Tours(6)
Mount Zion
SuggestedPrice on request
Mount Zion lies just outside Jerusalem’s Old City walls, but it carries stories from many periods and traditions. It is associated with King David, the Last Supper, early Christianity, Jewish prayer, the Holocaust, and the divided city of Jerusalem after 1948. A private walk can include David’s Tomb, the Room of the Last Supper, Dormition Abbey, the old city walls, and the nearby streets around Zion Gate. The visit can focus on Jewish history, Christian tradition, sacred geography, modern Jerusalem, or the different meanings attached to the same buildings. Mount Zion shows how Jerusalem’s sacred map has never been fixed. A few streets and buildings have been claimed, reinterpreted, and remembered differently by Jews, Christians, Muslims, pilgrims, residents, and modern Israelis.
“…And a Wall Through Her Heart” - The City Line that Divided Jerusalem 1948-67, and a Glimpse at Today’s Municipal Borders
SuggestedPrice on request
Following a section of the “borderline” which divided Jerusalem 1948-1967, we will attempt to understand some of the ongoing geopolitical issues in the City of Peace. Beginning in Gilo (which was built after 1967) we will look out onto the western part of the city for a geographic orientation. We’ll drive along the old 1948 dividing line through the Arab neighborhood of Bet Sefafa. Stopping at the Goldmann Promenade overlooking the Old City and environs, we will discuss the complexities of the area before and after 1967. On the roof of a school in the Abu Tor neighborhood we’ll get a perspective on the divided city alongside the Old City. Time and traffic allowing, we will drive north of the Old City to see the location of the famous Mandelbaum gate: the only gateway between Jordanian and Israeli Jerusalem 1948-67. Transportation is not provided. We will travel in a caravan of cars making the aforementioned stops. A group can also arrange for a bus or van for transportation. TOUR LENGTH: ~4 hours PRICE (total per group): ₪800 (~$250)
A Day in the Judean Hills: Israel’s Wine Country, from Ancient Vines to Modern Boutique Wineries
SuggestedPrice on request
Explore Israel’s wine country with David Perlmutter on a full-day private tour through the Judean Hills. The Judean Hills, west and south of Jerusalem, are one of Israel’s oldest wine-growing areas. Vineyards have been part of this landscape since biblical times, and ancient wine presses, terraces, and archaeological sites can still be found among the hills. In recent decades, the region has become home to some of Israel’s most respected wineries, from established estates to small family-run producers. This day is an introduction to the wines, people, landscapes, and stories of the Judean Hills. We will visit selected wineries, taste local wines, and learn about the region’s long connection to grape growing and winemaking. Along the way, there will be time to enjoy the countryside, stop for lunch, and take in the views. Each tour is planned around the group’s interests, the season, and winery availability. Whether you know wine well or simply enjoy good food, beautiful landscapes, and local stories, this is a relaxed day out in a part of Israel many visitors never get to see. Best for: • Wine lovers of all levels, from curious drinkers to experienced collectors • Couples, adult private groups, and small groups of friends • First-time visitors looking to spend a full day beyond Jerusalem, in a landscape they might not otherwise see • Returning visitors to Israel who want a slower, more specialised day • Kosher-observant travellers. A fully kosher winery route can be arranged Before you go: • No designated driver is needed. David drives • Wear comfortable shoes for walking in vineyards and around wineries • Bring a sun hat and water. The Judean Hills can be hot in summer • Expect a modest amount of walking at each winery • The day includes several wine tastings, so it is worth pacing yourself. David will guide the tastings. Included: • Full-day private guiding with David Perlmutter • Private off-road transport from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv • Two or three winery visits, arranged in advance • Tasting fees at the scheduled wineries • Lunch arrangements, with the meal paid separately Not included: • Lunch. David will arrange the restaurant; payment is made directly • Wine purchases at the wineries • Accommodation before or after the tour Other options: • A half-day Judean Hills tour is also available for travellers with less time. It lasts three to four hours and includes one or two wineries. • Longer wine trips can also be planned, including the Galilee and Golan, Negev boutique wineries, or a north-to-south wine journey. Ask for a custom quote.
Israel Museum
SuggestedPrice on request
The Israel Museum brings together some of the country’s most important archaeological treasures, Jewish art, and international works of art in one hillside campus in Jerusalem. A private visit can focus on the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book, the model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple period, archaeology from the Land of Israel, Jewish life and ritual, or a selection of the museum’s art collections. It is a good choice for travellers who want context before exploring Jerusalem’s ancient sites, or who prefer to spend time with a few objects and stories rather than rush through a large museum. It is also a way to see how the many cultures, faiths, and communities of this region have preserved their stories through objects, art, and material life.
