Sample Itineraries

Walking tours in and around the Old City. Possible choices are some of the following:

Visit the rebuilt old Jewish Quarter within the Walled City. We will learn about and touch thousands of years of Jewish history, where the very stones share their stories. Famous synagogues have been unearthed and preserved; each one has an amazing and inspiring story to tell.

The dramatic and tragic events of 1948 saw the Arabs conquer the Old City and the Jews expelled once again from Jerusalem. The devastation included vast desecration of all Jewish holy sites. After the miraculous Six Day War in 1967, the Jewish Quarter was rebuilt on the same lines as before the destruction, retaining the flavor of what existed previously. It is now again a vibrant place where 2,300 Jews live. We are back!

One can say that the two "silver linings" in the 1948 destruction were these: 1) The opportunity to clear the rubble and rebuild a more modern, more comfortable place, while closely adhering to the flavor of pre-1948 Jerusalem. 2) The opportunity to excavate the archaeological treasures of our past in Jerusalem. Amazing remains of various periods have been revealed, both Jewish and those of the non Jewish occupiers. (The occupiers thought that they had seen the last of the Jews when they expelled them, but guess who unearthed their remains..?)

In addition to the miraculous history within the Jewish quarter, there are also a number of wonderful museums, presentations, restaurants and of course, shopping.

Just outside the Wall lie Mt. Zion and the tomb of King David. In the 1948 War of Independence, King David’s tomb inspired the Jewish defenders to repulse the savage Arab attacks and Mt Zion and King David remained in Jewish hands. Learn more about the rich history of this site, and see many discovered artifacts.

The archeological excavations just outside the southern wall of the Temple Mount uncover direct evidence of the destruction of the Temple, almost 2000 years ago. Ancient inscriptions from hopeful Jewish travelers revealing the ongoing desire for the rebuilding of the Temple, massive stairways used by millions of Jewish Pilgrims, and ritual baths are only some of the breath taking finds here.

Another feather in the cap of Jerusalem - this is in fact the oldest Jerusalem - the city of the kings and prophets. The Bible really does come alive here. The palace of the kings, the ancient walls, the water system, 3000 year old homes, and Hezekiah’s water tunnel (an option to get wet and have fun in a darkened tunnel - bring a flash light!) –these are among the exciting areas to explore here. Walk deep down into our history and hear the whispers coming at you from the pages of the Bible. Today, properties in the City of David that are currently occupied by Arabs are being purchased by Jews and scores of Jewish families are moving in, bringing Jewish life once again to the earliest sections of Jerusalem.

The Western Wall Tunnels - The entire length of the Western Wall has been uncovered. Walk its full length underground and stand opposite the site of the Holy of Holies.

Old City Wall Ramparts - Walk the ramparts of the Walls and behold the views, looking both into and outside of the City that the Wall protects. A must for an adventurous and birds eye view of where the action is - then and now.

Overviews of Jerusalem – From the high places, see the view from atop the Mt of Olives, overlooking the Temple Mount and most of Jerusalem; from Mt. Scopus - the view from the north, where Shimon Hatzadik met Alexander the great; from the Haas Promenade in the South, where Abraham and Yitzchak first viewed Har Moriah. See the spot where the Six day War broke out.

From the northwest and the Tomb of Samuel (anointer of Saul and David) view all of Jerusalem and parts of the Land of Benjamin - where the Bible looks back at you. Visit the dramatic tomb below the floor of a Crusader Castle and Muslim mosque. Very intriguing and romantic.

The New City

The New City invites you to share in the modern accomplishments and the tempo of every day Jerusalem

Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Mall.

To see and be seen! Shopping, restaurants and spontaneous fun!

Machane Yehuda Outdoor Market. (The Shuk)

It’s all there in splendid color and sounds. This is no sedate supermarket. Falafel or one of the small ethnic restaurants here is recommended to complete the experience. Adjoining the marketplace are some of the first neighborhoods established outside the Old Walls of Jerusalem. Very quaint and lots of stories. A hundred different faces - all Jewish. A reflection of the modern ingathering of the exiles as prophesied long ago.

Visits to some of the following:

Knesset and Supreme Court offer beautiful architecture and art works. These national institutions open their doors for a peek. In front of the Knesset building we find the beautiful ten foot high Menorah with the story of the Jewish people carved on to it

Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

One can choose from scores of exceptional exhibits and works of art. The heart does the rest.

