On our first full day in Jerusalem this tour gave us a superb insight into the history surrounding the development of the Temple Mount over the centuries. Gary gave us a great and very balanced overview of the way that Roman, Jewish, Islamic and Christian history interwove and used the site. He also brought to life the similarities in the religions approaches to the rock at the centre of the site. He was a knowledgeable, friendly and very approachable guide who could be lighthearted and serious in an entirely appropriate way. The four of us thoroughly enjoyed our time with him.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Food and shopping recommendations
- Guiding at all sites and along the paths of the Old City of Jerusalem
- Help in planning any other aspect of your stay in Israel
Excludes
- There are many restaurants and snacks along the way. I will be glad to help you find the best food that fits your needs. The cost is not included in the tour price.
- Entry fees (where applicable)
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Pick up is personalized to your needs. You may choose to meet me at Jaffa Gate, the main entrance in to the Old City of Jerusalem. If you prefer, I can meet you at a convenient spot or at your hotel. For an additional charge, I can pick you up from hotels that are farther away and provide transport to Jerusalem.
Itinerary
What Muslims call Al-Aksa and Jews call the Temple Mount could be described as the connection between Heaven and Earth. It is the site of the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aksa Mosque, and it is where the Temples of Solomon and Herod stood. This spot represents where Christians, Jews, and Muslims envision the peace that awaits us all in the future.
This is the most accepted site for the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. It is filled with chapels and artifacts that narrate the stories of Jesus, his followers, and believers who shaped christianity throughout the ages. Recent restorations open up the ability to see stunning and colorful artwork, scenes that have been hidden beneath the dust for centuries.
There are three different sections of the Western Wall, the center of Jewish holiness for close to 8 centuries. The Hidden Wall helps you understand what this wall meant for Jews from the moment prayer began there in the 13th century. Ezrat Yisrael (the gender mixed area of the Western Wall) allows you to grasp how this wall is connected to the Temple, God's house on Earth. The traditional Western Wall (gender separated) allows you to see how modern Israel and it's people interface with this holy spot, an image that brings out the challenges and conflicts within the Jewish faith.
This is an optional site on the tour: Mount Zion is a neighborhood of enigmas. It's very name is confusing. We will visit both the Room of the Last Supper and the Tomb of King David, discussing whether these are the true sites. The discussion itself of the validity of these holy places, as well as the Dormition Church which sits next door, brings out colorful stories of Jews, Christians, and Muslims attempting to define themselves in an ever changing world.
This is an optional site on the tour: The original Jerusalem, built by a small fresh water spring, sat just south of today's Old City walls. In this small village, the Canaanites created a unique system of tunnels and walls to protect their water supply. These structures appear in the stories of the Biblical King David and his descendants. We will traverse these caves, exploring the stories of Kings, palaces, battles, burial, and miracles. [admission fee $5-9 (US) per person, not included in the tour price] (option of traversing a wet tunnel that will require water shoes and a flashlight)
This is an optional site on the tour: The peak of this hill is where the Messiah enters Jerusalem, where Jesus ascended to heaven, and where holiness has been commemorated for millenia. Between fascinating churches and chapels, ancient graves, and politically charged neiighborhoods, we will experience some of the most moving views in Jerusalem. [admission fee up to $7 (US) per person not included in the tour price]
Language Offered
Additional Info
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Reviews
Gary is an outstanding guide. Gary is deeply knowledgeable, has great stories, speaks clearly and obviously loves his work. We walked around Jerusalem’s Old City for three hours and the time flew by. He took us off the standard tourist trail, up alleyways and onto rooftops, teaching all the while. I look forward to walking with Garytheguide in other places around Israel.
Gary is a very passionate guide and has an incredible wealth of knowledge RE Jerusalem Old City. You can tell he takes a personal interest in the history of the Old City - it is a passion for him. Highly recommend!
