My Authentic Israel Experience
When we arrived at the Tel Aviv airport, our guide Yoav gave us a warm Israeli welcome with refreshing dates, coffee, and transportation. He greeted us with "Shalom!" and promptly taught us helpful phrases like "Boker tov" (good morning) and "L'hitra'ot" (see you later). We could tell from the start that Yoav was going to provide us with an authentic local experience.
Yoab led our journey through Israel beginning in the north, where we visited the impressive Roman ruins of Caesarea Marittima and took in the sweeping views from Mount Carmel. We continued on to Nazareth, walking through the historic streets and visiting the Basilica of the Annunciation. He took time to explain the meanings of Carmel and provide context using the bible, recorded history, and his personal perspective as a native of the land.
We then drove to Tiberias and stayed by the beautiful Sea of Galilee. The next day we took a super thrilling jeep tour through the Golan Heights, seeing sights like the Tel Dan nature reserve enjoying the freshwater springs and the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi. We learned about the history and culture of the Golan in the capital city of Katzrin and toured an ancient Talmudic village.
Afterward, Yoav led us to important Christian sites like the Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, and Magdala, and were baptized in the Jordan River. We enjoyed a boat ride on the peaceful Sea of Galilee before driving south to Bethlehem. There we marveled at the Church and Grotto of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus.
In Jerusalem, Yoav showed us the historic streets of the Old City, visiting holy sites like the Garden of Gethsemane, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the pools of Bethesda. We explored excavations at the City of David and walked the Southern Steps where Jesus walked. At the Garden Tomb, we reflected on Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.
On our way from Jerusalem, we stopped at the Ella Valley, the famous site of the battle between David and Goliath. In Jerusalem, we spent time at the Israel Holocaust Museum and took in the views from the Mount of Olives. Yoav organized a mouthwatering gourmet dinner prepared with locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. The food was unbelievably flavorful and delicious.
Before flying home, we drove to Tel Aviv and strolled around Old Jaffa Port. We enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Carmel Market. Our trip through the holy land was unforgettable.
We can't wait to start planning our next trip to Israel with Yoav, our thoughtful and engaging guide. He turned our tour into a multi-faceted cultural experience by teaching us language, bringing history alive, linking sites to the Bible, explaining archaeological finds, navigating the geographical terrain, and savoring local food.
I went to Israel for the first time, and Yoav was my tour guide. He was incredible!!
It was my 50th birthday celebration, and Yoav went above and beyond to make this special. The scripture that comes to mind when it comes to this experience is Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.”
Yoav gave me a written itinerary before my trip began, but I received so much more than what was on that paper. This 10-day journey through the Holy Land has powerfully impacted my life. Yoav set the atmosphere each day for me to hear the still, small voice of God. I heard God's whisper throughout my journey.
At first, I thought I would only travel to Israel once in my lifetime. But after this trip, my mind has changed. I will be back in Israel many more times, and Yoav will be my tour guide.
Yoav made an amazing family trip into the trip of a lifetime. My mom and I always wanted to visit Israel and I promised her one day we would make it happen.
As soon as we landed, Yoav greeted us at the airport. He was so well versed on everything Israel. From the culture, politics, food, nature, history, etc, Yoav was able to immerse us in all things Israel. We learned so much on this trip and absolutely loved every second. He was so accommodating to our diet preferences and took time to know all of the things we wanted to see and learn about. He truly went above and beyond to make this trip specific to us.
We absolutely could not have asked for a better tour guide to take us on our dream trip. If you’re planning on going to Israel, call Yoav!
You will not be disappointed.
Yoav was my personal guide for my Israel trip. So much to say about this amazing person and guide. First, his knowledge of the land combined with his understanding of the word of God, made my Israel trip amazing. Furthermore, Yoav’s love for Israel and his passion to explore the Holy Land created a uniquely intimate trip. The best thing Yoav did was catered an itinerary that allowed my heart to fall in love with Israel. He shared an intimate view of the culture of Israel by creating unique dinner and lunch experiences. The farm to table experience was out of this world! So if you are in the market for a special, unique and the best guide of Israel, you just need Yoav!
PS. The bonus is having Benny as his personal bus driver! The best driver in Israel!
I cannot wait until my next trip to Israel guided by Yoav! I am in LOVE with Israel!
You need a tour guide to visit Israel, and more importantly you need Yoav!
I am serious, my trip to Israel without a doubt became the trip of a lifetime because of him!
I went on a Pilgrimage with my immediate family, and we enjoyed the whole experience. From planning, arriving, and departing Israel, Yoav made our whole experience smooth and headache free.
My family and I were able to explore, relax, and engage Israel all around us. We enjoyed the hotel stays, visiting the Holy sites, learning about modern day Israel, learning about ancient excavations, we also enjoyed wonderful dining experiences with beautiful views, and were able to enjoy picturesque sunrises and sunsets.
If you're going to Israel whether it be for Pilgrimage, Fun, or Relaxation, Yoav will take great care of you. He is well versed on everything Israel, whether that be on the history, geography, gastronomy, enology, or the politics of the region.
Also, as an inquisitive person, Yoav took great joy in feeding my curiosity. So, I am confident when I return, Yoav will again be my guide for my next trip to Israel. Here’s to next year in Jerusalem!
If you’re thinking about going to Israel, Yalla! Choose Yoav to guide you, you can thank me later!
Whatever I write is not going to do justice to the experience that Yoav just provided my family during our ten days with him. Our group ranged in age from six to seventy-seven, and Yoav meticulously planned and delivered an amazing trip that every single one of us enjoyed.
Whether your reasons for visiting Israel relate to history/archeology, Christianity, Judaism, food and wine, or all of the above, his depth of subject-matter knowledge will exceed your expectations. Yoav has a servant's heart, the patience of Job, and he is FUN. He planned the experience months in advance with painstaking attention to detail, but he was quick on his feet when a backup plan was needed. Yoav seems genuinely passionate about Israeli history and culture, AND about making his clients' exposure to them fun and exciting. For us, he was ever-present and enjoying the experiences with us, yet always watching for opportunities to make each experience better. He related, on a personal level, with every single person in our group; I felt like we met as strangers and parted as family--and from reading other reviews of him, that appears to be par for the course with Yoav.
No matter the size of your group nor length of your tour of Israel, you simply cannot go wrong by choosing Yoav to guide you through it.
