How much do you charge?
Answer: This is a hard question to answer because everyone has different needs. That being said, my basic guiding rate is $600 per day. Basic rate does not include transport, accommodation, food, and admission fees. Chol Hamoed is a flat rate of $700 per day. Itinerary building and bookings are billed at $100 per day.
How long is a full day?
Answer: A full day is up to 10 hours. Anything over ten hours is billed at the rate of $50 per hour. Overnight stays in hotel are included in the full day rate.
What is a private guide?
Answer: A private guide is your personal guide. Mesorah Tours does not currently offer designated group tours. The differences between a private tour and a designated group tour is that there is no set schedule of tours, no designated stops, no minimum amount of participants, and the participants that are there, are those whom you choose. Private tours offer an itinerary built to your wants and needs, personalized service from start to finish, and one on one attention throughout.
Can I join one of your group tours?
Answer: At this juncture it is not possible to join a tour. Please refer to the question about a private guide.
How are you different from any other guide?
Answer: In short, I am me, not them;) I have always been fascinated by Jewish history, and touring Israel gives me the ability to bring it to life. My passion is to show the very dovetailed relationship that exists between the Torah world and archaeology. I strive to create a balance between both educational and fun, as well as presenting more difficult issues in a fair unbiased manner. I and my team are easy going, and dedicated to provide you the best service we can.
What are adventure tours?
Answer: Adventure touring is a type of tourism, involving exploration or travel with perceived (and possibly actual) risk, and potentially requiring specialized skills and physical exertion. But don’t worry Ariel has over fifteen years of experience as an adventure guide.
Is it safe to walk around in Israel?
Answer: Israel has had more than its fair share of violence. However, according to the Global Terrorism Index , Israel is not even in the top twenty of countries most affected by terror attacks. Israel is not the war zone portrayed on the news. That said, one does need to be careful, and we take every precaution to ensure that you are safe.
Do you have a gun?
Answer: Yosef does not have a gun, but our adventure guides are packing. An armed escort can be arranged if needed.
What about Kosher food and Davening?
Answer: At Mesorah Tours we make every effort to ensure that everyone is able to daven and eat like a mentsch. That being said, if you are very strict about hechserim, and we will be away from the areas of Jerusalem or Bnei Brak, it is advisable to take a packed lunch. In general, if you want to get the most out of your day a packed lunch is the way to go.
I am a Cohen, are you familiar with areas that I can’t go?
Answer: Yes, Mesorah Tours makes every effort to know about problematic areas for Cohanim. We are in contact with rabbis that are expert in the field.
Can I pay by Credit Card?
Answer: Yes, via Paypal or Payoneer with an additional 5% processing fee.