A Tour of Tzfat's Old City - Gal Klil Tour Guide

A Tour of Tzfat’s Old City

Tour Overview:

Duration

8 Hours

Guidance

Certified Guide

Accessibility

Not accessible

Difficulty

Medium

The name of the city of Safed is associated with mystery and secrets, and not without reason. In the 16th century, magical Safed became an important center of Kabbalah. Esteemed figures such as Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, Rabbi Chaim Vital, Rabbi Shmuel Vital, Rabbi Yosef Caro, Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz, and Rabbi Moshe Cordoviro all lived and worked in Safed during the 16th to 18th centuries.

Safed retains much of its mystical charm, with an enduring allure that continues to attract those drawn to Kabbalah. The city is home to artists and creators who express Kabbalistic theories through their art, as well as diverse communities belonging to various streams of Judaism. Join me for a walk through the magical alleys and historic fortress of Safed. Together, we will meet local residents, explore the city’s unique history during the War of Independence, and delve into its enchanting atmosphere.

Tour Highlights

Hotel Pick-Up

Begin your day with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. From there we travel north toward the mystical city of Safed (Tzfat), located high in the mountains of the Upper Galilee. Along the way we discuss the region’s landscape and the unique place Safed holds in the spiritual and cultural history of Israel.

Tzfat Old City Tour

Upon arrival we explore the winding streets of the Old City of Tzfat, one of the four holy cities in Jewish tradition and a historic center of Kabbalah. We visit the Citadel of Tzfat, offering panoramic views over the Galilee, and continue to important synagogues including the ARI Synagogue, closely associated with the teachings of Rabbi Isaac Luria. We also visit the beautifully decorated Abuhav Synagogue and the Yosef Caro Synagogue, named after the author of the Shulchan Aruch. The visit includes the HaMeiri House Museum, which preserves the story of the Jewish community of Safed through the centuries.

The Market and Candle Shop

We continue through the charming artists’ quarter and the small local market, where shops offer handmade crafts, Judaica, and local specialties. A highlight is a visit to one of Safed’s famous candle workshops, known for its colorful and artistic candles created using traditional techniques.

Meeting a Local Artist

During the tour we visit the studio of a local Safed artist. In the gallery we discover artworks inspired by the spiritual atmosphere of the city and hear how the ideas of Kabbalah influence contemporary artistic expression in Tzfat. This personal meeting offers a unique glimpse into the creative life of the city today.

Return to Hotel

At the end of the day we begin the drive back to your hotel in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. The tour concludes after a day exploring the spiritual heritage, art, and history of the unique mountain city of Safed.

Essential Information

Hotel pick up
Dress code:
Modest
What should I bring:
Food and water for the day
Hat
Comfortable\water shoes
Change of cloths (for water trips)

Tour Gallery

What our clients say

Additional Information:

Tours are covered by third-party insurance and do not include personal insurance.
Sites and tastings on the tour are subject to the tour guide’s decision and may change.

Cancellation Policy:

Our cancellation policy is designed with your convenience in mind. Up to one week before the tour, you can cancel free of charge, with the reservation fee returned minus the processing fee – less than one week before the tour date – 50% of the total price of the tour. Less than 48 hours before the tour date – nonrefundable.
Cancellation without fees—In case of unforeseen circumstances (natural causes, governmental or societal actions or infrastructure failures), no fee will be paid, and the reservation fee will be returned to the customer.