Jonathan Franks - Israel Tours

Sometimes the key part of a great tour is knowing the right place for breakfast - highly recommend Harim on the outskirts of Jerusalem and near Abu Gosh.

If you're not too claustrophobic and want to see the real ancient Jerusalem (pre-First Temple destruction), we might start above ground with a view of the scenery, but then we head underground to Hezekiah's Tunnel, meant to protect the water source from the Assyrian invasion. We will walk through tunnels with water from the Gihon Spring (great for a summer day) and the route will lead us to the Kotel, a side you don't normally go to...This tour is medium-intensity (involves stairs/climbing) and can be a half day tour of the tunnel; and possible full day tour including the Jewish Quarter.

Are you interested in Modern Israeli History? I really enjoy exploring Latrun - which is the Tank Museum and site of fierce battles (that Israel lost until 1967), Shaar Hagai Heritage Museum - which commemorates the struggles to break the siege of Jerusalem in 1948, and then to the Castel - which is a turning point in Israel's battle for independence. (And for younger tourists, don't worry there's all kinds of fun climbing and exploring to keep them engaged!) This tour is moderate level and a great all-day tour.

Yes - part of the fun of Massada is the early morning sunrise climb (and the accomplishment of walking back down) - but, once you're at the top, there are so many stories one can tell to bring the mountain to life...(and, for those who prefer not to climb, you can easily take a cable car to the top so you can still explore with less intensity).