Day Tours in Israel
Jerusalem Old City Tour with a Late Start
- Full day
- Pickup: Jerusalem
- 4.4/5 company rating on TourRadar
- DurationFull day
- Starts10:00 AM, hotel pickup
- GuideEnglish
- Group sizeUp to 30 travelers
- CancellationFree cancellation up to 36 hours before the start time.
Overview
Not a morning person? This Jerusalem Old City tour was designed for travelers who would rather enjoy breakfast than rush to a 7 AM pickup. You meet your licensed guide at 10:00 in central Jerusalem and spend the rest of the day walking through 3,000 years of history, faith and daily life inside the ancient walls.
The route starts with a panoramic stop on Mount Scopus, then passes the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations on the way down to the Old City. You walk the Jewish Quarter and the Byzantine Cardo, stand at the Western Wall and follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Jerusalem Old City tour then leaves the walls for Mount Zion, where the Room of the Last Supper sits directly above the tomb traditionally linked to King David. This Jerusalem Old City tour is a full and well-paced day that covers the essential sites for Christian, Jewish and history-loving visitors, without the early alarm.
The tour runs on Wednesdays with English guiding and finishes at a Jerusalem Light Rail stop, so getting back to your hotel is easy. Want a day trip from the coast instead? See the Jerusalem highlights tour from Tel Aviv, explore underground Jerusalem on the City of David tour, or keep the day for yourself on a private Jerusalem tour.
Highlights
- Relaxed 10:00 start from central Jerusalem, no early alarm needed
- Panoramic view of the Old City from Mount Scopus
- Pass the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations
- Walk the Jewish Quarter and the colonnaded Byzantine Cardo
- Leave a prayer note at the Western Wall
- Follow the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa
- Explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre with your guide
- Room of the Last Supper and King David's Tomb on Mount Zion
- Easy finish at a Jerusalem Light Rail stop
Itinerary & route
Numbers match the itinerary below. Solid lines are walking legs, dashed lines are drives. Map is for orientation only.
- 1
10:00 AMMeet at the Grand Court Hotel
Meet your guide at 10:00 in the lobby of the Grand Court Hotel, close to the Old City walls. If you are staying elsewhere in Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Light Rail and a short walk will get you there.
- 2
10:20 AMMount Scopus viewpoint
Drive up to Mount Scopus for a sweeping view over the domes, towers and walls of the UNESCO-listed Old City of Jerusalem. Your guide uses the view to explain the city's layout before you head in.
- 3
11:00 AMGarden of Gethsemane and Church of All Nations
On the way down you pass the Garden of Gethsemane, with its centuries-old olive trees, and the Church of All Nations, before arriving at the Old City.
- 4
11:30 AMJewish Quarter and the Byzantine Cardo
Walk through the Jewish Quarter to the Cardo, the excavated main street of Byzantine Jerusalem, lined with columns and niches where shops once stood.
- 5
12:15 PMThe Western Wall
Pause at the Western Wall, Judaism's most sacred place of prayer, and place a written note between the ancient stones if you wish.
- 6
01:00 PMLunch break
Take a break for lunch in the Old City. Your guide will suggest simple, good places nearby, from falafel stands to small family restaurants.
- 7
02:00 PMVia Dolorosa
Follow part of the Via Dolorosa through the Muslim Quarter, stopping at several Stations of the Cross that mark the path Jesus walked carrying the cross.
- 8
02:45 PMChurch of the Holy Sepulchre
The Way of Sorrows leads to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built around Calvary and the tomb of Jesus and shared by several Christian denominations. For a deeper Christian focus, see our Christian Jerusalem tour.
- 9
03:45 PMMount Zion: Last Supper Room and King David's Tomb
Leave the walls for Mount Zion to see the Room of the Last Supper, also called the Upper Room, which stands above the site revered as the tomb of King David.
- 10
04:30 PMTour ends at the Light Rail
The tour finishes at a Jerusalem Light Rail stop in the city center, so you can head straight back to your hotel or on to dinner. Planning another day? Try the Jerusalem and Bethlehem tour.
