Ilan Levin,Head Guide
Born and raised in Israel (and a little in South Africa as well) and spent quite a number of years travelling and living abroad. I completed my military service in the parachute regiment – three intense years that helped shape my views of Israel, the region and its fortunes. On my world travels I spent several months in Hong Kong training with a Kung Fu master, hitchhiked and worked my way across Australia, motorbiked northern India and practised Buddhist meditation in a monastery in Thailand.
I also walked the length and breadth of Israel solo long before I realised that I could best share my love of nature, trekking, history, politics and philosophy by becoming a professional & licensed tour guide in Israel.
Appropriately I have a BA degree in Politics, Philosophy & History from Birkbeck College, University of London and completed my two year professional tour guide course at the University of Haifa, Israel.
I created TrekIs in 2008 to share my love of the special mix of past and present that epitomises Israel. In this small country, we have more history and archaeology, politics and religion than many of the world's largest countries. Israel may be a small country but it is rich and diverse, exciting and challenging.
TrekIs can help you explore all this and get to know the country, tailoring tours to the amount of time you have, your particular interests, the degree of luxury (or not!) that you prefer.
TrekIs offers professional and licensed tour guide services in Israel. Most tours are guided by Ilan Levin (if you book early enough..) or a close colleague (guiding services are available in most languages) to individuals, families, churches and a growing number of Israeli businesses and hi-tech companies.
TrekIs Tour Philosophy
First of all TrekIs is made up of two words: Trekking & Israel. The vision was my love of nature and hiking and to a lesser extent Star Trek...
Not to worry now days only a small portion of my work involves trekking. Most of the time we get to explore israel in style and comfort. However, where & when ever possible I take you off the beaten track to discover hidden gems away from the crowds!
For this my Land Rover Discovery SUV (or a luxury van) is ideal - can't be beaten for on-road comfort and luxury and sure as hell can't be beaten for off-road comfort and abilities. For larger groups there is a van and / or mini-bus with a driver.
The second reason I became a guide is through my understanding of the Hebrew for tour guide - Moreh Derech. It translates as someone who points or shows the way. In my day-to-day guiding that is exactly what I aim to do. I try to create a story which allows you to gain insights and a better understanding of what this country is and what it stands for - and that is a hell of a lot!!
