Travis Israel
Travis Israel
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Travis Israel is a boutique destination specialist company in Israel. We offer private and group tours to Israel, Jordan and Egypt. We will tailor the itinerary to suit your budget.
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5.0
104 reviews
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marianh720
2 contributions
Dec 2019
This was our second trip working with Martin Stein. When we started planning 18 months ago I immediately contacted him. He organized every detail of the trip, including hotel reservations, dinners, tours, transfers.
We had a very diverse group, ranging in ages 8-80. He planned an itinerary that each and every member would enjoy. As this was not the first trip to Israel for many he organized some activities that were unique. We really enjoyed our Druze luncheon. Every detail was attended to, as we had family members with severe allergies.
During the trip there was a period of very heavy rain. Martin adjusted our tour schedule so we could participate in every activity, with some fancy rearranging. His flexibility is remarkable. When something needs to be tweaked he works his magic.
Martin planned some incredible tours in the Carmel market as well as the Florentine district. The young children were totally engaged. They thought he was lots of fun.
His knowledge of history is remarkable. He kept us enthralled on the bus with stories.
Our driver Elan was wonderful as well, very personable. The bus was luxurious, with WiFi, a sound system with video set-up, personal charging stations and a cappuccino maker!
If Martin makes a recommendation, trust him. We used the VIP service and it was great. I asked him , on Shabbat, to add VIP to my kids’ package when they arrived the next day and miraculously he was able to.
Martin is very responsive and keeps in touch, responding promptly.
We had planned a Bar Mitzvah which ran into a snag but at the last minute Martin was able to contact a Rabbi and make it happen.
It was the most wonderful trip! After so many months of planning it was the dream trip that I had hoped for. Thank you Martin!
We had a very diverse group, ranging in ages 8-80. He planned an itinerary that each and every member would enjoy. As this was not the first trip to Israel for many he organized some activities that were unique. We really enjoyed our Druze luncheon. Every detail was attended to, as we had family members with severe allergies.
During the trip there was a period of very heavy rain. Martin adjusted our tour schedule so we could participate in every activity, with some fancy rearranging. His flexibility is remarkable. When something needs to be tweaked he works his magic.
Martin planned some incredible tours in the Carmel market as well as the Florentine district. The young children were totally engaged. They thought he was lots of fun.
His knowledge of history is remarkable. He kept us enthralled on the bus with stories.
Our driver Elan was wonderful as well, very personable. The bus was luxurious, with WiFi, a sound system with video set-up, personal charging stations and a cappuccino maker!
If Martin makes a recommendation, trust him. We used the VIP service and it was great. I asked him , on Shabbat, to add VIP to my kids’ package when they arrived the next day and miraculously he was able to.
Martin is very responsive and keeps in touch, responding promptly.
We had planned a Bar Mitzvah which ran into a snag but at the last minute Martin was able to contact a Rabbi and make it happen.
It was the most wonderful trip! After so many months of planning it was the dream trip that I had hoped for. Thank you Martin!
Written January 11, 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.
It was my pleasure planning and guiding you all on this trip. Thank you so much for the compliments i really appreciate it. I sincerely hope to see you all again.
Best Regards to your beautiful family
Martin
Written January 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emily W
1 contribution
Dec 2019
We cannot say enough glowing things about Travis Israel, its owner Martin Stein and our guide Dodi Gordon. To say that our trip to Israel was incredible just wouldn’t do it justice. It was the trip of a lifetime thanks to Martin and Dodi. Born in Israel and lived there his entire life, Dodi knows literally every inch of the country and can discuss any aspect of life in Israel… history, politics, culture, geography, terrain, food. His knowledge is astounding but his transference of that knowledge in a way that can be understood by all ages sets him apart. He is fascinating, flexible, professional, personal and made our trip memorable and transformational. He is a phenomenal guide and also just a fantastic human being.
Martin Stein of Travis Israel was wonderful in the planning stages. Very responsive and easy to work with. He really paid attention to our particular interests to plan the perfect itinerary. He also kept in close touch with us and our guide during the trip. We would highly recommend using him to plan your trip to Israel. Clearly, he also has a knack for partnering guides with families.
Since we were a family of four not on a bus tour, this allowed us some flexibility in our planning. Once Dodi got to know us and what we liked, he took us to some off the beaten path restaurants – he definitely knows his food! He also found a few additional activities for us based on what we enjoy. His willingness to go above and beyond the scripted trip to find unique opportunities was so appreciated and definitely created many memorable moments.
We would not even think about going back to Israel without Martin and Dodi by our side. We are so grateful for the trip of a lifetime!
Martin Stein of Travis Israel was wonderful in the planning stages. Very responsive and easy to work with. He really paid attention to our particular interests to plan the perfect itinerary. He also kept in close touch with us and our guide during the trip. We would highly recommend using him to plan your trip to Israel. Clearly, he also has a knack for partnering guides with families.
Since we were a family of four not on a bus tour, this allowed us some flexibility in our planning. Once Dodi got to know us and what we liked, he took us to some off the beaten path restaurants – he definitely knows his food! He also found a few additional activities for us based on what we enjoy. His willingness to go above and beyond the scripted trip to find unique opportunities was so appreciated and definitely created many memorable moments.
