Marc N.United States
Schmuel is incredibly knowledgeable passionate about what he does and very protective and caring about his clients
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Private tour in Jerusalem Shmuel B
Digging the Story of Masada
4.7
(6) reviews
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Shmuel B.
4.9
Guide rating
127
Reviews
Tours delivered
3 hrs
Avg. response time
I'm knowledgeable, experienced and passionate about Israel and would be delighted to show you the country. I was born in Israel but grew up in Ottawa, Canada, so I am a native English speaker. I have lived in Jerusalem with my family for more than 25 years and have been a licensed guide for more than 15 years. Click on "Read Reviews" below to hear what other clients have said about touring with me. Covid-19: I have had 2 vaccine shots plus a 3rd & 4th booster as recommended by the Israel Ministry of Health. Israel is a deeply fascinating and varied country, as your guide I'll make sure you get the most out of your trip. I have created a set of special tours for ToursByLocals combining Archaeology, Art and Architecture; Religion, History and Culture. Here is a list of tours that I specialize in (if you can't find them on the TbL site please message me for more information). Jerusalem - 4 quarters & 3 religions Mount of Olives Jerusalem's Haram el-Sharif/Temple Mount, Religion & Politics City of David/ancient Jerusalem & Hezekiah's tunnel Jerusalem's Israel museum Herodium Masada En Gedi & Dead Sea Beit She'an - Roman Decapolis city Sussita/Hippos Around Sea of Galilee where Jesus lived & taught Caesarea, King Herod's port city Akko/Acre Mount Gerizim Crusader sites like Appolonia, Belvoir, Castelet, . . . Jericho Susiya Makhtesh (craters in Negev) Nabatean Spice Route I also take people "off the beaten track" into unique nature sites in Israel, walking and hiking , like Nahal Og, Wadi Qelt, Nahal Peratzim. I am also a photographer so if you are interested in seeing the country through a camera lens I can take you to unique and special places where you will be able to get great photos. I'm flexible and orient each tour to your interests. When you hire me as your guide it's your tour and it is at your pace. I am happy and able to explain Jewish, Christian and Muslim customs and traditions whatever your religious beliefs. Licensed tour guide, Israel Ministry of Tourism Licensed chauffeur
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Shmuel B.
Archaeological/historical view of Herod's Masada Palace/fortress
Overview of your Jerusalem tour
This tour is a special opportunity to focus on the story of Masada, to understand King Herod who built what we'll see and the Jewish rebels who used it as a place of refuge against the Romans. This tour takes the time to focus on what we've learned from the latest archaeology - this is not your regular Masada tour. I dug at the site last year with Tel Aviv University's MMXXI expedition. Of course we'll cover the Western & Northern hanging palaces, the Roman bathhouse, the storage rooms and the Roman ramp and breech of the wall. This tour will also explain how people lived on the top of a mountain in the middle of the Judean desert, how they brought enough water to the site to grow food and how they lived. Even if you've visited Masada before this is a NEW Masada tour to bring you up-to-date with the latest discoveries. Did you know that King Herod grew his own grapes on the mountain top and even had his own winery - the king definitely loved the good life and wine was part of it.
Recent Reviews
Richard H.United States
Our day with Shmuel to the Masada and Dead Sea was fantastic. He constantly adjusted the itinerary to adjust to our interests and the pace of the day was perfect. He is a person of many talents and interests and is easy to talk with. We'll definitely call him again through Tours by Locals next time we're in Israel. Thanks Shmuel!
Glenda Lisa R.United States
My husband and I had a wonderful tour with Shmuel. He was very knowledgeable, kind, and quickly to adjust to all of our requests. Also, something that we enjoyed was that he was our official photographer. We were able to soak up the sites and experiences without having to take pictures. Shmuel provided us with all of great photos he took of us and the sites. Such a treat! His knowledge of Masada and a quiet, special place at the Dead Sea made this tour extra special. We would highly recommend Shmuel!
Emma R.Canada
We had a jam packed day planned and were able to make the most of it by having Shmuel as our guide. Having meaningful experiences at Masada, Ein Gedi, and floating in the Dead Sea would not have been possible for us without the transportation included. The Dead Sea spot our guide took us too was AMAZING! It was a spectacular and educational day!
Rick C.United States
We recent;y completed our tour to the Dead Sea with Guide Shmuel B and it was wonderful. The region, sights and locale we give a 10, but our guide deserves more than an 11. He was the perfect choice for us... fielding questions regarding places not even on the tour. Certainly a well versed guide with knowledge, integrity and a means of making the seemingly unrelated pieces... relate. His empathy was even able to bring a 47 year old memory back to life, making him a large part of a now lifetime memory.
Your Jerusalem tour itinerary
- Drive from Jerusalem (1 hour 40 minutes). - cable car to top of mountain - NEW tour of Herod's palace fortress at Masada including Columbarium Water cistern Swimming pool Bakery & laundry
Want to customize this tour?
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.
Transport details
Type: Private Transportation
Transportation is in a 2012 Skoda Yeti (for 3 people), with air conditioning.
What's included
Other
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Admission fees to sites including the cable car are not included but paid by the client on a per person basis.
Lunch is paid by the client.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Tour starts from Jerusalem unless other special arrangements are made.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
History
Day Trip
Hiking
Tour reference number
243986
Languages
English
HebrewActivity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
4.7
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Jerusalem best suited for?
This private tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and archaeology buffs who are interested in exploring the story of Masada and King Herod's palace fortress. It's also ideal for those who have visited Masada before and want to learn about the latest archaeological discoveries. Families with kids will find it suitable as well, given its kid-friendly nature.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Jerusalem be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.