SuzTours - Israel Tourism Consultant

06/09/2023

Reported by Arutz7 (Israel National News):

"A sensational find in the Judean Desert: a cache of four 1,900-year-old, excellently preserved Roman swords and a shafted weapon were discovered in a crevice in a cave in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. It appears that the weapons were hidden by the Judean rebels, after they were seized from the Roman army as b***y.

“Finding a single sword is rare—so four? It’s a dream! We rubbed our eyes to believe it,” say the researchers."

Let's add the opportunity to see these amazing ancient Roman swords to your tour of Ein Gedi and the Judaean Desert.
Contact [email protected] for information on private touring throughout Israel!

FULL STORY HERE:

A rare cache of weapons from the Roman period found stashed away in a cave in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.

11/08/2023

NEW excavations inside the holiest site in Christianity - The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem!

Continued work on a two-year, $11 million cooperative restoration project reveals fascinating details from centuries of patchwork building at one of Christianity's holiest sites

31/07/2023

My colleague and friend Shalom Pollack is once again offering an amazing stargazing evening tour in the Negev Desert. I suggest you sign up now so you don't miss it!

Here are all the relevant details from Shalom:

Our very popular annual stargazing tour this year will be on Wednesday, September 20 (between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur).

I am hiring an entertaining astronomer who will wow us with the mysteries of worlds beyond ours with the aid and guidance of powerful telescopes.

From deep within the famous Rimon Crater in the Negev with the least light pollution in the country, we will be treated to a magical star-filled sky.

I am advised by our astronomer that this is the optimum night of the month for stargazing

On our way south to the heart of the Negev and the Ramon Crater we will visit Akiva Glicksberg. Akiva and his family live on an isolated organic farm in rustic Nachal Boker.

These modern desert pioneers develop and defend the land and our heritage and we will be treated to a special experience.

Departure is at the Inbal Hotel at 3:00 pm as we travel through beautiful and interesting landscapes on our way to our destinations.

We will have a chance for a bite in the outdoor mall of Mitzpe Rimon before we descend into the crater.

Bring a jacket for a possible chilly evening

I approximate our return to Yerushalayim between 12:30 and 1:00 am.

Cost: 320 shekels
[email protected]

10/06/2023

Click on "See Translation" to read the information in English.

09/06/2023

Amazing finds in the Hula Valley, just north of the Sea of Galilee!!

The birds who perch in the tree outside my kitchen window in Jerusalem love to sing (and chat amongst themselves), and I do my best to use my whistle to reply, though of course, I have no idea what they are saying! Still, it would be interesting to have one of these ancient flutes to see if I could make better contact with the modern birdies!

Rare prehistorical objects found in the Huleh Valley in northern Israel according to new scientific paper.

20/05/2023

For anyone interested in learning MORE of the history of the amazing and beautiful city of JERUSALEM, ISRAEL, here's a very complete list of source material!

And you can subscribe to this Substack to keep up with additions to the list and more information ongong.

Helpful lists of new material about Jerusalem

30/03/2023

If you are looking for something to do with the whole family during Hol HaMo'ed, I am offering a walking tour - the same tour on Sunday 9 April, Monday 10 April, and Tuesday 11 April. We’ll start at Tachana Rishona at 9AM and walk along “ketef Hinnom” to see 3000 years of ancient to modern Israel right before our eyes!

I’ll be giving all the historical and archaeological information as well as some interesting “side-notes” as we go along. There will be time for questions and discussion and just standing or sitting to gaze at the views… Altogether, I expect to arrive near the entrance to the Mamilla Pedestrian Mall by 12noon or sooner.

The cost is 50 shekels per adult (ages 18 & up) and 30 shekels per child (ages 10-17) with children under 10 free. I recommend comfortable clothes and good walking shoes! Hopefully, we will have sunny skies and no rain, but it’s always good to be prepared just in case…

I’ve posted a graphic information piece below, so please share it with friends and family (especially if you will have English-speaking visitors during Pesach).

PLEASE EMAIL OR CALL ME TO LET ME KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE TOUR AND ON WHICH DAY(S)!

