott Petra - beautiful hotel in the midst of a waste land. Early morning, we can looked across the valley to see Aaron's Tomb.
Oh yes, we visted Mt Hor where Moses put up the bronze serpent. Eye-opening experience. Awesome!
Hi Freesia
I went to Jordan and Israel at the height of suicide bombing in 2002 March with my church. For Jordan, we do see a number of groups from China and US around. There are less people at Israel. However, it was very safe and we don't see any bombings till we switched on TV in the hotels!
I went to Jordan and Israel at the height of suicide bombing in 2002 March with my church. For Jordan, we do see a number of groups from China and US around. There are less people at Israel. However, it was very safe and we don't see any bombings till we switched on TV in the hotels!
och,
at aswan, i took the nile curise that stops us at luxor. then from luxor, we took a bus to a port and took a curise across red sea to sharm el shiekh. sorry tat i could u give u the details as it was many years ago..
And yes, must get a separate passport when going to israel. abit messy... when i leave egypt, chop at the old passport to indicate you left egypt, then chop with the new passport at the israel custom. Same thing when leaving israel.
I remember tat I left israel on a cruise to greece. Their custom is just a table , side by side, so have to hold two passport on hand... first israel's leaving chop at the new passport, and immediately, next step is the entry chop for greece... very messy...
We wanted to go to Jordan - Petra too, but we spend too many days in egypt, so have to forgo jordan... so sad about it...
at aswan, i took the nile curise that stops us at luxor. then from luxor, we took a bus to a port and took a curise across red sea to sharm el shiekh. sorry tat i could u give u the details as it was many years ago..
And yes, must get a separate passport when going to israel. abit messy... when i leave egypt, chop at the old passport to indicate you left egypt, then chop with the new passport at the israel custom. Same thing when leaving israel.
I remember tat I left israel on a cruise to greece. Their custom is just a table , side by side, so have to hold two passport on hand... first israel's leaving chop at the new passport, and immediately, next step is the entry chop for greece... very messy...
We wanted to go to Jordan - Petra too, but we spend too many days in egypt, so have to forgo jordan... so sad about it...
wow so many postings. 
)
actually the trip is organised by my church(once in 5 yrs). My pastor knows a female chinese tour guide at Israel. This lady has been staying in Israel for more than 10 yrs. Her job is tour guide but her calling is to share gospel with the Jews. So basically quite safe lor.
The trip is $3300 per pax (13D11N), staying at 4 star hotels.
by SQ(transit at Dubai then to Cairo) and all meals are included(BLD).
We will go Cairo first then to Jerusalem then back to Cairo. We won't be stamping on the passport.
I'm quite excited on the pyramid, float on the dead sea and ride a camel. hehehe...
) actually the trip is organised by my church(once in 5 yrs). My pastor knows a female chinese tour guide at Israel. This lady has been staying in Israel for more than 10 yrs. Her job is tour guide but her calling is to share gospel with the Jews. So basically quite safe lor.
The trip is $3300 per pax (13D11N), staying at 4 star hotels.
by SQ(transit at Dubai then to Cairo) and all meals are included(BLD).
We will go Cairo first then to Jerusalem then back to Cairo. We won't be stamping on the passport.
I'm quite excited on the pyramid, float on the dead sea and ride a camel. hehehe...
hi Freesia,
So what have u planned for the 9 days to Jordan.
I think u can spend a few days in Amman and as for Petra, 2 days max is enuff. U can complete the Petra site within a day. Guides can be arranged at the entrance of the site. The park closes on Sunset each day and is u start your tour in the morning, u would complete it within a day. U can then stay a night at a hotel near the petra site(there are many hotels near there, u can even book online) and move on to other location the next day. It's a nice time to visit Petra now as its dry and not muddy as compared to the winter/spring period.Its easy to get around Jordan and language is not a big issue as most of the ppl can speak english.
Is this going to be a DIY or packaged tour?
I think tourism in the middleeast region has generally declined over the last couple of yrs due to the unrest in the region. u just have to be very careful when u r there and not get caught in places where there is a hugh crowd.
So what have u planned for the 9 days to Jordan.
