In Tiberias, free tours operate on a tip-based model, through the GuruWalk platform: a walking tour that moves from the city's fascinating past to its present, and a mounted tour dedicated to the modern history of an Israeli peripheral town. Registration is free in advance, and at the end, each participant leaves the tour guide an amount according to their satisfaction and ability.

Tiberias is one of the four holy cities of the Jewish people, a city where the Jerusalem Talmud was signed and where Maimonides is buried - and all of this sits on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, about 200 meters below sea level. Layers of Roman, Talmudic, Crusader, and Ottoman history are hidden among the black basalt buildings, and a tour with a local is the best way to connect them.

The model is simple: you choose a tour, reserve a spot in advance, arrive at the meeting point that appears on the registration confirmation - and at the end, you reward the guide according to the experience. This way, a high level of guidance is maintained, because the guides' livelihood depends on the quality they provide.

Why go on a walking tour of Tiberias?

There are few cities in Israel where history is so crammed into such a small area. The center of Tiberias was built between the walls of the Old City and the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and almost every corner tells a story: the remains of the Crusader wall, the fortress from the time of the Bedouin ruler Daher al-Omer, the Maritime Mosque, the Church of St. Peter and the old synagogues - all within a few minutes' walk of each other.

A city of layers

Tiberias was founded in the Roman period in honor of Emperor Tiberius, became the most important Torah center in the world after the destruction of Jerusalem, and served as a central city both during the Crusader period and under Ottoman rule. A local guide can point to a single basalt stone and infer two thousand years from it - and that is exactly the advantage of a guided walk over an independent wander.

Landscapes that do the job

Between stations, views open up of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights beyond, and the promenade along the waterfront has become an integral part of the experience. In the afternoon, when the light falls on the mountains opposite, the walk along the shore is worth the trip in itself.

Areas and starting points of the tours

Tours in Tiberias usually focus on the historic core of the Sea of Galilee coast, and each area adds its own angle:

• old town - Alleys between black basalt buildings, remains of walls, historic mosques, churches and old synagogues. The heart of the walking tour.
• The promenade and the marina - The waterfront of the Sea of Galilee, fish restaurants and a bustling street - the point from which you understand why Tiberias was a real port city.
• The area of the tombs of the righteous - The tomb of Maimonides, the tomb of Rabbi Akiva, and the tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes have made the city a pilgrimage destination for centuries.
• Tiberias's fathers - Hot springs in the south of the city, next to which was located the ancient Hamat Tiberias with the famous mosaic floor of the ancient synagogue.
• The neighborhoods on the mountain - The upper city, built in the twentieth century, is the focus of the mounted tour, which tells the story of modern Tiberias: immigration, housing developments, and development.

Important tips before you go out

A good free tour starts with a little planning. A few things to know before signing up:

• Pre-register at GuruWalk - Space is limited and groups fill up, especially on holidays and weekends. Registration is free and cancellation is easy.
• Language of instruction - Some of the tours on the platform are conducted in English. Check the page for each tour to see which language it is in and if there are dates in additional languages.
• Arrive early - It is best to be at the meeting point about ten minutes before departure; the guide is easy to identify by the platform logo.
• Heat and sun - Tiberias sits below sea level, and in the summer months the heat is particularly intense. A hat, water, and comfortable shoes are a must, and early morning or late afternoon tours are preferable.
• Cash tip - Payment to the guide is made at the end of the tour, usually in cash and shekels. There is no fixed rate - give according to satisfaction, investment and length of the tour.
• To walk around the city - The center of Tiberias is compact and easy to walk to, but there are steep climbs between the lower city and the neighborhoods on the mountain. The riding tour is reached according to the instructions on the tour page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the free tours in Tiberias really free?

Participation does not require an advance payment, but the model is based on a tip for the guide at the end of the tour. Everyone gives according to their ability and satisfaction - and those who enjoy themselves are usually rewarded accordingly.

Do I need to register in advance?

Yes. Registration through GuruWalk is free and takes a minute, and it guarantees a place in the group and shows the exact meeting point and departure time.

In what language are the tours held?

The language of instruction is indicated on each tour page, and some tours are conducted in English. It is worth checking before registering if there are dates in a language that is convenient for you.

Are the tours suitable for children and families?

The walking tour of the historic center is conducted at a leisurely pace and is in most cases also suitable for children who love stories; in the summer it is important to bring water and hats. For specific questions, you can contact the guide via the platform.

How much is it customary to leave a tip at the end of the tour?

There is no set amount. Think about the value of the experience you received and give accordingly - in cash and shekels. A happy group that is well rewarded is what allows these tours to continue to exist.

What is the difference between the two city tours?

The walking tour focuses on the historical core - from the Roman and Talmudic past to the present day, while the mounted tour is dedicated to the modern history of Tiberias as a peripheral town, including neighborhoods that most visitors do not reach.