Meanwhile, I wish you and your family a Shabbat Gadol Shalom and Pesach Same’ach!

28/01/2023

The Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) has uncovered a moat outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City dating back at least 1,000 years. The moat was dug out of the rock surrounding the city. At one place on the moat's wall was an unusual carved imprint of a hand.

25/01/2023

When you are planning to visit Israel, I can help with itinerary planning, booking accommodations, special events, activities, and special meals, and more!

I specialize in Walking Tours of Jerusalem and Driving Tours (with a separate driver in appropriately-sized vehicle) all over Israel for individuals, couples, families, and small groups.

Contact [email protected] for information on private tours of Israel.

25/01/2023

Unfortunately, we can't see the Copper Scroll as it's in Jordan, not in Israel.

But, with SuzTours, you can visit the Shrine of the Book where most of the other Dead Sea Scrolls are kept and also see many of the "finds" from Qumran and the caves where the scrolls were found.

Contact me at [email protected] for more information on private tours of Israel.

The Copper Scroll lists 63 locations containing silver and gold. Experts estimate these treasures could be worth over $1,000,000,000.

24/01/2023

In Israel, trees are planted basically every day. Published statistics have reported that Israel is the ONLY country in the world which finishes each year with a net INCREASE in trees!

For those in the USA who would like to help us plant more trees, it takes only $18 (18 is the number for "chai" - LIFE), and you can plant it in honor or memory of someone you love! Go to https://www.jnf.org/ and scroll down to click on "Plant Trees".

OR plan a trip to Israel and contact me at [email protected] for itinerary and touring help - I can take you to a planting center where you can plant the tree(s) with your own hands! We can also join with tree planters in the Heartland of Judaea & Samaria who plant vineyards, olive orchards and more!

22/01/2023

Here's one of today's "Mystery Puzzles" from thejigsawpuzzles.com - but I'll give away the title: "Ceramic Pottery in Jerusalem's Old City" because, as a tour guide and long-time resident of Jerusalem Israel, I know all the amazing Armenian Ceramic Artists in the Old City.

So, why not come with me on a tour, and we'll stop at several of the studios and shops so you can meet these Master Potters, take a look at their beautiful creations, and maybe even buy something to take home where it will grace your dining table or just add a sparkle to your living room design.

And with an advanced booking, you can sit down with the professionals and paint a mug or plate or tile which will then go into the kiln and can be collected later or shipped "door to door" to your residence anywhere in the world.

Contact me at [email protected] for information on private touring in Israel.

[And sneak a peak at the finished puzzle down below in the comment section... It took me only 16 minutes to finish it. How about you?]

https://thejigsawpuzzles.com/mystery-puzzle-6861917

Mystery #6861917

11/01/2023

British architect and TV personality George Clarke came to what he calls "one of the most fascinating countries in the world"... ISRAEL!

He explored all sorts of interesting architecture all over the country and included clips of his visit in Season 11 of his TV show "George Clarke's Amazing Spaces".

You can start with episode 1 here, on YouTube. Episode 2 is also available on YouTube, and, hopefully, as the show progresses, he will include more!

When you decide to visit fascinating Israel, I will be happy to help you plan your visit, make all your bookings (except flights), and be your guide. We can even visit some of the places George explored and talk about the variety of architecture, from ancient Biblical homes up to today's modern skyscrapers!

Send an email to [email protected] for information on private touring in Israel. Give me a bit of information about you and your interests including your "wish list" and I'll respond with a draft itinerary to get you started...

09/01/2023

Mazkeret Batya is a beautiful, historic, and interesting community, established in the 1800s. Here's my colleague Barnea Selevan explaining the establishment of the Beit Knesset. (Be sure to click on the audio button below the video to hear Barnea's explanation.)

If you are planning a visit to Israel, please remember that while the country exists from Biblical times, it's also a modern country with more recent historic sites and communities. I would be delighted to take you to Mazkeret Batya as well as to visit some interesting communities and sites nearby. We can make a day of it!

