
Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 30 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour worth booking?
Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour is a 9-hour experience in Tel Aviv, Israel, from $750 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 30 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (30)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $750 per person
Join Imagine Israel Tours for a guided journey through the Gaza Envelope (Otef Aza), Israel’s most emotionally powerful & historically significant region in the wake of the October 7 2023, attacks. This tour is more than history - it’s memory, resilience & a call to never forget. Throughout the tour, you'll also hear personal stories of friends, colleagues & family members affected on this difficult day.
What you get
About this experience
Join Imagine Israel Tours for a guided journey through the Gaza Envelope (Otef Aza), Israel’s most emotionally powerful & historically significant region in the wake of the October 7 2023, attacks. This tour is more than history - it’s memory, resilience & a call to never forget. Throughout the tour, you'll also hear personal stories of friends, colleagues & family members affected on this difficult day.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
We will stop at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai on the northern border with Gaza and learn about the history, geography and strategic importance of the area.
30 minutes here
We will stop outside Moshav Nativ Ha’asara, the closest civilian community to Gaza & hear about the attack by terrorists on paragliders, that brought the war to this peaceful village.
30 minutes here
We visit the Nahal Oz look out built in memory of the 16 yound observers murdered on October 7 and learn about the 7 young women kidnapped and what happened to them.
45 minutes here
We stop outside Kibbutz Be’eri, one of the communities hardest hit during the deadly attack by Hamas, with 102 people murdered & 32 kidnapped into Gaza - 10 of them still there. This community's losses were among the worst that day. You will hear several stories of the horrors that families suffered. We also hear about a hero who gave his life to save his community and learn about what the future holds for this kibbutz. We also go into the bomb shelter by the bus stop where Yuval Rafael, Israel's entrant to Eurovision 2015, was buried under dead bodies for 8 hours.
30 minutes here
Road 232 Bomb Shelter: Pay your respects at this symbolic site, from where a number of young people were kidnapped, including Hersh Goldberg. Road 232 has recently been completely resurfaced after devastating damage from rockets, fires & RPGs. We also learn the story of Aner Shapira who gaves his life to save others trapped in the bomb shelter.
30 minutes here
We enter the kibbutz for lunch in the communal dining hall. We visit the site where Bipin Joshi the heroic Nepalese worker was taken hostage and his friends from Nepal and Thailand were killed. We learn what happened on Kibbutz Alumim that day.
90 minutes here
Shuva Achim Rest Station: an inspiring volunteer hub for soldiers, established by the Trabelsi brothers. Meet active-duty soldiers & express your support. (If you'd like to make a financial donation to the rest stop, or bring gifts for the soldiers, this is the perfect place to do it)
30 minutes here
A deeply moving stop at the site of the Nova Music Festival near Kibbutz Re’im, where 364 young people were killed & 43 kidnapped. The site now serves as a spontaneous memorial where friends & families have created personal memories & tributes to their loved ones.
90 minutes here
The 'Car Cemetery' near Moshav Tkuma: the haunting collection of 1,560 burned & destroyed vehicles recovered from the attacks - now serving as a temporary memorial. Stories of many of the vehicles' owners are available to read using QR codes erected nearby. These charred vehicles aren't just debris - they carry the stories & heartbreak of the people who once drove them.
60 minutes here
Sderot
Visit to the site of the destroyed Sderot Police Station where a fierce battle took place on October 7th. Learn the story of Amer Odeh Abu Sabila, a heroic Bedouin construction worker who rescued 2 young girls after their parents were murdered. Amer was shot while saving them, but his bravery ensured the girls’ survival.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Imagine Israel Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 30 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
30 verified traveler reviews for Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best tour guide in the world!
