Shalom,
My name is Shai Shvalb, and I am a professional private tour guide, and the owner of Know the Land. As a storyteller, I love to lead and guide my guests using my private car in the Land of Israel. I am especially enthusiastic about guiding those interested in history and archaeology, interfaith dialogue and comparison, the Bible, Israeli society, and, of course, Israeli food and markets. I guide in a deep and meaningful way, seasoned with a sense of humor.

Palestine is no more of this work-day world. It is sacred to poetry and tradition -
it is dream-land.

Mark Twain

If you plan to come to Israel for the first time, or if this is your 10th visit to this land

I am your guide!

How can i help

I offer you my services as a one-stop shop for all your needs in Israel: guidance, transportation, hotels, VIP handling at the airport, and anything else you might need.

Day Tours​

Pre-set single-day guided private tours in Israel. Visit the highlights of Israel.​

Multi-day Tours​

Multi-day guided private tours in Israel based on a regional theme or subject.

Jewish Tours

Jewish-oriented private tours in the Land of Israel, following ancient and modern Israel

Christian tours​

Christian-oriented private tours in the Land of the Bible, following Roman Catholic and Evangelical traditions.​

Business Guests​

Special VIP treatment for business people coming from abroad. Even a single day can become a great experience.​

Land Services​

Professional handling of guidance, transportation, hotel booking, and VIP handling at the airport.​

Know the Land

REVIEWS

Before I became a tour guide, I managed several businesses in the commerce arena. I then decided that instead of importing goods from China and selling it to shops all over Israel – I’d rather buy knowledge and deliver it to my guests wrapped with exciting experiences, deep spiritual significance, and love for the Land of Israel. I have often heard from the guests that I have guided that the trip experience with me was, for them, a LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE

Great experience Shai was an amazing guide. Great depth of knowledge about the area, history and people. Able to quickly pivot when weather worked against us.
Carolyn H
Carolyn H
11/05/2023
Once in a lifetime adventure The charming Shai was beyond passionate in his love for Israel and Tel Aviv.His knowledge of events, history and the region on a whole was remarkable and it was all delivered in such an engaging way — never a dull moment when he was around.Our trip to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem would honestly not have been the same without Shai by our sides, answering every question we threw his way from the serious to the not-so-serious.Everything was tailored to our individual group which made it an experience I’ll never forget.I can’t wait to come back and experience more with Know the Land.#Don’tBeShai
Sophie S
Sophie S
26/04/2023
Amazing tour of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv On the first morning of our 5-day guided tour of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem Shai announced his motto. “Don’t be Shai,” he said. It was meant as a play on words, for us to know that we could ask him any question and not be ‘shy’ to bridge a topic. However, after five days spent with this wonderful tour guide, I would like to amend his motto - it should read “Be more Shai” instead. This is because Shai was an exemplary guide; kind, funny, passionate, and patient. His unique storytelling ability brought thousands of years of history and culture to life. Shai was a true professional with a sunny nature that was contagious, and I suspect he knows more about food and wine than some of the country’s top chefs. He had us in stitches laughing, and moved to tears when it mattered. I cannot recommend him highly enough if you want to visit Israel and really learn about the land. Todah rabah, Shai. I hope we meet again one day.
Lydia V
Lydia V
23/04/2023
Wonderful day in Israel Shai was both professional and entertainment, a rare mix of knowledge and fun, mad the experience memorable, you’d be lucky to book him , as he’s very much in demand ,,
Robert C
Robert C
21/04/2023
A delicious morning in Carmel Market and Jaffa From the moment we met him Shai was full of information and lovely to be around. He took us on a delicious food tasting tour around Carmel Market and Jaffa allowing to sample amazing treats from sticky Medjool dates to Yemenite breads to the best hummus and creamy ice cream and malabi (a rose water scented dessert topped with crushed nuts and coconut. We learned much about the market and sights along the way and finished the morning with full tummies and minds. Shai was patient with our teenagers and also took lots of photos so we have lots of lovely momentos of our Tel Aviv morning. Highly recommended.
Victoria P
Victoria P
17/04/2023
Family tour Shai did a great job of giving us private day tour that was interesting and fun for the whole family. Definitely recommend.
Wanderlust002018
Wanderlust002018
15/04/2023
Israel press trip Shai was knowledgeable on all aspects of Israel from the history to local producers and the best places to visit. He designed a fabulous itinerary that incorporated a visit to Jerusalem, a tour of Jaffa, highlighted local wineries and food producers as well as fantastic restaurants and food markets. His itinerary showcased the 'real Israel'.
346anji
346anji
05/03/2023
Amazing tour guide who made our experience a BLAST Shai was our private tour guide for 10 days while in Israel. He was fun, respectful, and very candid. He also had very unique lunch and tourist options that were "off the beaten path". Most memorably, Shai took our group to a Georgian vineyard in Israel. I would definitely use Shai again when I am back in Israel
Aka A
Aka A
22/02/2023
The best way to learn about Israel One of the best guides you can ever come across.An interactive Library. Great personality and a high level of professionalism.Enhances and personalises to suit your needs according to your belief, interest with an unbiased view.Highly Recommended.
Sandy
Sandy
16/02/2023
The best tour guide in Tel aviv Amazing tour guide, very knowledgeable about little tricks and tips in Tel Aviv. Can confidently say better than other tour guides experienced.Loved Scroll of fire, loved the local eateries he knew, etc.From London
Deep B
Deep B
18/01/2023

If all the pages that have been written about Israel were spread upon its surface, they would flag it from horizon to horizon like a pavement.

Mark Twain

Know the Holy Land

Know the Holy Land is a comprehensive Hebrew-English dictionary and the first of its kind and contains about 4100 entries about the Land of Israel. That is the first attempt to create a professional glossary in Hebrew and English, covering geography, geology, archaeology, architecture, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, site names, flora, fauna, and many other subjects. The book is intended to serve as a bilingual dictionary, professional glossary, and a tool for those interested in knowing the land, studying the Land of Israel, tour guides, and anybody interested in the Land of Israel.

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