Israeli Travel Planner

• Tel Aviv - Haifa: ~1 hour, every 20-30 min
• Tel Aviv - Jerusalem: ~30 min (fast line)
• Tel Aviv - Beer Sheva: ~1.5 hours
• Haifa - Nahariya: ~40 min

Rechargeable smart card for all public transport. Types: Personal (with photo) and Anonymous. Load passes: daily, weekly, monthly, or stored value.

Public transit stops Friday afternoon through Saturday night. Alternatives: sherut (shared taxi), private taxis (Gett/Yango), driving. Haifa has limited Shabbat bus service. Yom Kippur: ALL roads closed.

• Dan Hotels: Luxury (800-2,500 NIS/night)
• Isrotel: Resort/Family (600-2,000 NIS)
• Fattal/Leonardo: Mid-range (500-1,500 NIS)
• Zimmerim: Country lodges in Galilee/Golan (400-1,500 NIS)

Masada, Ein Gedi, Banias, Caesarea, Tel Dan, Rosh HaNikra, Timna Park, Ein Avdat. Kartisiya (6-site pass): 110 NIS adult. Annual pass: ~195 NIS.

• Dead Sea: Ein Gedi + Masada sunrise + floating
• Eilat: Coral Beach, Timna, tax-free shopping
• Galilee/Golan: Banias, Tel Dan, wineries, Tzfat
• Jerusalem: Old City, Yad Vashem, Mahane Yehuda
• Tel Aviv: Beaches, Jaffa, Carmel Market, Neve Tzedek

Example 1: Plan a Weekend Trip to the Dead Sea

User says: "Plan a weekend trip from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea" Actions:

1. Transport: Egged bus 421 from Tel Aviv Central Station (2.5 hours, ~42 NIS) or rental car via Route 90
2. Accommodation: Ein Bokek hotel strip (300-800 NIS/night) or Ein Gedi hostel (150-250 NIS/night)
3. Activities: Ein Gedi Nature Reserve (29 NIS entry), Masada sunrise hike (29 NIS), Dead Sea beach (free public beaches at Ein Bokek)
4. Food: Hotel restaurants, Arad for budget dining (20 min drive)
5. Tips: Bring water shoes, sunscreen SPF 50+, arrive early for Masada Result: Complete itinerary with transport, accommodation, costs, and practical tips

Example 2: Family Day Trip to the Galilee

User says: "Suggest a day trip for a family with kids in northern Israel" Actions:

1. Route: Drive to Tiberias area via Route 6 + Route 77
2. Morning: Kfar Kedem biblical experience (79 NIS/adult, 59 NIS/child)
3. Lunch: Decks restaurant on the Kinneret, or falafel in Tiberias (budget option)
4. Afternoon: Hamat Gader hot springs (99 NIS/adult, 79 NIS/child) or Kinneret beach
5. Evening: Return via Route 6 (toll ~22 NIS) Result: Family-friendly Galilee itinerary with kid activities and budget options

Scripts

• scripts/plan_route.py -- Calculates distances and suggests transport options between Israeli cities. Run: python scripts/plan_route.py --help

References

• references/israeli-transport-guide.md -- Comprehensive guide to Israeli public transport (Egged, Dan, Israel Railways, Rav-Kav), national parks pricing, hotel chains, and regional highlights. Consult when planning detailed itineraries or comparing transport options.

Error: "Bus route information may be outdated"

Cause: Israeli bus routes and schedules change frequently, especially after Egged/Dan restructuring Solution: Always note that schedules should be verified on Moovit or the bus company website. Provide the Moovit/Google Maps link for real-time data.

Error: "National park is closed on requested date"

Cause: Parks may close for holidays, weather, or security Solution: Check the Israel Nature and Parks Authority website (parks.org.il) for closures. Note that parks close early on Fridays and eves of holidays. Suggest alternative nearby attractions.