Contact me at [email protected] for information about private touring in Israel. I provide speciality walking tours in Jerusalem and specialty driving tours (with a separate driver and appropriately-sized vehicle) all around Israel!

https://www.facebook.com/barnea.levi.selavan/videos/839129117118263/

27/12/2022

WOWOWOWOW!!! JUST ANNOUNCED:

The Israel Antiquities Authority, the Israel National Parks Authority, and the City of David Foundation announced Tuesday the commencement of the excavation of the historic Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem.

The Pool of Siloam, located in the southern portion of the City of David and within the area of the Jerusalem Walls National Park, is an archaeological and historical site of national and international significance.

The Pool was first constructed some 2,700 years ago, as part of Jerusalem's water system in the 8th Century BCE, during the reign of King Hezekiah, as described in the Bible in the Book of Kings II, 20: 20:

"Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made the Pool, and the conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the Book of Chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
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In 2004, during infrastructure works carried out by the Hagihon water company, some of the Pool's steps were exposed. Consequently, the IAA commenced a systematic excavation under the direction of Professors Roni Reich and Eli Shukron. As part of the excavation, the northern perimeter, as well as a small portion of the eastern perimeter of the Pool of Siloam were exposed. The perimeter of the Pool was built as a series of steps, allowing the bathers to sit and immerse themselves in the waters of the Pool.

According to estimates, the Pool of Siloam went through multiple stages of development, and at the height of its glory, was approximately the size of 5 dunams (1¼ acres), and inlaid with impressive flagstones. For the first time in modern history, the excavation by the IAA will enable the complete exposure of the Pool of Siloam, within the context of an official archeological excavation.

In the first stage, visitors will be able to observe the archaeological excavations, and in the coming months the Pool of Siloam will be opened for tourist access, as part of a route that will begin at the southernmost point of the City of David and culminate at the footsteps of the Western Wall.

FULL STORY HERE (and be sure to study the text in 2Kings...):

2,700-year-old water system built during reign of King Hezekiah to be excavated and opened up to the public.

20/12/2022

If you are thinking of coming to visit Jerusalem, Israel, be sure to include sites and activities away from the Old City. Yes, the Old City is amazing with all that history and such, but Jerusalem is more than that one kilometre square area!

Besides visiting the ancient, historical, and Biblical sites, you can enjoy meeting some birds at the Bird Observatory or watch the Gazelles wander through their habitat in the Gazelle Valley or simply enjoy an expansive view of the whole city from Mt. Scopus in the North and/or The Tayelet in the South. And much more!

Why not take a look at the Jerusalem Green Map (link below) and pick out some of the areas mentioned. If any of those are of interest, contact me at [email protected] to help you plan and manage your visit AND be your licensed tour guide!

The Jerusalem Green Map enables residents and tourists alike to discover the green side of the city.

09/12/2022

If you are planning to visit Israel in January 2023, please note that the CABLE CAR at Masada will be CLOSED 13-27 January!

You can still get to the top by either the Snake Path (on the eastern side) or the Roman Ramp (on the western side). Here's more about all that:

"When the cable car is closed, the Snake Path, from the Dead Sea side of Masada, will remain open for ascent and descent.

Visitors can also reach Masada from the west, via the city of Arad and the Roman ramp. Ascent via the ramp takes between 10 and 25 minutes and is suitable for a wide variety of visitors. We are preparing a richer service center on the western side to provide visitors the opportunity for a brief rest before their ascent and after their descent."

Full disclosure: I have never hiked up the Snake Path (too long and steep for me), but I HAVE ascended and descended via the Roman Ramp a few times. It gives a whole different perspective, as it's (almost) the same way the Romans began their destruction and take over of the site!

The full notice can be found here:

After 20 years in operation, the cable car at Masada requires replacement of all of its electronic systems. This is complicated and extensive work, as part of which comprehensive tests have already been carried out and a complex tender issued to companies abroad. In recent months the site team has b...

13/11/2022

WOW WOW WOW!!!

Last Thursday, 10th November, I FINALLY was able to see, in person, the amazing and beautiful Mosaic in Lod, as I took two visitors for a look-see.

I highly recommend that, if you have any interests in ancient Israel and especially mosaic art, plan a visit to The Shelby White and Leon Levy Archaeological Center in Lod, Israel.

