A private tour to Jaffa and Tel-Aviv ideally combines two major sites relating to the ancient and modern history of Israel. The cosmopolitical city of Tel-Aviv is the most vibrant city in Israel, with a 24-hour pulse. Compared to it, Jaffa is a humble sized port city, yet with a long and rich history.
We start the tour with a stroll in the picturesque Jaffa. Appreciating the historical presentation at the Ramesses II’s Gate Garden, we review, briefly, Jaffa’s 4000 years of history, and especially in biblical times. Walking on cobbled stone alleys of the old city, we appreciate the growing number of arts and crafts galleries. Descending towards the port, we stop in front of the site labeled as the House of Simon the Tanner. Here, by local Christian-Armenian tradition, Peter was instructed to abandon Jewish Kosher food laws (Acts 10). This event is one of the most pivotal moments in Christian history, globalizing Jesus’ messianic messages. Reaching Jaffa’s old port, we could have a coffee break while discussing its role in the history of the Holy Land. At its northern entrance “Andromeda’s Rock’ links Jaffa also to Greek Mythology. Returning to the main plaza of Jaffa, we could visit the Catholic St. Peter’s Church, and join a tour of the renewed local visitors center (Kikar Kedumim).
A short walk towards the ‘Clock tower’ will bring us also to Jaffa’s Flea Market. The former city’s commercial center is now known for its vintage shops, art galleries, boutique hotels, and vibrant market. It is also a great place for a lunch break, and some souvenir shopping. Refreshed, we return to the car and continue to – Tel-Aviv.
Driving through Neve Tzedek, we learn about the first Jewish colony outside of Jaffa, that preceded Tel-Aviv. Established in 1883, this humble sized old neighborhood is now a trendy locale with chic stores. Reaching Rothschild Boulevard, we are now at the historical Tel-Aviv. Walking or driving along this avenue, we learn how a former sand dune developed into the most prime real estate property in all of Israel. Reviewing its mixed architecture, we appreciate Tel-Aviv’s rapid development from a Jewish settlement into a metropolis. If possible, we will visit the city’s visitor center at the Shalom Meir Tower Visitors Center, and more importantly – the Independence Hall. This humble sized building is where, on May 14th 1948, the state of Israel was declared (!) Today the whole building is devoted to this historical event, and is one of the most popular tour attractions in Israel. Returning to the car, we continue driving through the city center and learning about its special urban and architectural development. Finally, we end the tour with a visit the site of Rabin’s Assassination, where we learn about the tragic event and its impact on Israeli history.
Tel-Aviv’s name means “Spring [of the] mound”, but it was not built over any mound. The name comes from the Hebrew translation of Herzl utopian book about a Jewish state – “Altneuland”.
If you have already seen any of the sites listed in this tour, we can recommend several alternative activities:
