Fodor's Israel, 7th Edition [Paperback]

My wife and I just got back from a fantastic trip to Israel but are sorry to say that our Fodors guide was not a very helpful resource. It is definitely a good book to have when planning a trip, and its colourful pictures and maps would no doubt be nice to look at for someone on a guided bus tour who already had their accommodation and restaurant meals planned. For two independent travellers we found the guidebook utterly frustrating. One major complaint is the maps, which, while glossy and colourful, are absolutely useless because they do not label all of the streets, making it very difficult to find restaurants and other listed attractions (we gave up more than once!). It seems like the writers do not actually expect anyone to follow up on the recommendations they make. Another case in point is the guidebook's information concerning the Dome of the Rock. While it provides a fairly good general overview to the site it does not give a list of opening times to an attraction that is only open to non-Muslims on select hours of select days and only from a specific entrance; we spent a lot of time trying to find our way in. The guidebook provides a beautifully illustrated introduction to the Dead Sea and Masada but was entirely unhelpful in informing travellers how to get there (no times, bus routes, etc. were listed). In general it would be useful to have some bus and train maps and route numbers and other practical information (like what parts of the West Bank Israeli drivers are allowed to enter, and vice versa) that would help people who actually want to travel through Israel and Palestine rather than look at pictures of it.

Israel has long been considered one of the most fascinating and dynamic destinations in the world. Most travelers would think the task too great an undertaking for a travel guide. Not Fodor's! They took the challenge and surpassed all my expectations.

I was fortunate to find such a well researched review. My clients are demanding and continually ask challenging questions that require the most dependable resources at my finger tips. Fortunately, this is it!

This guide has been sectioned into the country's seven major regions and a general area titled "Experience Israel". I particularly appreciated how it covered topics that the typical visitor would want insight into such as: Israel's markets, local cuisine, religion, family travel, nightlife & the arts and of course, where to stay and what to do.

The 7th Edition In Full Color guide includes 64 detailed maps, illustrated features and 265 color photos. It should be noted the photography is a significant improvement over similar books in the past. You'll agree once you have compared!

It's always appreciated when you get "insider tips" regarding dining. What you eat during a vacation can frequently turn out to make or break everything. Funny thing how food has such power over one's thinking. Fodor's writers have made it easy by selecting their favorite restaurants by price, cuisine and experience in the two major cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Their research will remove a lot of stress and guessing by trial and error. It's also a wonderful benefit so as to avoid "disappointment heartburn". Believe me, I have been down that ugly food road!

A final comment on "Fodor's Features". Every country has a number of historical facts and features & Israel is no different. So Fodor's took it upon their broad shoulders to highlight them. Their well documented articles, timelines and notations seem to jump off the page and come to life! Not an easy task for even the most experienced and gifted writers.

Expect to have gained a new friend with this gem. Enjoy your walk through history...past and present & prepare yourself for an Israel that's beyond what you imagined! See you in Jerusalem!

I spent some serious time flipping through the typical tourist books in regards to my month long business trip to Israel. I have read this book from cover to cover and I feel that the book is very well done and I would suggest others to consider it as well. The only reason that I did not give it 5 stars was due to a oversite regarding Jerusalem. Also, I think there could of been more info added. However, good book and I feel comfortable recomending this to others. Enjoy Israel, it is beautiful