My girlfriend and I had an absolutely fantastic day exploring Jerusalem with our tour guide, Gary. From the moment we started, it was clear that Gary is a true expert in his field—passionate, knowledgeable, and incredibly engaging. He struck the perfect balance between guiding us through the city’s iconic sites and giving us plenty of time to wander, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere on our own. What really stood out was Gary’s fun and approachable style. He wove in fascinating historical, political, and religious facts as we walked, making complex topics feel accessible and exciting without ever overwhelming us. Whether we were at the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, or strolling through the bustling markets, his insights added so much depth and context that brought the city to life. Gary’s enthusiasm was contagious, and he tailored the tour to our interests, answering all our questions with patience and humor. We left feeling enriched and inspired, with a much deeper appreciation for Jerusalem’s rich tapestry. Thanks Gary!
I am a traveler from Hong Kong, Gary told me so much about the history of Jerusalem, Christianity, Judaism and Muslims . The tour was excellent, I enjoyed every moment of the tour. Gary is a really good tour guide.
Gary is a terrific guide. Full of enthusiasm and information. You can't go wrong if you book a tour with him. He speaks a perfect and clear English and will tailor your tour to your exact wishes.
Let me preface this by saying that Gary is a 10/10 tour guide! We had so much fun with him on our little tour of the Old City in Jerusalem. We arrived a little late due to some issue with the rail in Jerusalem on that day, and though he could have easily walked away, he was waiting for us with a huge smile! He then took us around the Old City, showed us some great sights, and gave us some great pointers on where to get amazing food. Gary has got a knack for telling stories. Jerusalem, and especially the Old City, is riddled with history, and the way he tells the stories makes it all feel so alive and exciting. It’s interesting, and you just want to know more. The tour was top-notch; it was insightful, funny, and relaxed—and most importantly, it showed a deep love and respect for the city and its history. I would 100% do it again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Israel
I decided to take a Solo trip to the Holy Land just out of sheer curiosity. I came with 0 expectations and boy am I extremely grateful Gary was my guide. Firstly, there will be a crash course of history and you better be ready because it is absolutely important in understanding the holy city. Gary gave me the best highlighted facts with a thorough timeline. He provided stories of all the cultural diversity, and the most important aspect is that he was UNBIASED when explaining the diverse religions. I also had some questions of my own and he answered always without judgement and provided an informative answer. You can tell he's knowledgeable of the city and I was inspired by his passion to inform. He also gave me the best spot for Hummus which I believe was the best I've ever had. I really hope that everyone who visits Jerusalem is as lucky to have Gary as a guide. 10000000% recommend. PS: Gary is a Chicago Bears fan who is Israeli American Fun fact.
Me and my friend absolutely loved this tour (both argentinians 24 yrs old). We laughed, got emotional, and felt we were locals in the old city, thanks to Gary’s unique charm, knowledge and experience with every stone and alleyway!
Our tour with Gary the Guide was absolutely incredible! From start to finish, Gary provided a rich and engaging experience that brought the history and beauty of Jerusalem to life. We began with a fascinating walking tour in Old Jerusalem, exploring iconic landmarks like the Tower of David, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and even a remarkable tattoo parlor that has been creating art for 27 generations! Gary’s deep knowledge and passion for these sites made every moment both educational and inspiring. After Old Jerusalem, Gary guided us to the Mount of Olives, where the views were nothing short of breathtaking. We visited the Chapel of the Ascension, the serene Church of the Pater Noster, and the stunning Church of All Nations. Each site carried its own unique history and significance, which Gary explained with incredible clarity and enthusiasm. To wrap up the tour, we enjoyed a scenic drive and took in panoramic views of the city – a perfect way to reflect on the day’s journey. Gary’s expertise, warmth, and storytelling ability made this tour an unforgettable experience. He tailored the itinerary to our interests and ensured that we felt connected to the places we visited. If you’re considering a tour in Jerusalem, Gary is the guide you need. His knowledge, passion, and personal touch will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime. Thank you, Gary, for an extraordinary day!
Our tour of Jerusalem with Gary exceeded all my expectations. His knowledge of the city, politics, religion, history, and archeology was woven together into unforgettable stories. He answered all our questions and took exceptional care of us. His love of Jerusalem and all its complexities was evident and contagious. Do not skip this tour if understanding Jerusalem is on your list.
