When planning a trip to the Holy Land, one of the critical decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for a group tour or a private tour. While both options offer unique advantages, they come with varying costs and sometimes it simply comes down to budget.
The Pros and Cons of Israel Group Tours
Group tours in Israel consist of a pre-arranged itinerary decided by the tour operator, with 15 to 40 participants. Group tours can last one day or they can be package group tours of up to 10 days. Group tours are generally more budget-friendly than private tours as the cost is distributed among all of the participants. Travelers who regularly take group tours enjoy the interaction with other tourists from around the world, the convenience, price, and the opportunity to make new friends.
On the downside, you’ll be stuck with a group of strangers for the entire trip. As the itinerary is pre-arranged you have no opportunity to customize the tour or visit sites that may not be included. You’ll be swiftly moved along with the rest of the group without the option to linger in places that interest you or stop to soak up the atmosphere. You can’t spontaneously stop for a bathroom break, or to pop into a store.
The Pros and Cons of Israel Private Tours
Personalized private tours in Israel offer an opportunity to customize the itinerary to your specific interests and preferences. As it is private you get to tour Israel with your friends or family led by your guide. You’ll enjoy a more personal interaction with your guide and perhaps learn about their life in Israel, gaining insights into the local culture. You’ll travel in a private vehicle rather than a tour bus. But this premium experience comes at a premium price. Private tours are generally more expensive than group tours, but you need to compare the two options including any hidden costs.
The Cost of a Private Tour in Israel vs. an Israel Group Tour
The published price for a group tour will always be less than a private tour, and the private tour experience will always be superior. But let’s take a look at any additional costs that need to be considered. It’s essential to consider these potential expenses when planning or budgeting for a group tour.
Group Tour Costs
- Base tour price (includes transportation and guide)
- Optional excursions (check that the places listed in the tour description are all included and not options where you have to pay extra.
- Meals are virtually never included in group tours in Israel unless it is a tasting tour.
- Tips are not mandatory, but tour guides and drivers are usually tipped. Here the cost of the tip can be split between the group, making it cheaper than tipping a private guide.
- Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc)
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel will not be covered in a group tour and you will have to reach the tour meeting point by yourself.
- Entrance Fees are often not included in group tours.
- Shopping will be at your discretion, and you will almost certainly be taken into a local store and encouraged to buy.
Private Tour Costs
- Base tour price (includes transportation and guide)
- On a private tour there will be no optional excursions because you will have already discussed the itinerary with your guide and decided where you want to go, and what you want to see.
- As with group tours, meals are usually not included in private tours in Israel.
- You are not obliged to tip your private guide and driver, but it is appreciated.
- Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc)
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel are included in a private tour.
- Like with group tours entrance fees will not be included in private tours in Israel.
- Likewise, shopping expenses are up to you, but with a private tour you won’t be steered towards any particular stores.
Can a Group Tour be Cheaper than a Private Tour?
Let’s take a look at a real example to compare the price of a private tour to Jerusalem and a Jerusalem group tour for travelers coming from Tel Aviv.
Classic Jerusalem Private One Day Tour $850 per group of up to 3 people (so $283 each)
Add to this entrance fees, parking fees, toll roads, food, and tips.
Jerusalem Old and New Group Tour $94
Add to this tips, food, and transport to the tour meeting point.
It is clear that even with the additional expenses, a private tour of Jerusalem will cost more than a group tour if you are traveling alone. However, private tour prices are per group and in this particular example, a group of 6 people on a private tour to Jerusalem will pay $880 which means $146 each, and a group of 10 people will pay $1200 which means $120 each.
This is when it is worth adding those few extra dollars for the exclusive experience of a private tour. When you compare $94 for a group tour with $120 for a private tour (if you are a group of 10) then the choice is obvious.
What are Your Priorities?
If budget is your main concern then even after taking the additional costs into account, group tours are more cost-effective. But if customization, privacy, and flexibility are your priorities then a private tour may offer better value, despite the higher upfront cost.
Budgeting for a Trip to Israel
Avoid surprises and manage your budget effectively by thoroughly reviewing the tour itinerary and pricing details before booking. Consider what’s included and what’s not, and factor in the hidden costs when planning your Holy Land adventure. And remember there is no reason you can’t take private tours to the places that interest you most, and group tours to other parts of Israel.
