Israel Tours Questions and Answers with Licenced Tour Guide David Ha'ivri
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Booking & Cancellation FAQ
Booking & Cancellation FAQ
How far in advance should I book? I recommend booking as soon as your travel dates are known. My schedule fills up quickly, and I am unable to hold or "save" specific dates without a confirmed booking.
Is a deposit required to secure a tour? Yes. To confirm your reservation and secure your date on my calendar, a 30% deposit is required at the time of booking.
What is your cancellation policy? I understand that travel plans can change. Your deposit is fully refundable up to 10 days before the scheduled date of the tour. Cancellations made within the 10-day window prior to the tour are non-refundable.
Weather Policy FAQ
Weather Policy FAQ
What happens if it rains on the day of our tour? Tours generally proceed rain or shine. If there is only light rain, we will continue the tour using umbrellas and sticking to covered areas, such as the market, as much as possible. However, your comfort is a priority. If there is a severe storm or extremely cold and wet weather, we will likely postpone the tour to a different date.
Old City FAQ
Old City FAQ
1. What is the dress code for visiting religious sites in the Old City?
Modest dress is strictly required for both men and women at the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and other sacred landmarks. Please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered (no sleeveless tops or short shorts). We recommend bringing a light scarf or shawl as a quick "cover-up" to ensure entry into all Holy Land sites.
2. How much walking is involved, and is the tour physically demanding?
Jerusalem is an ancient city built on hills, so this is a moderate walking tour covering approximately 2–3 miles. Expect uneven cobblestones and several flights of stone stairs. We recommend wearing comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while exploring the ancient alleyways.
3. Is it safe to tour the Old City of Jerusalem right now?
Yes, the Old City is one of the most visited and highly secured locations in the world. As a licensed tour guide, I monitor local updates in real-time to ensure our route remains safe and enjoyable. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities as we navigate the diverse Four Quarters.
4. Are entrance fees to sites like the Tower of David included in the tour price?
Typically, the tour fee covers the expert guiding service. Entrance fees to specific attractions—such as the Tower of David Museum or the Southern Wall excavations—are paid separately by the guest. Many of our key stops, including the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, have no entry fee.
5. Can we visit the interior of the Dome of the Rock during the tour?
Entry inside the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque is currently restricted to Muslim worshippers only. However, our tour includes a strategic viewpoint where you can see the stunning Islamic architecture up close while learning about the deep Biblical history and archaeological significance of the Temple Mount area.
Mobility Challanges & Transportation FAQ
Mobility Challanges & Transportation FAQ
Q: Is a walking tour of the Old City recommended for travelers with limited mobility? A: Absolutely, but with the right expectations. The Old City is geographically compact, but its ancient design presents unique challenges. The roads are paved with historic limestone, which can be slippery, and the topography includes far more ascending and descending slopes than flat ground.
When planning a tour for those who are less robust, I recommend a specialized "slow-and-steady" approach. By focusing on accessible sections like the Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall Plaza, and incorporating frequent rest stops in the shade, you can experience the major sites without physical exhaustion.
Q: Is it advisable to bring a wheeled walker for the Old City? A: Yes. If you rely on a walker for stability or stamina in your daily life, you should bring it. While the Old City is 3,000 years old, it has undergone significant accessibility upgrades. Many main paths now feature ramps and handrails designed for wheeled assistance.
However, please use caution: some of these ramps are quite steep, and the transition between different paving styles requires good footing. A wheeled walker is a great tool for these paths and provides a built-in seat for breaks, but having an assistant nearby to help navigate the steeper inclines is always a good idea.
Q: Should I rent a car or use private transfers to travel between cities? A: While renting a car offers independence, I generally recommend private transfers for a more seamless experience.
Navigating a new country can be stressful, and in Israel, that stress is often compounded by heavy traffic, complex road layouts, and signs that may be difficult to read. Relying on a rental car often leads to significant time lost dealing with wrong turns and the notorious difficulty of finding parking in dense areas like Jerusalem or Acre.
If you plan your stay well, you’ll find that a car isn't always necessary. Many of the best sites in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are easily accessible from centrally located accommodations via a short walk or a quick local taxi ride. Choosing private transfers for the "big moves" between cities allows you to arrive relaxed and ready to explore, rather than exhausted from the drive.
Q&A for Temple Mount Tours
Q: Is there a specific dress code I must follow to enter the Temple Mount?
A: Yes. Visitors must wear modest attire that covers the body. This typically means long pants or skirts, and shirts with long sleeves. Shoulders, cleavage, and knees must be covered. You may be denied entry or asked to wear an issued gown if your clothing is deemed inappropriate for a holy site.
Q: What should I expect at the entrance regarding security?
A: All visitors must pass through a mandatory security check, usually involving a metal detector and a bag search, performed by the Israeli Police. Be prepared for queues, especially during peak season.
Q: Can non-Muslim visitors bring religious items onto the Mount?
A: Non-Muslim visitors are prohibited from bringing religious articles, such as prayer shawls, prayer books, or religious symbols, onto the site. Per the rules enforced at the site you may not attempt to pray or engage in any visible religious worship while on the premises.
Q: Are there specific visiting hours for non-Muslims?
A: Access for non-Muslim visitors is strictly limited to certain hours, and the times are subject to frequent change, especially during holy days or due to security situations. Visits are typically allowed only in the mornings for a short period and again in the early afternoon, with a break in the middle of the day. It is essential to check the exact times on the day of your tour.
Q: Which gate do non-Muslim visitors use to enter the Temple Mount?
A: Non-Muslim tourists may enter only through the Mughrabi Gate ia a wooden ramp to the south of the Western Wall Plaza. This is the only entrance for non-Muslim tourists.
Q: Which gate must I use to exit the Temple Mount?
A: Visitors who entered via the Mughrabi Gate are directed to exit through one of the other gates that lead into the Old City’s Muslim Quarter. Your guide will indicate the appropriate exit at the end of the tour.
Q: Should I bring my passport or ID?
A: It is highly recommended to carry a passport or valid photo ID, as security personnel may ask to see it upon entry.
Q: What is the main challenge for a tour guide on the Temple Mount?
A: The main challenge is navigating the unique, intricate, and often contradictory rules and regulations that exist due to the deep political and religious sensitivities of the site, requiring constant awareness and diplomacy.
Q: Are there different rules for different types of visitors?
A: Yes, there are different approaches. For most non-observant or secular visitors, access is wide, but they are not allowed to enter any buildings. For religious Jewish visitors, the experience is complex: they must adhere to a very specifi path and are closely monitored by police.
Q: What spiritual considerations do religious Jewish visitors face?
A: Many prominent rabbis advise against Jews treading on the holy mountain. Those who do ascend take special preparations and measures for spiritual purity before setting foot on the higher, holiest ground, adhering to complex rabbinic purity laws.
Q: Are visitors allowed to enter the Dome of the Rock or the Al-Aqsa Mosque?
A: No. A clear rule for all visitors is that entry into the buildings, including the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, is not permitted.
Q: Why are religious Jewish visitors closely monitored by police?
A: Every step on the specific path they are allowed to take is highly monitored by police for their safety, as the tensions on the site carry the potential for provocation by Arab Muslim visitors.
Q: What is the emotional experience of visiting the Temple Mount?
A: It is a unique experience that combines a blend of awe, history, raw present-day conflict, and spiritual depth. It is a journey that challenges the mind and touches the soul.
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