I think u can spend a few days in Amman and as for Petra, 2 days max is enuff. U can complete the Petra site within a day. Guides can be arranged at the entrance of the site. The park closes on Sunset each day and is u start your tour in the morning, u would complete it within a day. U can then stay a night at a hotel near the petra site(there are many hotels near there, u can even book online) and move on to other location the next day. It's a nice time to visit Petra now as its dry and not muddy as compared to the winter/spring period.Its easy to get around Jordan and language is not a big issue as most of the ppl can speak english.
Is this going to be a DIY or packaged tour?
I think tourism in the middleeast region has generally declined over the last couple of yrs due to the unrest in the region. u just have to be very careful when u r there and not get caught in places where there is a hugh crowd.
Hi elmo,
Its a long journey from Cairo to jerusalem. It takes 6 hrs by car from Cairo to the Israel borde and u will need another 4 hrs by car/coach from the border to jerusalem. Will u be flying or by coach/car? and will u be staying a night at jerusalem? I think u will still need to stamp on ur passport if u r entering israel to visit jerusalem, Ite best to get both passport ready before u embark on the trip.
Its a long journey from Cairo to jerusalem. It takes 6 hrs by car from Cairo to the Israel borde and u will need another 4 hrs by car/coach from the border to jerusalem. Will u be flying or by coach/car? and will u be staying a night at jerusalem? I think u will still need to stamp on ur passport if u r entering israel to visit jerusalem, Ite best to get both passport ready before u embark on the trip.
Hi Freesia
Do be careful of the guys there. For me, I was in a big group. You will notice that the ladies in Jordan are very conservative. As such, Singapore ladies like us, even "wrapped" up in jackets and jeans are considered "open" in their eyes. They got quite "excited" to see us. For example, when I was in Petra, we had a horse ride (with the jordan guys holding to the horses) - some of them would be curious to find out about us - but they're still quite well-behaved. They will make comments like "Are all singapore ladies so beautiful?" - I mean the tone of the voice made us uneasy... just ignore them.
Do be careful of the guys there. For me, I was in a big group. You will notice that the ladies in Jordan are very conservative. As such, Singapore ladies like us, even "wrapped" up in jackets and jeans are considered "open" in their eyes. They got quite "excited" to see us. For example, when I was in Petra, we had a horse ride (with the jordan guys holding to the horses) - some of them would be curious to find out about us - but they're still quite well-behaved. They will make comments like "Are all singapore ladies so beautiful?" - I mean the tone of the voice made us uneasy... just ignore them.
Hi Elmo, Sailor, Freesia and Starfruit,
I am also thinking about going for a Middle East tour, particulary Isreal, Egypt and Jordan. Care to share with me a travel agent that is experienced in Middle Eastern tours? It is really exciting reading about your experiences and seeing the photos!
Many many thanks! : )
I am also thinking about going for a Middle East tour, particulary Isreal, Egypt and Jordan. Care to share with me a travel agent that is experienced in Middle Eastern tours? It is really exciting reading about your experiences and seeing the photos!
Many many thanks! : )
<font color="0077aa">freesia</font>: I am not sure how long the visa clearence process at jordan takes. Guess it all depends if there is a crowd.
I agree with sailor_p that the men at jordan will try every opportunity to come and talk to u. As for the horse/donkey ride at Petra, i also have friends who gave me feedback that the local guys who try to help u mount will linger their hands on ur legs when they help u up the donkey/horses etc. Its quite yucky and u just have to be more aggressive and tell them to move their hands if it makes u uncomfortable. I didn't experience this cos i got my hubby to help me up the donkey. U want want to get ur friends to help the girls before they get up on the horses/donkey themselves. Its best not to dress too revealing. And if they try to talk to u, u can also just smile and ignore them.
<font color="0077aa">elmo</font>: so will it be a very big group that will be going?
<font color="0077aa">baobao</font>: sorry i cannot help u cos i didn't arrange the tour, it was done by someone else in my group.
