MY BIO
Hi I'm Gila, nice to meet you!
I am a licensed tour guide, which means I have completed a 2 year intensive course under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, to learn the geography, history, archaeology, religion and human settlement throughout millennia of the Land of Israel, in order to share with you this unique country! I am happy to take you around to wherever your heart desires, check out my blog for some inspiration!
Although small in size, Israel is amazingly diverse. I am an explorer, I want to know what everything is, and how it got there, so finding activities off the beaten track and alternate places that no one else knows about, are what motivates me to leave the house! I also love to cook, I can often be found making dinner for friends, creating new dishes with local ingredients or eating at the latest restaurant. Food is a great way to experience a culture and infuses into everything you do, I will always have a recommendation for you of where to eat, no matter where you are in the country.
Your adventure in Israel awaits you! Make sure you take advantage of what this unique little country has to offer!
TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE - 2019
RECENTLY FEATURED IN LOCAL JERUSALEM NEWS OUTLET
KOL HAIR
(VOICE OF THE CITY)
TOURS AND TRIPS
DEAD SEA AND MASADA
OLD CITY, JERUSALEM
The centre of the three major Monotheistic religions of the world, the Old City of Jerusalem should be on every traveller's bucket list. Nowhere else in the world can you hear the holy sounds of the Muezzin's call to prayer, Church bells and the cries at the Wailng Wall; a truly holy cacophony of sound. The city envelopes all your senses as to see is to feel and to really experience you have to taste the Jerusalem mix.
JERUSALEM IN DEPTH
After covering the Old City of Jerusalem go further afield to visit the Churches situated on the Mount of Olives - Pater Nostre, Dominus Flevit and the Church of Gethsemane. In the second half of the day, travel back in time to the City of David and connect with the Biblical roots of the Holy Land.
The Dead Sea is such a unique phenomenon that people travel the world to experience don't you miss out! Float and rejuvenate your skin soaking up the minerals. Continue on to Masada a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, view for yourself the Roman Army camps and architectural feat of the Northern palace. There are many options for what to do and see along the way so contact me to tailor a trip to your interests!
JAFFA TO TEL AVIV
The Ancient port of Jaffa has been settled for thousands of years. Many tales and legends have developed around the conquerers and rulers of the area that are waiting to be told while wondering through quaint alleyways. Learn how modern Tel Aviv developed from the sand dunes into a "Start up City", a vibrant nightlife and UNESCO world heritage listed Bauhaus architecture.
MARKET AND FOOD TOURS
From the spices of the Old City, to the Iraqi home cooked delicacies of the Jerusalem Machaneh Yehudah Market; from the Borekas of the Ramleh Market to the Juices of Shuk Levinski in Tel Aviv - tasting your way through Israel is the best way to experience a culture. To combine a market tour into your itinerary contact me!
TEL AVIV BETWEEN THE MARGINS
Between the Margins of Old Jaffa and Modern Tel Aviv, lies 2 kilometres of neighbourhoods that have "fallen between the cracks". Discover the communities that pioneered these areas, their trials and tribulations but most of all their creativity expressed by the many contemporary art galleries found here. A tour of the Bus Station demonstrates how these areas have adapted and who is reclaiming them today.
CHRISTIAN HOLY PLACES
Experience a day following the ministry of Jesus from the Basilica of Annunciation in Nazareth to the Churches surrounding Lake Tiberias to discover the character fo Jesus - miracle worker, preacher, healer and prophet.
COASTAL PLAIN
Travel to the UNESCO world heritage listed Crusader ruins of Akko and learn about the different Military Knight orders that ruled the Holy Land in the medieval period. Take in the breathtaking landscape of the Behai gardens in Haifa and then end the day marvelling at the Roman ruins of Caesarea and how Herod conquered nature by building a fortress overlooking the sea
LOCAL TOURS
Perhaps, this isn't your first time in Israel or even if it is and you are interested in doing something a bit more alternate and off the beaten track, look not further!
I can tailor to your personal interests whether it be a hidden monastery, spring, restaurant, archaeological ruins or art gallery that no one else knows about. For day tour options from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem contact me.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“I spent a wonderful day touring the old city with Gila- she asked questions before I arrived about what I wanted to see and put together a jam packed itinerary visiting sites I would have never gone on my own. Gila knew secret locations and places of interest, and took me by surprise! Gila knew great places to eat and spectacular vantage points of the best views. Gila is a walking encyclopaedia. Her knowledge of history and dates impressive! It is very easy to become friends with Gila, and I can see that she would connect with people of all ages and nationalities. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend contacting Gila to discover the unique and precious places that Israel has to offer”
Elana Shatari, Sydney Australia
“Recently my family and I visited Israel and Gila took us to a Druze Village (with amazing and authentic food food), the Aqueduct of Cesarea, and the Amphorae Winery. Gila planned a fantastic day and filled each stop with interesting information. Our entire family found Gila to be knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about helping others to experience Israel. In short, an incredible day!”
Dan Sharon, New York, USA
“I have been on two different tours with Gila as our guide - she took us to different sites in Ramla and Lod, visiting the market (starting with a tasty meal in an interesting cafe), a museum, the underground lake and various churches - it felt like entering a different world. Gila was extremely knowledgeable, offering many historical facts and interesting anecdotes all the while keeping us moving through a fascinating journey. I highly recommended this tour!.”
Janice Jacobs Wasser, Tel Aviv, Israel
