New Ways to Tour Israel

March 31, 2010

by: Charleeda Sprinkle, Assistant Editor

The Double-decker Bus

What a sight to see Egged’s red double-decker tour bus driving down Jerusalem’s streets! At first, it seems totally out of place—like all the way from London! When Jerusalem City Tour joined with Egged, the national bus line, they created a panoramic tour of the city (www.city-tour.co.il) that can be seen in two short hours. In winter months the top deck is covered, but in warm weather, it is open. The route includes 28 stops, passing by 85 of the city’s most interesting sites.

Travelers have three options: (1) a panoramic tour, in which you stay on the bus for the entire two-hour trip, for about US $15 or (2) a one-day ticket, for US $20, on which you can get on and off, having two hours to visit a site before the bus returns or (3) a 2-day ticket, for around US $32. Upon boarding, you are given earphones, which can be set to your language preference. As the bus passes the sites, your “tour guide,” on a pre-recorded taped message, explains what you’re seeing.

If you want a larger perspective of the city than what most tourists see, this is for you. However, for a first-time arrival, it would be hard to grasp all the information given as you quickly pass by each site. The one- and two-day options are good for those who don’t know how to get around the city and is a lot cheaper than taking taxis.

The Israel Railways

The state-run track offers passage from Nahariya (north of Akko) to as far south as Beersheva, with the main hub being in Tel Aviv. Future plans include lines that will reach Karmiel and Kiryat Shmona in the North and Eilat in the South. A round-trip ticket from Jerusalem to Haifa costs around US $20 and is a smooth ride and much roomier than a bus, with fewer stops. The only disappointment is there’s no food service onboard.

The scenery from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv is mostly rural and beautiful, passing through forests, fields of wildflowers and agriculture, terraced hills, orange groves, and vineyards. Just north of Caesarea, the track comes close to the sea. Though the railway wasn’t designed for tourists, it’s good for short day-trips and a comfortable, inexpensive way to go from north to south along the coast. And, the gentle rock of the car is conducive to napping on the way back!

Segways

These motorized, two-wheeled “vehicles,” which allows one to cover a lot of ground with ease, standing up, are probably the most adventurous way to see Jerusalem without getting sore feet. The City of David (www.cityofdavid.org.il) offers a 90-minute, small group (max, nine) tour for around US $37, but only for ages 18 and up. Though a Segway can run up to 13 kilometers (8 miles) an hour, they don’t have an “accelerator.” The further you lean forward, the faster it goes; leaning back stops it. When fully charged, it has the capacity to go up to 30 kilometers (18.5 miles).

These motorized, two-wheeled “vehicles,” which allows one to cover a lot of ground with ease, standing up, are probably the most adventurous way to see Jerusalem without getting sore feet. The City of David (www.cityofdavid.org.il) offers a 90-minute, small group (max, nine) tour for around US $37, but only for ages 18 and up. Though a Segway can run up to 13 kilometers (8 miles) an hour, they don’t have an “accelerator.” The further you lean forward, the faster it goes; leaning back stops it. When fully charged, it has the capacity to go up to 30 kilometers (18.5 miles).

For a birds-eye view of Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, you can rent a helicopter, but it’s pretty pricey. However, if none of these modern means suits you, you can still go “ancient” and opt for a camel or a donkey!