What's included
Included
- Licensed professional tour guide
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle to Mount Scopus and the Old City
- Guided walk through the Old City and Mount Zion
- Drop-off at a Jerusalem Light Rail stop
- All visits listed in the itinerary
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup (meeting point at the Grand Court Hotel)
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
Pickup & meeting point
- JerusalemNo pickup fee
You choose your pickup city when you book. We confirm the exact pickup time and place by email or WhatsApp the day before the tour.
Tour ends with: Tour ends at the Light Rail
Know before you go
Pickup and Start Time
Meet your guide at 10:00 in the lobby of the Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem. Please arrive 10 minutes early. The tour ends at a Jerusalem Light Rail stop in the late afternoon.
What to Bring
- Comfortable closed walking shoes
- Hat, sunscreen and water
- Money for lunch and souvenirs
- A light scarf for the holy sites
Dress Code
Shoulders and knees must be covered at churches, Mount Zion and the Western Wall.
Physical Requirements
About 3 to 4 hours of walking on uneven stone streets with slopes and steps. A moderate level of fitness is needed.
Age and Children
Children aged 4 and over are welcome with an adult.
Language
English.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 36 hours before the tour starts. Cancelling the day before the tour carries a 25% fee. Cancelling on the day of the tour, or not showing up, carries a 100% fee.
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|
| 36+ hours before the start time | Free cancellation |
| The day before the tour | 25% fee |
| On the day of the tour, or no-show | 100% fee (no refund) |
Need to change your date instead? Message us before the tour and we will do our best to move your booking. If we cancel or materially change a tour, you can choose an alternative date, a credit or a refund. Read the booking terms.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Jerusalem Old City tour start?
The tour starts at 10:00, which makes it ideal if you prefer a slower morning. Meet your guide in the lobby of the Grand Court Hotel in central Jerusalem about 10 minutes before.
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends at a stop on the Jerusalem Light Rail in the city center, usually in the late afternoon. From there it is easy to reach most Jerusalem hotels, and if you want to keep exploring, the Mahane Yehuda market is only a few stops away. For a deeper dive below the streets, book the City of David tour on another day.
Which days does the tour run?
The tour runs on Wednesdays. The booking calendar on this page shows every date that is open, and it updates automatically if the schedule changes. Planning around Jewish holidays? Check the Israel Ministry of Tourism calendar, since some sites close early on holiday eves.
What should I wear?
Cover your shoulders and knees for the churches, Mount Zion and the Western Wall. Comfortable closed shoes are a must for the stone streets. The Custody of the Holy Land shares visitor guidance for the Christian holy sites.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. Children aged 4 and up are welcome with an adult. The day includes several hours of walking on stone streets, so bring water, snacks and a hat for younger travelers. Families who want a shorter outing can choose the Jerusalem half day tour instead.
Which language is the tour in?
The tour is guided in English by a guide licensed by the Israel Ministry of Tourism. If you need another language, message us and we can suggest a date or arrange a private Jerusalem tour in your language.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included. There is a break in the Old City, and your guide will recommend good places to eat, from fresh falafel and hummus to small family restaurants serving grilled meat and salads. Bring some cash for street food stands.
Can I join from Tel Aviv?
This tour starts in Jerusalem. If you are staying in Tel Aviv, the Jerusalem highlights tour includes hotel pickup, or you can take the fast train from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, listed on the Israel Railways website.
Can I visit inside the tomb of Jesus at the Holy Sepulchre?
The church is open daily, but the line for the Edicule can be long and entry cannot be guaranteed. Check the Israel Ministry of Tourism for holiday opening hours.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 36 hours before the tour starts. Cancelling the day before carries a 25% fee, and cancelling on the day or not showing up carries a 100% fee.
Why book with Booking-Tours
- Local operator in Eilat since 2008Our own office and team on the ground, not a call center abroad.
- Licensed local guidesSmall details, good pacing and real stories at every stop.
- Real people on WhatsAppHelp in English, Russian and Hebrew before and during your trip.
- Secure online paymentPay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay through Stripe.
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