Jaffa-TA
We start the day with a stroll in the alleys of old Jaffa, a continuously inhabited site since Canaanite times (more then 4000 years old!). Developed into a port city in Biblical and Classical times, today Jaffa is mostly an Artists colony. |  |
We first appreciate “floating orange tree” sculpture, and then make our way through several art galleries (e.g. Ilana Goor) and special Jewelry stores (e.g. Ben-Zion Yemenite Jewelry workshop).
| Descending towards the port, we pass by the traditional site of the “vision of Peter” at the House of Simon the Tanner (Acts 10).At the port we can discuss the history of the port, and contemplate over the Mythological story while viewing the “Rock of Andromeda”. |  |
 | Returning to the main plaza of Jaffa through the port view of Tel-Aviv, we could visit the Franciscan St. Peter’s Church, and the renewed local Visitors Center (“Kikar Kedumim“). Heading towards the Flea Market we pass by the Ottoman period “Mahmoudiya Mosque“, “Sabil Suleiman” fountain, and the “Clock square”. |
After a stroll among the piles of “tchotchke” in the flea market, and a possible quick-local-lunch break, we return to the car.
| We now proceed through Neve Tzedek to Rothschild Boulevard, and visit the important “Independence hall” site, where in May 1948 the state of Israel was declared. We then advance along Rothschild boulevard to the renewed Habimah theatre complex, and the Rabin Assassination site, where we contemplate on the biggest political tragedy of Israel. |  |
If time permits a drive through parts of southern Tel-Aviv will unfold to us the “backyard” of the city, with its special mix of locals and overseas minorities.
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Possible Additional Activity.
Food: See my list of Recommended restaurants in Tel-Aviv.
And see also my list of Recommended Wineries in the Center.
Lodging: See my list of Recommended hotels in Tel-Aviv.
Additional tours:
 | - A 3 hours foot tour of the American Colony and Neve Tzedek. |
 | - A 2 hour tour of Jaffa, Rothschild Boulevard or Tel-Aviv Port on a segway. |
 | - A visit to the Tel-Aviv Visitors center in Shalom Meir Tower. |
 | - A drive along samples of the 1930′s Bauhaus influenced “International style” of architecture which branded Tel-Aviv as the “White City“. |
| - A walk along Carmel Market, and trendy “Sheinkin” street. | |
| - Explore Turkish period railway station (“Hatachana“), now trendy site of fashion stores and cafés. | |
| - Book a guided tour of the Palmach Museum. | |
 | - Visit the trajic Rabin Assassination site, and the Yitzchak Rabin Center. |
 | - If Art lovers and collectors: Set a meeting with famed Israeli artist Menashe Kadishman. |
| - Tour the Eretz Israel Museum, including the Philistine ancient site at Tel-Qasile. | |
| - Visit the Jewish Diaspora museum at Tel-Aviv university (“Beth Hatefutsoth“). | |
| - On Tuesdays and Fridays: a tour of the Nahalat Binyamin Crafts market. |
* Check also my list of Recommended Restaurants in Tel-Aviv.
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Possible Activities Near Tel-Aviv
| - Visit the Samaritan community in Holon, as well as the new Holon design Museum. | |
 | - Drive to visit Rechovot to see the Weizmann house in Weizman institute, the nearby High-tech zone, and the 1948 Secret Bullet Factory (“Machon Ayalon”). |
 | - Drive to Netanyah to do Paragliding. |
 | - Drive to the Shephela and see battle site of David vs. Goliath (=Valley of Elah), homeland of Samson, Beit-Shemesh, and explore underground city of Maresha (and possibly join “Dig for a day“). |
 | - Drive to the Jerusalem mountains and see the Holocaust memorial ”Scrolls of Fire” monument in the ”Forest of the Martyrs“; visit the winery “Domaine de Castel“; and ride horses in Ramat Raziel horse ranch. |
 | - Drive south to see the antiquities of Ashkelon, and view into Gaza Strip from Sderot |
 | - Drive north to visit the antiquities of Caesarea, the Carmel, and the Bahaian Terraced Gardens in Haifa. |
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Cost:
By foot: $400
By car: $500
By car from Jerusalem: $600
By car from Ashdod: $600
By Car from Haifa: $750
* Extra $100 for guiding on Saturday and Holidays.