Tour Package to Egypt and Israel (Holy Land). Starting from India. Best time to travel. Cost of packages

I'm traveling to Israel and hired an independent tour guide directly (no middle person). Since the entire daily fee goes directly to the guide, do I still have to tip? If so, what is a reasonable amount. I accustomed to tipping based on per person, per day. Could use some "guidance" (pun intended). Thanks!

Most tour operators to Israel leave from NY. I'd like to find one that leaves from SFO for personal reasons (it is not enough that I could arrange my own flights from SFO to NY and join them in NY). Obviously, the return trip would be to SFO as well. Thanks!

Maybe better to go with a few friends?