Tour della Cisgiordania da Gerusalemme

This was a really nice tour with Lahdo. Particular highlights for me were going to the Jordan River baptismal site (there was a group there with music playing while we were there and it was a really nice atmosphere) and being able to go to the grotto of the Church of the Nativity on Christmas Eve. Interesting to see Jericho and Ramallah for the first time for me too. Full marks to Lahdo for being positive and friendly throughout, and for keeping the tour ticking along to schedule. Lunch was good too - I was anticipating we'd be in a restaurant but got a nice home-cooked meal in a place with a good view. I would add that I was relieved that this wasn't an overtly political tour, as I'm not particularly attracted to that side of things compared to historical stuff, and no agenda was pushed or anything. I wasn't personally that interested in seeing the graffiti on the wall in Bethlehem, but of course I recognise it's a part of the current situation to know about, and was just a short walk at the end of the tour.

An exceptionally interesting and intense introduction to Ramallah, Jericho and Bethlehem. Our guide Kamal was superb.

We met Danilo as the guide of our pilgrimage to the Holy Land (10 days). Danilo stood out for his professional preparation, courtesy and ability to resolve the various problems that inevitably arise on a pilgrimage that ranged from Galilee to Jerusalem: a relationship of authentic friendship was established with him!

Very interesting day with tour guide Ashraf and driver (Najeev)? Of course the commentary was slanted but take the time to do some research and reach your own conclusions. First stop to Ramallah where we had some background/history in the town centre before going on to one of the resting places of Yasser Arafat. On to Jericho where we were told that this city was not part of the biblical narrative and sat through a video to hear how this conclusion was reached following excavations. We had time afterwards to look at the excavated area. Final destination was Bethlehem where we would first have lunch. Due to the checkpoint being closed for a long time, we arrived there about an hour and a half later than scheduled. No-one really knew why the checkpoint was closed but both the guide and driver decided that it was because "they" (the soldiers) like to "have fun". Credit due, Ashraf said we would not miss anything out and he even arranged for transport to meet us at a certain point on the way back so that those who needed to get back to Tel Aviv could do so. We had a late but lovely and welcome lunch before going to the Church of the Nativity before being taken to see part of the security wall covered in art work.

This tour was made ‘great’ by Kamal, our guide. He is a very Intelligent, insightful man who shows great knowledge and passion for the country, it’s history and its people. I recommend taking this tour.

No trip to Jerusalem would be complete without venturing to the West Bank. This tour is a fantastic appetizer to all that Palestine has to offer. Our guide, Kamal, was knowledgeable and open about the complicated history of this region. He made a great itinerary into a terrific experience. Bethlehem was the highlight of this tour - both the Walled Off Hotel and the Church of the Nativity were meaningful sights (for very different reason), and Kamal gave great context for both. I would highly recommend this tour

This was a great trip. Kemel was our guide and I think he only works on Wednesday’s. We wanted to learn more about life in the west back. The politics behind it. The history. The people. This tour gave us an introduction to this. With some religion thrown in. Our stop in Jericho was to look at the excavation. And hear some old history. That was it for Jericho. Ramallah was only time at his friend ice cream shop. This was not needed. It would have been nicer to learn more about Ramallah and Palestine than eat ice cream. Or better yet. Buy ice cream and chat at same time. Bethlehem was at the end to his house. For lunch and visit of church. Whilst this was interesting to visit Nativity church. Bethlehem is in complete opposite direction of Ramallah. The route was poorly planned. Which meant in the middle of the day was just driving through checkpoints etc. was good. Gave it 3.5 from 5. For us to learn more about the history and politics. The Hebron dial narrative tour would have been better.

Rocky start at the beginning leaving a little bit late, but our guide Kamal made up for it. He was incredibly knowledgeable and had a great way of telling the story of what is going on politically, historically, and religiously. We even had lunch in his home and were treated to wonderful stories from his mother who was visiting. I think we definitely got lucky with our guide, but it was also an incredible experience overall and would recommend. A few tips - don't forget your passport (just in case, we didn't actually need it but you never know), and wear pants/skirts below the knees (men & women) as well as cover your shoulders!

I had started full of expectations regarding this tour of the West Bank, unfortunately I was quite disappointed for several reasons: the organization was good, as was the itinerary, however I did not particularly like the guide.... I found it very understated, almost "tired".... also in our tour there was a disabled gentleman, nothing against, but it certainly negatively affected the course of the itinerary. Abraham tours had to warn this person that maybe it wasn't really for him. The day started with a short visit to the Jordanian river, and then proceed to Ramallah... I thought I would visit something or take a walk, instead we stayed an hour inside an ice cream parlor recommended by the guide.... honestly I do not pay 100 euros tour to stay an hour inside a bar and have an ice cream with a questionable taste. The second part of the tour took place with a hit and run in Bethlehem, in the church of the nativity... and then stay another good half hour inside a silly souvenir shop (always recommended by the guide)... Cute instead lunch in the guide's house, all very good and quality. The pace for sightseeing and sightseeing was fast and hectic, while for bars and souvenir shops very relaxed.... The tour started at 7.30am and was supposed to end at 5.30pm....at 4pm we were already back at the hostel.....so I wonder what was the rush? In conclusion: interesting itinerary, failed guide.

This was one of the 3 tours we took with Abraham, I was impressed with all three, I was a little nervous going into the West Bank but we had no trouble at any of the checkpoints that we went through. Our guide, Tamer, gave us a whole new perspective on life in Palestine. At first what struck me was how ordinary it was, people walking around, buying food, shopping. Tamer seemed to know everyone, he showed us some of the typical foods-bread, shawarma, and bought us some delicious croissants to try, We visited where Yasser Arafat was buried, then stopped at Jericho which itself was not that interesting but what was interesting was the Israeli military protecting a group of Jews from Israel. There might have been a grenade blown up nearby. But no one flinches. Just life in Palestine. He shows us some video of a gunfight. Says everyone is shooting in the air. In Bethlehem we stop at the Church of the Nativity. There's a huge line for the grotto, the local guide says go to the exit, maybe a few of you can sneak past the guards. I don't know what happens if I'm caught but I walk on by and go down into the grotto, careful not to get in the way of people who hav waited for hours. I'm the only one that makes it down. Lunch, included in the tour, is served in a lovely spot, a chicken and rice dish. Our final stop is the separation wall. We see the Banksy art and art from local artists. A young boy tries to hand me a card, I saw I have no money but he persists. More uncomfortable than the grenade going off. Fascinating.