An open letter, dedicated to anyone going through the process of planning a luxury tour to Israel
In my quest for a once-in-a-lifetime family trip to Israel, I discovered that it was a bigger challenge than I expected, and that it required determination, attention to detail, and even a touch of magic to make it all tick.
For years, we’ve discussed the idea of a family trip to Israel. This trip was beyond a vacation, as it had a deep spiritual meaning. Raised in different faiths (I come from a Jewish home and my husband was raised Christian), my husband and I embrace pluralism and respect for all religions, and this is how we raise our kids. When it comes to traveling to Israel, both our parents share a dream of visiting the Holy Land, but their perspectives naturally differ. This upcoming trip will be a first for all of us – my husband, our three children, my parents, and in-laws. I certainly had my work cut out for me.
The art of planning our Israel Luxury Tour:
When I began planning, countless concerns arose. Would our children stay engaged? Could we balance Jewish and Christian viewpoints without overwhelming everyone? Accessibility for our parents and in-laws was also crucial. And, of course, finding the right guide. The time we spend traveling together is precious, therefore I made a list of non-negotiables for our luxurious adventure to Israel.
The Highlights of Israel
Our journey through Israel will be tailor-made for our 3-generation family of nine. My main goal was to be carefree, so that I could stay present in the moment, creating these once-in-a-lifetime memories you can only make in Israel. I wanted my kids to remember the first time they followed the footsteps of their ancestors, walking the worn cobblestones of Jerusalem. To be taken aback as they saw the massive stones of the Temple lying broken on the Roman pavement, bearing a quiet testimony to the destruction of the Temple. I wanted them to experience the powerful moment of placing a note of prayer between the ancient stones of the Wailing Wall. I wanted my parents and in-laws to feel equally respected and moved, in both the Jewish and Christian sites and heritage.
I indulged in the thought of having time reserved for me and my husband, to grow even closer and enjoy our joint adventure. My husband and I wanted our kids to expand their horizons and deepen their knowledge not just about their own roots, but about the origins of other religions too. Most importantly, I wanted my family to see the diversity, the endless variety of religions, cultures and ethnicities living together. To bond by creating fun memories of eating delicious and exotic food together, experiencing new flavors and getting to know not just the food, but the people who make it, their story, and the culture they come from. While our itinerary aimed to cover the must-see highlights, we also hoped to discover hidden gems to share with our friends upon our return.
The components of a successful luxury Israel tour
The plan had to be crafted to our measurements, and meticulously executed, with room for flexibility, and spontaneity. The level of service had to be impeccable, and we also didn’t want to worry ourselves with concerns about “is it safe to travel to Israel”. No. Our safety and security were paramount, for us to fully enjoy this adventure carefree. The guide had to be fantastic, and make sure we’re all seen, heard, and as engaged as we want to be.
My experience working with Shin Luxury Tours
My friends who’ve been to Israel saw this “list” and advised me to downgrade my expectations. However, my friend Carol, who planned her son’s Bar Mitzvah tours in Israel with Shin Luxury Tours, reassured me that they could meet all my expectations and more. Working with Shin Luxury Tours was a game-changer. From the very first conversation, they listened to my concerns and dreams, and they created an itinerary that felt custom-made for our family. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, and the execution was flawless. The guide was not just knowledgeable, but also engaging and attentive to the needs of all generations in our group.
