Originally Posted by
mbgg
I think that you are spending too much time in Eilat (unless you are a diving fan) and the Dead Sea. Eilat is just a standard beach resort and you don't need more than 2 days at the Dead Sea: Massada, Ein Gedi, Qumran and a spa do not require more.
I would rent the car in Tel-Aviv and drive down via Mitzpe Ramon, stopping at Bet Guvrin, Sde Boker, Avdat, the Ramon Crater, Timna on the way. I would also add two nights in the Haifa area and tour Akko, Rosh Hanikra, Haifa, Zikhron Yaakov and Caesarea.
Don't exaggerate Jerusalem traffic; I don't like driving in the city either but you only have to get to your hotel and then return the car. It is a minor inconvenience (and much cheaper) compared to returning the car at the airport. What hotel are you staying at ? They can give you detailed driving instructions or you can ask for directions here.
Thank for the feedback.
We don't like to spend less than 3 or 4 nights at a location if possible - it's more restful, plus we get to spend more time with the "locals" to get a better flavor of an area. Our time in Eilat is mainly to go to Petra. That will take 2 days (1 night) - the other days will be for day-trips into the desert.
We really wanted to go to Mitzpe Ramon and the crater, but just didn't have the time - Israel may be a small country, but there's a LOT to see!
We're returning the car at TLV because we're getting back on Saturday, and the rental counters are closed in Jerusalem! Parking at the hotel is "iffy", so we figured is was easier to return it at TLV and take a bus or taxi into Jerusalem.
bert