In the Footsteps of the Patriarchs
The ancient road from Shechem in the north to Beer Sheva in the south is roughly today’s route 60. We will follow this route from Jerusalem, stopping at the highest Jewish town in Israel (outside the Golan Heights) for an overview, and continuing south to Gush Etzion. There we will walk on the ancient path walked by Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, visit a mikveh from the times of the second Temple, an ancient wine press and a modern one, and visit the Lone Tree which the areas modern settlers returned to in 1967.
After lunch at one of several delicious options in the area, we will continue south another 30 minutes to Hebron. There we will visit the tombs of the patriarchs and matriarchs, and the first plot of land purchased for Abraham and his descendents in the Land of Israel. We will see where Jews live in Hebron today as well as the 500 year old synagogue in the Avraham Avinu neighborhood and hear the miraculous story that gave it that name. Our final stop will be at the site of ancient Hebron where David first ruled as king, before beginning our drive back to Jerusalem.
Why THIS Tour?
Torah
Your guide is an Orthodox rabbi, with a wide and deep familiarity with the story of the area, the Jewish people, and the modern state. His expertise is connecting the story of the place, to the story of the Jewish people, and to you.
Flexibility
Since this is a private tour, you're the boss! You can change around any details to suit your preferences, stop in a park for an hour for the baby to take a nap if you like, extend or shorten the tour, and more. It's all up to you, and changes can even be made on the fly.
Safety First
All tours with Rabbi Eitan in Judea and Samaria are AT LEAST in rock proof vehicles, and can be done in bullet proof vehicles, for an additional cost, upon request. Rabbi Eitan is armed. So in the extremely unlikely event of an incident you can rest easy that every precaution has been taken.
'American' Service
Starting with native spoken English, we will do everything we can to make sure you have a great experience. From planning, pick up and drop off, personal attention and flexibility, our top priority is to make sure you have a great day.
Pricing Chart
Our pricing is transparent and simple. These prices are per/vehicle. They include transportation and guiding for the number of people specified. They do not include activity/entrance fees, food or lunch. Those fees can be done 'pay as you go,' or we can bill you for them before or after the tour. Don't worry, we'll be in touch when you book to work out the details.
- Itinerary Planning
- Hotels
- Logistics
- Event Planning
- Pick-UP & Drop-Off
- Rock Proof Vehicle
- All Logistics
- Personalized Itinerary
- Pick-UP & Drop-Off
- Rock Proof Vehicle
- All Logistics
- Personalized Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
We'll start whenever you choose. The earlier the more of the following we can fit in. We recommend pick up at your hotel at 8am to make the most of the day!
First we will drive south from Jerusalem along route 60, through the Gilo tunnels, and make our way to the 1,000 Meter Lookout in the town of Neve Daniel, the highest in Israel outside of the Golan Heights, where we can see the entire area from a bird’s eye view, from Jerusalem almost to Hebron, and from the Mediteranean Sea to the Kingdom of Jordan.
The next stop is the Patriarch’s Path, the ancient road walked by Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. There we will visit an ancient mikveh and other archeological surprises.
Depending on the age of the people on the trip we may go to the movie at the Kfar Etzion visitor center and learn about the heroic battle that took place here in 1948, and in any case will end our visit here with a stop at the Lone Oak Tree, which became a symbol of their lost home which the settlers of this area returned to in 1967.
Gush Etzion boasts a number of great places to eat, from a top notch humus bar, to a gourmet cafe with locally produced sourdough bread, to a worldclass, international award winning winery and attached restaurant.
We will drive the half hour from here to Hebron where we will visit the Tombs of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs (Machpela), move on to the Avraham Avinu neighborhood and it’s 500 year old synagogue, and (time allowing) go up to the top of the hill where we can see the actual ruins of ancient Hebron, where King David first ruled as king.
From here we will begin the roughly hour drive back to your hotel in Jerusalem. There is an option to add a stop at Rachel’s tomb on the way.
