Advice about planning a trip to Israel?

Question

We are thinking about taking a trip to Israel next December.  (My daughter has been there on Birth Right.  My husband and I have never been.)  We're looking for suggestions in planning a fun, but cost-effective trip.
-- Some of my friends have said it's imperative to take a guided tour.  Others say that by renting a car, we can do it easily on our own. What do you think, and is there any printed guide you'd recommend in planning a trip?
-- How many days would you say it takes to see everything one should see... and what should be on our 'must-see' list?
-- We don't have much flexibility with timing our trip.  I understand December could be cold and rainy.  Do you think that's a miserable time to visit?

Any other suggestions and advice is very welcome.  Thank you!

Mitch · Accepted Answer

It easier to rent a car because than you're not bound by time when the bus leaves or comes. However its expensive and the roads there are mountainous, curvy, etc. 
No matter how many days you're there, you not going to have enough time to do everything. Plan whatever you want to do and you'll see what you can do when you can get there.
December can be cold and rainy but not always. Look online for the weather report before you go and if rain is expected, take along a strong umbrella, as the wind is strong when it rains there. If you go to the South, it's usually warmer there. If you want to tour Masada, which was a fortress, go there early in the morning because later, it will be hotter. If you go to the North, it's colder.

DAN DAN · Answer

If you care for cost, then it is better to join a package tour. You can easily find good packages which should save you much and let you know from the beginning what are you going to spend. No surprises.
A  week can be enough time to see everything. It is still depends on your interests  
December is cold and rainy but it is not that miserable like in Northern or central USA or Canada

? · Answer

Please do not rent a ar without knowing this country. Israel has many security and military around and you must be awae of the current situation. Do not listen to this other guy. Rent a car when you live or know the country not as a tourist. I suggest you take a tour with a travel company with people you age group or families. If you are traveling to Israel I suggest going for about one month to see everything. December will be colder is some parts of Israel. In tel aviv it is mostly always hot but, rainy too. I suggest you do alot of research and have a travel guide to go with you. Dont do it on your own since it may not be that safe.

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Advice about planning a trip to Israel?

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