1 Day – Jerusalem of Gold

Old City Jerusalem

 

Traditionally, the story of Jerusalem extends over 4 millennium. However, its greatness became renowned only after David subdued it and made it the capital of the Children of Israel.

It gained importance when the first temple was built on Mt. Moriah (traditionally the site that Abraham was meant to sacrifice Isaac).

Since then it has become the heart of monotheistic belief and the focal point of Judaism.

Religious services can be arranged for all faiths, on request. 

 

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Synopsis

 Jerusalem of Gold – The view of the Jerusalem panorama from the Mt. of Olives, is the starting point of unravelling Judaism’s stormy heritage from biblical times through to its modernization.

 Tour Itinerary

  • Ascend the Judean mountains to Jerusalem.
  • Start at the MT. OF OLIVES where the panorama of the old city beyond, is the backdrop of the tale of 4000 years of history.
  • Walk through the KIDRON VALLEY to the City of David, where Jerusalem started. 
  • Continue to the archaeological park of Jerusalem  DAVIDSON CENTER, which houses displays, mostly of 2nd Temple Period artifacts.
  • Visit the WAILING WALL, holiest shrine in Judaism .
  • Walk through the Jewish reconstructed  section of the Old City visiting the  SEPHARDIC SYNAGOGUES, the ROMAN CARDO, the BROAD WALL, the BURNT HOUSE – and the HERODIAN MANSIONS , all part of this QUARTER. 
  • Cross the pulsing  BAZAAR with its exotic middle eastern flavours, scents, and vivid shops.
  • Exit  via Mt. Zion to the traditional location of KING DAVID’S TOMB.
  • Drive through the modern city to visit YAD VASHEM the Holocaust Memorial.
  • Drive through the streets to the MENORAH in front of the Israeli parliament.

Optional Sites

Sites on the same route and close in themes and therefore can be exchanged or added, depending on personal preferences and time constraints.

Tower of David Museum: museum for history of Jerusalem.
Israel Museum: noted exhibits are its large scale model of Jerusalem from the Second Temple Period and Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept.
HaElah Valley: traditional location of the battle between David and Goliath.
City of David: National Park where Jerusalem started.
In warm weather, the visit can include a walk through the Hezekiah Tunnel (a distance of approx. 400 yds./m. in a depth of water about 2.5 ft /75 cm high) underneath the ground. The tunnel was excavated from the rock by King Hezekiah during the Assyrian siege, in order to bring the spring water into the town.
Western Wall Tunnel: The Western Wall is the last remnant of the Temple and holiest site for Jews around the world. It’s entire length is actually 488 meters (1,600 feet) long.The first 80 meters (262 feet) on the southern end, were uncovered immediately after the Six Day War and can be seen at the Southern Excavations at the Davidson Center. The exposed portion is only about 57 m (187 ft) long. The remaining 320 meters (1,050 feet), known as the Western Wall Tunnel, continues underground beneath the streets and houses of the Old City of Jerusalem. Visits must be scheduled long in advance.
Mt. Herzl: cemetery of dignitaries, including Rabin, great leaders of the nation and military cemetery.
Mea Shearim: the orthodox neighborhoods.
Mishkenot Sha’ananim and Montefiore Windmills: first Jewish settlement outside the walled city.
Ammunition Hill: 6 Day war memorial commemorating the liberation and re-unification of Jerusalem.
Old Yishuv Court: displays the story of the Jewish community under Ottoman rule, through till the final days of the British Mandate.
Oskar Schindler’s Grave.