Meet the Founder
Dr. Joe Yudin
Founder, Touring Israel
Crafting Israel's most considered private tours since 1997.
Crafting Israel's most considered private tours since 1997.
Touring Israel was the brainchild of Dr. Joe Yudin back in 1997. Joe, a native born American had grown up in the retail business, served in the Israel Defense Forces as a Sergeant Major in the paratroop Corps, and began his career as a Sales and Marketing specialist before delving into the world of tourism. Joe simply wanted to share the Land of Israel with as many people as possible while exploring it himself. He thought that there was no better way than becoming a tour guide. His love of the land led him to become intimate with it and its people, and Joe has made it his mission to provide a service to the tourist that, in his opinion, had not yet existed in Israel. Joe believed then and believes now that the customer always comes first, even in the tourism business here in the Middle East. Unlike most tour operators in Israel, Joe believes that a smooth, hassle-free tour from start to finish with cerebral, charismatic and engaging guide is the key to your Israel experience and that is what Touring Israel provides. You are the boss. You decide, with our input, what is best for you and we get it done as you want it. Yes we are a business that needs to earn a profit, but that is not our ultimate goal. Our ultimate goal is to show you what we believe is the most special place in the world and we want you to take that feeling home with you, knowing that yes, I just experienced the most amazing place in the world and I can’t wait to go back! Ask our customers. They will tell you just that.
There’s nothing that makes us happier than thrilled clients. Every Touring Israel tour is made up of completely customized itineraries, tailor made to the client’s personality, budget and timeframe. Our clients constantly tell us their tours to Israel with us go above and beyond fulfilling their dream trips to Israel.
After graduating from Boston University with a B.A. degree in History, Joseph Yudin set off for Europe in search of his roots. His journey took a detour and eventually he ended up in Israel during 1990 as the first Gulf War was about to break out. Joseph enrolled for one year at the WUJS program in Arad studying Hebrew and Israel studies as a prelude to aliya.
In October 1992, Joseph was drafted into the IDF and volunteered for the Paratroopers, serving on the front lines in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank. In the IDF Reserves, Joe has served during Operation Defensive Shield in 2002 and in the Second Lebanon War in the summer of 2006. After his regular army service, Joseph worked for the United Jewish Communities raising money and awareness for Israel as well as recruiting American teens and parents to journey to the Land of Israel to experience their homeland for NFTY In Israel.
Joe soon concluded his studies at the University of Haifa, studying under Avner Goren and other leading professors in the fields of History, Archaeology, Botany, Judaism, Christianity, Geology, Islam and other relevant subjects. Joseph settled down on a small moshav in the Jezreel Valley becoming a tour guide in 1999. Joe is CEO & Lead Tour Guide at Touring Israel Ltd. He is married with three children. Joe holds a BA in History from Boston University, an MA in the Land of Israel Studies from the University of Haifa and a PhD in Israel Studies from the University of Haifa. He is also the author of the book The Protestant Settlers of Israel: Missionaries, Millenarians, and the African Hebrew Israelites.
Touring Israel isn’t like other Israel tour operators. We do what’s best for you. And here’s how.
Book only what you need. If all you want is a few days of touring, that’s all you book. Completely customized itineraries, tailor made to your personality, budget and timeframe.
See what you’re paying for every component. Remove or add services as needed. Pay as you go for tickets so if you change your mind about what you want to see, you haven’t wasted your money.
We’re huge foodies. We connect you with the best restaurants according to your individual preference every time you visit. Pay for lunches as you go so you can have whatever you feel like.
We offer completely tailored and contemporary recommendations. We pride ourselves on being up to date at all times. If a new restaurant or hotel opens, we’re the first to try it and tell you about it.
Tell us how you want to experience Israel. We’ll design the rest.
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