Israel and Jordan guide
These two small nations are very easy to combine into one vacation. Whether you’re a pilgrim or a Petra-head, read our Israel and Jordan travel guide and discover how to get the best out of both countries.
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.
Our Israel family Vacations
Tailor made tour of Jordan & Israel
A tailor made tour of Jordan & Israel, breathtaking sites & fascinating history
From
US $2650
15 days
ex flights
Israel vacations, small group tour
Israel, a hidden gem this 8 day tour hits all the main spots
From
£1229 to £1399
8 days
ex flights
Israel and Palestinian tour
Experience ancient Israel from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv
From
US $2527 to US $2980
8 days
ex flights
Israel classic small group tour
8 day tour from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
From
£1229 to £1399
8 days
ex flights
Jordan and Israel vacation
Tour the historical & cultural sites of Jordan and Israel
From
US $2850 to US $2880
11 days
ex flights
Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem vacation
Discover Jerusalem, the Dead Sea & the Holy Land
From
US $2720 to US $2790
8 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.Our top Israel family Vacation
Tailor made tour of Jordan & Israel
A tailor made tour of Jordan & Israel, breathtaking sites & fascinating history
From
US $2650
15 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
Departures can be arranged at anytime to suit you throughout the year
Departures can be arranged at anytime to suit you throughout the year
Travel Team
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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 about Israel
The best time to visit Israel depends on where you’re going as much as monthly temperature & rainfall forecasts, with Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea all exhibiting varying climates.
Discover Responsible Travel’s take on Israel by leafing through our Israel travel guide, designed to illuminate the country’s high points as well as its lows., and help you explore Israel like a local.
Our Israel map & highlights page fills in the blanks and leads you on a Biblical journey complete with three suggested itineraries and travel times in Israel by train, by bus and on foot.
Our Israel map & highlights page fills in the blanks and leads you on a Biblical journey complete with three suggested itineraries and travel times in Israel by train, by bus and on foot.
Although there's not much chance of Israel & Palestine coming together any time soon, that doesn't mean that you can't include both states as part of a small group vacation.
Read advice from our friends in Israel including tips on passports, packing, the Jewish day of rest and exploring Jaffa, which all appear as part of our Israel travel advice page.
If you want to really travel right in Israel then there are several responsible tourism issues worth bearing in mind.
More relevant guides