Simon Oster, the guide is the best tour guide I have every used in my many years of extensive world travels! I have also taken and will take future tours with him I am signed up for shortly. His depth of knowledge, engaging, yet straightforward, no hype tours are curated, fascinating, unique and first class. He goes above and beyond personally and professionally for all the tourists. His tours are all unique and extraordinary, not the usual sites. I wish he could guide me around the world! He probably can! He also offers ancillary services like airport pick up and delivery that include explanations and guiding at no extra price! He is one in a million! Thank you Simon!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, Matthew, this is genuinely one of the kindest reviews I've received, & it means a great deal coming from someone who has travelled as extensively as you have. The Gaza Envelope / Nova Festival Memorial tour is not an easy one to guide, & it isn't meant to be. It asks something of both guide & visitor. Knowing that you found it curated, honest & free of hype is the highest compliment you could give me, because that's exactly what I try to achieve. These places deserve to be presented truthfully, without embellishment & with the respect they demand. I'm delighted you'll be joining me again on future tours, & I look forward to it. And yes - I'll go wherever the story takes us! Thank you for taking the time to write this. It's appreciated more than you know. Simon
via Tripadvisor
A moving and important tour
Simon handled this emotional tour with great sensitivity and care. He was incredibly knowledgable but unsurprising when he had a family member affected by Oct 7th! Throughout the day we felt incredibly moved and always safe. Simon ensured he gave us time and space where needed to review things on our own. We were picked up from our apartment in central TLV and found his car incredibly comfortable and we were super grateful that he also thought to bring extra ice cold water for us as we ran out quite quickly as well as yummy snacks. We enjoyed the opportunity to eat lunch on one of the impacted Kibbutzim (£25 extra pp paid directly to them) and sit in the Sukkah and see how the residents were recovering and still living life with love and resilience
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review. It means a great deal to me. This is not an easy tour to lead, and I’m very conscious that everyone experiences the Otef differently. My hope is always to share what happened as honestly as I can, while giving guests the time and space to take it in at their own pace. The events of October 7th are also very personal for me, so being able to share this part of Israel’s story with visitors is something I take very seriously. I’m delighted that you felt comfortable & safe throughout the day, and that the small things — the cold water, snacks & comfortable car — helped make such an emotional day a little easier. I particularly love that you mentioned having lunch at one of the affected kibbutzim. Seeing people rebuilding their lives, welcoming visitors & continuing to create moments of normality is an important part of understanding the Otef too. Thank you again for trusting me to take you there. It was a privilege to spend the day with you. Simon
via Tripadvisor
Bear Witness
An amazing 'experience'. Bear witness and go. Simon is an amazing guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you for this, Diane - and for coming on the tour. There's a reason people describe this day as something you carry with you rather than simply visit, & I'm glad it landed that way for you. Thank you for the kind words & for the recommendation. I hope to guide you again someday. — Simon
via Tripadvisor
Informative and meaningful
Simon was not only knowledgeable but such a pleasure to be with. His stories brought the experience to life. I would highly recommend taking his tours to everyone.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this lovely review, Sue! It genuinely means a lot to hear that the stories resonated — that's exactly what I hope for on every tour. Connecting with people & bringing the history to life through storytelling is the best part of what I do, and it's wonderful to know it made the experience memorable for you. Thank you for the recommendation, & I'd be delighted to welcome you back anytime. Safe travels! — Simon
via Tripadvisor
Gaza Envelope Trup
Knowledgeable, pleasant, enjoyed the trip
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this, Howard. It's genuinely moving to know the day stayed with you. Guiding through the Gaza Envelope & the Nova Festival memorial isn't like any other tour — it asks something of everyone who comes, and I don't take lightly the trust it takes to walk through that history together. I'm grateful you came, and grateful you took the time to write. I hope our paths cross again. — Simon
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Imagine Israel Tours, who run 10 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.7.
See everything Imagine Israel Tours runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tel Aviv.
How much does Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour cost?
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Prices start at $750 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tel Aviv usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tel Aviv is not rushed.
Is Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 30 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tel Aviv, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour?
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Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tel Aviv can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tel Aviv and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tel Aviv within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Tel Aviv?
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On Outty we rank every Tel Aviv experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Carmel Market Tasting Tour - LocaLocal, Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv Street Art & Graffiti Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Tel Aviv?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Tel Aviv?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 214 listed pickup locations in and around Tel Aviv. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Gaza Envelope (Otef)/Nova Festival Memorial Tour?
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Across 30 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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