Jaffa Walking Tour
Walking Through Time: The Jewish Story of Old Jaffa
Jaffa—Yafo in Hebrew—is one of the oldest port cities in the world, a place where ancient history, modern innovation, and Jewish heritage intertwine. Walking through the narrow alleyways, stone archways, and lively markets of Jaffa is like stepping into a storybook where each turn reveals a new chapter of our past. From Biblical narratives to the pioneers who built modern Israel, Jaffa is a city that has witnessed the dreams, struggles, and triumphs of the Jewish people.
Jaffa: A City of Resilience & Renewal
Jaffa is a city where the past meets the future, where stories of prophets, pioneers, and visionaries are etched into every stone. It is a place that reminds us of the power of renewal, the strength of dreams, and the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people.
Come walk through Jaffa, and let the stories of its streets speak to your soul.
1 Day
All Ages
Coastal Plain
Personalization Available
- Departure & Return Location
- Jerusalem or Tel Aviv
- Potential Add Ons
- Peres International Peace Center
- Art Workshop
- Boat Ride
- Tour of the Old Train Station
- Price Includes
- Tour Guide
- Entrance Fees
- All transportation in destination location
- Price Excludes
- Guide Service Fee
- Driver Service Fee
- Any Private Expenses
- Meals
- What to Bring
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Water
- Snacks
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Tour Plan
From the Setai to the Clocktower – Layers of History
We begin our journey at the Setai Hotel, a stunning structure that was once an Ottoman fortress and later a British prison. Its walls hold secrets of a turbulent past, but today, it stands as a symbol of Jaffa’s transformation into a modern, thriving city. A short walk brings us to the Jaffa Clocktower, built in 1903 by the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian residents of Jaffa to honor Sultan Abdul Hamid II. This iconic structure stands tall at the entrance to the city, bridging the gap between Jaffa’s rich past and its vibrant present.
A Port of Dreams – From Jonah to Herzl
Walking toward the Jaffa Port, we reconnect with one of the most famous Biblical stories—Jonah and the Whale. According to tradition, it was from this very port that Jonah attempted to flee his divine mission, only to be swallowed by a great fish. But Jaffa’s connection to Jewish history doesn’t end there. It was also here that Theodor Herzl, the visionary of modern Zionism, arrived in 1898 to witness firsthand the land that would soon become the Jewish homeland.
Jaffa was once home to thousands of Jewish immigrants, the first Olim of the modern era, who landed on its shores and later built the first Jewish neighborhoods outside of Jaffa, paving the way for what would become Tel Aviv.
Ancient Egypt to Modern Israel – Ramses Gate & Peres Peace Center
At Ramses Gate, we see remnants of the Egyptian conquest of Jaffa over 3,000 years ago, a reminder that this city has been at the crossroads of civilizations for millennia. From there, we ascend to Summit Garden, where we’ll take in breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, standing at a vantage point that has watched over the city since Biblical times.
The Soul of Jaffa – The Artists’ Market & Shuk HaPishpeshim
No trip to Jaffa is complete without experiencing its artistic and culinary heartbeat. We’ll wander through the Artists’ Market, where creativity flows as artists and artisans display their works in the very city that has inspired generations. Finally, we’ll conclude our tour with a delicious meal at Shuk HaPishpeshim, the bustling flea market where the flavors, scents, and colors of Jaffa come alive.
Our journey then leads us to the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, a place dedicated to shaping Israel’s future. Established by Shimon Peres, this center highlights Israel’s pioneering spirit, showcasing groundbreaking advancements in technology, diplomacy, and coexistence.
- Reviews
What Others Are Saying...
From unforgettable moments to meaningful connections, hear directly from those who’ve journeyed with me through the land of Israel.
Orly was the best tour guide we could have asked for for our sons Bar Mitzvah trip. So attentive and patient. We had to change our plans so many times and she did it flawlessly. Always with a smile and willing to make everyone happy. She has such a broad knowledge on the state of Israel and shared her love with us. The bright smile was so nice to work with all day it was contagious. Could not have asked for anyone better!
Our experience with Orly Wahba as our tour guide in Israel was nothing short of exceptional. During our friends' Bar Mitzvah trip, we had the pleasure of spending a few days with Orly on our own—and she curated the perfect outings for our family. Her deep knowledge, passion for Israel, and thoughtful attention to detail made every moment meaningful and memorable. What truly stood out was how she connected with our three daughters. Orly engaged them in a way that was both fun and educational, building genuine bonds that have lasted well beyond the trip itself. We are so grateful for her warmth, care, and insight—and we’re already looking forward to many more adventures with her as we celebrate our own daughters' Bat Mitzvahs in the years to come.
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