Jerusalem: The Center of the Universe - Walk the "Holy City" with GaryTheGuide
Description
This tour allows you to see Jerusalem from the perspective of multiple cultures and religions. We can traverse the city at your pace, seeing the sites that interest you most. I would be happy to personalize this tour for you based on your needs. The Old City of Jerusalem is filled with culture, sounds and tastes, people, and meaning. Wandering this city with an open mind can lead you to discover things you never knew, about the city and about yourself.
Tour Options
Itinerary
What Muslims call Al-Aksa and Jews call the Temple Mount could be described as the connection between Heaven and Earth. It is the site of the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aksa Mosque, and it is where the Temples of Solomon and Herod stood. This spot represents where Christians, Jews, and Muslims envision the peace that awaits us all in the future.
This is the most accepted site for the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. It is filled with chapels and artifacts that narrate the stories of Jesus, his followers, and believers who shaped christianity throughout the ages. Recent restorations open up the ability to see stunning and colorful artwork, scenes that have been hidden beneath the dust for centuries.
There are three different sections of the Western Wall, the center of Jewish holiness for close to 8 centuries. The Hidden Wall helps you understand what this wall meant for Jews from the moment prayer began there in the 13th century. Ezrat Yisrael (the gender mixed area of the Western Wall) allows you to grasp how this wall is connected to the Temple, God's house on Earth. The traditional Western Wall (gender separated) allows you to see how modern Israel and it's people interface with this holy spot, an image that brings out the challenges and conflicts within the Jewish faith.
This is an optional site on the tour: Mount Zion is a neighborhood of enigmas. It's very name is confusing. We will visit both the Room of the Last Supper and the Tomb of King David, discussing whether these are the true sites. The discussion itself of the validity of these holy places, as well as the Dormition Church which sits next door, brings out colorful stories of Jews, Christians, and Muslims attempting to define themselves in an ever changing world.
This is an optional site on the tour: The original Jerusalem, built by a small fresh water spring, sat just south of today's Old City walls. In this small village, the Canaanites created a unique system of tunnels and walls to protect their water supply. These structures appear in the stories of the Biblical King David and his descendants. We will traverse these caves, exploring the stories of Kings, palaces, battles, burial, and miracles. [admission fee $5-9 (US) per person, not included in the tour price] (option of traversing a wet tunnel that will require water shoes and a flashlight)
This is an optional site on the tour: The peak of this hill is where the Messiah enters Jerusalem, where Jesus ascended to heaven, and where holiness has been commemorated for millenia. Between fascinating churches and chapels, ancient graves, and politically charged neiighborhoods, we will experience some of the most moving views in Jerusalem. [admission fee up to $7 (US) per person not included in the tour price]
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up is personalized to your needs. You may choose to meet me at Jaffa Gate, the main entrance in to the Old City of Jerusalem. If you prefer, I can meet you at a convenient spot or at your hotel. For an additional charge, I can pick you up from hotels that are farther away and provide transport to Jerusalem.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Holy sites require modest dress! You may dress comfortable while walking along the streets and markets. When entering the Holy sites, women must cover their legs down to their ankles, their arms past their elbows, and their front up to their neckline. Men must have their knees covered and wear a shirt with sleeves. (contact GaryTheGuide for details)
Reviews(44)
Gary is an outstanding guide. Gary is deeply knowledgeable, has great stories, speaks clearly and obviously loves his work. We walked around Jerusalem’s Old City for three hours and the time flew by. He took us off the standard tourist trail, up alleyways and onto rooftops, teaching all the while. I look forward to walking with Garytheguide in other places around Israel.
Thank you for the wonderful words. The Old City of Jerusalem is such a special place. It touches your heart and inspires dreams. I think we all felt this while touring around the holy sites of Jerusalem. Thank you for experiencing this with GaryTheGuide. I look forward to seeing you back here again.
Gary was simply extraordinary! A guide in love with Jerusalem, full of knowledge and fascinating stories that make the city come alive at every step. Explains everything with clarity, humor and emotion, making the tour not only informative, but also deeply inspiring. Able to balance history, spirituality and local curiosities in an engaging and captivating way. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to discover the true soul of Jerusalem through the eyes of someone who loves it with all his heart. Thank you, Gary, for an unforgettable experience! 🙌
I'm so glad that you were able to experience the uniqueness and holiness of Jerusalem. You mentioned "history, spirituality, and local curiosities." When we explored the alleyways and sites of the Old City, that's exactly what we encountered. It was truly enriching for me as we shared insights on the meaningful stories of the Holyland. I hope you will have the opportunity to see more with GaryTheGuide.
Gary is a very passionate guide and has an incredible wealth of knowledge RE Jerusalem Old City. You can tell he takes a personal interest in the history of the Old City - it is a passion for him. Highly recommend!
Thank you so much. It was a wonderful day to tour the Old City of Jerusalem. I couldn't have asked for better people to tour with. I was impressed by your enthusiasm and all the questions you asked. I would love to tour you anywhere in Israel next time. Thanks, GaryTheGuide
My girlfriend and I had an absolutely fantastic day exploring Jerusalem with our tour guide, Gary. From the moment we started, it was clear that Gary is a true expert in his field—passionate, knowledgeable, and incredibly engaging. He struck the perfect balance between guiding us through the city’s iconic sites and giving us plenty of time to wander, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere on our own. What really stood out was Gary’s fun and approachable style. He wove in fascinating historical, political, and religious facts as we walked, making complex topics feel accessible and exciting without ever overwhelming us. Whether we were at the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, or strolling through the bustling markets, his insights added so much depth and context that brought the city to life. Gary’s enthusiasm was contagious, and he tailored the tour to our interests, answering all our questions with patience and humor. We left feeling enriched and inspired, with a much deeper appreciation for Jerusalem’s rich tapestry. Thanks Gary!
