Private Tour: Highlights of Jerusalem
Description
The highlights tour in Jerusalem is a good introduction for first-time visitors. We will explore the city of three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. A sample itinerary includes: 1. Lookout from the Mount of Olives 2. Jaffa Gate - introduction to the Old City. 3. Walk on top of the city's walls and see the Old City from above. 4. Visit the Jewish Quarter and its sites: the Roman Cardo and Hezekiah's Wall 5. Visit the the Western Wall ("The Kotel") - the spiritual heart of the Jewish nation. 6. Follow the story of Jesus along the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) to the Christian Quarter. 7. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which hosts the site where Jesus was crucified (Golgotha Hill) and the site of Jesus burial.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This is a "highlights tour" in Jerusalem which offers a wonderful introduction for first-time visitors. We will explore the city of three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Feel welcome to contact for customization.
We'll start our story of Jerusalem's Old City near the famous Jaffa Gate. The gate is connected to the big changes which reached the city in the 19th century.
Walk on top to the Old City walls and discuss its special history.
Optional: walk on the real streets of Jerusalem from the 1st century CE. Follow the journey of a pilgrim on his way to the Second Temple, and visit the museum and excavations directly below the walls of the Temple Mount.
Visit the famous sites of the Jewish Quarter, such as the Roman Cardo and Hezekiah's Broad Wall. Lookout on the Temple Mount. Possible visit to the archaeological excavation near the walls of the Temple Mount (Davidson Center).
Walk the famous Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, which starts in today's Muslim quarter and leads to the Christian Quarter. Optional visit to the Austrian Hospice, where a rooftop allows incredible views of the Old City.
Visit the Western Wall, the most important place where Jews conduct services near the Temple Mount.
Continue the Via Dolorosa into the Christian Quarter. Follow the last stations to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Optional visit to the Russian compound Alexander's Court, which hosts the ancient gates to the Byzantine church.
Visit the Chruch of the Holy Sepulchre, which stands on the sites where Jesus died on the Cross (Golgotha Hill) and was buried.
Walk the famous "Way of the Cross" and explore the history behind the beginning of Christianity and the New Testament.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We can depart either from Jerusalem or from Tel-Aviv. Transportation is not included.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dress in modest clothing for visiting Holy Sites.
Reviews(19)
David, the tour guide is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the tour and it was nice to get his take on the various locations and traditions from his archeologist perspective. Was a great full day of seeing the old city of Jerusalem culminated with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. He is also very respected in the tour guide world of Jerusalem so you won’t be disappointed hiring him.
David is an amazing tour guide! From the moment we met, it was clear we were in the hands of someone deeply knowledgeable and passionate about the city’s history, culture, and significance. Every site came to life through David's engaging storytelling and detailed explanations — from ancient landmarks to hidden corners only a true local expert would know. David has an incredible depth of knowledge, and answered all our questions with insight and patience. It was not just a tour, but a meaningful journey through time. If you’re visiting Jerusalem and want an unforgettable, informative, and personalized experience, I can’t recommend David highly enough!
I am very touched by your feedback! IThank you so much!
David was amazing. We were looking for a tour guide with in depth knowledge of archeology and Jewish history. We found him! David was engaging, answered all our questions and brought ancient Jerusalem to life. Highly recommend.
10/10 would recommend the tour with Dr. David. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and you can tell he loves what he’s doing. Rarely does one get to have a Fulbright scholar who attended Harvard and has a PhD in archeology with a focus on the city you’re touring show you around.
I am glad that we had the opportunity to tour together! I enjoyed it very much.
David is the ideal tour guide - a down-to-earth kind of guy equipped with a PhD focused on the archaeology and history of Israel. He knew how much to say, when to ask questions, got into captivating discussions, and was able to add fascinating 'footnotes' that only someone of his caliber could. A real delight.
Thank you!
My partner and I secured David for a private two day excursion that he detailed for us after we chose our top site seeing points in Jerusalem. He met us first day at our hotel and we had breakfast getting to know a little bit about him before we began the tour. It was very thorough, and David has a lot of passion about all the topics he presents. The second day, he took us to see Yad Va'Shem, the Israel Museaum, and we walked across town. Hands down, his deep knowledge and ability to present it in an interesting manner puts him above and beyond other tour guides we've had in the past.
Thank you! My pleasure! :)
Our tour guide, David, was simply fantastic. He is extremely knowledgeable and quite passionate about Israel’s history. He answered all our questions with patience and added interesting anecdotes that brought the tour to life. David’s background in archeology added another rich layer to our tour. A TRULY memorable experience!
Thank you for touring with me! Happy holidays!
We spent two action packed days with David / Israel In Color in Jerusalem. The first was spent in the old city, exploring ruins, all the quarters, the temple, and learning about all the civilizations come on gone. The second day was focused on new jerusalem at yad vashem + israel museum. They were both excellent. I'd visited those places before but it was my dad's first time to Jerusalem and he was blown away. And for me it was the best trip to Jerusalem I've done. David's way of teaching connects all the dots for a grander picture of the history of the city. David's passion for the history of Israel runs deep, and his knowledge, being an archaeologist, is profound. Having him lead the way was great, we got to dive deep into all kinds of history and have fun doing it. Afterward, we were reflecting that our only regret was that the tour wasn't several days longer. Strong recommend!
Thank you, Alex. It was wonderful meeting you & Rob, and my pleasure to show you around Jerusalem!
I highly recommend going on a private tour if Jerusalem with David. I was in Jerusalem for work and wanted to have a better understanding of ancient Jerusalem. We arranged two separate tours, one that explored Iron Age Jerusalem and the other the period of the second temple and Byzantine periods. I’m the tours were wonderful. David is an archaeologist, and very well informed. The trips were well planned and, as one can imagine, Jerusalem is an extraordinary place historically as well as culturally to explore. Thank you David for the terrific tours!
Thank you! It always a pleasure to guide such curious audience! :)
Don’t look any further. David is your man. Another tour guide who crossed our paths on the spectacular walk on top of the city walls told us:” Oh, you got David! You’re very lucky! He’s the best.” Indeed, he is. We enjoyed very single minute of the entire day we spent with David. His historical and archeological expertise is spectacular. Walking the old city with David is travelling back in time. You have no clue how much you’re missing out without the experience and knowledge of David, ranging all the way from contemporary politics to ancient burrial rituals and biblical seals. A highlight that particularly stood out amongst all other gems along the way was the archeological site close to the western wall to which David took us, thanks to his excellent relationships with the leading archeologist of the site. Any further questions?:)
It was my pleasure. I also enjoyed spending time with you and Jeremy. Congratulations for your wedding!