Mount Herzl

Near Yad Vashem, Mount Herzl houses the tombs of the leaders of Zionism and of the country. There is an excellent dramatic presentation about the life and times of Herzl. Mount Herzl has exceptionally well kept gardens to enjoy. Adjacent is the very beautiful military cemetery, where each grave has a story. Important to understand modern Israel and its dilemma.

Israel Museum and the Dead Sea scrolls

The Dead Sea scrolls are one of the most important finds of the twentieth century. On the museum grounds is an amazing large “to scale” model of the Second Temple and Jerusalem as it existed then. Inside, the museum offers famous Judaica, archeology exhibitions and more.

The Bible Lands Museum – Next door to the Israel Museum, the Bible Lands Museum is the ultimate in pre-Israelite period artifacts of Israel and the region. Both Museums house lovely gift shops.

Ammunition Hill.

The key battle for Jerusalem in 1967 was fought here. Enter the bunkers and trenches. Understand the strategic situation. Very moving presentation of the battle and the war in and for Jerusalem.

Other Possible Visits and Activities:

Tomb of Shimon Hatzadik - ancient cave in a dramatic setting. Learn the remarkable story of this Kohen Gadol (High Priest) of the Second Temple and his encounter with Alexander the Great. Nearby is the renewed Jewish community - the Shimon Hatzadik neighborhood.

Renewed Jewish pioneering communities in formerly Arab occupied Jerusalem.

Archeological Sifting – Participate in sifting through the remains from the Temple Mount that have been disturbed and removed by the Muslim Authorities in recent years. These remnants were literally dumped into the Kidron Valley and mixed with garbage; our archeologists are now attempting to salvage the precious remains.

Ride a "Segway" through beautiful parts of Jerusalem never far from our past. (This is led by an instructor - guide)

Kidron Valley and Tombs of the Kings - Walk through the famous Kidron Valley to the monumental tombs cut in the bed rock