Here is just a clip of the HUGE Lod Mosaic, with this description:

"Ancient Roman Mosaic: Animals, birds and fish are seen in the central panel of an intricate ancient Roman mosaic as it is revealed some 13 years after it was first discovered in the ruins of a 4th century AD building, on July 1, 2009 in Lod in central Israel. The beautiful 1,700 year old mosaic floor, which is regarded as one of the most magnificent and largest ever revealed in Israel, was first uncovered in 1996 during a project to upgrade the city's sewage system. The well-preserved mosaic covers an area of about 180 square meters and is composed of coloured carpets that depict in detail animals, birds, fish, a variety of flora and the sailing and merchant ships that were used at the time.
(Photo by David Silverman/Getty Images)

Click on the photo to enlarge it.

Click here for more information about the mosaic and the new center where it is located: https://www.lodmosaic.co.il/index.aspx?lang=2

04/10/2022

Since I have had NO confirmed responses to this tour offer, I will NOT be at the Tachana Rishona tomorrow morning to guide.

BUT - there is still an opportunity to enjoy this tour of some very interesting, historic, and little-known sites of Israel this coming Friday 14 October. Just call me at 052-583-8766 or drop me an email at [email protected] to let me know!!
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SPECIAL TOURS FOR SUKKOT FROM SuzTours!! Sign up now!

60 shekels/adult ** 30 shekels/child 10-17 ** under 10 - free
Minimum 10 adults please...

14/09/2022

Thanks to friend Yisrael Medad for this important post!!

Following a transcontinental intelligence operation by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and the Antiquities Trafficking Unit of the Manhattan District Attorney’s office in New York, Yesterday (Monday) the US returned to Israel an extremely rare coin, the fourth of its kind known in the world, which was stolen and smuggled out of Israel years ago. It is a quarter shekel coin made of silver, from the fourth year of the Jewish Great Revolt (66-73 CE).

In 2002, Palestinian antiquities looters unearthed a hoard of coins from the period of the Great Revolt, in the Elah Valley area. Among the coins in the hoard was a quarter shekel made of silver from 69 CE –– a year before the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

The Israel Antiquities Authority spent the next two decades attempting to locate the coin, during which time it passed through illicit antiquities markets in Israel, Jordan and the United Kingdom. In London, false provenance papers were prepared to export the Quarter Shekel from the UK to the US, where it was offered for sale at the Heritage Auction’s World Coins & Ancient Coins Signature Auction scheduled for August 3, 2017, in Denver, Colorado.

Earlier this year, the case was passed to Colonel Matthew Bogdanos, Chief of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit (ATU). Working closely together, the Israeli Antiquities Authority and the ATPU developed sufficient evidence to execute a seizure warrant for the coin and received a court order repatriating the coin to Israel.

The investigation was conducted by Supervising Investigative Analyst Apsara Iyer, Investigative Analysts Daniel Healey and Hillary Chassé, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Megan Buckley, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bogdanos, Chief of the Antiquities Trafficking Unit and Senior Trial Counsel. Investigative support was provided by Ilan Hadad and Eitan Klein of the Israel Antiquities Authority, Shaaban Abdel Gawad of Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities, Detective Constable Sophie Hayes of New Scotland Yard, Aktham Oweidi of Jordan’s Department of Antiquities, and Homeland Security Investigations in both Tel Aviv and Denver. We also thank Afeef Herzalla for his assistance and cooperation with this investigation.

According to Bogdanos: “Today’s repatriation to Israel of this extraordinary coin represents a cherished piece of history finally going home. But it also represents an equally extraordinary partnership between New York’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit and the Israeli Antiquities Authority. It is a partnership that should be used as a model in recovering pillaged cultural heritage around the world.”

Photo Courtesy of the Israel Antiques Authority.

31/08/2022

I am not sure if I have to apply for permission or just show up with my tourists in tow, but if some can enter to the Temple Mount through the Gate of the Tribes, why not all???

https://unitedwithisrael.org/temple-mount-breakthrough-jews-enter-via-gate-closed-to-them-for-50-years/

Jews entered through the Gate of the Tribes for the first time since 1967.