I agree with sailor_p that the men at jordan will try every opportunity to come and talk to u. As for the horse/donkey ride at Petra, i also have friends who gave me feedback that the local guys who try to help u mount will linger their hands on ur legs when they help u up the donkey/horses etc. Its quite yucky and u just have to be more aggressive and tell them to move their hands if it makes u uncomfortable. I didn't experience this cos i got my hubby to help me up the donkey. U want want to get ur friends to help the girls before they get up on the horses/donkey themselves. Its best not to dress too revealing. And if they try to talk to u, u can also just smile and ignore them.
<font color="0077aa">elmo</font>: so will it be a very big group that will be going?
<font color="0077aa">baobao</font>: sorry i cannot help u cos i didn't arrange the tour, it was done by someone else in my group.
Hi Starfruit
Thanks for sharing...It'll greatly prepare myself on what to expect...
I'll be travelling only with my hubby with an accompanying local tour guide from Jordan. The trip has been pre-arranged by our tour agency.
Hi Bao_Bao, I happened to be at the last Natas fair, and passed by the agency that offers tours to these uncommon places...Agency name is called: Transnix
Thanks for sharing...It'll greatly prepare myself on what to expect...
I'll be travelling only with my hubby with an accompanying local tour guide from Jordan. The trip has been pre-arranged by our tour agency.
Hi Bao_Bao, I happened to be at the last Natas fair, and passed by the agency that offers tours to these uncommon places...Agency name is called: Transnix
HI Freesia,
I have some friends who went to Anman and feedback to me that Petra is the only place worth visiting and that there is nothing much at Anman. This is just for ur reference so dun be too affected by it ok. As such, i only arranged to visit Petra after hearing their feedback. Anyway, I am sure ur local tour guide will show u more intesring stuff at anman and other parts of jordan. Of and tipping is kinda "required" there. Its best to carry US dollars. U can use US dollars or Jordanian Dinars ( their local currency). We carried mostly USD and changed our USD into JDs when we were clearing the custom. Its useless to hold onto ur JDs so make sure u spent them all before coming back.
I have some friends who went to Anman and feedback to me that Petra is the only place worth visiting and that there is nothing much at Anman. This is just for ur reference so dun be too affected by it ok. As such, i only arranged to visit Petra after hearing their feedback. Anyway, I am sure ur local tour guide will show u more intesring stuff at anman and other parts of jordan. Of and tipping is kinda "required" there. Its best to carry US dollars. U can use US dollars or Jordanian Dinars ( their local currency). We carried mostly USD and changed our USD into JDs when we were clearing the custom. Its useless to hold onto ur JDs so make sure u spent them all before coming back.
I dun see any terrorist threat there leh. People there live a normal life. It's as developed as Singapore got shopping centres, KFC etc. The dead sea is superb, dead sea prodicts are a must buy. Israel has very good steak and BBQ peter fish, yummy. You will fall in love with it.
newcreation
Member
anyone goin soon?
i m goin end of this yr.. hehe
i m goin end of this yr.. hehe
newcreation
Member
Hi nett
ya nobody post in this forum for soooo long ..
i went last year late november.. Awesome TRIP!!!
ya nobody post in this forum for soooo long ..
i went last year late november.. Awesome TRIP!!!
cuppacinoloves
New Member
Hey m
Planning to go there too , hows the experience? would it be a place where ouples would enjoy themselves? like , it is a ideal place for honeymoon?haha , i am pretty excited about honey moon already x)
Planning to go there too , hows the experience? would it be a place where ouples would enjoy themselves? like , it is a ideal place for honeymoon?haha , i am pretty excited about honey moon already x)
The Upper Galilee is gorgeous and if you are into hiking, there are beautiful places.
Tsfat is also a beautiful-powerful-spiritually challenging place, it is very special and is definitely worth a 1/2 day-1 day.
You can live without seeing Akko in my opinion, especially if you have nothing to do in the area.
The Dead Sea is a must, amazing scenery etc you'll love it.
And the nicest beach next to Natanya is Beit Yanai.
Enjoy!
Tsfat is also a beautiful-powerful-spiritually challenging place, it is very special and is definitely worth a 1/2 day-1 day.
You can live without seeing Akko in my opinion, especially if you have nothing to do in the area.
The Dead Sea is a must, amazing scenery etc you'll love it.
And the nicest beach next to Natanya is Beit Yanai.
Enjoy!