Know the Land
Know the Land
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About
As a storyteller and a tour guide, I love to lead and guide adult people using my private car in the Land of Israel. I am especially enthusiastic about guiding those interested in history and archeology, interfaith dialogue and comparison, the Bible, Israeli society, and, of course, Israeli food and markets.
I guide in a deep and meaningful way, seasoned with a sense of humor, and I have a lot of experience with Jewish and Christian guests.
In 2019 I published a one-of-a-kind Hebrew/English dictionary, ‘Know the Holy Land’, especially for those interested in the Land of Israel and related topics such as history, archaeology, architecture, religions, flora, fauna, tourism, etc.
I recently finished writing the English manuscript for my second book. Using the Bible and Hebrew, my book connects the Evangelical Christian believers to the Land of Israel, where all the roots of their faith began, at the time of Jesus.
Be well and come to tour Israel with me!
Shai Shvalb
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
129 reviews
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128
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1
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Merav D
Zurich, Switzerland13 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
I‘ve been going on multiple trips with Shai for the past year. Without any doubt, those were the most amazing tours i‘ve had in Israel (and i‘ve been going on tours in israel a lot).
Shai has deep knowledge in soooo many different fields. Sometimes I am so amazed by how rich his story-telling is, that i almost forget to listen. 😉
Whether it‘s (ancient-) history, culture, agriculture, geography, geology, religions or many more... you get excellent explanations and every question answered. He loves his country, with all the good and the bad that comes with it. And you will too. He really makes it feel like home.
Shai has a way to plan trips so that it is very well balanced between guiding, teaching, spreading his knowledge and relax time such as the most amazing swimming spots, amazing restaurants, wine tastings or else. Showering you in recommendations for after your tour or your next visit to Israel. You will get excellent insights to israeli lifestyle. Far more than what you get by just „being a tourist“
This guide has the amazing ability to catch anyones attention and share his enthusiasm. Even kids, who are harder to catch when it’s summer and hot outside. You can feel that his priority is, to make you happy. And he will go all the way to reach this goal, even if it means changing the whole tour plan spontaneously. He will do everything he can, so that your experience will be remembered for eternity.
Let Shai show you around in Israel and I promise you will go home with a very special spot reserved in your heart for Israel.
Thanks Shai, looking forward to our next great trip together...
Shai has deep knowledge in soooo many different fields. Sometimes I am so amazed by how rich his story-telling is, that i almost forget to listen. 😉
Whether it‘s (ancient-) history, culture, agriculture, geography, geology, religions or many more... you get excellent explanations and every question answered. He loves his country, with all the good and the bad that comes with it. And you will too. He really makes it feel like home.
Shai has a way to plan trips so that it is very well balanced between guiding, teaching, spreading his knowledge and relax time such as the most amazing swimming spots, amazing restaurants, wine tastings or else. Showering you in recommendations for after your tour or your next visit to Israel. You will get excellent insights to israeli lifestyle. Far more than what you get by just „being a tourist“
This guide has the amazing ability to catch anyones attention and share his enthusiasm. Even kids, who are harder to catch when it’s summer and hot outside. You can feel that his priority is, to make you happy. And he will go all the way to reach this goal, even if it means changing the whole tour plan spontaneously. He will do everything he can, so that your experience will be remembered for eternity.
Let Shai show you around in Israel and I promise you will go home with a very special spot reserved in your heart for Israel.
Thanks Shai, looking forward to our next great trip together...
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Merav,
Thank you for the great feedback.
I look forward to our next tour (-:
LeHithra'ot,
Shai
Written August 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jmsp2016
Denver, CO2 contributions
Jul 2022
We spent three very full and wonderful days with Shai visiting parts of Israel we waited a long time to see. We told Shai where we wanted to go and he responded with a custom itinerary which proved to be just what we'd hoped. We saw everything we wanted and more, as Shai didn't hesitate to divert to something interesting we passed along the way, when time permitted. He a gracious and very pleasant host who thought of everything we would need to be comfortable. From the Mt. Carmel, Mt. Arbel, the Golan Heights, Tel Dan, Herodium, Lakish, Tel Azeka and even a visit to tour a kibbutz, Shai provided all the information a person could want. He was able to answer all our questions. The accommodations he suggested in the Golan could not be improved upon and all the places he took us for lunch were clean with great food. We highly recommend Shai!
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Jan,
The three-day tour was a spiritual tour for the four of us. I thoroughly enjoyed your company and look forward to the following Bucket Lists...
Thank you for your kind feedback.
24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
(Numbers 6:24-26)
Shai
Written July 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NolaCindyW
Carrollton, TX1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Friends
Shai was the best guide we’ve ever had and we have had many throughout our travels around the world. He was so knowledgeable, patient, friendly and lighthearted. He introduced us to everyday life around Israel which included local food, art and architecture . His unbiased knowledge of the 3 major religions living together in Israel was very impressive and appreciated especially since our group represented 2 of those religions. You should definitely plan on booking Shai if you plan on going to Israel!
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Cindy and Bruce,
Thank you for your heartwarming words. Guiding you was a special experience for me as well.
I hope to meet you back here soon as we have lots of stuff yet to see...
