Three days in Jerusalem
The Old City, then the museums on Givat Ram, then a day out to Masada and the Dead Sea.
What this assumes: Three weekdays. Day three needs a car or an organised tour; there is no public transport to the Dead Sea on Shabbat.
Day 1
- Morning
City of David National Park
Book the first slot. Bring shoes and clothes that can get wet if you plan to walk Hezekiah's Tunnel, and a torch.
- Midday
Jerusalem Archaeological Park - Davidson Center
Next door to the Western Wall plaza, and an hour that makes sense of the steps and streets above it.
- Afternoon
Ramparts Walk
End the Old City day on the walls, then walk out through Jaffa Gate to Mamilla.
Day 2
- Morning
Yad Vashem
Free entry, and heavier than anything else on this list. Give it two hours and do not plan something demanding straight after.
- Afternoon
Israel Museum
Ten minutes away by bus. The Shrine of the Book and the model of Second Temple Jerusalem are the short version if time is tight.
- Evening
Tower of David Night Spectacular
Forty minutes projected onto the citadel walls. A separate ticket from the museum itself.
Day 3
- Full day
Masada National Park
Leave Jerusalem by 06:30 in summer to climb before the heat; the cable car is the alternative. Combine with a Dead Sea beach on the way back.
- Afternoon
Kalia Beach
The closest Dead Sea beach to Jerusalem, with fresh-water showers. Do not shave that morning, and keep the water out of your eyes.