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Private Expert Tours - Crafted Just for You
 

For people who want to truly understand Jerusalem — not just see it.

Explore the city's ancient roots, its layered history, its inspiring stories, and the realities of Jerusalem today, on a tour designed entirely around what fascinates you.

  • Built around your interests. Each tour weaves together the places of Tanach (Bible), Rabbinic sources, spirituality, archaeology, history, and today's political and geopolitical picture, in whatever balance fascinates you most.

  • Beyond the highlights. Move between major sites and lesser-known corners of the city, with behind-the-scenes insight that connects past and present.

  • Expert guiding. Led by Leah, a licensed guide with an M.A. in Political Science (Religion and Middle East Politics, focusing on Jerusalem), more than 2,000 Old City tours, and 15 years of guiding diplomats, VIPs, and lovers of Yerushalayim.

  • Always current. Through her ongoing work in news, social media, and original research on Jerusalem, Leah brings you what's happening now, not just what's in the guidebooks.

  • A meaningful way to celebrate. Ideal for professionals, curious adults, and couples marking an anniversary or birthday, whether it's your first visit or your tenth.

  • Professional service. Discreet, responsive, and reliable, with official receipts provided.

Half-day, ¾-day, and full-day tours available.

 

Contact me to plan your tour →

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HALF-DAY TOUR (up to 4 hours)
 

A fast-paced tour of Old City highlights: archaeology, geopolitics, culture, and more.

  • Leaves plenty of time to dine or shop on your own

  • Ideal for very hot or cold weather, or tight schedules

  • Includes a 15-minute snack break

  • Popular sites: Tower of David, Kotel tunnels, Southern Steps (Davidson) Excavations, City of David/Pilgrimage Road, Jewish life and learning in and around the Old City - all neighborhoods, Ramparts, Jewish Quarter, Har HaZeitim, Houses of Cohanim and more

 

*1595 Shekels (including VAT)

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Jerusalem

¾-DAY TOUR (up to 6.5 hours) · Best value

  • Time for more sites, a more relaxed pace, or both

  • Includes a lunch break to recharge

  • Route custom-designed for you

 

*1895 Shekels (including VAT)

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FULL-DAY TOUR (up to 8.5 hours)
 

For energetic walkers who want to see as much as possible, or prefer a leisurely pace with time to linger.

  • Combine the Old City with in-depth time on Har HaZeitim (Mount of Olives), or with sites outside the Old City such as Yad Vashem, Mount Herzl, Machane Yehuda Market, the Israel Museum, or Hebron

  • Lunch break plus two short coffee breaks

  • Route custom-designed for you

 

*2195 Shekels (including VAT)

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​ABOUT THE GUIDE

Living in Israel since 1993, I bring both an authentic local perspective and a strong academic background to every tour. Originally from the Detroit area, I graduated with honors from Cranbrook School and completed a BA with distinction from the University of Michigan. I also interned for Senator Carl Levin while studying political journalism at Georgetown University. More recently, I completed an MA in Political Science (Religion and Politics in the Middle East with a focus on Jerusalem) at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. Over the past 15 years, I have guided more than 2,000 tours in the Old City, including hundreds of tours for diplomats. Ongoing professional development is important to me, and I regularly participate in advanced training courses focused on different aspects of Jerusalem. I am also a guide with the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, as well as with several other organizations offering tours in Jerusalem.

 

My goal is to provide a high level of service on every tour by being responsive to inquiries and requests, offering clear and transparent information about itineraries and fees, and guiding engaging, in-depth experiences that include behind-the-scenes insights alongside the must-see sites. Every tour is unique—just as each visitor brings their own interests, background, and knowledge to the experience.

 

I love making tours extra special for children and teens. If touring with children, please see my family tour page and group tour page​

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*IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ TO THE END

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  • Fees apply to tours booked from October, 2026, and do not include entrance fees, drivers, or meals. All costs are detailed in advance.

  • Fees are per group (up to 10 adults), not per person. Larger groups may have additional fees. Please ask.

  • Individual travelers booking a private expert tour receive a ₪50 discount.

  • A 25% non-refundable deposit holds your date. The balance is due 24 hours before the tour by credit card, via a secure link. Colleagues traveling together can each receive their own payment link.

  • Please bring some cash: drivers, some small-fee sites (₪5–10 per person), and restaurant tips are generally cash only.

  • VAT (currently 18%) is included, and official tax receipts are provided.

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HAR HAZEITIM - MOUNT OF OLIVES

The view from the top of Har HaZeitim is one of the most breathtaking in Jerusalem, and the sites there are deeply meaningful. Although it's just behind the Old City, private cars can't go there for safety and logistical reasons, so I work with local professional drivers who know the area's roads well.​

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ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Tour timing depends on many variables, so if we start late or breaks run long, we may not reach every planned site. When possible, I'm happy to add a few extra minutes at no charge. Note that drivers generally charge for each additional 15 minutes.

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MOBILITY

An Old City tour generally involves a lot of walking and climbing stairs, although the pace is comfortable, and includes many stops. Let me know if anyone has limitations on mobility and I can suggest options for a more accessible Jerusalem tour.​​​​

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WHAT TO WEAR/BRING ALONG?

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  • Comfortable walking shoes with good treads (white not recommended). Old City and Har HaZeitim walkways can be slippery.

  • Water, sunhat, sunscreen  

  • Snacks just-in-case 

  • Tissues and hand sanitizer for under-stocked bathrooms.

  • Cover shoulders and knees for holy sites, no low-cut shirts. Capris, pants and skirts are fine. Men need a head covering for the Western Wall, any hat is fine.

  • Reminder: Check the weather the day before your tour. Jerusalem is cooler than other areas such as the coast or desert.

  • For winter rain, umbrellas and waterproof shoes and jackets, and fleece and flannel layers can be helpful. There can be deep puddles in the Old City even though many areas are covered.

  • For hot summer days, insulated water bottles half full with ice can make a difference.

© 2026 by Leah Bowman, Licensed Guide. Use of any part of the text or pictures without permission is forbidden. Copyright will be enforced.

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