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Fodor's Israel, 6th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides)

Format: Paperback
Author: Fodor's
ReleaseDate: 04 July, 2006
Publisher: Fodor's
Rating:

Fodor's complete guide to Israel: people, places, past and pastimes
Fodor's Israel captures outdoor sports, hiking, beaches, and snorkeling in addition to the historic and religious sites. At last there's a guide that shares the country's pleasures that Israelis and Europeans have enjoyed for years.

The Pleasures and Pastime section for each region highlights what Israelis are likely to enjoy--from archaeology and beaches to walking and wine. Great Itineraries from 1 to 19 days route the visitor through historic and beautiful places in Israel overall and by region. And Closeups provide the history and context for the country and its people.

Its many detailed maps let you know where you are. And whether you're looking to walk the Christian stations in Jerusalem or walk the rock of Masada where Jews stood up against Rome, Fodor's confidently guides and explains. Masada, nearby the Dead Sea, for example includes a two-page guide to the site with complete details for visitors and a full page feature on its history and legacy.

And there's an extensive section (at least 20 pages) devoted to Eilat and all the sports activities associated with its coast line on the Red Sea. I must admit that snorkeling in the Red Sea made me feel more like an Israeli than anything I've ever done, and I will never forget my first time.

In addition to the sites and activities, Fodor's comes through with its usual strengths in up-to-date and highly focused hotel and restaurant listings throughout the country. I'm always surprised by how one paragraph about a place to stay or where to have a meal can be as revealing as it is in Fodor's. And for shoppers there's plenty to do.

And while Fodor's describes so many places and things to do in Israel, seasoned travellers know that spending more time in fewer places in a country will bring you the biggest satisfaction.

No matter what you're going to Israel for, Fodor's is a good bet. After all it's written by the people who know it best, people who live there and spend their time sharing their country with visitors.

The incomplete guide to Israel


In my extensive travels these past 25 years I have been a user of Fodor's guides. Spend a week or more in Israel and never get to Massada and the Red Sea? Yet this is what might happen if you used this Fodor's guide. I had never left home without an updated one, always relying on it for recommendations and itineraries.

Until I took this Israel guide along.

The familiar format was easy to follow. But then I started leafing through, checking the index, going back to chapters, and verifying the most glaring omission: Massada and the Red Sea were missing!!!!

Oh, yes, there was a short mention of these spots as an optional side trip. Optional--and only if I searched for it. Otherwise, it would not have shown on my radar screen!

Can anyone who's ever been to Israel imagine not visiting Massada and the Red Sea? (Due to their proximity, they are always bundled together. )

There is not one tourist or tour guide that would not put Massada and the Red Sea on top of the itinerary--be it only 3 days or 10 days trip in Israel. To leave these spots out of a visit is to cast doubt on the credibility of all of Fodor's other guides.

From now on I will have to check other guidebooks to make sure I get the right picture.

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