Herod’s Monument to Himself - Herodion
SuggestedPrice on request
King Herod (ruled 37 BCE – 4 CE) was one of the cruelest rulers of Eretz Yisrael of all time, but he was also a master builder. The Temple Mount (Har HaBayit), Masada and Caesarea are among his most famous accomplishments. But the monument that he built and named for himself in the Judean Desert is nothing short of awesome. He even built the infrastructure for his own royal funeral. From a distance Herodion (or Herodium) looks like a flat-top mountain, but it’s really an artificial cone! The palace and bathhouse built inside the structure are marvelous, as is the public room which was used as a synagogue by Jewish rebels during the revolts against Rome. Newly opened to the public is the theatre and access to where Herod’s tomb was found. Particularly cool are the huge underground cisterns, and hideout caves, that we will wall through. In short, this is a tour not to be missed. Notes: Terrific for children and adults; requires a lot of walking uphill and climbing stairs. TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours on-site MEETING POINT and ENDING POINT: Herodion National Park (upon request, we can arrange for a meeting point on Derekh Hevron in Jerusalem) PRICE (total per group): ₪800 (~$250) NOT INCLUDED in the PRICE: Entrance fees for Herodion (₪29 per adult; ₪15 per child; ₪25 for student with ID; ₪15 for senior citizen with ID)
Jerusalem: The Old City, the Quarters, and the Temple Mount
SuggestedPrice on request
Within the sixteenth-century Ottoman walls of the Old City lies one of the most contested, densely layered urban landscapes on earth. While commonly divided into four distinct quarters, the living reality on the ground is an intricate mosaic of ancient history, theological claims, political tension, and daily coexistence. This field study cuts through standard tourist cliches to deliver an objective, deep-level examination of urban archaeology, living faith communities, and modern geopolitical realities. 1. The Temple Mount: Epicenter of Faith and Geopolitics The Sacred Esplanade: Enter the Mount during designated visiting hours for non-Muslims. We examine the monumental Herodian foundations, early Umayyad architecture, Crusader alterations, and Ottoman decorative work. The Strategic Flashpoint: Analyze the complex status quo governing the plateau, the role of the Jordanian Waqf, the Israeli security apparatus, and the competing religious narratives surrounding Mount Moriah, the First and Second Temples, and the Al-Aqsa compound. 2. The Four Quarters: Sacred Topography and Living Communities The Jewish Quarter: Walk through ancient history and modern renewal. Trace the archaeological sequence from the First Temple Broad Wall and Herodian aristocratic mansions to the Byzantine Cardo, the historic Sephardic synagogues, and the Western Wall. The Christian Quarter: Navigate the bustling alleyways leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Examine the complex custody arrangements shared by the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Armenian Apostolic churches, alongside smaller Eastern traditions that maintain a presence at the site of the crucifixion and tomb of Jesus. The Muslim Quarter: Experience the largest and most populous sector of the Old City. Walk the ancient market streets, inspect monumental Mamluk facades with their intricate stonework and stalactite vaults, and observe the vibrant pulse of local commerce. The Armenian Quarter: Discover the history of the oldest diaspora community in Jerusalem. Understand how this distinct enclave has preserved its language, unique script, tile-making heritage, and monastic traditions behind high stone walls since the fourth century. 3. Fortifications, Gates, and Urban Infrastructure Walls and Gates: Study the military engineering of Suleiman the Magnificent, the historical defense strategies of the city, and how ancient gate complexes regulated trade, defense, and pilgrims for millennia. Underground Jerusalem: Explore ancient water systems, subterranean streetscapes, and bedrock foundations that reveal how layers of destruction and rebuilding created the elevated street level seen today. --- Planning Your Exploration Navigating the Old City requires deliberate planning, physical readiness for extensive stone steps and uneven surfaces, and strict adherence to the operational hours and security protocols of the Temple Mount. This master overview serves as a comprehensive framework. We can focus on specific theological routes, prioritize underground archaeological excavations, or build a balanced single-day or multi-day survey aligned with your background and historical interests.
