Tours & activities in Jerusalem
Ancient Jerusalem: City of David Tour
Discover the archaeological secrets of the City of David on this 3-hour, partially underground tour
!
Due to the unusual tourism situation currently developing, we have temporarily suspended this tour.
ABOUT THE Ancient Jerusalem: City of David Tour
The 3-hour Ancient Jerusalem: City of David Tour meets at the Jaffa Gate, as your expert licensed guide takes you back in time 6,000 years to uncover the archaeological secrets of the City of David and the Old Testament. Not for the faint-hearted – expect underground tunnels, narrow passageways and some wading through water on this incredible, adventurous tour.
Mysterious references in the Old Testament uncovered
For centuries, historians could not understand King David’s mysterious reference in the Old Testament to Jerusalem being captured. However, in the past 150 years, intense research has been focused on the underground tunnels visited on this tour, and historians now believe it’s here, in the part of the tunnels known as Warren’s Shaft, that David’s capture of Jerusalem took place. As these historic waterways provided water from the Gihon Spring, Jerusalem’s only water supply, the tunnels were fiercely protected.
Some of Israel’s most important ancient sites
On this three-hour tour, you’ll discover some of Jerusalem’s most important ancient sites, such as the Silwan Necropolis, holding the tomb of the Phaoroh’s daughter, Jerusalem’s early water system, and also its first palace; we ask, did King David himself live here?
An underground adventure
This is not your standard walking tour. As part of the tour is underground, you will navigate through narrow tunnels , it is not for the faint-hearted. However, if you can brave it, your reward will be some of the most incredible archaeological sites in one of the holiest places on Earth.
Read more
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
The City of David Tour starts just outside the Jaffa Gate
- The Gihon Spring, giving life to Jerusalem and fiercely protected
- Silwan Necropolis, holding the Tomb oft he Phaoroh’s Daughter and the Tomb of the Royal Steward
- Hezekiah’s Tunnel, carved out underneath the City of David
- Warren's Shaft, believed to have allowed David to capture Jerusalem
- Jerusalem’s first palace - was King David here?
- The Canaanite period and water system
TOUR SCHEDULES
Today
This tour doesn‘t run today
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Local licensed English-speaking guide
Additional Information
- Please note that on this tour we enter narrow tunnels
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we're proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world's best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That's why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
MAP
Tour starts here
Tour usually ends here
Tour usually covers
Customer reviews
Amazing tour of City of David with Allan
We just came back from an awesome tour of the city of David with Allan from Sandemans. He was an exceptional guide: knowledgeable, personable, understanding. He took 35 of us on an unforgettable tour. The C of D excavation has only been accessible over the past decade and it was worth the wait. You climb through tunnels and drainage tunnels, and look down at excavations. Wear comfortable non slip walking shoes. You will feel like you’ve been on a challenging hike by the end of the day.
See more reviews
Great City of David Tour
We did the City of David Tour with Gary as our tour guide today. Gary did a great job and is an absolute enthusiast when it comes to the history and archeology of this place. We highly recommend his tour. Great background knowledge, spectacular views!
See more reviews
City of David with Matt Churchill
Matt gave us an amazing tour! He is American and has lived in Israel for the last 14 years. I enjoyed his knowledge of history and religion and the way he explained us everything. This place is worth seeing both if you are interested in the history of Jerusalem, as well as if you are a religous person... And Matt is a great tour guide!
See more reviews
City of David paid walking tour
My wife and I very much enjoyed Allan's walking tour. Very informative and insightful. We highly recommend.
See more reviews
Walking into history
The Sandemans walking tours of Jerusalem are the best ways to discover the amazing historic levels of the old city. We did 4 of these during our 6 day stay. Starting with the free tour then the ancient city tour, the Mount of olives tour and finally the City of David tour. Our guides were all fantastic at bringing to life the wonders of the city.
See more reviewsWhat is a Select Tour?
Select Tours focus on a particular area or district of a city, a certain aspect of its history or culture, or take you outside the city on a day trip. Select Tours are perfect for those who have enjoyed an introduction to the city and wish to delve deeper into the stories the city has to offer. These tours often venture further afield and make use of local public transport.
As with the Free Tour, Select Tours are provided by local freelance guides in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, who bring their personal flair and expert knowledge to these specifically themed tours. Select tours have a fixed ticket price - we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance, either during a Free Tour or online.
Delve deeper with themed select tours
- Expert local guides
- Theme specific tours
- Location specific tours
- Full-day and half-day tours on offer
- Affordable prices
WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN JERUSALEM
- Filter by
- Free Tour
- Select Tour
- Private Tour
Free Tour - Tips-based
Free Tour of Jerusalem
Book the original Jerusalem free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local g ...
Info & Booking
Free
Select Tour
Jerusalem Holy City Tour
No other city means so much to so many. Find out why on this 3-hour walking tour of Jerusalem's most ...
Info & Booking
€ -
Select Tour
Jerusalem Mount of Olives Tour
Visit the historical and spiritual Mount of Olives, with breathtaking views over Jerusalem’s Old Cit ...
Info & Booking
€ -
Info & Booking
€ -
Third Party Activity
Masada, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea Tour
Explore the historical Masada fortress, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve & Dead Sea
Info & Booking
€ -
Customise Your Private Tour!
Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.
Get in touch!
Free Tour - Tips-based
Free Tour of Jerusalem
Book the original Jerusalem free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local g ...
Info & Booking
Free
Select Tour
Jerusalem Holy City Tour
No other city means so much to so many. Find out why on this 3-hour walking tour of Jerusalem's most ...
Info & Booking
€ -
Select Tour
Jerusalem Mount of Olives Tour
Visit the historical and spiritual Mount of Olives, with breathtaking views over Jerusalem’s Old Cit ...
Info & Booking
€ -
Info & Booking
€ -
Third Party Activity
Masada, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea Tour
Explore the historical Masada fortress, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve & Dead Sea
Info & Booking
€ -
Private Tour
2-hour Jerusalem Highlights Private Tour
Make the most out of your visit and discover Jerusalem's main attractions with your private tour gui ...
Info & Booking
€ -
Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.
3 Things You’ll Only Learn on Our City of David Tour
Discover
Walking Tours & Activities in Tel Aviv - Israel
