Best two days of a 31 day cruise

We are seven older people who went on a Mediterranean cruise in April. The ship docked at Ashdod and at Haifa, a day later. We wanted to spend a night in Jerusalem. We engaged Shmuel to take us to Jerusalem on the first day, and then to the Christian sites around the Sea of Galilee, on day two, dropping us off in Haifa.

It was a wonderful experience. The tour was hugely informative. With an amazing knowledge of archaeology, the Bible (Old and New Testaments) and a willingness to share his experience of life in Israel, raising his 5 children, Shmuel had us enthralled. He fielded all our questions with patient consideration and good humour. He was careful to let us know where the costs lay. All of us have said that this side trip, off the ship, was the highlight of the cruise. Thank you, Shmuel.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293983-d7736210-r272870069-Shmuel_Browns_Israel_Tours-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District.html#

Exploring Qumran With A Superb Guide

When my wife and I were here in Israel 2 years ago, Shmuel took us to Herodium. Our experience on that occasion, as reflected in the Trip Advisor review I wrote, prompted us to retain Shmuel's services again in connection with a visit to Qumran. On this occasion though, at my request, we were joined by friends of ours who live in the Jerusalem area. What was going on at Qumran in ancient times and who exactly was living there continue to be contentious subjects even though some authorities, including those who are responsible for the site, would incline one to believe that we have a pretty good handle on the place. Shmuel demonstrated that he was well aware of the continuing controversies surrounding Qumran insofar as he had to deal with characters like me and my friend, Bob, who continuously peppered him with questions and arguments and insights based upon our own prior independent research and perspectives. Shmuel deftly handled what we had to say in addition to providing us with his own insights. As a result, we were all thoroughly engaged in a struggle to understand and revisit the past in order to make it meaningful in the present. All of us had a truly magnificent day with Shmuel. There is no doubt that he is our 'go to' guide when we are here in Israel.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293983-d7736210-r570381989-Shmuel_Browns_Israel_Tours-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District.html#

Tours of the Jerusalem Old City and Dead Sead/Ein Gedi

Shmuel had so much knowledge to share with you and his method was one of storytelling, no lecturing. You could see his passion. He really made Israel come alive.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293983-d7736210-r570381989-Shmuel_Browns_Israel_Tours-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District.html#