Tours & activities in Jerusalem

Ancient Jerusalem: City of David Tour

Discover the archaeological secrets of the City of David on this 3-hour, partially underground tour

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Due to the unusual tourism situation currently developing, we have temporarily suspended this tour.

ABOUT THE Ancient Jerusalem: City of David Tour

The 3-hour Ancient Jerusalem: City of David Tour meets at the Jaffa Gate, as your expert licensed guide takes you back in time 6,000 years to uncover the archaeological secrets of the City of David and the Old Testament. Not for the faint-hearted – expect underground tunnels, narrow passageways and some wading through water on this incredible, adventurous tour.

 

Mysterious references in the Old Testament uncovered

For centuries, historians could not understand King David’s mysterious reference in the Old Testament to Jerusalem being captured. However, in the past 150 years, intense research has been focused on the underground tunnels visited on this tour, and historians now believe it’s here, in the part of the tunnels known as Warren’s Shaft, that David’s capture of Jerusalem took place. As these historic waterways provided water from the Gihon Spring, Jerusalem’s only water supply, the tunnels were fiercely protected.

Some of Israel’s most important ancient sites

On this three-hour tour, you’ll discover some of Jerusalem’s most important ancient sites, such as the Silwan Necropolis, holding the tomb of the Phaoroh’s daughter, Jerusalem’s early water system, and also its first palace; we ask, did King David himself live here?

An underground adventure

This is not your standard walking tour. As part of the tour is underground, you will navigate through narrow tunnels , it is not for the faint-hearted. However, if you can brave it, your reward will be some of the most incredible archaeological sites in one of the holiest places on Earth.

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Image for meeting point

The City of David Tour starts just outside the Jaffa Gate

  • The Gihon Spring, giving life to Jerusalem and fiercely protected
  • Silwan Necropolis, holding the Tomb oft he Phaoroh’s Daughter and the Tomb of the Royal Steward
  • Hezekiah’s Tunnel, carved out underneath the City of David
  • Warren's Shaft, believed to have allowed David to capture Jerusalem
  • Jerusalem’s first palace - was King David here?
  • The Canaanite period and water system

TOUR SCHEDULES

Today

This tour doesn‘t run today

Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
  • Local licensed English-speaking guide
Additional Information
  • Please note that on this tour we enter narrow tunnels
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we're proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world's best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That's why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
MAP
City of David Tour meeting point outside Jaffa Gate
The City of David Tour starts just outside the Jaffa Gate Open in Google Maps
Tour start Tour starts here
End start Tour usually ends here
Tour usually covers

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What is a Select Tour?

 

Select Tours focus on a particular area or district of a city, a certain aspect of its history or culture, or take you outside the city on a day trip. Select Tours are perfect for those who have enjoyed an introduction to the city and wish to delve deeper into the stories the city has to offer. These tours often venture further afield and make use of local public transport.

As with the Free Tour, Select Tours are provided by local freelance guides in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, who bring their personal flair and expert knowledge to these specifically themed tours. Select tours have a fixed ticket price - we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance, either during a Free Tour or online.

Delve deeper with themed select tours

  • Expert local guides
  • Theme specific tours
  • Location specific tours
  • Full-day and half-day tours on offer
  • Affordable prices

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Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

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