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It is very important for me to interview each prospective client about their interests, passions and background before building an itinerary. That way, I can ensure that each and every person whom I guide, receives a specially tailored experience. This manifests itself not just in the sites we tour, but also in the approach we take to them; how we experience them and what we take away from our visit.
The tours run all year around, and of course remain flexible so that they can be adapted according to the weather conditions on the day.
Below are a few examples of day itineraries that I have created for clients to give you an idea of what might be possible for your visit.
The Mount of Olives and Mount Zion
We open our day on the peak of the Mount of Olives at the Chapel of the Ascension, before descending down the mountain, taking in the Pater Noster Church, the stunning panorama of the Old City, the Dominus Flevit Church and the Garden of Gethsemane. After passing through the Kidron Valley, and exploring the ancient tombs, we ascend to Mount Zion where we visit the Last Supper Room, King David’s Tomb and the Dormition Church, before concluding our day at the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu.
Pilgrimage through the ages in the Old City of Jerusalem
We begin our day with a spectacular view over the Temple Mount, before descending to the Western Wall. Moving through the Old City alleyways, we visit at the Church of St Anne, and then begin walking down the ancient pilgrimage route known as the Via Dolorosa. We conclude our day in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Tales of Jaffa
Wandering through the windy streets of Old Jaffa, we trace the development of this ancient port city with a collection of remarkable tales and legends going back over 3000 years. Included in the tour are St Peter’s Church, the Egyptian Gate and the Armenian Hospice.
Tel Aviv: A City of Visions
A journey through the different visionaries connected with the city of Tel Aviv. Together we explore their visions and evaluate their success. From the American and German colonies to Neve Tzedek, David Ben Gurion to Meir Dizengoff, the tour takes in the key personalities, stories, buildings and streets that made Tel Aviv the city it is today.
Desert Discovery in the Judean Desert
Discover the stunning scenery of the Judean desert on this day tour. We begin the day with a relaxing dip in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, where the water and mud has special and unique minerals that cleanse your skin. We then ascend the ancient fortress of Masada, to enjoy the views and explore the amazing archaeological excavations. Together we will appreciate the might of King Herod, and the tragedy of Masada’s last stand. Descending the mountain, we will then jump into the modern period with a visit to a Bedouin tent, where we will have some traditional hospitality and the opportunity for a camel ride. The day will conclude with a beautiful view from the ancient Israelite fortress of Tel Arad, where we also be able to see a small temple from 2500 years ago.
In the Footsteps of Jesus in the Galilee
Our day will begin at the Mount of Beatitudes, for a beautiful view over the Sea of Galilee and an opportunity to visit the church which commemorates the Sermon on the Mount. We shall then descend to the water’s edge, to Tabgha, visiting the Church of the Miracle of the Multiplication, and the Church of the Primacy of St Peter. After a spot of lunch (and the opportunity to try some St Peter’s Fish!), we will visit the Capernaum excavations, including one of the most ancient sites of Christian worship ever discovered. We will conclude the day with a stop at Mt Tabor, enabling us to enjoy the stunning view of the Jezreel Valley, as well as the beautiful church.
A Tale of Three Borders
Today we’ll explore the contemporary geopolitics in the region and visit the borders of three of Israel’s neighbours. At each border we will understand the history of the division; how the border has moved over time and the contemporary relations between Israel and the neighbouring country. We’ll begin our day at the Lebanese border, next to a kibbutz in the north of Israel, discussing the Sykes-Picot agreement made between Britain and France during World War I, and the impact on the region. We’ll talk about the tense relationship between Israel and Lebanon and the influence of the Hizbullah. From here we’ll head up into the Golan Heights to visit the Syrian border in the Druze town of Majdal Shams. We’ll talk about the Druze people and their relationship with Israel; the difference between Druze in the Galilee and Druze in the Golan, and the contemporary issues around Syria. From here we’ll head down to ‘Peace Island’ and the Jordanian border. We’ll discuss the relationship between Israel and Jordan which eventually led to a peace treaty, and why despite this the final borders between the countries remain unresolved. Of course, depending on time, we will stop at other sites of historical and culinary interest en route!
Israel: A Culinary Melting Pot
Israel is increasingly becoming recognised for its diverse and delicious culinary scene, a result of waves of immigration from around the world, with each Jewish community bringing their food with them, which has mixed in with the local Jewish & Arab cuisine. All over the country I can build a day that’s centred around exploring these different tastes and the people who make them; we can also build culinary exploration into any of the other itineraries.