Jonathan Franks - Israel Tours

As a tour guide I’ve seen a lot of “ best” views of Jerusalem but I think this one tops them all! Yesterday I went to an introduction to the new Tower of David museum for guides and we were allowed to climb up the 500 year old, recently restored, ottoman minaret! Both the view and new museum are amazing! The minaret is not open to the general public but special access can be arranged via a guide ( like me!)

Went to Rosh Hanikra - fascinating place historically, geographically and politically - plus, it's simply gorgeous!
We took the world's shortest cable car ride up to the top, took golf cars along the coastline, and included a delicious lunch in Nahariya at the end.
Israel is so full of amazing places to see, I'd love to show you around!
Jonathan Franks, 058-771-1524

It's always so interesting to read about some of our amazing Jerusalem landmarks, and then I love being able to take clients to see them in real life.

Here, at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, it is a rare opportunity for archaeologists to excavate at an active religious site, this article shares more details on what they are doing now... (https://www.timesofisrael.com/round-the-clock-excavations-at-church-of-holy-sepulchre-yield-historical-treasures/).

But while the behind the scenes is fascinating, the actual view for my tourists is not so scenic!

Sometimes the key part of a great tour is knowing the right place for breakfast - highly recommend Harim on the outskirts of Jerusalem and near Abu Gosh.

When you hire a guide, you don’t just get someone with historical knowledge of a site, guides ALSO know really important details like at a junction, do we go left? Or right? Where to eat..Where the bathrooms are etc etc

I was lucky enough to have the BEST partner today for my “Recon trip!’”

Looking for a last-minute Father's Day gift? How about a personalized tour?
For all Jerusalem tours booked in June (the tour itself can be at a later date), I'll reduce the normal day tour fee to $250. We'll come up with a great personalized outing to fit your needs and interests (up to 10 participants).
Message me to secure your spot: Jonathan Franks: 058-771-1524

If you're not too claustrophobic and want to see the real ancient Jerusalem (pre-First Temple destruction), we might start above ground with a view of the scenery, but then we head underground to Hezekiah's Tunnel, meant to protect the water source from the Assyrian invasion. We will walk through tunnels with water from the Gihon Spring (great for a summer day) and the route will lead us to the Kotel, a side you don't normally go to...This tour is medium-intensity (involves stairs/climbing) and can be a half day tour of the tunnel; and possible full day tour including the Jewish Quarter.

Are you interested in Modern Israeli History? I really enjoy exploring Latrun - which is the Tank Museum and site of fierce battles (that Israel lost until 1967), Shaar Hagai Heritage Museum - which commemorates the struggles to break the siege of Jerusalem in 1948, and then to the Castel - which is a turning point in Israel's battle for independence. (And for younger tourists, don't worry there's all kinds of fun climbing and exploring to keep them engaged!) This tour is moderate level and a great all-day tour.

Yes - part of the fun of Massada is the early morning sunrise climb (and the accomplishment of walking back down) - but, once you're at the top, there are so many stories one can tell to bring the mountain to life...(and, for those who prefer not to climb, you can easily take a cable car to the top so you can still explore with less intensity).

Sometimes it's nice to get out of the city and enjoy a change of scenery - I love taking clients on tours of Moresha/Beit Guvrin. It's not only beautiful, but is one of the few sites that reveals an Ancient Greek presence in Israel. This is a nice 2-3 hour tour, moderate fitness, some walking and a little uneven stairs when climbing through caves.