God Bless You,
Shai
Written January 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marilyn S
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Friends
I was at the Tower of David and this knowledgeable voice started explaining the background of the art exhibit with an understanding that could only come with someone who is passionate about Israel, and committed to bringing history alive to anyone who will listen. He allowed me to tag along throughout the rest of the exhibit and continued to bring great insight to the exhibits. The normal guided tour is aobut 90 minutes. I think he spent over 2 hours, making certain that each person in the group got to hear about the part of the museum that resonated with him or her. It was one of the stand out highlights of a trip to Israel filled with many outstanding moments. Shai knows Israel and wants to share his knowledge with anyone who wants to know about the land and the cities that comprise the land. If you want an experienced guide to Israel I can recommend Shai without hesitation.
Written July 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Marilyn,
Thank you for your kind feedback.
I hope to see you back in Israel.
Best,
Shai
Written September 7, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SwissfamilyGrass
4 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Shai led us on an informative journey through some of the most interesting Holy Land sites. His enthusiasm for Israel and telling the story of its history and people is both insightful and educational. The colorful way he weaves the narrative parts of the tour leaves a real impression, and we left with more knowledge of the Israeli experience than we ever could have hoped to gain. Shai is the consummate professional. If our travels bring us to Israel in the future, he’d be our go to guide.
Written January 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Leah,
Thank you for your warm feedback.
I remember we had a "mobile seminar" in my car about past, present, and future Israel.
I was happy to show you around my country and will happily do so whenever you come back.
Thanks,
Shai
Written January 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julio M
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Family
I just can't express how fulfilling our experience in Israel was with Chai as our tour guide. He customized our tour to see some of the most meaningful locations to us by getting to know us and our interests. Amazingly, he knew dates, names, events and historical happenings from each location we went to, and was also able to give us both Hebraic and evangelical significance of the sites we were at. He was like a walking encyclopedia, in the best way possible. I would highly recommend him and Know the Land. Chai LOVES what he does! He is passionate about it and it doesn't appear to be "work" to him. He genuinely loves the land, the history, the people and those who come to visit as well! May Hashem continue to bless Chai, his family, and the land of Israel and all who pray for her peace. Shalom!!
Written December 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Julio,
Thank you for your warmest words.
I feel blessed by the fact that ALFC's journey was a very meaningful tour for all its participants.
I was happy to meet your lovely family and guide you in the Land of Israel.
God bless you all,
Shai
Written December 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dbl_G_TX
Dallas, TX4 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Shai was an amazing guide for our trip to Israel. He is very knowledgeable, prepared, friendly and willing to modify activities to the needs of the group. For our trip, we had a diverse group including adults and children and multiple religions, and everyone's tastes were catered to. Shai has an easy-going personality that meshed well with our group. In short order, we considered him one of the family and looked forward to our daily adventures. Thank you Shai so much for making this trip so memorable!
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Dbl_G_TX,
Thank you for these flattering words.
Becoming 'one of the family' means a lot, and I do hope to meet you again and explore other regions we didn't tour this time.
Best,
Shai
Written January 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robyn C
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Friends
Touring Jerusalem with Shai was simply amazing! As someone who had been to Israel many times, I had never toured the Christian holy sites of Jerusalem, and it was my travel partner's first time in Israel seeing any of the sites. From the beginning, Shai was very eager to make the experience personal and meaningful for us. He asked what we wanted to see and planned a fantastic day that covered a breadth and depth of information. He is extremely knowledgeable and shares this knowledge with passion and enthusiasm. Thank you, Shai, for a meaningful trip!
Written December 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jill s
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Shai was hands down the best guide we have ever experienced while in Israel. We have been several times
and had numerous guides over the years and this journey was by far the best. Shai is warm, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable. His priority was to allow us to choose the activities we wanted to do. He would make recommendations but was so flexible in making everything work perfectly based on our desires, and timing, Be is a true “pleaser”! We laughed and learned about one another….i would say we gained a true friend in Shai and when it was over after just a few short days we felt as if we had known one another for years!
and had numerous guides over the years and this journey was by far the best. Shai is warm, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable. His priority was to allow us to choose the activities we wanted to do. He would make recommendations but was so flexible in making everything work perfectly based on our desires, and timing, Be is a true “pleaser”! We laughed and learned about one another….i would say we gained a true friend in Shai and when it was over after just a few short days we felt as if we had known one another for years!
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Jill,
Thank you for your kind words. We had wonderful days together, and I'm so happy you went back home with the gold medal!!
You surely have a friend here, and I look forward to our next encounters, here or over the Atlantic.
Thank you,
Shai
Written July 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert G
Hot Springs, AR24 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
If you want an exceptional professional choose Shai.
If you want an exceptionally knowledgeable historian choose Shai.
If you want an exceptional expert on social and cultural Jewish life choose Shai.
If you want someone who is able to tie Jewish and Christian history together and have it make sense in the current context choose Shai.
If you want a flexible guide whose motto is “your wish is my command” choose Shai.
If you want a fun and humorous human being choose Shai.
Most important if you want a friend when your experience is over choose this talented and compassionate man.
HE IS WONDERFUL!
If you want an exceptionally knowledgeable historian choose Shai.
If you want an exceptional expert on social and cultural Jewish life choose Shai.
If you want someone who is able to tie Jewish and Christian history together and have it make sense in the current context choose Shai.
If you want a flexible guide whose motto is “your wish is my command” choose Shai.
If you want a fun and humorous human being choose Shai.
Most important if you want a friend when your experience is over choose this talented and compassionate man.
HE IS WONDERFUL!
Written November 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Laura and Bob,
You made me blush reading your comments and excited when I re-experiencing our days in Israel.
I hope you'll come back to tour Israel again. There are plenty of fascinating things to see here.
Thank you, Shai
Written November 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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