We would not even think about going back to Israel without Martin and Dodi by our side. We are so grateful for the trip of a lifetime!
Written January 28, 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.
sag265
Fort Lee, NJ22 contributions
Aug 2023
We were told about Martin Stein of TRAVIS from friends who had previously toured with Travis. Over a few Zoom call we spoke to Martin about what our desired parameters were. Our group included three generations and our focus was to have a cultural, historical and fun trip.
Martin put together an itinerary that was interspersed between the historical, cultural and religious aspects of Israel. We also did an ATV tour of the Judean Hills, Hiking and Repelling down Water Falls in the Galillee, Waterboard skiing on the Kineret and a tour of the Golan Heights with an intelligence expert at the fenced Syrian boarder. These are just a few of the extra activities we did. While driving, constant banter of current events, history and Martin's great sense of humor kept us all engaged and wanting more.
If anyone is thinking of making a trip to Israel, don't look further than TRAVIS. You won't be disappointed!
This was a trip of a lifetime we will not forget! Thank you Martin for making this happen.
Maddy & Asher
Fr. Lee, New Jersey
Martin put together an itinerary that was interspersed between the historical, cultural and religious aspects of Israel. We also did an ATV tour of the Judean Hills, Hiking and Repelling down Water Falls in the Galillee, Waterboard skiing on the Kineret and a tour of the Golan Heights with an intelligence expert at the fenced Syrian boarder. These are just a few of the extra activities we did. While driving, constant banter of current events, history and Martin's great sense of humor kept us all engaged and wanting more.
If anyone is thinking of making a trip to Israel, don't look further than TRAVIS. You won't be disappointed!
This was a trip of a lifetime we will not forget! Thank you Martin for making this happen.
Maddy & Asher
Fr. Lee, New Jersey
Written August 19, 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.
Thank you so much for the review, touring with you guys was so much fun.
I really hope to see you all soon.
Written September 15, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jackie
5 contributions
Aug 2023
We just returned from our family trip to Israel and our experience with Travis and Martin Stein was exceptional. Our group consisted of 3 generations ranging from teenagers to grandparents, as well as both Jewish and Christian faiths. Martin worked with us to put together an itinerary that covered all of our interests and kept everyone engaged throughout. We spent close to 2 weeks with Martin and he proved to be an amazing guide, taking us places we never could have seen on our own. He was so knowledgable and was able to explain things in a way that even the teenagers could understand and relate to. Martin's wonderful personality, knowledge and passion made each day we were with him fun and exciting. He was flexible with us and had no trouble modifying things on the fly as needed and was accommodating when finding food/restaurants for some picky eaters in the group. I can't say enough good things about our trip and it would not have been possible without Martin's expertise. You will not go wrong planning a trip to Israel with Travis.
Written August 18, 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.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we really appreciate it. We hope to see you again soon.
Written September 15, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
fk4651
Dallas, TX4 contributions
Jun 2023
This tour company outstanding. We traveled to Israel with family and didn't want to be herded like cattle with the large bus tours, so we chose Martin Stein's personalized small group tours.
When we concluded our touring after four days, we felt that Martin was part of the family. I wouldn't recommend any other outfit when touring Israel.
When we concluded our touring after four days, we felt that Martin was part of the family. I wouldn't recommend any other outfit when touring Israel.
Written July 30, 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.
Thank you so much for your response it really means a lot to me and my team. Really hope to see you back in Israel in the near future.
Best Regards
Martin
Written August 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David C
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
May 2015 • Couples
We met Martin in Tel Aviv and saw the sites before heading north to Cessaria, Akko, Haifa, Rosh HaNiqrato, into Galilee country including Zipporo, Nazareth, Tiberius, Safed, Golan Heights, Bet She'an, West bank into Jerusalem and finally Bethlehem.
We spent eight memorable days with Martin and his knowledge of the country, sites, different religions, rulers, wars and understanding was incredible. It gave us a great insight into Israel and it's surrounding areas. We have a much better understanding and appreciation for the country and it's people.
Nothing was too much trouble for Martin and he added sites to our tours that were not planned for and we are very appreciative for this. Martin is paaionate about what he does and also has a good sense of humour. If you want a hassle free and greta experience hire Martin!
We spent eight memorable days with Martin and his knowledge of the country, sites, different religions, rulers, wars and understanding was incredible. It gave us a great insight into Israel and it's surrounding areas. We have a much better understanding and appreciation for the country and it's people.
Nothing was too much trouble for Martin and he added sites to our tours that were not planned for and we are very appreciative for this. Martin is paaionate about what he does and also has a good sense of humour. If you want a hassle free and greta experience hire Martin!
Written May 25, 2015
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 David
Thank you for your review, I really appreciate it.
I loved touring with you and Carol and hope that the rest of your trip went well.