Guides(13)
David Ha'ivri
Verified ✓Exploring Israel requires more than following a map. It demands a guide who reads the stone alleys, the shifting topography, and the human landscape with effortless clarity. David Ha’ivri brings travelers directly into the living pulse of the land. Decades of boots on the ground across historical routes, urban centers, and rugged trails allow him to navigate every situation with unshakeable calm. Street congestion, unexpected site closures, weather shifts, and logistical hurdles are handled with fluid adaptability. Behind his quiet poise stands an instinctive command of the terrain, ensuring every transition feels seamless. Travelers quickly discover that depth of knowledge does not have to feel heavy. As an educator and professional guide, David possesses the rare ability to unpack complex historical layers, biblical narratives, and regional realities without academic podium talk. He presents centuries of context through engaging, grounded storytelling that speaks equally to first, time visitors and seasoned scholars. Complex ideas become clear conversations. Serious history becomes an enjoyable, memorable journey. Client care defines every itinerary. Group dynamics vary, from families with young children needing shaded rest stops to curious travelers pushing for rigorous hikes. David listens closely, reads the room, and tailors the pace to fit the exact physical and personal needs of the group. Safety is never an afterthought. It is woven into every decision, route selection, and local interaction. Travelers move through busy markets, narrow alleyways, and quiet desert paths with complete peace of mind, fully protected by a guide who knows the ground intimately. A tour with David Ha’ivri goes beyond checking off landmark boxes. You walk alongside a trusted mentor who makes ancient stones speak, opens doors to authentic local encounters, and guarantees an experience that is safe, enriching, and unforgettable.
Yehuda Folberg
Verified ✓Private tour guide, discovering Israel's history, culture, and landscapes, with a taste of innovation and cuisine, blending tradition and modernity.
Avraham ori Lancry
Verified ✓Hi I am of avraham ori licensed guide based in Jerusalem
Eli Romanovsky
Verified ✓Eli Romanovsky is a licensed Israeli tour guide who has been guiding visitors through Israel’s museums, ancient sites, cities, and landscapes since 2008. He leads tours in English, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, and Hindi. Eli combines local knowledge with a warm, personal approach, planning private tours around each group’s interests, pace, and priorities. Eli holds a BA in Structural Linguistics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His tours bring together history, culture, city life, museums, and the outdoors. With experience in both guiding and travel operations, he is well suited to visitors looking for a flexible, well-planned private itinerary. He holds a BA in Structural Linguistics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and specializes in tailor-made tours that blend history, culture, city life, museums, and the outdoors. With experience in both guiding and travel operations, Eli is an excellent choice for visitors seeking a flexible, thoughtfully planned itinerary shaped around their interests.
Yoni Shtern
Verified ✓I’m a licensed Israeli tour guide, born in Eilat and based in the Negev, with a deep connection to the landscapes, history, and people of southern Israel. I specialize in private and personalized tours of the Negev, Dead Sea, Arava, Masada and the surrounding desert. My tours combine fascinating stories, nature, archaeology and local life, always with a personal touch and plenty of room for questions, discovery and spontaneous moments. With many years of experience guiding families, groups and educational delegations, my goal is simple: to help you experience Israel beyond the usual tourist route, and leave with great memories and a deeper connection to this extraordinary country. I’d love to show you Israel through my eyes.
Jo Lane
Verified ✓I am a licensed tour guide with degrees in Theology & Religious Studies, and Land of Israel Studies & Archaeology. I am passionate about sharing the deep history, rich cultures, and delectable flavours of my home town, Jerusalem, as well as the whole of Israel. Each and every tour is unique, because each and every tourist is coming to this land with his or her own background, view point, expectations, hopes and dreams. I consider it to be my mission to help foster meaningful connections between my guests and this incredible land. It is my privilege to share the stories, sites, facts, and fables with my visitors, brining everything to life in a fun, engaging, and unforgettable way. I have extensive experience leading multi-generational groups and interfaith tours of all sizes and varied durations, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or background, has an enriching and enjoyable experience that will stay with them for a very long time.
