Tour guides Israel

5 ideas for guided tours in Israel

• Akko (Saint-Jean-d’Acre)

  

  Akko lies north of the Bay of Haifa, about 150 km from Jerusalem. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, with walls and a street layout dating back to the Crusader era, as if frozen in time.

  The old city of Akko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through its shaded alleys, sip freshly pressed pomegranate juice, breathe in the scents, and take in the colors. As you wander, stop by the Enchanted Garden, the Templars’ Tunnel, or the Turkish Bath.

  You can also head out to sea on small boats. Prefer to stay on land? Walk along the ramparts and watch the fishermen — the fish you’ll enjoy tonight in one of the old town’s many restaurants might be biting right now.

• Old City of Jerusalem

  

  The Old City of Jerusalem covers about one square kilometer. It is surrounded by walls with eight gates, the main one being Jaffa Gate. The city is divided into four quarters: Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Armenian.

  It’s a truly unique place. Its markets, narrow streets, and symbolic landmarks awaken all your senses. You’ll likely pass by the Western Wall, also called the “Kotel,” a sacred site for religious Jews. Take a detour to the Temple Mount and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be built on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion.

  In the Jewish Quarter, you’ll be amazed by the ancient Roman market and the four Sephardic synagogues. No matter how long you stay, wandering the alleys with a local Israeli guide is an absolute must. More than a historical tour, it’s a journey back in time.

• Jaffa (Yafo)

  

  Jaffa sits on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, just south of Tel Aviv. Its port, now closed, is one of the oldest in the world. The old town has kept its authenticity and timeless charm, yet it has also become a trendy spot popular with a diverse, youthful crowd. You’ll find plenty of artists’ studios and galleries, especially around the Clock Square.

  Don’t miss the Shouk HaPishpeshim, Jaffa’s famous flea market. It’s the perfect place to hunt for a kilim, an oriental antique, or a quirky piece by a local designer. And remember, bargaining is part of the experience. Feeling hungry? Try some street food and let the delicious aromas guide you. It’s fair to say that Tel Aviv’s Brooklyn is hard to resist.

• Masada

  

  The Masada Fortress is a plateau of about fifteen hectares. It overlooks the Dead Sea on one side and the Judean Desert on the other. The view here hasn’t changed in 2,000 years. Masada is home to several palaces and fortifications, and visitors reach it by climbing the famous Snake Path.

  The climb usually takes about an hour. Go early in the morning to catch the sunrise over this majestic site. Wander through the ruins, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, and you can almost feel the weight of its tragic past. You’ll understand why Masada remains a powerful symbol of unyielding resistance to oppression — and why new recruits of the Israeli army take their oath here.
  come to take the oath of office.

• Dead Sea and surroundings

  

  Do you know that the Dead Sea is the lowest place in the world? It is 417 m below sea level. This unique place is surrounded by two countries; Israel and the Jordan.

  It is also the saltiest sea in the world with 340 g of salt per liter of water compared to 5 g for the others. Such concentrations prevent all life from developing and force any object to float on the surface. But its high mineral content makes it an excellent remedy for conditions such as cystitis, psoriasis, eczema, rheumatism, asthma, and many others. Its sulphur and bromine laden air soothes you.

  Want to get off the beaten track?

  – Visit the Ein Gedi nature reserve, about 5 km north of the Dead Sea. Arrive early enough in the day to enjoy the coolness in the shade of the trees, admire the waterfalls or swim in the small pools.

  – Take a tour of the Qumran National Park where there are some remarkable archaeological sites.

  – Climb up to the pretty village of Metsuke Dragot located on a cliff in the middle of the desert. There you will have a breathtaking view of the Dead Sea.