Tales of Jaffa
Three thousand years of stories and legends in a half-day’s walk through the alleys of Old Jaffa.
Part of Classic Israel: a week across the country →
The shape of the day
We’ll begin at the iconic clock tower before entering the Old City and enjoying a stunning view of Tel Aviv from its highest point.
Next we’ll descend to the excavated Egyptian Gate, and here we’ll hear the remarkable story of the Pharaoh’s siege.
Wandering the Old City’s narrow alleyways, we’ll explore the sculptures and galleries of the artists’ colony before arriving at St Peter’s Church, where we’ll discuss the significance of Jaffa in the relationship between Christianity and Judaism.
We’ll then descend to the port, exploring its significance in the Bible. We’ll learn about Napoleon’s activity in Jaffa and finish by Andromeda’s rock.
These are the sites, but what matters more are the stories. We’ll enjoy 3,000 years of legends and myths, and through them discover the many layers of history to this ancient city, and indeed this ancient land.
Sites we visit
- Jaffa Clock Tower
- Old Jaffa viewpoint (over Tel Aviv)
- The Egyptian Gate
- The artists’ colony
- St Peter’s Church
- The old port
- Andromeda’s Rock
Who it’s for
This is a light and fun story-driven exploration of Jaffa which touches on biblical history, archaeological sites, arts and culture and the relationship between Jews and Arabs in modern-day Israel, all within a short walk.
I build the focus around what interests you most, and keep the walk at whatever pace suits you.
It’s a great way to either open or close off your Israel trip as Jaffa is a microcosm of the history of the whole land and it will give you a good sense of the many layers of history here.
FAQ
Can this be done as an evening tour?
Yes, and it’s one of my favourite ways to do Jaffa. It’s quiet, atmospheric and a great way to avoid the hot summer sun. I run a lot of evening tours here, which can be combined with dinner at one of the many great restaurants in the Jaffa flea market.
How much walking is it?
Old Jaffa is compact, so there isn’t much ground to cover, though the lanes are cobbled and there are some steps and gentle slopes up and down. Comfortable shoes and you’re set.
Can we build in the flea market and some food?
Definitely. Jaffa’s flea market and its food are half the fun, and they fold naturally into the walk. Tell me whether you’d like the focus more on the history or more on the market, the galleries and the food, and I’ll shape the tour to match.
Does it go well with a Tel Aviv tour?
Very well. Jaffa is where Tel Aviv began, so it sits naturally alongside my Tel Aviv: a city of visions tour, which picks up the story of the modern city just to the north. Many people do Jaffa in the morning and Tel Aviv in the afternoon for a full day in the city.
Make this itinerary yours
Tell me who’s travelling, your dates and where you want to focus. I’ll put together a personalised proposal.
For urgent bookings, send me a WhatsApp
If you are going to Israel, you would be mad not to give him a call.
Amol Rajan, BBC presenter and broadcaster
Having been on trips in Israel with seven different tour guides, Samuel stood above all the rest.
Seasoned Israel traveller
Samuel is one part walking encyclopedia, one part storyteller, one part stand-up comedian.
Berkeley Haas Business School student