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Private tour in Jerusalem Shmuel B
Herodium - King Herod's palace/fortress
5.0
(12) reviews
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5 hours
1
Tour date
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5 hours
1
Shmuel B.
4.9
Guide rating
127
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Tours delivered
2 hrs
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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.
Discover Herod's monumental architecture and tomb in a half day private tour
Overview of your Jerusalem tour
No one guides Herodion like I do. I've actually excavated at the site - it's my passion! Most people don't stop to explore the ruins of the lower palace complex outside of the park, with its large pool, Monumental building, remains of a Byzantine Church, but we do. I'll make sure we don't miss any of the amazing sights. We continue with Herod's mountain-top palace/fortress, and I'll show you how it is really fit for a king. We will learn about how water was brought to this isolated spot, how an entire administrative complex with palaces and gardens was built and why Herod chose to be buried there. We will see the remains of a mausoleum on the side of the mountain (discovered in 2009 by Prof Ehud Netzer) and a small theater where Herod entertained. I will put the life of King Herod, the history of the Second Temple period, just before the time of Jesus in perspective and explain the architecture and archaeology of an incredible site. A tour not to be missed!
Your Jerusalem tour itinerary
Meet up at agreed location - Drive to Herodion (1/2 hour) - Tour of lower palace complex outside the park: pool, Monumental building, Roman bath house, mosaics, remains of Byzantine church (~1 hour) - Palace/fortress on mountain top: Triclinium/synagogue, ritual bath, Roman bath with 2000 year old dome (~1 hour) - Tomb area, glacis and newly discovered theater (~1/2 hour) - Water system, tunnels from Great Revolt (66-70CE) and Bar Kokhba revolt (132-135CE) (~1/2 hour) - Drive back to Jerusalem (1/2 hour) Drop off at agreed location This tour can be customised, so please click the 'message guide' button if you would like to discuss further.
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 / Category: Crossover
I am a licensed chauffeur and transportation to the archaeological park is included in my private car, 2012 Skoda Yeti with air-conditioning or similar. The tour of the site itself is a walking tour of a fascinating archeological site.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Jerusalem, Jerusalem District, Israel
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
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English
HebrewActivity level
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Traveller reviews for this private tour in Jerusalem
12 reviews
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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.