Thank you for this glowing review. It was a wonderful day in Jerusalem's Old City. I had a great time showing you both around. Guides love it when people are interested and curious. The many questions you asked along the way are just a testament to how interesting and meaningful this city is. I would be glad to show you around anywhere in Israel. You're always welcome on tours with GaryTheGuide.
I am a traveler from Hong Kong, Gary told me so much about the history of Jerusalem, Christianity, Judaism and Muslims . The tour was excellent, I enjoyed every moment of the tour. Gary is a really good tour guide.
Thank you so much. I really enjoyed walking around the Old City with you. It's a lot of information, but I think we saw it in a meaningful and fun way. Enjoy all your time in Jerusalem, and tell your friends about GaryTheGuide.
Gary is a terrific guide. Full of enthusiasm and information. You can't go wrong if you book a tour with him. He speaks a perfect and clear English and will tailor your tour to your exact wishes.
Thanks so much. I'm always happy to tailor a tour for my tourists wishes in Jerusalem or anywhere around Israel. The country is amazing, and Jerusalem is so meaningful. Whether you like history, archeology, culture, food, or any other aspect of this country, I will make your tour be what you need. I've been lucky to have truly amazing people on my tours this year. Thank you for touring with GaryTheGuide.
Let me preface this by saying that Gary is a 10/10 tour guide! We had so much fun with him on our little tour of the Old City in Jerusalem. We arrived a little late due to some issue with the rail in Jerusalem on that day, and though he could have easily walked away, he was waiting for us with a huge smile! He then took us around the Old City, showed us some great sights, and gave us some great pointers on where to get amazing food. Gary has got a knack for telling stories. Jerusalem, and especially the Old City, is riddled with history, and the way he tells the stories makes it all feel so alive and exciting. It’s interesting, and you just want to know more. The tour was top-notch; it was insightful, funny, and relaxed—and most importantly, it showed a deep love and respect for the city and its history. I would 100% do it again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Israel
Thank you. I give you 12/10 as tourists. The Old City of Jerusalem is filled with treasures and stories to no end. Anytime you want to continue and get deeper into the alleyways and folklore, just let me know, and we can take another walk through history with GaryTheGuide.
I decided to take a Solo trip to the Holy Land just out of sheer curiosity. I came with 0 expectations and boy am I extremely grateful Gary was my guide. Firstly, there will be a crash course of history and you better be ready because it is absolutely important in understanding the holy city. Gary gave me the best highlighted facts with a thorough timeline. He provided stories of all the cultural diversity, and the most important aspect is that he was UNBIASED when explaining the diverse religions. I also had some questions of my own and he answered always without judgement and provided an informative answer. You can tell he's knowledgeable of the city and I was inspired by his passion to inform. He also gave me the best spot for Hummus which I believe was the best I've ever had. I really hope that everyone who visits Jerusalem is as lucky to have Gary as a guide. 10000000% recommend. PS: Gary is a Chicago Bears fan who is Israeli American Fun fact.
Tours in the Old City of Jerusalem are best when the tourists are interested and inquisitive. You helped make this a great tour. Please contact me if you come back to Israel. There is so much to see. Thank you for your kind words. GaryTheGuide
Me and my friend absolutely loved this tour (both argentinians 24 yrs old). We laughed, got emotional, and felt we were locals in the old city, thanks to Gary’s unique charm, knowledge and experience with every stone and alleyway!
Thank you so much. I had such a good time showing you both the Old City of Jerusalem. Your endless enthusiasm and curiosity at all the holy sites made the tour that much more amazing. Feel free to contact GaryTheGuide for any sites you want to see in Israel.
Our tour with Gary the Guide was absolutely incredible! From start to finish, Gary provided a rich and engaging experience that brought the history and beauty of Jerusalem to life. We began with a fascinating walking tour in Old Jerusalem, exploring iconic landmarks like the Tower of David, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and even a remarkable tattoo parlor that has been creating art for 27 generations! Gary’s deep knowledge and passion for these sites made every moment both educational and inspiring. After Old Jerusalem, Gary guided us to the Mount of Olives, where the views were nothing short of breathtaking. We visited the Chapel of the Ascension, the serene Church of the Pater Noster, and the stunning Church of All Nations. Each site carried its own unique history and significance, which Gary explained with incredible clarity and enthusiasm. To wrap up the tour, we enjoyed a scenic drive and took in panoramic views of the city – a perfect way to reflect on the day’s journey. Gary’s expertise, warmth, and storytelling ability made this tour an unforgettable experience. He tailored the itinerary to our interests and ensured that we felt connected to the places we visited. If you’re considering a tour in Jerusalem, Gary is the guide you need. His knowledge, passion, and personal touch will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime. Thank you, Gary, for an extraordinary day!
Thank you so much for your kind words. It was my pleasure to guide you through the Holy sites and alleyways of the Old City of Jerusalem. My enthusiasm was doubled by the interest and excitement that you clearly felt for this amazing and historic city. You are always welcome to contact me any time you visit Israel. It would be my pleasure to guide you again.