מלסץ' גלה
Verified ✓שמי מלסץ' גלה, מורת דרך מוסמכת המדריכה בעברית ובאמהרית. אני מזמינה אתכם להצטרף אליי לחוויות הדרכה ייחודיות, לסיורי עומק מרתקים ולמפגשים בלתי נשכחים ברחבי הארץ — המשלבים היסטוריה, תרבות, טבע, אנשים וסיפורים מקומיים. טיולי נשים ייחודיים טיולים מעצימים ומגבשים לנשים ברחבי הארץ, המשלבים טבע, תרבות, היסטוריה, חיבורים אנושיים ואווירה נעימה ומיוחדת. זיכרון יעקב וגני הנדיב סיור עומק היסטורי ומרגש בין סיפורי המושבה הראשונה, האדריכלות הנוסטלגית והיופי המרהיב של גני הנדיב. לצד הנופים וההיסטוריה, נפגוש סיפורים אנושיים, ערכי קהילה וחיבורים בין העבר לבין החברה הישראלית של היום. נתניה – קולינריה, אמנות וסיפור מקומי היכרות צבעונית ומפתיעה עם נתניה דרך סצנת אמנות הגרפיטי, טעמים מקומיים וסיור קולינרי בשוק העירוני — מהשווקים העשירים והטעימים בארץ. חוויה אותנטית המחברת בין אמנות, אוכל, אנשים והסיפורים שמאחורי העיר. ירושלים – בין עבר להווה סיורים קסומים בסמטאות ירושלים, המחברים בין סיפורי העיר העתיקה לבין ירושלים התוססת של ימינו. נגלה את ההיסטוריה, התרבות והאנשים שמאחורי המקומות, ונחווה את ריבוי הפנים והקסם הייחודי של העיר. למי מתאימים הסיורים? כמדריכה מוסמכת לילדים ולבני נוער, אני מתאימה את הסיורים למשפחות, לקבוצות, למוסדות ולקהלים מגוונים. התוכן מועבר בגובה העיניים, באופן נגיש, חווייתי ומהנה — כך שכל משתתף ומשתתפת, בכל גיל, יוכלו להתחבר, ליהנות ולצאת עם חוויה משמעותית.
David Perlmutter
Verified ✓David Perlmutter is a licensed Israel tour guide who has been guiding since 1988, with private tours a specialty since he purchased his first off-road vehicle in 1993. Born and raised in the US, he moved to Israel as a young adult, farmed an avocado grove on Kibbutz Einat, and served in the Israeli Defense Forces before entering the guiding profession. His company, Israel Adventure Journeys Ltd., is his platform for private guiding work across Israel. David is among Israel’s most recognised guides on wine and wine tourism. He began visiting Israeli wineries when the country’s modern wine revolution was still in its early years and developed that curiosity into a serious professional practice, combining direct experience across the industry with formal training. He holds the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award in Wines, passed with Merit. Fellow guides, winemakers, and members of Israel’s wine industry regularly consult him on wine tourism. Wine journeys can be designed for anything from a single day in the Judean Hills to a weeklong exploration of Israel’s wine regions. His guiding is not limited to wine. Nearly four decades of criss-crossing the country on foot, by mountain bike, and in off-road vehicles have given David an intimate familiarity with Israel’s geography. He leads mountain-bike journeys ranging from relaxed vineyard rides paired with tastings to single-track riding in the Negev and multi-day sections of the Israel Bike Trail. Full logistical support can be arranged, including bike rental, transport, repairs, and accommodation when needed. David lives with his wife Tamar and their four sons in Eliav, a young community in the Lachish region. He also volunteers as a first responder and ambulance crew member with Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service.
Дмитрий Балюк
Verified ✓Hello. My name is Dmitry. I am a licensed tour guide in Israel, based in Caesarea. I love God, people, and nature. I conduct Christian, historical, and archaeological tours—both group and private. I enjoy creating surprises and memorable moments for tourists. Я — Дмитрий Балюк, лицензированный гид Министерства туризма Израиля. Работаю индивидуально с русскоязычными туристами и христианскими паломниками, составляю авторские маршруты в комфортном темпе. Провожу экскурсии по всему Израилю и работаю только на русском языке. Для поездок использую комфортный седан. Я окончил Академический колледж Кинерета (Kinneret Academic College) по специальности «История и археология Израиля», а затем прошёл там же курсы экскурсоводов по Израилю. Поэтому на маршруте вы услышите не пересказ путеводителя, а целостную картину того, как археология, история и Писание соединяются в тех местах, которые мы посещаем. Лицензия Министерства туризма Израиля — результат этой профессиональной подготовки. Она также даёт право проводить экскурсии в национальных парках и на охраняемых памятниках. Помимо работы гидом, я служитель и проповедник в церкви христиан веры евангельской в городе Ор-Акива. Для меня Святая Земля — не только история и древние камни, но и живая вера. Я бережно и с уважением к традиции и молитве сопровождаю православных, католических и протестантских паломников. Я понимаю, зачем люди приезжают пройти по Виа Долороза, побывать у Гроба Господня и помолиться у Иордана, и создаю каждое путешествие с вниманием к его смыслу, деталям и спокойному темпу, которого заслуживает паломничество.
