My wife and I just completed a 7 day private guide tour of Israel. Definitely the way to go. Picked up at Ben Gurion Airport after breezing through the airport with VIP Service. The VIP service representative met us at the gangway and shepherded us through security, customs, baggage claim to an awaiting driver who loaded our luggage. I visited Israel in '95 and '96 and it was much different--hours getting thru both coming and going. Not sure how much the VIP service costs since it was included in our tour price, but I highly recommend it.
Ourlicensed private guide, Zvika Bar-Or picked us up at our hotel each day and spent the entire day with us. He is like a national treasure. Zvika has a degree in history, a native Israeli, spent years in the Army, and speaks fluent Hebrew and Arabic which is a huge plus. But the most remarkable aspect of our time with Zvika was his knowledge and love of history. A great sense of humor, personable, and caring. He told us at the beginning that we would see a lot of amazing things and places, but what he wanted us to take from our trip was not just the historical facts and descriptions but to really experience and feel the wonder of this remarkable place. It was a truly moving experience we will never forget and hope others get a chance to experience it. Highly recommend a trip to Israel and highest recommendation for our guide, Zvika Bar-Or, to travel Israel. Be happy to answer any questions.