Private tour in Jerusalem Maureen (Renee) H
5.0
(2) reviews
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Maureen (Renee) H.
5.0
Guide rating
21
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Tours delivered
47 hrs
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Shalom! Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, I chose to make Israel my home in 1993 and have raised my family here. At every opportunity, I have explored the length, width, and depth of this facinating country. I would love to share my passion for Israel with you! I am a licensed Israeli tour guide & facilitator with an academic background in history and education. Prior to becoming a guide, I worked in Israeli hi-tech, communications, and environmental education. I'm curious, creative and love the outdoors. As a versatile guide, I offer a variety of tours and can be flexible with customization. My guiding approach? Fun, relevant, and interactive! Israel is a country with many layers - geographical, historical, cultural, religious. I approach each tour as an opportunity to peel back layers and expose what's below the surface. The Israeli landscape is a canvas for bringing the Bible, history and archaeology to life. I also love highlighting the diversity in Israeli society, addressing geopolitics, exploring challenges facing the modern state of Israel, tapping into local innovation, and savouring Israel's rich culinary culture. I offer a range of both popular tours and off-the-beaten-track excursions that are always customized to meet your pace, passions, and style. You choose what speaks to you and I'll refine the tour. Tours include Jerusalem and Tel Aviv walking tours, shore excursions for cruise ship passengers, single or multi-day drive & guide tours, desert escapes, Galilee vistas, pilgrimage routes, hikes, bike & wine adventures, and more. Want something a bit different? Together we will create the tour that best suits you. What you should know: * All my tours are private - you decide who are the participants. * All my tours can be customized to meet your particular interests, pace, and mobility needs * We can combine tours with other ToursbyLocals guides in Israel Most importantly, I want your experience to be fun, stimulating, and meaningful. Take a look at my tours and feel free to contact me. A great Israel experience is waiting for you! Renee Israel Ministry of Tourism, Tour Guide License #11402 M.A. - Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology, Bar Ilan University, in progress M.Ed. in Adult Education, University of Toronto (OISE), Canada B.A. in History, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Public Vehicle License (D1) certified by Israel Ministry of Transport for driving tourists in a registered vehicle
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Maureen (Renee) H.
Not just any tour to the Dead Sea! Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient desert fortress overlooking the Dead Sea. We'll start with a challenging climb up the ancient path to the top of the Masada mesa, followed by a tour of the historical site. What motivated King Herod of Judea build a fortress here? Who were these Jewish zealots who hid out here from the Romans in the 1st century CE? What place does Masada hold in the Israeli psyche? I'll address all of these questions and more as we explore and discuss the regional dynamics of the time, enjoy the amazing views, and learn about the architecture and findings. We'll also veer off the busy paths to some lesser known Masada highlights! Next, we descend to a Dead Sea beach for a therapeutic floating experience. Did you know the Dead Sea is shrinking? I'll share environmental research and challenges. From May-Sep, we can hike the natural springs of the Ein Gedi nature reserve or visit the excavated 5th century synagogue's impressive mosaic floor.
- Pick-up from your Jerusalem location - Drive through the Judean desert to the Dead Sea basin, 400+ meters below sea level. - From the base of Masada, climb a challenging 350m ascent on the ancient Snake Path to the top. The hike will take between 45-90 minutes depending on your fitness level and the weather. The climb includes steep paths and hundreds of stairs. **Prefer not to hike up? We can hike down the snake path, instead. - On Masada tour the Herodian palace, synagogue, cisterns, and recent excavations - Descend Masada by cable car - Lunch - Float in the therapeutic salt waters at one of the scenic Dead Sea beaches Option: Expansive buffet-lunch and use of spa facilities at a Dead Sea Hotel & secluded beach (Extra cost; excludes time to visit Ein Gedi). - Visit Ein Gedi nature reserve (summer months). Note: Masada climb pending suitable weather conditions. Note: We can take the cable car in both directions if you do not hike. Additional fee. Let's discuss!
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
I will drive you in a comfortable, air-conditioned 8-seater mini-van. I will pick you up from and return you to your Jerusalem hotel.
Jerusalem, Jerusalem District, Israel
Pick up from your Jerusalem accommodations or agreed upon meeting point in the Jerusalem district.
2 reviews
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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