GoIsrael Community

Do I have to hire a guide to bring a group to Israel? We want to do our own schedule.

Paul

 Welcome to Israel - we're happy that you will be bringing a group to Israel and we're sure you'll have a wonderful time.  If you want to hire a guide for any portion of your visit, the law in Israel requires that all paid guides be licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.  These guides have passed an intensive, two year training course to prepare them for all aspects of guiding.  They are licensed and in order to keep their license up to date must continually participate in training seminars to insure that you, our guests, will have the best possible guide to enrich your visit to Israel.

 You can find a searchable list of licensed guides at:  http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Tourist+Information/Planning+your+trip/TourGuideSearch.htm.  Here you can find a guide who speaks your language and will enhance your visit.

Oreets is quite right... as well, hiring a guide who can help you plan the best possible, but still flexible itinerary will only make your trip more enjoyable. It's great to explore on your own, of course, but you surely don't want to 1) keep driving over the same road again and again simply because you are not sure of the way or 2) miss some of the more interesting sites and areas simply because they are not on the map you are using or 3) have your group get to a site that requires a guide and be turned away (yes, it does happen)! As well, a guide who connects to a local agent can help you arrange accommodation, transportation and all sorts of special activities to provide you with a full experience... If you want to bring a large group, it would be advisable to work through a tour operator in order to include your airfare in the total tour price. This will also assure you of supervision while you are here in case any problems arise. And even a large group tour doesn't have to be "if it's Tuesday, it must be...." - with a licensed and experienced tour guide working through a licensed tour agency, you will have the possibility to adjust the itinerary even as you go along, making your tour one-of-a-kind! Enjoy your visit to Israel! suzanne

Shalom Sir,I am sorry for the confusing answers you received and would like to clarify that it is not required by law to hire a tour-guide in Israel. It is required, though, to hire a licensed guide if you do decide to work with a guide.Licensed tour guides in Israel are very professional and knowledgeable and can contribute a lot to the success of the group's tour. As the religious leader of a group you are able to be the religious head of the group and guide those religious sessions in places of worship only – and not replace a professional Israeli tour guide, i.e. guide the group and receive compensation for it.I hope you have a great visit in Israel.I will be happy to assist in anything else.