With no disrespect to the “must see sights” which we’re likely to enjoy together, it’s the "off the beaten track" gems which I find leave such a memorable impression on most visitors to Jerusalem: hidden alleyways, secretive rooftops for fantastic views & so much more. Together, we’ll go to places that most locals, not to mention visitors, have never been to before.
I often find myself saying, that attempting to describe in words the experience we’ll share in Jerusalem, may be asking the impossible. Perhaps, it’s the unbelievable contrast between the sacred & daily, the hustle and bustle vs the quietness and tranquility of the back streets, the dramatic political headlines & the reality of daily life, which all lead to such a stimulating experience both for 1st time visitors, as well as for those who’re lucky to return time after time to Jerusalem.
With no disrespect to the “must see sights” which we’re likely to enjoy together, it’s the "off the beaten track" gems which I find leave such a memorable impression on most visitors to Jerusalem: hidden alleyways, secretive rooftops for fantastic views & so much more. Together, we’ll go to places that most locals, not to mention visitors, have never been to before.
I often find myself saying, that attempting to describe in words the experience we’ll share in Jerusalem, may be asking the impossible. Perhaps, it’s the unbelievable contrast between the sacred & daily, the hustle and bustle vs the quietness and tranquility of the back streets, the dramatic political headlines & the reality of daily life, which all lead to such a stimulating experience both for 1st time visitors, as well as for those who’re lucky to return time after time to Jerusalem.
one of the keys for successful traveling is spontaneity
So… All suggested itineraries are subject to changes in order to tailor your visit to Jerusalem as good as possible for you. In Jerusalem we can spend anywhere between 3 unforgettable hours & up to 3 memorable days together.
All tours are walking tours, as the sights, in particular in the old city, are incredibly close to one another & aren’t reachable by car. If & when necessary (usually not) we can always hop on the public transportation & earn ourselves another adventure... When staying within walking distance from the old city, it’s fun meeting up at your accommodation & heading together by foot to the old city. This gives us a chance to get to know each other, as well as enjoying a short tour to the tour. No matter what you'll choose, I'll do my best to customize the tour, before & on the go, to your pace, interests & time frame, as well as making sure we avoid all those tourist traps along the way...
Here are some general suggestions:
1/2daytour
(3-4 hours)
In a relatively short time you can get a good feel for the Old City & its must see sights.
This is true, as long as you know your way around of course, as the Old City can look like a maze to some... The Holy sights & the day to day life are amazingly close to each other, a fact, which allows us to change the atmosphere over & over again!
We'll make sure to see The Western/Wailing Wall, The Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher & the golden Dome of the Rock (due to restrictions, Muslims only are allowed into the Dome itself).
1daytour
(6-8 hours)
Definitionally the most popular option amongst first time visitors. We'll get to feel the different atmospheres in all 4 quarters of the Old City: Armenian, Christian, Jewish & Muslim. Mixing it up between "Must See sights", such as, The Western / Wailing Wall, The Temple Mount (where the Dome of the Rock & El-Aksa masque are located), Church of the Holy Sepulcher & the Via Dolorosa, as well as "off the beaten track" gems: hidden alleyways, secretive rooftops for fantastic views & more. While doing all this we won't miss out on the fantastic local markets, enjoying colors, smells & of course the flavors – which for many are a true culinary highlight! If time, interest & energy permit we could also include 1 or 2 of the Archeological parks, The Mount of Olives or a bit of the New City. As far as the "extras" go, these could be determined as we go along.
צלם: איקה כץ
thenewcity
(3-4 hours)
Most often I will get a chance to explore these areas with visitors as part of a multi-day tour or on our way to/from the old city.
The picturesque neighborhood of Yemin Moshe, the historical buildings along King David St, the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhood of Mea Shearim and a tasting tour through the Mahane Yehuda Market, are amongst the highlights…
kibbutz
ramat-rachel
Another terrific add on to a multi-day tour!
If you’re looking for a unique & interesting perspective on modern day Israeli life, politics & culture, this is a fantastic option! Home to my wife, children & me, this Kibbutz, surrounded by Jerusalem, offers fantastic views, history, archeology, agriculture & much more. We can easily spend 2-3 hours in & around the Kibbutz.
