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 Location:  Home » Middle East » General » Fodor's Israel, 6th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides)December 5, 2008  


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Fodor's Israel, 6th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides)
Fodor's Israel, 6th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides)
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Author: Fodor's
Publisher: Fodor's
Category: Book

List Price: $21.95
Buy New: $12.24
You Save: $9.71 (44%)
Buy New/Used from $12.24

Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars(8 reviews)
Sales Rank: 29129

Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Paperback
Edition: 6
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 480
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.1 x 1.1

ISBN: 1400016681
Dewey Decimal Number: 915.6949454
EAN: 9781400016686
ASIN: 1400016681

Publication Date: July 4, 2006
Release Date: July 4, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-8 of 8
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1 out of 5 stars For the non-budget traveler   May 18, 2007
  10 out of 14 found this review helpful

As I recently arrived in Israel, I found out too late to whom this book was written: the non-budget traveler. Several of the "cheapest" hostels in Jerusalem (for example) start at $50/night. Nevermind that you can find accomodations for far more affordable all over the place. And these are the cheapest "budget accomodations" according to the book. The prices of hostels, restaurants, taxis, and other fares are rarely mentioned in the book, so you have no idea what your getting yourself into. These are crucial pieces of information. (Hitch-hiking, by the way, is an excellent mode of free transport here) On top of that the maps are rather useless. There is one low detail map of all of Israel, and then super detailed maps of the inner cities, but no maps inbetween. What happens if you don't know how to get to these super detailed neighborhoods? I found a far more useful map free at a hotel.

On the other hand, for the average tourist aiming at a couple weeks stay, and looking to see some good sites without too much concern as to the price, I'm sure this book would suffice.



5 out of 5 stars Fodor's complete guide to Israel: people, places, past and pastimes   January 23, 2007
  12 out of 14 found this review helpful

At last there's a guide that shares the country's pleasures that Israelis and Europeans have enjoyed for years. Fodor's Israel captures outdoor sports, hiking, beaches, and snorkeling in addition to the historic and religious sites.

The Pleasures and Pastime section for each region highlights what Israelis are likely to enjoy--from archaeology and beaches to walking and wine. Great Itineraries from 1 to 19 days route the visitor through historic and beautiful places in Israel overall and by region. And Closeups provide the history and context for the country and its people.

Its many detailed maps let you know where you are. And whether you're looking to walk the Christian stations in Jerusalem or walk the rock of Masada where Jews stood up against Rome, Fodor's confidently guides and explains. Masada, nearby the Dead Sea, for example includes a two-page guide to the site with complete details for visitors and a full page feature on its history and legacy.

And there's an extensive section (at least 20 pages) devoted to Eilat and all the sports activities associated with its coast line on the Red Sea. I must admit that snorkeling in the Red Sea made me feel more like an Israeli than anything I've ever done, and I will never forget my first time.

In addition to the sites and activities, Fodor's comes through with its usual strengths in up-to-date and highly focused hotel and restaurant listings throughout the country. I'm always surprised by how one paragraph about a place to stay or where to have a meal can be as revealing as it is in Fodor's. And for shoppers there's plenty to do.

And while Fodor's describes so many places and things to do in Israel, seasoned travellers know that spending more time in fewer places in a country will bring you the biggest satisfaction.

No matter what you're going to Israel for, Fodor's is a good bet. After all it's written by the people who know it best, people who live there and spend their time sharing their country with visitors.



3 out of 5 stars The incomplete guide to Israel   January 3, 2007
  24 out of 34 found this review helpful

Spend a week or more in Israel and never get to Massada and the Dead Sea? Yet this is what might happen if you used this Fodor's guide.

In my extensive travels these past 25 years I have been a user of Fodor's guides. I had never left home without an updated one, always relying on it for recommendations and itineraries.

Until I took this Israel guide along.

The familiar format was easy to follow. But then I started leafing through, checking the index, going back to chapters, and verifying the most glaring omission: Massada and the Dead Sea were missing from the suggested itinerary!!!!

Oh, yes, there was a short mention of these spots as an optional side trip. Optional--and only if I searched for it. Otherwise, it would not have shown on my radar screen!

Can anyone who's ever been to Israel imagine not visiting Massada and the Dead Sea? (Due to their proximity, they are always bundled together.)

There is not one tourist or tour guide that would not put Massada and the Dead Sea on top of the itinerary--be it only 3 days or 10 days trip in Israel. To leave these spots out of a visit is to cast doubt on the credibility of all of Fodor's other guides.

From now on I will have to check other guidebooks to make sure the recommediations are kept in perspective.



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