in 1993 by Ronen Paldi, a native of Israel who had been a tour guide in Israel and Egypt. He wanted to apply his experience on the ground to a tour operation that specialized in the “exotic Mediterranean.” Within the first year, Ya’lla (which means “let’s go” in Hebrew and Arabic) grew from a one-man show to occupying an entire floor of offices.
Although travel to the region has ebbed and flowed over the years due to political tensions, Ya’lla survived the difficult periods and today is thriving, with record numbers of customers. Ya’lla offers both escorted and FIT tours to Israel, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Jordan, Morocco and Cuba (it’s one of the few U.S. travel firms licensed by the government to offer legal travel to the island). Each of Ya’lla’s staff members has traveled to the destinations, and explored the hidden corners there, and they love to share their own passion for the exotic Mediterranean with others who are fascinated with the region. Ya’lla has a fully staffed office in each of the countries where it offers tours.
Ya’lla’s tour prices range from $255 per person for an Istanbul shore excursion with a private guide to $12,495 per person for 12-night privately escorted tour using deluxe, 5-star hotels. It will customize any of its existing tours, or create itineraries based on the specific needs of any individual traveler or group. The company pays a 12 percent base commission and only markets itself to travel agents. Ya’lla will set up training seminars for groups of agents in many areas around the country.