Jerusalem has passed many hands throughout history. Most recently, it passed from the British Mandate to Jordan and from Jordan to Israel. On this fascinating walking tour of Jerusalem, we’ll talk about Jerusalem between the 1948 War and the 1967 Six-Day War. We’ll learn about the fall of the Jewish Quarter, the Green Line that separated East Jerusalem from West Jerusalem for 19 years, and the annexation of East Jerusalem to Israel in 1967. This is an excellent tour for anyone interested in modern history, Jerusalem’s current situation, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Highlights of the tour
Mount Zion Lookout to East Jerusalem
One of the highlights of the tour is the lookout from Mount Zion. We’ll be standing on the roof of King David’s Tomb and will look towards East Jerusalem. We’ll see the area annexed to Israel after the 1967 war and – if the view will be clear – we’ll also see part of the Security Wall (or Separation Wall). There, we’ll talk about the annexation and the current state of the residents in East Jerusalem.
The Jewish Quarter
We’ll talk about the steps that led to the fall of the Jewish Quarter in the 1948 War. We’ll learn how the Jordanians fought in the quarter, where did the Jews bury their dead, and where they surrendered.
The Western Wall
The Western Wall – or the Wailing Wall – is the holiest site for the Jewish people. For 19 years, they were not able to visit it and touch its stones. We’ll talk about how the wall looked like before 1967 and why it is so holy. At the end, you can also go put a note with a wish in between its stones 😉
Suggested itinerary
- Meet at Jaffa Gate.
- See the Tunnel to Mount Zion.
- View East Jerusalem from Mount Zion.
- Tour the Jewish Quarter.
- End at the Western Wall.
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.
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? This private tour typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and interest level. 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 for the 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 700 shekels (about 200 USD) for up to 6 people and up to 3 hours. 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.
More about me
I’m Lior, and I’ll be your guide on this tour. I love Israel and completed my tour guiding course in 2019. I 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. As a person who lives in Jerusalem, I feel I can share with you the ambiance of the city, which is united but sometimes still feels divided. Read more about me here.
Fill out the form to inquire about a private Walking Tour of Jerusalem Between 1948 to 1967 or contact me at lior@israelwalkingtours.com