1 Day – The Magic of Jerusalem

Jerusalem’s history spans continuously over 4000 years and as the only place in the world cherished by the three monotheistic religions , it arouses a unique passion that envelopes many nations and individuals.

Jerusalem became the capital of Israel when it was conquered by David.

Mt Moriah, the location where Solomon, David’s son constructed the first temple is where all 3 monotheistic religions have a starting point. Christianity and Judaism believe this to be the location where Issac was offered by Abraham and Muslims regard it as the location where Mohammad rose to heaven to receive the word of Islam.

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

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Synopsis

An all-inclusive view of the city of Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives, with a discussion of Jerusalem’s history brings with it a perception of the mood from ancient to modern times. Visit the most compelling points of interest following the Last Path, through the Valley of Kidron , ascending to the walled city and walking the Way of Suffering (Via Dolorosa), the route taken on the Eve of Passover, around the year 33 A.D.

Tour Itinerary

  • Drive to Jerusalem.
  • An overview of Jerusalem from atop the MT. OF OLIVES with the layout of the old city before you, helps to disentangle Jerusalem’s timeline, past to present.
  •  Walk down the mountain to GETHSEMANE, where Jesus spent his last night in Jerusalem.
  • Pass the Kidron Valley and ascend to the Old City.
  • Stop at DAVIDSON CENTER –Jerusalem’ archaeological park , where excavations focus on 2nd Temple Period – the area unveils the site that stood at the Temple Entrance during the time of Jesus
  • Visit the WESTERN WALL – also known as the Wailing Wall, the focal point for Jews throughout the world
  • Trace the “stations of the cross” along the Way of Suffering – VIA DOLOROSA all the way to GOLGOTHA (Hill of the Skull) and the HOLY SEPULCHER, ancient location of Jesus burial and crucifixion.
  • Stroll through the Roman Cardo and the “suk” and exit via Zion Gate to the traditional ROOM OF THE LAST SUPPER on Mt. Zion.
  •  A stop at the MENORAH , in front of the Knesset, Israeli Parliament, with a brief dialogue summarizing the day. 

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.

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.