06/06/2022

Today, I guided sisters Carol and Nancy in the Christian Quarter and a bit of the Armenian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. We walked and walked and saw things and discussed, and I introduced them to friends along the way...

Here's what I received in my email this evening:

Dear Suzanne,
Thank you so very much for our special tour today. Both of us loved every minute, and you were absolutely great! Thank you again for taking such good care of us!
Carol and Nancy
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Thanks to YOU Carol and Nancy for coming to Israel and entrusting your touring time to me! I enjoyed every minute of sharing with you two and hope you will come back again.

02/05/2022

11/04/2022

THIS WAS MY TOUR OFFER DURING PASSOVER just past. I'll be offering it again during SUKKOT and (depending on the weather) HANUKKAH! So - WATCH THIS SPACE!

28/03/2022

PESACH WALKING TOUR!
3,000 years of Jerusalem
in 3 ½ hours! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

20/02/2022

JUST got this - FINALLY!!! BARUCH HASHEM!!

From Dov Lipman:

IT’S OFFICIAL - MARCH 1 - ALL TOURISTS - INCLUDING UNVACCINATED - CAN ENTER ISRAEL

1) All non-Israelis will be allowed to enter Israel with a negative PCR within 72 hours of the flight. There won’t be an option of taking a lab-based antigen instead.

A PCR test must also be taken upon landing. Quarantine will be until the result of the negative PCR comes back or 24 hours - whichever comes first.

As of now the pre-flight 48-hour form will also be required. (We will update if this changes)

2) Israelis will be able to fly to Israel without taking a test before the flight. They will be tested upon landing.

Quarantine for all - including unvaccinated Israelis - will be until they receive the negative result from their PCR test upon arrival or 24 hours, whichever comes first.

There can be minor changes to the rules leading up to March 1 and of course these rules can always change down the road.

To have updates from Yad L'Olim sent directly to you please submit this form: https://yadlolim.org/updates/

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To discuss arranging a PRIVATE tour of Israel with a PRIVATE tour guide (me!), contact me NOW at [email protected].

I can help you plan the perfect itinerary, make all the necessary bookings for you (except flights), arrange transportation, AND be your guide (or hire other guides for special tours at specific sites or locations).

All I need, other than your name and contact details, are your proposed dates (arrival and departure), how many people would be in your party (family or group), and your "wish list" of what YOU have in mind to see and do while here! I'll reply with a general proposed itinerary, and together we'll create the perfect itinerary, just for you (and your party)!

HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON AND TO SEE YOU IN BEAUTIFUL ISRAEL!

17/02/2022

Got my special 2022 Israeli Tour Guide License (see below) - special, because it's valid only for this year (usually, they are valid for 2 years at a time) AND the Ministry of Tourism did NOT charge us the usual fee for it!

Meanwhile, the current information is that restrictions will be lifted as of March 1st and tourists are encouraged to come on over to visit Israel as soon as you can!

So, I'm available to help individuals, couples, families and small groups plan, book, and manage your visit plus be your tour guide! If you have an idea of WHEN you would like to come, write to me at [email protected] with your proposed dates (arrival and departure) along with the number of people and your "wish list" of what YOU have in mind for the tour. I'll reply with a suggested general itinerary that we can work on together until we arrive at the perfect tour, just for you (and your family & friends)!

By the way, the photo on my license is quite old, but the MOT just continues to use the same one over and over again... which is fine with me!

06/01/2022

NEW DEVELOPMENTS - OPEN SKIES!

Published today on Israel National News:

"Israel will fully reopen its skies and get rid of the list of red countries beginning at midnight tonight, Health Ministry Director-General Prof. Nachman Ash said.

As a result, all travel restrictions will be removed on the United States, United Kingdom. France, South Africa, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Turkey, Switzerland, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, Tanzania and Nigeria, subject to the approval of the government and the Knesset's Constitution Committee.

Israelis will be allowed to visit these countries and tourists from these countries will be allowed to visit Israel."

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/319995

Travel to and from US and rest of the world to be allowed to resume in response to changing Omicron variant situation.