Looking forward to seeing you again
Best Regards
Martin
Written May 27, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Familytravels
2 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
We spent two weeks in Israel for my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. We were so lucky to have two sets of grandparents travel with us, as well as aunts and uncles. We were also joined by Israeli relatives. This was a difficult group to navigate around, but our guides, Boaz and Mark, handled it all with utmost diplomacy. They were fantastic - they made the trip so fun for all of us, and taught us all so much. They made it all flow effortlessly. Everything from the hotels to the activities that Martin booked for us were perfect. Thank you!
Written August 9, 2019
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.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip with us. It was a pleasure planning and guiding you in this beautiful land. We hope to see you in the near future
Best regards
Martin
Written August 11, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deon G
16 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
Marti is a cool guy and very knowledgeable about Israel. We enjoyed his personality and he provided a great and interesting vacation. If you are going to Israel and want a personal guide who knows his stuff , Martin is a must!!!!
Written June 21, 2016
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.
Thanks it was a lot of fun, hope to see you all soon
Regards
Martin
Written June 23, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris1420
West Vancouver, Canada39 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Just wanted to thank you to Martin & Shannie for our recent 5 star plus trip to Israel – the two weeks simply flew by! The locations (especially Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee area, the Dead Sea, Masada and Tel Aviv) , fresh food and warm weather were all amazing. We really enjoyed the historical and political perspectives Shannie provided every day, even when we thought our brains couldn’t handle one more fascinating fact or outrageous opinion. Having traveled extensively the past several years throughout Asia, Europe and North America, we were delighted to connect with someone whose breadth of knowledge and sense of humour was second to none. Of course his fashion sense didn’t hurt either. ;) Although our time in Jerusalem coincided with the beginning of the October 2015 troubles, we felt safer with Shannie than we have in many other parts of the world. Our recommendation to anyone interested in visiting Israel - make sure you contact Shannie & Martin first!
Written October 30, 2015
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 Chris
Thank you for a wonderful review, I really appreciate it. I am thrilled that we were able to share this amazing land with you.
Best Regards
Martin
Written November 1, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Krishnansu T
Newport Beach, CA9 contributions
Jun 2015 • Solo
Just returned from a cancer conference in Israel and I had a free day and booked a tour with Martin Stein through his company Tourisa. I do a lot of travelling and have a love of world history (both ancient and modern), and am not someone who just wants to see the main attractions. I want a deeper experience and i usually want to do things within a very limited amount of time without feeling rushed or short-changed. Martin is by far the most accomplished tour guide I've had the pleasure of being guided by in six continents. This is because not only is he professional and immediately personable, but while touring Jerusalem he was able to weave through ancient history, contemporary politics, socioeconomic pressures, cultural milestones, and religious doctrines so effortlessly that I not only felt that I had learned so much in six hours but that I had learned this immense body of work without having to read a book and perhaps most importantly I was able to apply EVERYTHING Martin taught me with what he was showing me. Many people will tell you that you need at least 3 days in Jerusalem but with Martin you need probably 10 hours. Not only do you see everything you've wanted to see and read in your Eyewitness Guidebook to Jerusalem (which is what I had), but because Martin knows about every secret passageway, hidden doors, and the lower foundation levels of every church, market, etc, you end up getting taken on what can only be described as a tour of hidden Jerusalem along the alleys and roads less traveled. Did anyone even have any idea that there was an Austrian hotel that functions as a consulate right in the middle of the Muslim quarter? We went to its rooftop and got as close to the Dome of the Rock as you can get to on the Sabbath. Or how about when everyone was standing in a one hour line to visit the shrine built up around the entrance to the cave where Jesus' body was laid to rest, Martin took me in through a side passage and into an actual cave and no one else was there. Then there was the Crusader church that's not even in any of the Guidebooks. And the amazing historical journey through the time of the Canaanites to the period of the First Temple to the Babylonians, back to the early Israelites, then the Greeks, the Romans and destruction of the 2nd Temple and the trial and crucifixion of Christ, then Constatine and his mother Helena and the birth of the Holy Roman Empire, followed by Mohammed's ascent to God from the site of the 2nd Temple so that now the golden Dome of the Rock has been placed, followed by the Crusades then the Muslims again led by Sultan Salah a-Din, then the Mamalukes, the Ottomons (Suleyman the Great), and finally the British and after WW2 the land was given back to the Jews - in the States we are never taught this in this type of detail but Martin did all of this for me while seeing some of the most fascinating objects in the Citadel of the Tower of David. And finally, what about the hidden classroom from where a man in his 80s announces the verses of the Torah in perfect diction and students of rabiddic schools study in earnest. I saw more in six hours and understood more in six hours than at any other time in school or on any other tour. I came for the history and the religious sites of all 3 monotheistic religions but also loved the Lost and Hidden City of Jerusalem that Martin gave me a tour of. And that "hole in the wall" falafel shop was amazing with the owner having made the best falafel and humus for over 50 years! Thanks Martin and I will definitely recommend you to anyone I know planning to visit Israel. - Krish Tewari, MD
Written June 29, 2015
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 Krish, Thank you so much for your review, I really appreciate it.
I certainly hope to se you again soon in Israel and hopefully we will have a little more time,
Best Regards
Martin
Written July 5, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience