The Old City of Jerusalem is one of the top destinations in Israel, and for a good reason! It’s one of the holiest cities in the world, with important sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. But it’s also a charming place, with beautiful alleys, vibrant markets, and ancient buildings. So… On this private walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, we’ll explore the four quarters, learn about the different religions, and get connected to this city’s long-long history. This tour is recommended for anyone visiting Jerusalem.
Tour highlights
The Western Wall
One of THE highlights of the tour. The Western Wall is the holiest place to the Jewish people. It is the last remnant of the walls that surrounded the Temple Mount complex. People from all around the world – Jews and non-Jews – come here to pray to GOD. We’ll enter the plaza of the Western Wall, and you’ll have a chance to get near the wall and leave a note between its stones. Don’t worry, you don’t have to if you prefer to see it from afar 😉 If the timetable permits and you’d want, we can also visit Temple Mount. Then, you’ll be able to see the Dome of the Rock from up close.
Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Via Dolorosa – the Way of Sorrows – is believed to be the path Jesus took on his way to the crucifixion. Today, it passes through the Muslim and Christian quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem, through the hassle and bustle of the market. We’ll walk along the Via Dolorosa, learn a bit about the Christian story of Jerusalem, and reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This is the most impressive church in Israel and the holiest in the world. According to tradition, it is where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. We’ll visit the most important chapels and of course, have a look at the empty tomb.
The Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter is the newest quarter in the Old City, rebuilt after 1967. Following the destruction of the quarter by the Jordanians, archeologists were able to uncover fascinating remains from the past, including the ancient Roman Cardo, a defensive wall from the 8th century BCE, and several houses from the time of the Second Temple. On our tour, we’ll see some of the ancient remnants and maybe even visit a synagogue, if you’re interested.
Suggested itinerary
- Meet at Jaffa Gate.
- Go to Mount Zion.
- Visit the Jewish Quarter.
- Visit the Western Wall.
- Walk part of the Via Dolorosa.
- Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The tour is fully customizable. So, please let me know what places you want to see and what you want to do!
I might change the itinerary based on the weather or other circumstances, to make sure you have a safe and good time.
Optional add-ons (with additional ticket price)
- The Ramparts Walk – for a beautiful view of the Old City.
- Tower of David Viewpoint – for a breathtaking view of the Old City.
- The Hurva Synagogue – for a chance to see a synagogue from within.
- The Herodian Quarter Museum – to see the remnants of the ancient Jewish Quarter.
- The City of David – to see the place where Jerusalem began.
Tour details
Meeting point: We can meet at Jaffa Gate or your hotel. We’ll walk from there to the first point of the tour. We can also meet anywhere else, depending on the sites you want to see.
How long does it take? Private Jerusalem Old City walking tours typically take about 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace and interests. But it’s flexible.
When does the tour start? You’re the boss. Tell me when you want to start the tour and I’ll be there on time. I recommend starting the tour early in the morning, so we won’t get caught in the heat of the afternoon.
What do you need to bring? I’ll send you a list before the tour starts, but in general, it’s recommended to bring good walking shoes because the Old City pavements are slippery. Also, modest clothing is required as we will be visiting some holy places. And… It’s always good to bring a hat, sunglasses, drinking water, and sunscreen.
How much does it cost? The tour price is 1,200 ILS (about 300 USD) for up to 6 people. This covers my preparation for the tour as well as the guiding itself. If you would like to visit sites with entry fees, that will be extra. Please note – on Saturdays the tour costs 1,300 ILS.
More about me
I’m Lior and I’ll be your guide on this tour. I love Israel and have completed my tour guiding course in 2019. I’ve moved to Jerusalem a few years ago and have visited the Old City a dozen times. Without a doubt, it’s my favorite place in Jerusalem. I hope I’ll be able to share my knowledge and love to Israel on this private tour! Read more about me here.
Fill out the form to inquire about a private Jerusalem Classic Old City Walking Tour or contact me at lior@israelwalkingtours.com