West Jerusalem

Musrara - Begin the tour with a stroll through the Musrara neighborhood, which was an Arab community until 1948. Today, it is home to both Ultra-Orthodox and Middle Eastern Jews, along with a growing number of artists and bohemians.

Me’a She’arim - Nearby, the Ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Mea She’arim is a large, insular community of devout Jews who dress distinctively and limit their interactions with the largely secular Israeli society and the outside world. Visitors will have a chance to observe their lifestyle and learn about their culture.

Jaffa Street (Jaffa Road) - As you walk along Jaffa Road and the adjacent Street of the Prophets, the tour offers a glimpse into the first monuments, businesses, and historical events that shaped modern Jerusalem. Visitors will see beautiful and historic sites like the Ethiopian Church and the Ticho House, nestled within today’s vibrant downtown, illustrating a city that transitioned from medieval to cosmopolitan and then to one divided by new and intense national lines.

Mahane Yehuda Market - Lunch will be at the bustling Mahane Yehuda market, where Israelis from all backgrounds shop. It is the largest outdoor market in West Jerusalem.

Mount Herzl National Cemetery - After lunch, take a tram ride to Mount Herzl. The plaza around Herzl’s tomb hosts annual ceremonies that start with solemn remembrance and are followed by parades and fireworks for Independence Day. Surrounding the plaza is an ever-growing military cemetery and the graves of Israel’s political leaders.

Yad Vashem - The World Holocaust Remembrance Center - Next, descend the hill to the other side of the memorial – the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Here, visitors will tour the compelling historical museum, see the renowned Children’s Memorial, and explore the connection between the tragic history of European Jewry, the founding of the state of Israel, and the violence and displacement of the 1948 war, while analyzing and discussing how Israel chooses to narrate its history and what it opts to leave unsaid.

After the tour, guests will transfer to their homestay in Jerusalem, where they will enjoy dinner with an Israeli family.

Jaffa - Tel Aviv

Neve Tzedek - The next part of the journey takes visitors through the Jaffa Market and then to the Neve Tzedek neighborhood, established in 1887 by a group of Jaffa Jews seeking to improve their living conditions from the impoverished Old City. Although Neve Tzedek remained part of Jaffa for decades, the pattern of new Jewish neighborhoods and rising inter-communal tensions paved the way for the creation of Tel Aviv.

Rothschild Boulevard - Rothschild Boulevard is the next stop on the tour. The street became a symbol of the Zionist efforts to transform Tel Aviv into a European-style city with stunning Bauhaus architecture. The boulevard was also the birthplace of the 2011 social protest movement, which eventually drew tens of thousands of Israelis to the streets.

Tel Aviv District - From downtown Tel Aviv, visitors will walk towards the area near the new bus station, reaching the Neve Sha’anan neighborhood. As they approach this area, they will notice the changing street demographics. The diverse community features various ethnic shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Levinski Street - The tour concludes at a unique open-air library in Levinski Park, created for the benefit of the residents, where guests will be picked up to return to their homestay for dinner with a family in Jerusalem.

In the morning, the host family will bid farewell as guests continue on their journey to the next destination.

• Hotel pickup in Tel Aviv
• Dinner included
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Breakfast provided
• Comfortable overnight accommodation
• Personal English-speaking guide

• Lunch
• Gratuities
• Single room except as specified
• Any personal expenses
• Alcoholic drinks with meals
• 3/4 * Hotel Upgrade, if needed

This tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the lives of residents in West Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, while gaining insights into the cities’ modern history. Participants will also delve into the intricacies of Israeli culture by visiting various neighborhoods that reflect the diverse tapestry of Israeli Jewish society, ranging from the Ultra-Orthodox to the secular.

Timings at each location are approximate, allowing visitors the flexibility to spend more or less time at each stop.

• To respect the cultural norms of West Jerusalem residents, please dress modestly. Both men and women should cover their necks, elbows, and knees. For women, skirts below the knee are preferred, though trousers are also acceptable. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

• Travel Document: A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.