Joe Freedman
Verified ✓Joe Freedman holds an M.A. in education from the Jewish Theological Seminary and a doctorate in education (EdD) from Teacher’s College, Columbia University. He moved to Israel from the US in 1980 and lives with his family in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo. For many years he served as Director of the Ramah Programs in Israel. In 1996 he earned his tour guide license issued by Israel’s Ministry of Tourism. Joe has been the Tour Educator/Guide for many educational and religious tours, especially synagogue and church tours, and has experience working with all age groups and religious backgrounds. In recent years Joe has guided several Birthright-Israel trips (age 18-32) and is scheduled to guide more groups in the coming months. Joe is also licensed to drive – and guide – in a car or van approved by the Ministry of Tourism. Moreover, Joe has also designed and led educational tours in Spain and Poland. He often uses Israeli music in his guiding and he is also a certified Israeli folk dance instructor. Contact Joe for information about: - Private tours for individuals, couples, families with young children (or multi-generation) or just a group of friends. - Synagogue or church groups; pilgrimages; interfaith groups. - Special interest groups (e.g., focus on hiking, archaeology and ancient history, modern history and sociology, geopolitics, music and dance, spirituality, and so on ) - Educational institutions and missions (school study tours, school boards, university seminars, community center staff, Federations, etc.) - Bar/Bat Mitzva or other lifecycle celebrations
Sela Schein
Verified ✓Sela is a licensed Israeli tour guide with over 20 years of experience. Based in the Galilee, she specializes in family walks, wild food foraging, outdoor cooking and learning through experiences on the trail. Her tours also explore art, history and the connections between people and places. She graduated with honors from Bezalel’s Jewelry and Fashion Department and now teaches contemporary jewelry at Tel Hai University. A practicing artist who exhibits in Israel and abroad, she also works in metalwork and lighting design. The landscape around her inspires both her guiding and her creative work.
Morris Tzemach
Verified ✓I’m Morris, a Galilee-born guide, farmer, and storyteller, guiding since 1988. Come with me to meet the people, hear the stories, and taste the food that help you know this country from within. About me I was born in Moshav Margaliot, on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, and the Galilee is my home. Alongside guiding, I also grow mangoes and lychees. On my tours, we’ll get to know the country through its people: their stories, traditions, kitchens, and everyday lives. We’ll follow village roads, meet local families, discover small wineries and dairies, and enjoy the smells and flavours of food prepared in home courtyards. These encounters are part of the journey, just as much as the landscape and the historical sites. I am a licensed guide and have been guiding since 1988, with an academic background in Geography and Israel Studies. I guide in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, and lead tours throughout Israel, with a special affection for the Galilee, where I was born and have lived my life. On the Golan Heights, I also bring a personal perspective: I served as a paratrooper and took part in the 1973 war. I collect stories as well as tell them, and some have found their way into my books about the Galilee, Tiberias, and Rosh Pina. In Rosh Pina, we can follow the stories back to the houses and streets where their characters lived. If you would like to take some of those stories home, my Hebrew book “סיפורים ראשפינאים” (Rosh Pina Stories) brings together the people, houses, and tales of the old village. Drawing on stories told by its farmers, it introduces the pioneers, generous hosts, artists, and unusual characters whose lives became part of Rosh Pina’s history. The book is available to purchase directly from me; contact me to order a copy.
Shai Schupack
Verified ✓Dr. Shai Schupack is a licensed Israeli tour guide, educator, and researcher based in the Golan Heights. He leads in-depth field tours across the Golan Heights, Upper Galilee, Hula Valley, and Galilee. Shai holds a master’s degree in International Relations and a doctorate in Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology. His work brings together archaeology, historical geography, the history of ancient Israel, the Hebrew Bible and its historical context, Roman and Byzantine settlement, and the political geography of Israel’s northern borders. Alongside his work as a guide, Shai teaches and lectures on the history and geography of Israel and the modern Middle East. His areas of teaching include Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, with attention to the formation of states, borders, communities, water, and regional power. Shai also educates and trains future licensed Israeli tour guides. His tours are structured as serious field study: reading the landscape alongside archaeological evidence, historical sources, and the wider regional context.