In order to visit what is most dear to you, the tour will focus on historical, religious and archaeological places that are connected to Jerusalem's Christian past and present.
Mount of Olives – Panoramic view
We start on the Mount of Olives, where you will enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Old City and its surrounding area. Besides being visually spectacular, this “all-in-one” outlook introduces you to the sites you will visit during the day. Seeing these varied elements in context helps you appreciate the interplay of history, geography and politics and how they have shaped the city. From here you can see the places where Jesus spent his last few days before the crucifixion. You will view the Temple Mount, the Palm Sunday road, Mount Zion, the Garden of Gethsemane, the site of Jesus’ trial, and Golgotha – the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Your visit today is to the Old City of Jerusalem and surrounding area. It includes Holy sites, the 4 quarters of the Old City and the bazaar market (shuk).
Gethsemane
At the foot of Mount of Olives there is the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus and the disciples came after the Last Supper. You will visit the garden where the ancient olive trees were witness to the prayer of Jesus, his agony and the moments of his arrest. The Church of All Nations marks the spot where Jesus was left alone to pray to God (MATTHEW 26:36). It is distinguished by a magnificent, brightly colored mosaic on its façade.
Mount Zion – King David’s Tomb and the Last Supper Room
According to the tradition, Mount Zion is the location of two of the most important sites in Jerusalem: King David’s Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper.
David’s Tomb is an important pilgrimage site for Jews and serves as a prayer hall. Not far from the tomb there is the room where Jesus and his disciples shared the Last Supper before he was arrested and crucified (MATTHEW 26:18-29). This room served the disciples on the feast of Pentecost. In a remarkable way, this specific site synthesizes the history of Jerusalem and the country: Initially the building was a church; later it was made into a mosque; and nowadays it serves as both a synagogue and Christian prayer place.
The Western Wall
The Western Wall is, historically and religiously, the most important site in the whole world for the Jewish people. Being the only remaining part of the Temple Mount compound, it is the closest a believer can get to the site where the Temple used to stand. Since the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 CE, when Jews were expelled from Jerusalem, they have dreamt to mourn and pray at this holy place. The Western Wall is one of the most captivating places in the whole of Israel. You can feel its spiritual atmosphere, especially on Fridays at sunset when large crowds gather to celebrate the commencement of Shabbat. The Western Wall is open to visitors of all beliefs. You can place a note between the ancient stones and hope your wish comes true.
The Temple Mount – Dome of the Rock and El Aksa Mosque
The Temple Mount is named for the location of the Temple of Solomon and the Second Temple. While visiting the Temple Mount you will enjoy its calm surroundings. Here you will learn about the Temple in Jesus’ time, its location, size, and beauty and its importance in Jewish life 2000 years ago. In the 7th century, when, according to the Moslem tradition, Mohammed ascended to heaven from here, this site became the third holiest place in the Moslem world (after Mecca and Medina). You can admire the beautiful architecture of both the Dome of the Rock (built in the 7th century) and the El Aksa Mosque (built in the 11th century). You will learn about the Moslem religion: its traditions and laws, its underlying history and the role it plays in the daily life of each and every believer.
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher
In the Church of the Holy Sepulcher you will find the Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified) and the tomb which is the site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection. This is one of the most important churches in the world. The church was first built in the 4th century and then rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries. The last five Stations of the Cross (the Via Dolorosa) are found within the church itself. You will learn about the tradition and history of the church, its construction and the six denominations that share the rights to it. Religious and historical sentiments often arouse powerful emotions in the tourists and pilgrims who have traveled thousands of miles to reach this holy site.
The Bethesda Pools
It was at these pools that Jesus performed the miracle of the healing of the sick. Jesus asked the man to rise from his bed and he did so (JOHN 5:2-9). Here you will visit the pools that were part of the reservoirs of the ancient city of Jerusalem.
The Via Delarosa – The Way of Sorrows
Along the path where Jesus walked and carried the cross there are stations, marking the events took place through this way. It starts from where Jesus was tried by Pilate and ends in the Golgotha, the site of the crucifixion– nowadays inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
The Garden Tomb – the Calvary
The Garden Tomb is the site of Golgotha and contains the sepulcher in which Jesus was laid (JOHN 19:41). As you visit the garden and the empty tomb of Jesus you will be swept up by the atmosphere of this uniquely spiritual location.