Gary gave us a great introduction to Jerusalem's Old City! He is very knowledgeable and his discussions are laced with so many interesting tidbits and stories. An entertaining tour!
Gary was amazing! So knowledgeable and fun! We loved the tour and that we were able to work around our abilities.
Gary is nothing short of amazing. My daughter and I spent a full day with him touring the Old City and could have kept going for hours. Gary knows the books and crannies of the city, provides tons of helpful and entertaining commentary and he tailored the trip to what we wanted to see. On top of all that, Gary is just a naturally good guy who has boundless passion for Jerusalem and it’s history and it shows. The tour was more than worth it (and it’s a huge advantage to see the old city in a small group). Thanks for an amazing day Gary!
Gary was an amazing tourguide through the old town of Jerusalem. He told and taught us so much about the culture and history of this beautiful city. He tells this in a very respectful way to all cultures. Thank you Gary for a wonderful tour!
We had group tour four years ago and felt that we missed many of the important sites in Jerusalem. So this trip we rented an apartment in the Christian Quarter for 8 nights venturing out of the old city to see the Holocaust and the Israel National museums. For this reason we contacted Gary several months prior to our February trip back to Israel and contracted him for two full days just for my wife and me. This proved to be a great decision as we freely discussed the places of our interests and we had Gary’s full attention. I must admit we did a lot of walking and stairs, but the time and multitude of historical information was well worth the cost and physical challenges. All-in-all we highly recommend utilizing Gary, especially for individual couples or small groups because of his personal attention. Larry & Kelly Georgetown, Texas
I have traveled a good amount, and Gary is truly one of the best guides I've ever had. We did the Jerusalem Old City Walking Tour with Gary. He is incredibly passionate about the topic and explains things thoroughly and clearly. Gary was also quite flexible in terms of visiting spots that were most important to us, and went above and beyond as we continued to tour past even sunset. He is an absolute expert in the topic given his many years of experience, but shares information as if it's the most important tour he's ever given. I cannot recommend him enough
We just returned from a 5 days tour with Gary. We spent 2 days in old Jerusalem, a day visiting Masada, Ein Gedi, and the Dead Sea, a day in the Galilee, and a day visiting an active archeological dig (where we actually dug and found artifacts) and a Moshav. We were traveling with our teenage grandchildren. Gary was absolutely phenomenal! His knowledge is amazingly extensive and he is immediately relatable both to adults and teens. We learned so much from him and he kept the teens interested. They both had fun (going through caves and tunnels helps) and enjoyed his many stories, about historic events and people and how all the religions interact in Israel. I recommend him without reservation, whether you’re interested in a Jewish, Christian, historical, archeological, or political view of the land of Israel.
We did a private tour, two days in Jerusalem and a day in Acre. Thank you Gary for making this trip one we will never forget. You’re warmth, knowledge, curiosity and complete compassion for the human race leaves us in awe. You were a treasure trove of knowledge and just fun to be with. We’ve learned a lot, our eyes have been opened and we won’t forget you anytime soon. ❤️😘😘 Honey and Patty
Gary is an absolutely phenomenal guide. My husband and I spent two days walking through Jerusalem with him, and also a one-day road trip to Galilee. Gary ticks all the boxes for a perfect guide. Exceptionally knowledgeable? Check. Logistic excellence? Check. But what really sets Gary apart from the rest are his sense of humor, kindness, passion for Isreal and it’s history, and an amazing ability to bring the Holy Land to life in a way that really touched our hearts and tickled our minds.
We spent a day in Jerusalem and Gary was very interesting to listen to with his excellent knowledge of Jerusalem and the history behind it all. We were able to take in some of the main parts of the 4 quarters of the city. The best part was that he was flexible with the itinerary and that meant we were always able to stop at the stores or take pictures. Unlike some other tours we have been on we did not feel rushed and so it was money well spent. If you want to understand a little bit of what you are seeing when you are in Jerusalem, listen to some fascinating stories and also help you with all things Israel then GaryTheGuide is the best choice for you.
