Context is monitoring the situation in Israel. Direct any questions to info@contexttravel.com

Tel Aviv in a Day Tour with Old Jaffa

Explore the best of Tel Aviv in this full-day historical tour
From US$815 privately
Book a Tour
Tour Details
Duration
6 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Jaffa
  • Rothschild Boulevard
  • Neve Tzedek Neighborhood
  • Independence Walk
Photos & Highlights
  • A journey through the ancient past to the modern city
  • Led by a local expert or scholar
Select a date
Tour Description
On this full day tour of Tel Aviv, we’ll chart the expansive history of this port region and explore both the Old City and the cosmopolitan side of the ever-changing metropolis. With a local expert guide, we will chronicle the emergence of the city, starting with the ancient port of Jaffa. You will learn about eclectic groups who moved through and lived within this region, from religious pilgrims to orange traders. We will imbibe the energy and diversity of the Flea Markets and appreciate the modern-day Bauhaus-inspired buildings along tree-lined avenues. Engaging and extensive, this six-hour tour has been crafted to give the curious traveler insight into what makes Tel Aviv-Jaffa tick. 

Sites Visited 

  • Old Jaffa
  • Flea Market
  • Jaffa Port
  • Neve Tzedek Neighborhood
  • Rothschild Boulevard

Included

  • Explore both the ancient and the modern sides of Israel with a tour through the old port city of Jaffa and the modern metropolis of Tel Aviv
  • Led by a local guide or expert

Itinerary Detail 

We’ll meet in the old city, at the base of the Jaffa Clock tower whose installation was initiated by a wealthy Jewish merchant who was sick of passers-by entering his shop to enquire about the time. You will learn about the adjacent Jaffa port which served as the only port in this area for centuries. Our local expert will describe the economic and cultural impacts of Jaffa’s proximity to the ocean, which spans some 4000 years, but in recent times was responsible in part for the distribution of oranges to the world. 

As our route winds its way through cobblestoned streets, we will examine the historic Ottoman architecture, ancient religious sites, get glimpses of the azure Mediterranean ocean and observe the redevelopment efforts which are breathing life back into the district. We will be immersed in the hustle and bustle of the Flea Market which sells a mixture of goods from valuable antiques to modern junk. We’ll continue our journey to more recent history as we move north to the first neighborhoods created outside of Jaffa in the 19th century, such as Neve Tzedek and later, Tel Aviv itself. 

Considered "the Mediterranean capital of cool”, we will get a taste for the vibrancy of these satellite neighborhoods, founded in 1909 by about 60 Yemeni Jewish families on the desolate sand dunes that are now the Rothschild Boulevard. The tree-lined street is occupied with a variety of architectural styles from European influence to Bauhaus and will confirm for you why it is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Here, we will discuss the growth of Tel Aviv and the subsequent demise of Jaffa due to conflict both within the different religious groups that occupied the city and influences from beyond its borders. Along the way, at the mutual decision of our private tour group, we’ll stop for a local lunch. We will use the time to talk about a variety of topics, such as classic Israeli gastronomy or Tel Aviv’s emergence as a center of Israeli art and culture. 
 
As we finish our time together, we will emerge with a comprehensive understanding of Tel Aviv’s (and Jaffa’s) expansive past. From the days of the Jaffa’s orange trade to the current skyscraper-laden landscape, the area has seen vast technological, cultural, economic, and political transformations over the centuries. Our expert guide will bring that rich history to life, leaving you with a true orientation to both the historical and contemporary city.

FAQs 

For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
 
What is a private tour?
Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits in your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.
 
What happens if it's raining?
Our tours happen rain or shine. Our guides are great at adapting their route during changes of weather. Please bring an umbrella and appropriate clothing.
 
I would like to start later. Is this possible?
It is, although we recommend an earlier to make the most of cooler temperatures. Please let us know in your client notes your preferred start time.  
 
Is this walk suitable for families?
Yes. We can certainly adapt this walk for younger learners and ensure your family has a family-trained guide. Please let us know in your show notes. 
 
What’s included in the tour?
You are pre-paid for the tour. Clients are expected to cover the cost of their own lunch.

Is this tour possible for reduced mobility?
Yes, we can certainly adapt this tour for those with reduced mobility. Please let us know what your needs are in your client notes. 
Where You'll Start
9 Reviews (4.2)

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Revital was an amazing guide! She was so knowledgeable and accommodating to things we were interested in seeing and eating!
We had the privilege of embarking on a private full-day tour of Tel Aviv with the expert guidance of Maayan. Her impressive and insightful knowledge of the city's history added incredible depth and texture to the vibrant scenery of this captivating destination. Her narration truly brought both Jaffa and Tel Aviv to life, creating a profound connection that surpassed the typical tourist experience. Maayan's exceptional expertise extended beyond her wealth of information. She was remarkably considerate, ensuring that both my wife and I felt comfortable throughout the entire day. Her thoughtful and attentive approach was evident as she continuously checked in on us and swiftly accommodated our needs. This trait added an extra layer of ease to our exploration, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. Maayan's genuine enthusiasm for showing us the city transformed into more than just an educational excursion; it became a delightful social interaction. Her passion was infectious, and it heightened our overall journey. In conclusion, we wholeheartedly endorse Maayan as a remarkable guide for anyone looking to explore the city. Her unique blend of extensive knowledge, thoughtful consideration, and infectious warmth made our journey truly unforgettable. If given the opportunity, we would not hesitate to experience another day under her guidance. This was far more than a tour; it was an immersive and enriching experience, elevated to an exceptional level by our superb guide, Maayan.
Reut led an outstanding walking tour. Knowledgeable, informative, personable. Highly recommended. We look forward to another tour with Reut