Tours and Trips
JAFFA TO TEL AVIV
We start off the day in the ancient port city of Jaffa. Established over 4,500 years ago, Jaffa is home to an impressive array of Egyptian and Roman ruins, alleyways pocketed with exquisite art galleries, and of course, the historic port itself, which has been conquered 22 times throughout its long history. Jaffa also boasts a breathtaking view of Tel Aviv, our afternoon destination. Tel Aviv is young, dynamic, and considered by many to be the startup capital of the world. We will walk through the city's earliest locales built on top of sand, and make our way to the center of town, teeming today with businesses galore.
THE WONDERS OF JERUSALEM
The Old City of Jerusalem, perhaps the most sacred place on Earth, is a must-see for anyone visiting Israel. We will spend the morning weaving through the maze-like corridors of the Muslim Quarter, followed by a visit to the Christian Quarter and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In the afternoon, we will take the narrow pathway up to the Temple Mt, where the First and Second Jewish Temples once stood and where the Dome of the Rock sits today. No visit to Jerusalem is complete without a stop at the Western Wall, a holy site which has served as a symbol of the Jewish peoples' struggles and triumphs over the millennia.
INTO THE JUDEAN DESERT
Along Israel's eastern edge we find the Judean Desert replete with magnificent vistas, endemic wildlife, and archeological wonders. We will voyage first to the ancient fortress of Masada, built by King Herod on top of a grand mountain overlooking the desert lands. It is at this site that the Jews held their last stand against the Roman forces 2,000 years ago. Our next stop is the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth where you'll have the unique experience of floating on the mineral-rich water. Finally, we'll visit Ein Gedi, a fresh-water oasis revealed in the Bible as David's hiding place when he sought refuge from King Saul's wrath.
ALONG THE COAST
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This day is dedicated to the majestic sites hemming Israel's Mediterranean coastline. We will travel north to the archaeological treasure that is Caesarea Maritima, home to the remains of King Herod's seaside villa, an imposing Roman theater, and a Crusader moat and marketplace. Our day continues in Haifa, atop the cascading Bahai Gardens, providing us with an alluring view of the bay below. Across the bay is our last stop, the old city of Akko. Akko was the capital of the Crusader Kingdom in the 13th century and is famous today for its massive Hospitaller fortress, underground tunnels, and lively bazaar.
TASTING TOUR AT SARONA
The Sarona marketplace is a resplendent indoor market located in the heart of Tel Aviv. It sits adjacent to the old German quarter of Sarona, now a hub for restaurants, shops, and outdoor performances. You'll learn the story of the German Templers who once inhabited the area, and then whet your palettes as you taste a variety of eclectic treats in the market itself. (Tasting tours are also available for Jaffa, Levinsky and Carmel markets in Tel Aviv, and Machane Yehuda market in Jerusalem)
CUSTOMIZED TOURS
This is your trip and it should be everything you want it to be. I'm here to work with you to make your experience as perfect as possible. All of the tours listed here are fully amendable. Whether it's your first time in Israel or your 100th, whether you're traveling for a day, a week, or a month, I will be happy to build and guide any tour that fits your needs and interests. Contact me any time to get started!