We spent a fabulous day with Gary in the old city. He is very knowledgeable, informative and a great storyteller. He was such a pleasure to be with. We would highly recommend him for families and couples who want to tour Israel. We will definitely use him again on our next visit.
Gary’s tour was the highlight of our wonderful trip to Israel! He is a phenomenal tour guide with vast knowledge on all of the historical sites. He knew exactly what route to take us on to maximize the amount of time we spent at each site. He worked with our schedule and was great at communicating before the tour to make sure we got exactly what we wanted out of the day. My only regret is that I didn’t book the transportation option he offered. I would highly recommend Gary to any of my friends traveling to Israel!
We had an excellent experience with the incredible Gary on both tours we did with him in Israel. The old Jerusalem walking tour booked via tripadvisor. And another private tour of Ceasaria Haifa and Akko booked directly with Gary via WhatsApp. Our teenage son my husband and I were all kept fully engaged and entertained by all the stories and history Gary shared on both tours. We learnt so much and had so much fun too! Flexible and knowledgeable - and a wonderful person who we all became friends with!! Highly recommend
Excellent tour and guide. Gary is passionate about Jerusalem and Israel and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. There’s so much to see and do it can feel a bit rushed so make sure to stop and get the pictures you want. Overall would highly recommend this tour.
I could literally go on for pages, I learned more in 8 hours than a full year of history or political science classes (except tile in a more fun and interesting manner). Instead I will just say the day my son and I spent with Gary goes down as one of the best & most interesting days of our life (outside of personal family events/moments aside). I would not hesitate and have already passed on Gary‘s info to friends for future trips! Thank you again Gary!
Gary is fabulous. He has a wealth of knowledge and was able to explain thousands of years of history in a very understandable and interesting manner. We were on a multigenerational family bar mitzvah getaway and Gary was able to relate to everyone on the trip. Highly recommend
We booked Gary for a walking tour of the old city of Jerusalem. Gary spent the entire day with us showing us the sights and telling us about the history and religion of both Israel and Jerusalem. Gary was a wealth of information and his interest and excitement were infectious. He has a way relating information that pulls you in and leaves you wanting more. We had 2 teens with us and they were just as captivated by all we were seeing and learning as the rest of us. On top of it all, Gary took us to the most delicious hummus/falafel restaurant in the city. We had a fascinating and amazing day. We very highly recommend Gary!
We toured with Gary for two days in Jerusalem, and we had an amazing time! Gary is friendly, funny, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things Israel which he presents in an interesting and accessible way. He tells great stories about each place we visited, which my husband and my two college-age kids and I all appreciated. He tailored the itinerary to our needs, choosing great snack and lunch spots -as well as those necessary rest room stops. He respectfully shares insights into all the religions represented in the Old City, and brings history to life. We highly recommend Gary as a guide- and we hope to return and your other parts of Israel with him.
We just finished a full day tour of the Old City with Gary. His knowledge of several thousand years of history is encyclopedic and he thoroughly enjoys imparting it. He knows every nook and cranny of the Old City and stops frequently to tell an interesting historical tale at particular spots. In addition, he is warm and personable and very easy to spend a day with. We can't recommend him highly enough. He was very accomodating to our interests. We had a great time and learned a ton. We had a tour day that was cold and rainy, but he was flexible and able to adjust our tour accordingly.
Gary was very thorough, he clearly loves his work and it pours out in the information he shares as part of his tours. If you are interested, ready to see many incredible places and take in plenty of interesting facts. Gary is a great tour guide for you.
Gary was a most remarkable guide, he really provided a thorough and detailed insight into Jerusalem history. Also he is wonderful company! A real pleasure to have met him! Would really like to meet him again! Thanks a lot! Pauline, Max and Wolfhard
Gary was AMAZING, one of the best guides I have ever had and I travel A LOT. He has a great personality, is very friendly, patient and flexible. His vast knowledge of the area’s history, religions and cultures, along with his un-biased point of view and his storytelling mastery made the whole tour extremely pleasant, informative and interactive. I enjoyed our time so much I asked him if I could have him as my guide for day 2 as we could not cover all I wanted to see in one day; he was kind enough to not only change his schedule to accommodate mine, but also to give me a ride at the end of the day back to my hotel. Thank you Gary for making this trip so much more enjoyable for me. Would give more stars if I could...
