The cuisine corner

We begin the morning by entering the Old City of Jerusalem through Damascus Gate. Inside, we’ll stroll through narrow alleys lined with multi-generational, family-owned food shops and restaurants, each carrying stories passed down for centuries. Our first taste will be halva (halawa, in Arabic) - perfectly sweet, sometimes mixed with cashews or flavored pastes, offering a traditional treat to start the day. From there, we’ll stop by a small juice stand for a refreshing glass of orange, pomegranate, or tamarind juice, while learning how these fruits have nourished people of this land for countless generations. Before lunch, we’ll share a light bite of hummus and falafel at one of Jerusalem’s oldest family establishments, proudly serving locals and travelers alike since the late 1800s. Then, we’ll take a detour into the spice market, where vibrant colors and rich aromas tell the story of this region’s culinary heritage. At a family shop that has been operating for six generations, you’ll have the chance to smell, taste, and buy spices that have flavored local kitchens since ancient times. Finally, after walking and taking in the city’s flavors and history, we’ll make our way up to Jaffa Gate and settle into a restaurant for a full-course Palestinian meal, complete with appetizers, salads, and traditional dishes that will crown the experience with a memorable taste of the diversity and richness of local cuisine. Along the way, as we weave through the streets of the Old City, we’ll also pause at historical landmarks, sharing stories and highlights that bring Jerusalem’s layered past to life — always at the pace of the group.