A Self-Guided Jaffa Tour: The Story of its American-German Colony

Tel Aviv, Israel
Duration40m - 1h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll spot the signs of the salvation-seeking pioneers who called the port city home.

Join me, Tomer Chelouche, a Tel Aviv city guide, as we uncover Jaffa's overlooked gem—the Noga neighborhood. Wander through the former American-German colony, tracing its rich history from Gesher Theater to its heart. Explore the area's wooden balconies, remnants of the first American settlers in 1866, and hear tales of Rolla Floyd, the colony's pioneer. Discover houses left by Americans, acquired by Germans, and the Beit Immanuel Guesthouse, once Kaiser Wilhelm II's retreat. Stroll the charming streets, immersed in the stories of love, jealousy, and transformation that shaped this vibrant enclave.

This tour tells the unusual story of devoted American and, later, German Christians who came to settle in the Holy Land in the mid-1800s with the hopes of finding salvation. Their story deviates from the mainstream narrative told at Jaffa’s more touristic sites.

What's included

  • Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
  • The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

What to expect

  1. Gesher Theatre
    Pass by
    Begin your exploration at the Gesher Theater, a cultural landmark that sets the stage for your journey through Jaffa's lesser-known treasures, offering a glimpse into the vibrant arts scene that thrives in the heart of the city.
  2. Pass by
    Wander along Jerusalem Boulevard and uncover the fascinating history behind its creation, sparked by a fit of jealousy and transformed into a bustling thoroughfare that weaves through the heart of Jaffa's historic neighborhoods.
  3. Pass by
    Encounter the Rolla Floyd House, a historic residence that once belonged to one of Jaffa's earliest American settlers, serving as a tangible reminder of the pioneering spirit that shaped the landscape of the port city.
  4. Pass by
    Explore the Maine Friendship House and Norton House, original wooden dwellings that stand as testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of Jaffa's American settlers, offering a glimpse into the early days of the colony's development.
  5. Immanuel Church
    Pass by
    Marvel at the majestic Immanuel Church, with its neo-gothic architecture standing as a beacon of faith and a symbol of the enduring legacy of Jaffa's Christian community, providing a spiritual sanctuary amidst the bustling streets of the city.
  6. Pass by
    Step into the historic Beit Immanuel Guesthouse, formerly known as Hôtel du Parc, where Kaiser Wilhelm II once stayed during his visit to Jaffa's German colony, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the city's early inhabitants.
  7. Pass by
    Admire the restored elegance of The Drisco hotel, a testament to Jaffa's rich architectural heritage and a symbol of the city's ongoing revitalization, showcasing the blending of old-world charm with modern luxury.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour starts at the Gesher Theatre.

End point

The tour ends at Nitsana 14-16, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$7.99 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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