ironman52

Thank you everyone. In doing the research, I have found TripAdvisor to be helpful, too.

We may end up with a private tour using a recommended local individual or a guide from GuidedToursIsrael.com

GoIsrael.com also has some really useful travel information for us. Really looking forward to this trip.

We keep the tips on and at the end of the cruise tip extra to special people. We gave each of our cabin stewards 150 euros apiece. We gave the Manfredi's maitre'd $25. Each night in Manfredi's we gave our server and the bus person $5 each. We also gave extra to a special busperson in the World Cafe. They all work so hard, and deserve every penny that they get.

Stretchcruz, very glad to hear this. We tip extra and not everyone does, but we sincerely appreciate everyone...bus drivers and tour guides as well. We also try to tip in the local currency when going ashore, but notice lots of people use USD.

Hello all - I am looking for some help and recommendations on possible local tour guides and companies to see Jerusalem for 1 day. My wife and I will be arriving in Ashdod this November and we are not sure we will get the 'optional' tour from Viking. We are looking to see if there are any independent tour companies that would be recommended to take us from Ashdod port to and from to Jerusalem. Any experiences from anyone? Negative or positive - just looking to see if we should try to schedule with someone so we at least get a tour to see the major holy sites. Thanks!