How to choose a private tour guide in Israel
By Sagi Hazan, licensed tour guide no. 13635 · Last reviewed 14 October 2026
A good guide turns sites into stories. A great one also handles the driving, the timing and the little things, so your day just flows. Here's what to look for when booking a private tour guide in Israel.
Make sure the guide is licensed
Tour guides in Israel are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism after an extensive course and state exams. Ask for the license number — a professional guide will happily share it. Sagi Hazan's license number is 13635.
Group size and the vehicle
Private tours are usually priced per group or per vehicle, not per person. With Sagi, up to 7 guests travel in one car with him driving and guiding; bigger groups travel by mini-bus or coach with a professional driver.
What the price includes
Check whether guiding, the vehicle, fuel and parking are included, and what isn't — usually entrance fees and meals. For a one-day tour in one region, Down to Earth shows a fixed price on the website; longer and custom trips are priced personally.
Custom routes
The best private tours are built around you: your interests, your pace, your family. Tell your guide what excites you — history, faith, food, hiking, photography — and let them design the route. With Sagi, tailor-made tours can cover any part of Israel.
Plan around Shabbat and holidays
Some sites, shops and public transport close on Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday evening) and on Jewish holidays. A local guide will plan around it — and sometimes use it to your advantage.