Israel and Jordan guide
Whether you’re a pilgrim or a Petra-head, read our Israel and Jordan travel guide.
Family vacations in Israel
We booked a small group tour with three families we know, all with teenage kids, to go on a cultural trip of Israel. What we hadn’t expected was just how emotional it was going to be.![]()
In many ways, to fully appreciate the history and cultural complexity of Israel, as well as the heat and crowds at some of the honeypot sites, it is worth waiting until children are older to travel there with them. Yad Vashem’s Holocaust History Museum is not open to children under ten, for example. But to visit Israel without exploring its history, religion or politics with your children is a wasted opportunity to learn together. It’s not all museums and learning though, there is plenty of fun to be had too, from floating in the Dead Sea to snorkeling in the Red Sea.
Israel and Palestinian tour
Experience ancient Israel from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv
From
US $2850 to US $3465
8 days
ex flights
Tailor made tour of Jordan & Israel
A tailor made tour of Jordan & Israel, breathtaking sites & fascinating history
From
£3295
15 days
ex flights
Jordan and Israel vacation
Tour the historical & cultural sites of Jordan and Israel
From
US $3160 to US $3230
11 days
ex flights
Israel classic small group tour
8 day tour from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
From
£1599 to £1799
8 days
ex flights
Israel & the Palestinian Territories vacation
Jerusalem to Tel Aviv with an experienced guide
From
US $3625 to US $4280
7 days
ex flights
Israel & the Palestinian territories food vacation
Discover the food of Israel and Palestine
From
US $3690 to US $3835
9 days
ex flights
Family activities in Israel
Eating out
Eating out is a family affair in Israel, kids are welcomed with open arms and hollow legs are filled over and over. Even fussy eaters will drool over the superb street food, from shawarma to shashooka, burekas to baklava. Sample bits of everything with the ingenious Shuk Bites Machne Yehuda market card, which is a one off charge allowing you to sample many a shop and food stall.The Dead Sea
The ultimate in buoyant experiences, the Dead Sea shouldn’t be missed, but again best for older children. First of all, the salt really stings if you have any small cuts. Second, you mustn’t actually try to swim, as your head can become submerged. However, there are lifeguards on duty. But between the floatation fun, and mud baths in between, it mustn’t be missed.
The kibbutz
The kibbutz plays a big part of Israeli tourism, and has done for years. Traditionally, they are communal living communities, based on agricultural practices, with a 70’s hippy vibe. But now many have developed into ecotourism ventures, with rural guesthouses and country cabins surrounded by farm life. For families that love the community ethos of youth hostelling or camping, kibbutz is perfect.Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Israel or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
1-866-821-6866
Call toll free
Calling from outside the USA
Israel tips for families
Anthony Horrobin from our supplier Encounters Travel gives his tips for family vacations in Israel:
“Consider avoiding the height of summer and busy religious vacations. This will make the climate more comfortable and moving around easier due to less crowds. The whole of Israel is really family friendly and where to visit will really depend on their requirements. However, we are able to put together a great itinerary including time by the Red Sea, history and culture in Jerusalem and Nazareth, modern Israel in Tel Aviv as well as unique experiences such as the Dead Sea and the amazing fortress at Masada.”
“Consider avoiding the height of summer and busy religious vacations. This will make the climate more comfortable and moving around easier due to less crowds. The whole of Israel is really family friendly and where to visit will really depend on their requirements. However, we are able to put together a great itinerary including time by the Red Sea, history and culture in Jerusalem and Nazareth, modern Israel in Tel Aviv as well as unique experiences such as the Dead Sea and the amazing fortress at Masada.”
More Israel articles
You'll feel a big difference in temperature when you drop down to the Dead Sea - climate in Israel depends where you are.
From lively Tel Aviv to ancient Jerusalem, from Nazareth to the Dead Sea, Israel is crossed with fantastic sights.
Read our three suggested itineraries, and find travel times across the country by train, by bus and on foot in our guide.
Are you interested in archaeological sites, or mid-market bites? Here's what to enjoy when traveling in Israel.
Find out how to negotiate the checkpoints, visit the West Bank and experience the sights on both sides of the border.
Read advice from our friends in Israel, and from travelers just back from their trips so you can have the best vacation.
If you want to really travel right in Israel then here are the issues you should be aware of.
More relevant guides
