בס"ד
Leah's Fun and Inspiring Tours in and Around Jerusalem
Now also offering Zoom Tours for an Israel Experience from your home!
I love touring in Jerusalem!
Over the last 10 years I have guided more than 1,000 tours for visitors of all ages. Jerusalem is an amazing place to visit: it touches the hearts of so many people from around the world, it's fascinating and has so much to offer! However, it is also complex with it's many alleyways, stairs/hills, hot summer and cold winter weather, lesser known impressive sites, and behind-the-scenes stories/issues. An expert guide is key for the best experience in this complex city, and my clients have been very happy they have chosen to tour with me.
I offer:
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Tours throughout all areas of the Old City, the City of David, Modern Jerusalem. Tours of new excavations, behind-the-scenes information, and off-the-beaten path sites.
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Special Tours for children/teens of all ages: family friendly routes and timing, age appropriate tour content, games and prizes.
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Theme tours for the Jewish Holidays such "Pesach in Yerushalayim in the time of the Beit HaMikdash" as well as custom-designed tours.
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Planning the tour and making reservations, providing a detailed itinerary for the tour day, guiding the tour, and games/prizes are included in the guiding fee.
Tours described are general outlines. Each tour is a private, custom-designed tour for you and your group. I do not offer group tours that individuals can join. Any special needs, sensitivities, requests? Let me know so I can suggest just the right itinerary for you.
3 1/2 HOUR TOUR
Why 3 1/2 hours? In my experience, a 3 1/2 hour tour is just perfect to focus on a few places in Jerusalem and get the most out of them. A 3 1/2 hour tour gives you a lot of content, and still allows plenty of down time after the tour to enjoy the restaurants, markets and atmosphere of Jerusalem. It's also the best for hot summer or cold winter days particularly for tours with children. Although 3 1/2 hours might sound like a lot of time for young children, it's actually ideal to allow enough time for walking between sites and breaks as needed as well as including fun games and prizes along the way.
Popular routes include: The City of David, a private tour of the Western Wall Tunnels, Ramparts, Southern Steps/Davidson or the Jewish Quarter. A 3 1/2 hour tour begins in the Old City, and includes a 15 minute snack break. If you would like to enjoy lunch during the tour or for me to accompany your group from your hotel to the starting point, a 6 1/2 hour tour is required. 3 1/2 hour tours generally start at 9:30 am or 2:30 pm. It works well for children to schedule the 3 1/2 hour tour between meals. Many guides will not offer half day tours, particularly during high season. I am happy to do so because I have seen how successful a half day tour can be particularly for young families, and how a full day tour can just be "too much".
*Starting 1450 NIS
6 1/2 HOUR TOUR
Many teens/adults, particularly if it's the first time in Jerusalem, find that one or two 6 1/2 hour tours is the best way to maximize touring time without overdoing the walking and learning for one day. In a 6 1/2 hour tour, it's possible to meet at Jaffa Gate or other location you prefer near the Old City. A 6 1/2 hour tour includes a one hour lunch break (on your own) in order to recharge for more exploring, and other breaks as needed by the group. Most guides charge the same fee for a tour that is 5 or more hours long as a full day tour, because it essentially fills the day. I am happy to offer this option because most teens/adults find 6 1/2 hours to be just the perfect length of time for a Jerusalem walking tour. 6 1/2 hour tours generally start by 10am at the Old City and conclude by 4:30 pm.
*Starting 1750 NIS
Full Day Tour
A full day tour is great for anyone with only one day to tour in Jerusalem, for adults with a lot of energy for walking and learning about Jerusalem, or for those who would like to combine sites in the Old City with places in Modern Jerusalem. I do not recommend an full day walking tour of the Old City for families with children or teens. A popular itinerary includes the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, Mahane Yehuda Market for lunch, and sites in the Old City. A full day tour includes a one hour lunch break and two 10 minute breaks or as needed by the group. Full day hour tours start by 9:30am.
*Starting 1950 NIS
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR
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Comfortable walking shoes with good treads (white not recommended).
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Backpack
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Water, sunhat, sunscreen (apply before the tour), and sunglasses. Snacks, just-in-case.
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Tissues and hand sanitizer for under-stocked bathrooms.
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Make sure your phone/camera is fully charged to take pictures of all the amazing sites. An extra battery pack to charge devices can help ensure you won't miss out on any moments you would like to capture.
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If you will be visiting holy sites, you will want modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees or a scarf put on over whatever you are wearing. No low-cut shirts. Pants, skirts, capris are fine. Men require a head covering for the Western Wall.
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Please send me names of everyone in the group (helps me remember!), any allergies or special needs/diet to be aware of.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION, PLEASE READ TO THE END OF THE PAGE
*Fees are for tours booked as of January 1st, 2023. Guiding fees do not include entrance fees, transportation or meals, if any. All fees are detailed in advance. Fees are for one nuclear family during regular seasons. There are additional fees for groups larger than 10 adults, more than one nuclear family, tours on Fridays or during peak season (such as holiday times, summer and "yeshiva week" in January). Guiding fees are quoted in shekels (NIS) and can be paid in cash or by credit card.
*A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to hold the date or one month in advance. 50% of fees are due in the event of cancellation one week prior to tour. 100% of fees are due for cancellation within 48 hours of tour. Please see our FAQ page for all terms and conditions.
*Guiding fees include a 15 minute phone consultation, developing a customized itinerary and making any necessary reservations for the tour day, games and prizes for children as well as guiding the tour.
*Travel health insurance is essential and I highly recommend trip cancellation insurance as well. I can recommend an excellent insurance agent based in Israel. Ask me for more information.
*I do not plan itineraries for tour days I am not guiding. I can recommend an professional trip planner. Tourism in Israel has returned to record levels. Sites such as Yad Vashem, Masada, restaurants, private guides and drivers and many activities now require advance reservations. A trip planner has become essential for a successful trip to Israel.
*I am not able to guarantee a nut-free environment on a tour.
*3 1/2 hours is the minimum tour length I offer. If a group has less time for a tour, it will be charged for a 3 1/2 hour tour.