Jewish - Themed Tours

CJ1 – Masada: the Ultimate Sacrifice
For the active, walk the Snake Trail before dawn climbing as the Ibex crisscross ahead. Reach the embattlements as the sun rises over the Jordanian peaks, inspect the fortress ruins and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by 900 zealots in AD73 in the face of Roman annihilation. For an easier ascent, the cable car is the choice. Descend by foot or funicular, and then relax at a Dead Sea spa to pamper yourself with the natural mud and minerals and read the newspaper as you float in the buoyant waters.

Length: ½ or 1 day
Best time: Spring, Fall

Combine with: Jerusalem & Dead Sea activities.

CJ2 – Jerusalem: the Old City
Start at Jaffa Gate and walk slowly through the Shook, the Arab market, with its spices, breads, and sweetmeats providing constant temptation. Jewelry and carpets abound, and the sharp shopper will note the bargains to return to later. Emerging into the vast piazza, the holiest site in Judaism, the Western Wall of the Second Temple destroyed in AD70, rises ahead. Take time to reflect, worship or leave a note in the cracks of the hallowed Kotel. Then come as close as possible to the “Holiest of Holies” descending to inspect the subterranean passages that run for 500m. along the base of the wall. The tunnel ends at the Hasmonean Channel, the ancient remains of the water system. Take time to wander back to Jaffa Gate exploring the Old City and picking up those bargains. Watch the Western Wall Glass Scuplture Project presentation.

Length: ½ day
Best time: Year round

Combine with: Jerusalem activities

CJ3 – Tzfat
This ancient hillside City, dating back to biblical times, became the center of Jewish mysticism after the Inquisition. Considered to be the birthplace of Kabala, its ancient cobbled streets and alleys hold many secrets for the curious visitor. It is easy to imagine the Jewish sages and mystics hurrying through the streets with their texts in hand – if fact still easy to see some to this day. Visit the ancient mikvah (ritual bath) hewn out of the rock then continue to the old cemetery to see the centuries-old tombs of Rabbi Isaac Luria, the patriarch of Kabalistic study, and his followers. Then visit some of the old synagogues and enjoy the galleries exhibiting works of the many artists drawn to this magical city. The surrounding hills offer many opportunities to combine this visit with an exhilarating hike.

Length: ½ Day
Best time: Year round

Combine with: Caesarea and Galilee activities