TRAVEL TIPS

Tours

Bike Tours

Bike Jerusalem. You should be fairly skilled to join Bike Jerusalem's day tours through the city, but the night tours can accommodate less-experienced bikers (cost from NIS 230). The price includes bike and helmet rentals. If you want, you can also just rent a bike and set out on your own (cost from NIS 60). The company prides itself on its broad range of biking excursions throughout the country and its English-speaking guides. Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9470211. 02/579–6353; 052/320–1273; www.bikejerusalem.com. NIS 230.

Jerusalem Midnight Biking. This company offers its nighttime rides through the alleyways of the Old City, as well as daytime rides through other parts of Jerusalem (cost from NIS 230). Private tours allow you more flexibility about what you do and see. The cost includes bike and helmet rentals. Tours are led by English-speaking guides and are limited to riders age 12 and over. Tours meet on Kariv Street, just outside Jaffa Gate. Jerusalem, Jerusalem. 02/566–1441; 050/979–1035; www.jerusalembiking.com. NIS 115–NIS 230.

Orientation Tours

Bein Harim Tours. Half-day Jerusalem orientation tours include a panoramic view of the Old City and a close-up view of the highlights. Except for Saturday, full-day tours usually add the Holocaust museum at Yad Vashem (although many visitors prefer to do this museum on their own so they can see it at their own pace). The price includes pickup from major Jerusalem hotels (additional charge for pickup in Tel Aviv and coast). Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv. 03/542–2000; www.beinharimtours.com. $48–$89.

Private Guides

The daily rate for a guide-driven car or limo-van, up to seven passengers, is in the range of $700; tourists paying in foreign currency are exempt from V.A.T. (Value-Added Tax). Entrance fees are not included and over-mileage charges apply. Many guides will offer their services without a car for $250 to $350 per day. For a private tour, approach Kedma Israel Travel, GUY Tours, or Genesis Boutique Travel.

Genesis Boutique Travel. This intimate operation provides guide-driven vehicles and customized ground services throughout the Jerusalem area and the rest of the country. Jerusalem, Jerusalem. 02/676–5868; 052/286–2650; www.genesis-boutique-travel.com.

GUY Tours. In business for more than 50 years, GUY Tours is the country's largest private tour company. It offers guided tours both in and around Jerusalem, as well as the rest of the country. Jerusalem, Jerusalem. 02/638–3318; guy-tours.com.

Kedma Israel Travel. This boutique agency prides itself on its personal touch in handling everything for your tailor-made trip. Guide-driven tours are its strong suit. Central District. 08/970–4139; 054/345–1808; www.kedmatravel.com.

Walking Tours

Sandeman's New Europe. This European company offers free two-hour tours of the most famous sights, led by licensed guides, as well as longer, in-depth routes in and around the Old City (the latter for payment). Jerusalem, Jerusalem. www.newjerusalemtours.com. NIS 100–NIS 120.

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