Shalom Pollack Tours of Israel
Home Contact Who I Am Photos Sample Itineraries What People Are Saying Articles My DVD Links	Sample Itineraries
	Jerusalem Old City and Environs Walking tours in and around the Old City. Possible choices are some of the following: The Jewish Quarter Visit the rebuilt old Jewish Quarter within the Walled City. We will learn about and touch thousands of years of Jewish history, where the very stones share their stories. Famous synagogues have been unearthed and preserved; each one has an amazing and inspiring story to tell. The dramatic and tragic events of 1948 saw the Arabs conquer the Old City and the Jews expelled once again from Jerusalem. The devastation included vast desecration of all Jewish holy sites. After the miraculous Six Day War in 1967, the Jewish Quarter was rebuilt on the same lines as before the destruction, retaining the flavor of what existed previously. It is now again a vibrant place where 2,300 Jews live. We are back! One can say that the two "silver linings" in the 1948 destruction were these: 1) The opportunity to clear the rubble and rebuild a more modern, more comfortable place, while closely adhering to the flavor of pre-1948 Jerusalem. 2) The opportunity to excavate the archaeological treasures of our past in Jerusalem. Amazing remains of various periods have been revealed, both Jewish and those of the non Jewish occupiers. (The occupiers thought that they had seen the last of the Jews when they expelled them, but guess who unearthed their remains..?) The prophecies come true before our eyes! What a country! In addition to the miraculous history within the Jewish quarter, there are also a number of wonderful museums, presentations, restaurants and of course, shopping. Mt Zion Just outside the Wall lie Mt. Zion and the tomb of King David. In the 1948 War of Independence, King David’s tomb inspired the Jewish defenders to repulse the savage Arab attacks and Mt Zion and King David remained in Jewish hands. Learn more about the rich history of this site, and see many discovered artifacts. Southern Wall Excavations The archeological excavations just outside the southern wall of the Temple Mount uncover direct evidence of the destruction of the Temple, almost 2000 years ago. Ancient inscriptions from hopeful Jewish travelers revealing the ongoing desire for the rebuilding of the Temple, massive stairways used by millions of Jewish Pilgrims, and ritual baths are only some of the breath taking finds here. City of David Another feather in the cap of Jerusalem - this is in fact the oldest Jerusalem - the city of the kings and prophets. The Bible really does come alive here. The palace of the kings, the ancient walls, the water system, 3000 year old homes, and Hezekiah’s water tunnel (an option to get wet and have fun in a darkened tunnel - bring a flash light!) –these are among the exciting areas to explore here. Walk deep down into our history and hear the whispers coming at you from the pages of the Bible. Today, properties in the City of David that are currently occupied by Arabs are being purchased by Jews and scores of Jewish families are moving in, bringing Jewish life once again to the earliest sections of Jerusalem. The Western Wall Tunnels - The entire length of the Western Wall has been uncovered. Walk its full length underground and stand opposite the site of the Holy of Holies. See an excellent model and presentation of the area and the Temple as it stood. Old City Wall Ramparts - Walk the ramparts of the Walls and behold the views, looking both into and outside of the City that the Wall protects. A must for an adventurous and birds eye view of where the action is - then and now. Overviews of Jerusalem – From the high places, see the view from atop the Mt of Olives, overlooking the Temple Mount and most of Jerusalem; from Mt. Scopus - the view from the north, where Shimon Hatzadik met Alexander the great; from the Haas Promenade in the South, where Abraham and Yitzchak first viewed Har Moriah. See the spot where the Six day War broke out. From the northwest and the Tomb of Samuel (anointer of Saul and David) view all of Jerusalem and parts of the Land of Benjamin - where the Bible looks back at you. Visit the dramatic tomb below the floor of a Crusader Castle and Muslim mosque. Very intriguing and romantic. The New City The New City invites you to share in the modern accomplishments and the tempo of every day Jerusalem Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Mall. To see and be seen! Shopping, restaurants and spontaneous fun! Machane Yehuda Outdoor Market. (The Shuk) It’s all there in splendid color and sounds. This is no sedate supermarket. Falafel or one of the small ethnic restaurants here is recommended to complete the experience. Adjoining the marketplace are some of the first neighborhoods established outside the Old Walls of Jerusalem. Very quaint and lots of stories. A hundred different faces - all Jewish. A reflection of the modern ingathering of the exiles as prophesied long ago. Visits to some of the following: Knesset and Supreme Court offer beautiful architecture and art works. These national institutions open their doors for a peek. In front of the Knesset building we find the beautiful ten foot high Menorah with the story of the Jewish people carved on to it Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum One can choose from scores of exceptional exhibits and works of art. The heart does the rest. Mount Herzl Near Yad Vashem, Mount Herzl houses the tombs of the leaders of Zionism and of the country. There is an excellent dramatic presentation about the life and times of Herzl. Mount Herzl has exceptionally well kept gardens to enjoy. Adjacent is the very beautiful military cemetery, where each grave has a story. Important to understand modern Israel and its dilemma. Israel Museum and the Dead Sea scrolls The Dead Sea scrolls are one of the most important finds of the twentieth century. On the museum grounds is an amazing large “to scale” model of the Second Temple and Jerusalem as it existed then. Inside, the museum offers famous Judaica, archeology exhibitions and more. The Bible Lands Museum – Next door to the Israel Museum, the Bible Lands Museum is the ultimate in pre-Israelite period artifacts of Israel and the region. Both Museums house lovely gift shops. Ammunition Hill. The key battle for Jerusalem in 1967 was fought here. Enter the bunkers and trenches. Understand the strategic situation. Very moving presentation of the battle and the war in and for Jerusalem. Other Possible Visits and Activities: Tomb of Shimon Hatzadik - ancient cave in a dramatic setting. Learn the remarkable story of this Kohen Gadol (High Priest) of the Second Temple and his encounter with Alexander the Great. Nearby is the renewed Jewish community - the Shimon Hatzadik neighborhood. Renewed Jewish pioneering communities in formerly Arab occupied Jerusalem. Archeological Sifting – Participate in sifting through the remains from the Temple Mount that have been disturbed and removed by the Muslim Authorities in recent years. These remnants were literally dumped into the Kidron Valley and mixed with garbage; our archeologists are now attempting to salvage the precious remains. Ride a "Segway" through beautiful parts of Jerusalem never far from our past. (This is led by an instructor - guide) Kidron Valley and Tombs of the Kings - Walk through the famous Kidron Valley to the monumental tombs cut in the bed rock Hevron and Vicinity Jerusalem Jerusalem Environs Masada and the Dead Sea The Galilee
The content of this site is copyright © 2010 Shalom Pollack

Shalom Pollack Tours of Israel

Sample Itineraries

Jerusalem

Old City and Environs

The New City

Visits to some of the following:

Other Possible Visits and Activities: