Jerusalem in Depth

(6 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)

Jerusalem is one of the world’s most historically important cities and well warrants in-depth exploration to truly experience its magic. A city of countless monuments of enormous significance to Jews, Christians and Muslims—the entire Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it is also a place of great beauty, with a balmy, Mediterranean climate and year-round sunny skies warming the golden hue of its limestone buildings. Today Jerusalem is a fascinating mélange of cultures, created by the traditions culled from the diverse backgrounds and religions of its varied citizenry. On this in-depth tour, your expert private guide will bring Jerusalem and its multi-layered history alive through comprehensive touring of the city. Touring is flexible and based upon your interests. In addition to touring well-known attractions and areas such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Via Dolorosa, the Yad Vashem Holocaust and Israel museums, and the Mount of Olives, also visit fascinating but lesser-known neighborhoods and museums. Sample local foods with a walk through the Machane Yehuda food market. Walk along the ramparts of the Old City. Learn about the city’s varied architectural styles, including Roman, Byzantine, Romanesque, Islamic, and Art Deco. Browse art galleries, specialty shops, food markets and souks as your guide helps you experience the very best the city has to offer.

Enjoy views of the Old City from your room at the King David Hotel, Israel’s foremost luxury property and a historical landmark in its own right.

Spend a day at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Begin in Qumran, where the precious Dead Sea Scrolls (now located in Jerusalem’s excellent Israel Museum) were found. Continue to Masada, the historic mountaintop fortress that is today one of the Jewish people’s greatest symbols. Conclude at one of our favorite Dead Sea beaches—beautiful and away from the crowds. While there, we recommend relaxing with a float in the salt- and mineral-laden water, famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities. Advance reservations for spa treatments can also be arranged.

On another day, opt for an excursion to areas outside of the city, such as Bethlehem, Tel Aviv, the desert, a kibbutz, or wine tasting in the Judean Hills.

All of our Israel tours are designed for travelers who want a sophisticated private tour that focuses on Israel’s rich history, culture and religious heritage. Daily touring is a mix of the most interesting neighborhoods, markets, architectural highlights, museums, archaeological sites, places of historical and biblical interest, natural wonders, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and our favorite lesser-known attractions.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities, such as an afternoon in Jerusalem’s Old City with a geo-political expert, private wine pairing dinners with an Israeli wine expert, a cooking lesson with a Michelin-star chef, family-focused activities, and special religious experiences.