This tour can be booked as a half-day tour or a full-day tour, adding the Western (new) part of the city to the itinerary. The Jerusalem Executive Tour will allow you to see the essential sites and attractions of this historic city and includes a walking tour through the old city.
We start at the Mt. of Olives for a panoramic view of the old city, the Temple Mount and the City of David. Passing the Chapel of the Ascension (today a mosque) and the Church of the Pater Noster, we drive down to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations, where we can visit at your request. A short walk leads us to Mary’s Tomb and the Grotto of Gethsemane. We continue by car through the Kidron Valley with its ancient tombs such as Absalom’s Pillar and the Tomb of Zechariah and drive around the southern wall towards Jaffa Gate. From there we walk through the Armenian quarter to the Jewish quarter and the Cardo. Upon request, we can visit one of the synagogues. Next stop is the Western Wall or Kotel, the holiest site in Judaism. Optionally we enter the Temple Mount to see the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock up close (note that non-muslims are not allowed to enter these buildings). In addition we will look at the marvellous Mamluk architecture.
Now we have to make a choice:
- Visit the Davidson Center and the Archaeological Park next to the Temple Mount.
- Enter the Western Wall Tunnel – highly recommended but requires advanced booking and might not be available as the number of visitors is limited. We exit at the Via Dolorosa.
- Walk through the Souq or market either to the Tower of David Museum, or to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Walk to St. Anna Church and Bethesda pools and continue along the Via Dolorosa to the Muristan quarter and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
If you booked a full-day tour, there are a choice of options to continue, for example:
- Walking tour through the “New City” – Jaffa street, Hanevi’im street (street of the prophets), Russian compound with a glimpse of Mea Shearim. Optionally we can visit the Museum of Underground Fighters, a former British prison.
- Drive through Keren Hayesod street with view of the National Institutions, then to the Israel Museum, the Knesset (Israels parliament), the Government district, and the High Court. I recommend a visit to the Israel Museum for the Holyland model showing Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. Also on display are the Dead Sea Scrolls, and those interested in archaeology will find some impressive finds in the archaeology wing.
- Walking tour through the German Colony, followed by a coffee break/dinner at the old railway station (Tachana Rishona).
- Short tram ride to the picturesque Mahane Yehuda market.
- Visit of Yad Vashem and the Herzl cemetery (perhaps in combination with one of the above options).
Lunch / Dinner options: Jerusalem offers a variety of dining choices, from simple authentic hummus dishes to exquisite gourmet food. I will be happy to suggest restaurants and make reservations.
Duration: Half day or full day.
Dress code: Modest dress is required if you want to enter the holy sites. I’ll be happy to advise on that.
Important items:
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunscreen or sunblock with sufficient UV protection
Best time: All year round
Prices
Full day: $490*
Half day (up to 5 hours): $390*
Additional quotes – for different locations, group or VIP tours – upon request!
* All prices are daily fees that cover planning and guiding.
Not included are transportation, entry fees (where required), meals, and any other personal expenses. I will be happy to organize a car or minibus with driver.