Israel is a young state but a very old country. Israel is an extremely tiny country with a rich history and past, biblical landscapes and diverse ethnic groups and religions. To explore it you need an experienced tour guide.
I am Oded Ambar and I will be happy to be at your service.
About meI was born in Cairo within a French speaking family. At the age of five, my parents and I emigrated to Israel. After school graduation, I served my country in the Armed Forces, as all young Israelis, men and women alike, must do. After my military service, I trained to be a Tour Guide. For many years I showed my country to English and French speaking tourists.
In the early eighties my wife, our four children and I, moved to live in a kibbutz located on the Golan Heights. For 6 years I was a park ranger, protecting nature in the north of Israel. After ten years living in the kibbutz, I have returned to offering guided tours. I own a comfortable, spacious Mercedes 6-seater estate car for those who prefer a special individually-guided tour.
About the limousine
All guided tours are given in a spacious Mercedes limousine. The limousine is fully air-conditioned and can carry up to 6 passengers. Regulated baby seats and boosters for children are mandatory in Israel and are supplied free of charge.
Sample itinerary
Many previous guests have found it useful to have a sample itinerary, on which to base their plans for touring in Israel and to give them an idea of what is feasible. This is what these sample itineraries will do.
Ben Gurion Airport / Jerusalem
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, I will meet with you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem: The Old City
Visit the tomb of King David and the room of the Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Enter the walled city and walk through the newly restored Jewish Quarter. Visit the Roman Cardo, the Herodian Quarter and continue to the Western Wall. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to the church of the Holy Sepulcher, proceed to Mount Scopus and then to the Mount of Olives for a magnificent panoramic view of the Old City. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem: The New City
Israel Museum visit the Shrine of the book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed.Visit the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Continue to Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust. Mt Herzl and the military cemetery. See the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, and the Givat Ram Campus of the Hebrew University. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Qumeran / Masada / Dead Sea
Drive through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, almost 1300 feet (400 meters) below sea level. Stop at Qumeran to visit the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were they where found. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada. Ascend by cable car and tour the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing mass suicide in 73 AD. Descend by cable car. Time and weather permitting, an opportunity will be provided to float on the Dead Sea. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Sea of Galilee / Nazareth
Drive via Beit Shean to Beit Alpha to see the remains of the mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue depicting the zodiac. Drive to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation. Proceed to Capernaum to see the ruins of the synagogue and octagonal Church of St. Peter and then proceed Overnight in a kibbutz.
Safed / Golan Heights
Start the day in Safed, the center of Jewish mysticism, where you will visit the ancient synagogues and the artists' colony. Continue to the Golan Heights to see the former Syrian bunkers, Kuneitra on the Syrian border and the new Israeli town of Katzrin. Proceed to Haifa to the summit of Mount Carmel where you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the Haifa Bay and Western Galilee. Continue on to the golden domed Bahai Shrine to visit the exotic Persian Gardens. Overnight in Haifa.
Diaspora Museum / Caesarea / Druze Villages
Drive along the coastal plain to Caesarea, capital of Judea under the Romans. See the excavations of the Crusader city and the Roman port, aqueduct and the amphitheater that has been restored to its former glory as a concert venue. Arrive in Tel Aviv and visit the Diaspora Museum. Overnight in Tel Aviv.