Jerusalem Old City Day Tour from Tel Aviv: Mount of Olives, Temple Mount & Rooftop Lunch

Summary

Walk ancient Jerusalem’s quarters with a small group and local stories

You’ll walk Jerusalem’s Old City with a small group, starting late from Tel Aviv so you’re not rushed. Expect close-up moments at Gethsemane, Temple Mount access if open, time at the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, plus a rooftop lunch above it all. It’s less about ticking boxes and more about feeling those layers of history under your feet.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding down the Mount of Olives when I realized how different this day would be — no rush, just the sound of our shoes on old stone and our guide, Erez, pointing out tiny details in the olive trees. He joked that some of them might remember the Romans. The air smelled faintly dusty but sweet, and there was this weird mix of birdsong and distant city noise. I’d skipped breakfast (bad idea), but honestly didn’t miss it once we reached Gethsemane. The garden felt almost too quiet for a group of strangers.

Inside the Old City, everything changed — suddenly it’s color everywhere: scarves hanging in the souq, flashes of gold domes between rooftops. Erez kept us moving through the Christian Quarter and Jewish Quarter without that herded-tour vibe. At one point he stopped to chat with an old friend selling pomegranate juice; we all tried some (tart, sticky hands after). The Western Wall surprised me — not just for its size but for how people pressed their foreheads against it like they were listening for something. I tried to do the same but probably looked awkward.

The Temple Mount was open that day — apparently not always possible — so we actually walked up instead of just peering from below. There’s this strange silence up there, even with all the people around. Lunch was on a rooftop overlooking half the city; I still think about that view when I hear church bells now. Erez let us wander if we wanted souvenirs or to queue for Jesus’s tomb (I skipped the line — too long), but mostly we just sat in the sun and watched Jerusalem swirl below us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour of historic Jerusalem

• Travel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
• View from Mount of Olives
• Walk down to Dominus Flevit Church
• Visit Garden of Gethsemane
• Walk through Jewish Quarter to Western Wall
• Visit Western Wall
• Walk through Arab souq in Christian Quarter
• Visit Church of the Holy Sepulchre area
• See Chapels of Crucifixion and Golgotha
• Visit Tomb of Jesus area (no entry)
• Visit Temple Mount and Golden Dome of The Rock
• Lunch at rooftop restaurant overlooking Old City

Top questions

What sites are included on this Jerusalem day tour from Tel Aviv?

You’ll visit Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Christian & Jewish Quarters, Western Wall, Temple Mount (if open), and Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Is lunch included on this Jerusalem boutique tour?

Yes, lunch is included at a rooftop restaurant overlooking key sites in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Does this tour enter Jesus’ tomb in the Holy Sepulchre?

No, you won’t enter the tomb as lines can take hours; you can try during lunch break if you wish.

How big is the group on this Jerusalem Old City tour?

This is a small group tour for a more personal experience; exact numbers may vary by date.

Are pickups from Tel Aviv hotels available?

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

Can I bring luggage on this day trip to Jerusalem?

You can bring one small carry-on per person; extra or larger pieces require advance permission and extra fee.

Is there a dress code for religious sites on this tour?

Yes—knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women; women should bring a scarf or hat.

How much walking is involved during this day trip?

The tour involves several hours walking over uneven surfaces; moderate fitness is needed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from set meeting points in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, all guiding by an officially licensed local expert who shares stories along each stop, entry to main sites including Temple Mount when accessible, plus a rooftop lunch right inside Jerusalem’s Old City before heading back together late afternoon.