Private Walking Tour in Jerusalem's Old City
Highlights
- Explore the four quarters of Jerusalem's Old City
- Visit sacred sites of three monotheistic religions
- Meet and learn from local people
- Understand the complex and special story of Jerusalem
- All entry fees are included
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Private tour experience
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Duration 6 hours
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Licensed tour guide included
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All entry fees included
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Wheelchair accessible
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Local cultural insights
Experience the captivating history and diverse cultures of Jerusalem's Old City on a private walking tour with Orna, a licensed tour guide certified by the Ministry of Tourism in Israel. Explore the four quarters and the iconic Temple Mount, delving into the rich traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Meet local people and gain insight into their deep connection to this ancient city. Discover the complex and special story of Jerusalem, from its past to its vibrant present. This immersive tour includes visits to the Sephardic synagogues, the Western Wall, the Muslim Quarter, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, among other significant sites. Wander through the bustling Arab market, taste unique Arab sweet delights at a local spice store, and stop at an Armenian ceramics shop. End your journey at the panoramic rooftop of the hotel Notre Dame, offering stunning views of the old and new city. Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Jerusalem on this unforgettable private walking tour.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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6 hours
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Available in English, Hebrew (modern)
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore Jerusalem's Old City on a private walking tour, uncovering the rich history and sacred sites of three major religions with a licensed guide.
Included
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Entry Fees
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Licensed Tour Guide
Excluded
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Please bring hat, water and comfortable walking shoes.
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Hot drink and a cake
Meeting Point
Meet at the stone bench at the Jaffa Gate, in the part outside the old city.
Jerusalem , Israel
End Point
The tour will end at the hotel - Notre Dame of Jerusalem
HaTsanhanim St 3, Jerusalem , Israel
What to expect
We will begin the tour with an introduction to the walls of the Old City and the Jaffa Gate. Who built the walls, and when? Why is the Jaffa Gate called that and what is its significance? What did it look like in the past and what evidence can be found for this? Who is the guest in whose honor the wall of the city of Jerusalem was breached? And who is buried in the mysterious tombs at the Jaffa Gate?
Armenian Quarter
We will visit the courtyard of James Cathedral. We will learn why the Armenians got their own quarter, who is James, who built a wall around the quarter, and what the Armenian Patriarch did to raise funds for the renovation of the Cathedral.
Jewish Quarter
We will visit the four Sephardic synagogues and learn who built them, when and how they are related to the man who left a besieged Jerusalem in a coffin to save Judaism. We will visit the Cardo and learn its story, and we will learn the connection between the Hurva Synagogue and the Jews who came all the way from Europe to Jerusalem to wait for the return of the Jewish Messiah.
Western Wall
We will visit the largest synagogue in the world, the Western Wall. We will learn how it was built, by whom, and why this is NOT the holiest place for Jews.
Temple Mount
Temple Mount, the most sacred place for Judaism is also sacred for Islam. Since the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, the Jews had no control over it until 1967, following the Six Day War. We will learn why and how the mountain was sanctified in the monotheistic religions, about the illegal excavations and the sifting project of the Temple Mount soil designed to save archaeological finds, Messianic Jews who want to build the Third Temple, and Muslim graves that are found In the holiest place for Jews.
Muslim Quarter
We will learn who built the Muslim quarter and why, we will make a stop at a local spice store to try some unique Arab sweet delights, and walk through the Arab market.
The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa
We will walk through some of the stations of Via Dolorosa on our way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
We will visit the most sacred place for the Christian religion, the place of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. We will visit the place of the crucifixion, and his tomb and learn about the Christian faith.
Christian Quarter
We will learn about the patriarch who locked himself in his room and received food through the window, we will stop to visit an Armenian ceramics shop, eat a cake and drink coffee at a local cafe, learn about the lowest statue in Jerusalem and meet local merchants*. *depending on their availability
New Gate
We will learn why the newest gate in the wall was needed and when it was built.
Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center
For a moment, we will leave Jerusalem and "visit" Europe. We will learn why the hotel was built here, by whom and how it is related to the Crimean War. We will go up to the roof of the hotel for a panoramic view of the new city and the old city, from where we can see the different quarters, the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives. We will learn who blew up the hotel and why? And about 19 years in which the hotel stood on the border between Jordanian Jerusalem and Israeli Jerusalem.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Each trip can be tailor-made to your interests and needs.
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Holy sites dress code: (The western wall, Church of the holy sepulcher etc.) No tank tops, Pants / skirts to the knees.
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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On Fridays, the four Sephardic synagogues will be replaced with another synagogue.
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Please note that Temple Mount (Including Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque) is closed for visitors every Friday, Saturday and during various Muslim and Jewish Holidays. Instead, a visit of a view point overlooking the Temple Mount will be included.
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Service animals allowed
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Temple Mt. Dress code: Men - pants - under the knees, T-shirt. Women - long skirt / pants (not skinny), long sleeves shirt , no cleavage. Please make sure NOT to bring with you: Holy books and sacred objects, Any kind of weapon (including Lederman) , Laptops, tablets or iPads, Alcohol or musical instruments. In case you don’t have a cover, you’ll be given a skirt by the workers there.
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The tour can be adopted for a wheelchair.
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Wheelchair accessible
What our experts say
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Start early to avoid crowds.
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Wear comfortable walking shoes.
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Try local sweets in the Muslim Quarter.
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Respect dress codes at holy sites.
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Visit nearby cafes for refreshments.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Welcome to a private walking tour of Jerusalem's Old City! Join the experienced and licensed tour guide, Orna, on a journey through the rich history and cultural tapestry of this ancient city. With over 10 years of experience and a deep knowledge of Jerusalem's past and present, Orna will provide you with a captivating and enlightening experience.What to expect?
During this tour, you can expect to explore the four quarters of the Old City and the iconic Temple Mount. Orna will guide you through the fascinating stories and traditions of the three monotheistic religions that call Jerusalem home. You'll have the opportunity to visit sacred sites and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of each religious community.Who is this for?
This tour is designed for anyone who wants to delve into the history, culture, and spirituality of Jerusalem's Old City. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a religious pilgrim, or simply curious about different cultures, this experience is for you. Orna's inclusive approach ensures that people of all backgrounds and beliefs will feel welcome and engaged throughout the tour.Why book this?
What sets this private walking tour apart is Orna's expertise and genuine passion for sharing the stories of Jerusalem. With her extensive knowledge and personal connections in the city, she offers a unique perspective that goes beyond the surface level. By booking this tour, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Jerusalem's complex history and its significance to people around the world.Good to know
As part of this tour, all entry fees are included, saving you the hassle of purchasing tickets separately. It's recommended to bring a hat, water, and comfortable walking shoes to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop for a hot drink and a cake, providing a chance to rest and recharge before continuing your exploration.Reviews
Travelers who have experienced this private walking tour with Orna rave about her knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to make history come alive. Many have appreciated the personalized approach and the opportunity to interact with local people and communities. Overall, guests have left with a deep appreciation for Jerusalem's Old City and its rich cultural heritage. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to explore the heart of Jerusalem with Orna as your guide.This is a popular product and the date you are looking for just sold out. Next available date is