FWIW, we're doing our first trip to Israel also. After MUCH planning, research and deliberation, we extended our trip from 2 to 3 weeks - longest trip we've ever taken!

Here's our schedule:

* 3 nights in Tel Aviv (staying in an apartment in Neve Tzedek)
* fly to Eilat and spend 4 nights there in the Cactus B&B - but one of those nights will be spent at Petra (in Jordan) - (inexpensive air-fare - $36/pp)
* Rent a car in Eilat and drive to the Dead Sea area where we're staying at Belfer's Dead Sea Cabins in a Moshav for 3 nights
*drive to the Galilee area and spend 4 nights in a Moshave area at Barbakfar
* drive to TLV airport and drop off the car and get transportation to Jerusalem (don't want to drive anywhere near Jerusalem!)
* spend 6 nights in Jerusalem at the Harmony Hotel before heading home

The only difference from most of the "advised" itineraries is spending time in Eilat and Petra. Frankly, the only reason we're going to Eilat is to see Petra - if you haven't seen pictures of it, you should check it out. There are some great pictures here: http://blog.kenkaminesky.com/2011/06...-world-wonder/

bert