Best Israel Tours & Holidays

Our Israel group tours focus on the country’s history, culture and landscapes, while also combining with Egypt and Jordan for a complete journey.

Top highlights include the UNESCO-listed Old City of Jerusalem, Bethlehem’s historic sites, the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Masada fortress, and floating in the Dead Sea. Each site is chosen to balance iconic attractions with meaningful local experiences, with our expert tour leaders providing insight and context along the way.

Israel is a well-established destination with a strong tourism infrastructure in place, and our group tours are a popular way to explore the country with confidence. Our tours are carefully planned and operated with experienced local partners, with expert local guides and dedicated tour leaders supporting travelers throughout the journey.

Security measures are part of everyday life in Israel, particularly at airports, hotels and major attractions; many travelers find this reassuring. 

Together with the Inspiring Vacations team in Melbourne, your dedicated tour leader monitors local conditions and adjusts the itinerary if needed. This ensures the tour runs smoothly and responsibly. Traveling as part of a group provides structure, local insight and on-the-ground support, allowing you to focus on the fun stuff: Israel’s history, culture, landscapes and culinary scene.

It’s normal to notice security measures in Israel, particularly at airports, hotels, shopping centers and major attractions. These may include bag checks, metal detectors or security staff at entrances.

You may also see uniformed military personnel in public places, including on public transport. This is part of everyday life in Israel, is typically unobtrusive, and does not usually affect travel plans or sightseeing.

Your dedicated tour leader will explain what to expect and guide you through any checks as part of the itinerary. These processes are generally efficient and designed to keep daily activities running smoothly.

Yes, many religious sites in Israel require modest clothing out of respect for local customs. Travelers should cover their shoulders and knees when visiting places such as churches, mosques and synagogues.

In Jerusalem’s Old City and at sites like the Western Wall or Church of the Holy Sepulchre, both men and women should avoid shorts, sleeveless tops or revealing clothing. Head coverings may be required in some locations. Your dedicated tour leader will advise on where this applies and can help travelers follow the guidelines.

Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking on cobbled streets and uneven surfaces. Dressing respectfully ensures you can explore these important cultural and religious sites without interruption.

Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening each week. During this time, many businesses, public transport services and some attractions may operate on limited hours or close entirely.

On our tours, your dedicated tour leader will ensure sightseeing continues smoothly. Most major attractions remain accessible, and we often schedule free time for travelers to relax, shop or explore nearby sites at their own pace.

Experiencing Shabbat is also a wonderful time to see local traditions in action, from Friday evening family meals to quieter streets and candlelit windows. Your tour leader will provide guidance and answer any questions you have so you can enjoy Israel fully while respecting local customs.

The official languages of Israel are Hebrew and Arabic. English is widely spoken, especially in cities, at tourist sites, and hotels, making it easy for travellers to communicate.

Your expert local guides speak English and provide context, translation and support throughout your tour of Israel. You may also hear other languages in multicultural areas, reflecting Israel’s diverse population.

Israel’s official currency is the Israeli shekel (ILS). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and major attractions, making them convenient for most day-to-day spending.

We still recommend having some cash handy for markets, public toilets and tips. If ordering a taxi via the popular Gett app, you can easily connect your credit card as your preferred payment method, but some classic taxis hailed straight from the road still operate on cash payments. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns if you need to withdraw local currency.

Tipping in Israel is voluntary but widely practised, particularly in restaurants, hotels, and on guided tours. In sit-down cafes and restaurants, it’s customary to leave 10–15% of the bill if service is good, as tips contribute to staff income. In more casual venues with counter-service spots, tipping is appreciated but not expected.

For taxis, it's common to round up the fare as a polite gesture. At hotels, small tips for bellhops, housekeepers, and concierge staff are welcomed for helpful service. On guided group tours, tips for your tour leader and driver are often given at the end of the journey as a thank-you.

Overall, tipping in Israel is a way to show appreciation for good service, especially in hospitality and tourism settings, but it remains entirely optional. On our tours of Israel, your dedicated tour leader can advise on appropriate amounts and when tipping is customary.

Israeli cuisine is fresh, vibrant and influenced by the country’s diverse cultures. On your Israel tour, you can enjoy a mix of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Jewish culinary traditions.

Typical dishes include hummus, falafel, shakshuka (a popular breakfast dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce), and sabich, a pita sandwich filled with fried eggplant, hard‑boiled egg, hummus, salad, pickles and tahini. Markets and street food stalls offer local snacks (like sabich), while restaurants serve both traditional and modern interpretations of classic recipes.

Our tours often include opportunities to taste authentic Israeli meals, from local dishes in restaurants to experiences at markets or with families, giving you a real sense of the country’s flavors. If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know when you book. 

Israel has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, though conditions vary by region.

Summer (June to August) – Hot and dry, particularly in the south and along the Dead Sea. Temperatures often reach 30–35°C in cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Coastal breezes help make the heat more comfortable.

Fall (September to November) – Pleasant temperatures, usually 20–28°C, with occasional rain. A great time for sightseeing and walking tours.

Winter (December to February) – Cooler temperatures, especially in Jerusalem and the north (10–15°C). Rain is more frequent, but snow in higher areas like Jerusalem is rare.

Spring (March to May) – Mild and comfortable, with blooming landscapes and temperatures between 18–25°C. Ideal for exploring cities and natural sites.

For more in depth information about the best time to visit Israel, read our weather article on our travel blog, The Inspiring Edit. 

Yes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all our Israel tours. It provides coverage for unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage or travel delays. Medical facilities in Israel are modern and well-equipped, but treatment costs can be high for visitors without insurance. A comprehensive policy gives peace of mind and ensures you can enjoy your tour without worry.

Entry requirements for Israel have changed recently, so it’s important to check before you travel. Most travelers from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States do not need a traditional visa for short tourist stays (up to 90 days). 

However, from 1 January 2025, all visitors from visa‑exempt countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA‑IL) online before departure. This ETA‑IL replaces the old free entry stamp and requires a small processing fee, around USD $10-15. Once approved, it is electronically linked to your passport and must be presented upon arrival.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always visit our Visa Entry Requirements page.

Israel may ask questions about your previous travel history at the border. Travelers who have visited certain countries in the Middle East or have entry stamps from these countries in their passport could be subject to additional questioning.

Entry is not automatically refused in most cases, but decisions are made by Israeli border authorities on a case-by-case basis. For travelers who have visited neighboring countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen or Sudan, it’s particularly important to be aware of potential restrictions. Check with the Israeli embassy or consulate if you have any concerns or questions.