Gary was the best guide I have ever traveled with, hands-down. His knowledge of Jerusalem, in all its rich and complex history, was without equal. Gary knows the story, and the story behind the story, and the underlying set of cultural, political and religious issues that make the stories remarkable and enlightening. But more than his knowledge, his warmth and caring and patience is unlike any other guide. We felt like he became part of our family. Cannot recommend him highly enough!
Gary was incredible ... he made our trip! He went so far and above our expectations— he’s lovely, exceptionally knowledgeable and enthusiastically weaves story into the tour. He’s also a lovely man. My wife and I were just blown away by the experience.
Gary was fantastic. His deep knowledge of Jerusalem, its holy sites, and the monotheistic religions that have strong ties to the city is unparalleled. I will return to Israel, and I will hire Gary again. I cannot recommend him enough.
We had a wonderful time with Gary. A wide range of historical, political and religious topics were covered. Highly recommended!!
Gary is an amazing guy, who tells the story of the four quarters of Jerusalem from a funny, interesting and respectful point of view, really different to all guided tours that I have had in other cities and countries. I strongly recommend his tour, and I did not do a second one with him because I had to leave Jerusalem that same afternoon. Otherwise, I would have enjoyed a good six hours listening to Gary. Thank you very much!
From stepping foot outside the Tel Aviv Airport, Gary greeted our family of 13 with welcoming arms. We spent nearly 10 days traveling from Jaffa City to the Golan Heights to the Dead Sea and eventually Jerusalem. Along the way, Gary was unbelievably knowledgeable, witty and a depth of balanced perspective on history, religion and politics which define the region. He planned an itinerary which was accessible, adventurous, enjoyable and understandable from our clan which ranged from age 6 through 78. In the end, I have to admit that it was one of the most memorable vacations in my lifetime and Gary felt like part of our family! Thank you...
Our trip to Jerusalem could not have been a patch on what it was without the expert guidance of Gary Kamen. His formidable knowledge and charming enthusiasm brought everything to life in a most accessible way. It’s simple: do not walk the streets of Jerusalem without Gary the Guide !
It was a pleasure to work with Gary and learn about Jerusalem. We were a group visiting on a Bar Mitzvah trip, so had travelers of all ages and with different mobility issues. He was able to organize activities that worked for the whole group. He was extremely knowledgeable and helped us to see aspects of the city that I didn't even know existed. Wish we had a lot more time in Jerusalem, but this was a great experience.
Gary The guide is the guy you want to show you around Jerusalem. He is filled with knowledge, he is funny and he will accommodate your every need. I told him he should write a book! He just knows everything about EVERYTHING. So grateful for the time he spent with our family to show us around The Old City, The Dead Sea, Masada, etc.
We had a spectacular tour with Gary. We had a group ages 11-70 and he was able to create a fabulous trip for us. He is incredibly knowledgable and really made the history come to life. He was warm, attentive and very engaging. Highly recommend this tour and this guide!!
We took this tour with Gary the Guide and it was fantastic. Gary is not only knowledgable but also really fun. I highly recommend this tour to everyone.
My daughter and her boyfriend came from abroad, and we visited Old Jerusalem with Gary. Gary is a wonderful, fascinating, full of knowledge and passion and very pleasant guide.
Gary was simply extraordinary! A guide in love with Jerusalem, full of knowledge and fascinating stories that make the city come alive at every step. Explains everything with clarity, humor and emotion, making the tour not only informative, but also deeply inspiring. Able to balance history, spirituality and local curiosities in an engaging and captivating way. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to discover the true soul of Jerusalem through the eyes of someone who loves it with all his heart. Thank you, Gary, for an unforgettable experience! 🙌
I imagined it more Christian as a city Strange that Christians can't go to the Golden Gate Historic area well guarded by security Cute markets and shops Lack of clarity for tourists
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