Story by Ed Salvato; Tel Aviv Pride images courtesy of Steele Travel
This year Israel marks its 62nd year as a nation. It also marks another first: Two new gay tour operators are bringing groups to the Middle East's most vibrant democratic nation and the most fun and progressive for gay and lesbian locals and visitors. These two join several other tour operators and other organizations who've been
Arriving first on the scene among the two new land-based tours, Micheal Lucas (better known for adult entertainment) hosts a group May 26 to June 8. Check out this interview we recently conducted with the sexy Mr. Lucas. Next up Josh Wood Productions (a well-known New York party promoter) teams up with Steele Luxury Travel to offer Milk & Honey Israel and Tel Aviv Pride from June 4 to June 13 (with an optional three-day extension in Jordan). Tel Aviv Pride takes place June 11.
Other tour operators visiting Israel
- Gay-friendly Kenes Tours will welcome over two dozen gay Australians on May 13 to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt.
- The venerable gay tour operator Hanns Ebensten's Pride and Heritage tour takes place May 23 to 31.
- Gay tour company OutWest Global Adventures is planning an Israel tour in 2011.
- Hermes Tours has lead groups to Israel in the past.
Israel by ship
Delivering the largest contingent of queer visitors to Tel Aviv this summer, Atlantis Events, chartering the beautiful Celebrity Equinox, disembarks thousands of gay and lesbian travelers to Israel for two full days August 26 and 27. This marks the first time in 10 years that an Atlantis cruise has called on Tel Aviv. In another mark of progress, Atlantis also offers a cruise the week before (on the same ship) that stops in Istanbul, Turkey.
Editor's note: This article was originally posted Tuesday, April 20 and has been updated to incorporate new information Friday, April 23.
