The Magic of Jerusalem

Jerusalem tour

With an ongoing history of more than 4000 years there isn’t a city in the world that evokes so much emotion, embracing so many people, as Jerusalem.

The only place in the world that is sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

David established it as the capital of Israel and his son Solomon built the temple on Mount Moriah, where Jews and Christians believe that Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac and where Muslims believe that Muhammad ascended to heaven to receive the prayer of Islam. 

 

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Synopsis

The Magic of Jerusalem – From atop the Mt. of Olives, with the panorama of Jerusalem at your fingertips, an overview of the geography, biblical, and political situation bring insight into the temperament of the times past and present. Visiting the most significant sites, from Mt. of Olives, past the Kidron Valley, up to the Old City and along the Via Dolorosa, you will trace His path on the eve of Passover.

Tour Itinerary

Tour Code: AMAG1          

  • Drive from Ashdod Port on the Mediterranean, crossing the land of the biblical Phillistines, ascending the Judean mountains to Jerusalem.
  • Stop atop the MT. OF OLIVES for a panoramic view of the old city, where the merging of past and present unfolds before you.
  • Descend to the foot of the mountain to THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE.
  • Cross the KIDRON VALLEY and enter the walled city.
  • Visit DAVIDSON CENTER – the archaeological park of Jerusalem, consisting mostly of excavations from the 1st Century BC and the 1st Century AD. It is located at the south side of the Temple Mount (Haram El Sharif, according to the Muslims). The area reveals the complex that existed at the entrance to the Temple in the time of Jesus.
  • Visit the WAILING WALL – holiest shrine in Judaism today.
  • Walk along the VIA DOLOROSA stopping at the STATIONS OF THE CROSS until you reach GOLGOTHA and the HOLY SEPULCHRE, the ancient site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus.
  • Walk through the ROMAN CARDO  and exit the town via Zion Gate on MT. ZION to visit the traditional ‘ROOM OF THE LAST SUPPER‘ .
  • Drive through the streets of new Jerusalem to the MENORAH in front of the Israeli parliament.
  • Return to Ashdod Port.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CRUISE EXCURSIONS

Tour Options

Below is a list of sites on the same route and close in themes which can be exchanged or added, depending on personal preferences and time constraints.

The tour may be operated as a JOINT TOUR enabling you to share expenses which allows you the benefits of a private tour excursion at a price competitive with bus tours.GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

GROUP TOURS can be arranged for large groups enabling itinerary flexibility and adaptability to groups requirements, interests, language etc.

Religious services may also be arranged for all faiths.

OPTIONAL SITES

Chapel of Dominus Flevit: “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it….” (Luke 19:41)
Tower of David Museum: museum for history of Jerusalem.
Israel Museum: with its large scale model of Jerusalem from the Second Temple Period and Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept.
Bethlehem: major Christian site, where the Church of Nativity marking the traditional birthplace of Christ, is located.
The Milk Grotto: a serene grotto only a few minutes’ walk from Manger Square in Bethlehem, believed to be the location that the Holy Family took refuge during the Slaughter of the Innocents, before they fled into Egypt.
Shepherd’s Field: which leads through the Christian Village of Beit Sahour,near Bethlehem is associated with the fields where the shepherds saw the Star of Nativity.
Garden Tomb: a rock hewn tomb believed by some to be the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
Petrus in Gallicantu Church: traditionally, where Peter denied Jesus.
Church of St. Anne: a 12th-century Crusader church , built over the traditional site of the birthplace of Anne, ‘Mary’s mother’. Acoustics, designed for Gregorian chant, are so perfect that the church is virtually a musical instrument to be played by the human voice. Pilgrim groups come to sing in the church throughout the day,
Bethesda Pools: believed to be the site where Jesus healed a paralytic (John 5:1-15). Ruins of a Roman temple to the god of medicine can be viewed here and remains of a Byzantine church built over the temple.
Ein Kerem: birthplace of John the Baptist, this scenic town is less than a day’s walk form the Temple in Jerusalem, where Zacharia, John’s father was called to his duties, as priest.
Church of St. John: inside of which is a cave, traditionally the birthplace of John the Baptist.
Church of Visitation: located on the hillside of Ein Kerem with a splendid view of the valley and the surrounding forest topped hills.