Journey to Jerusalem

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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.

The lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea has attracted visitors from around the Mediterranean basin for thousands of years. It was a place of refuge for King David and one of the world’s first health resorts for Herod the Great.

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Synopsis

Journey to Jerusalem – Learn about events in ancient history, that occurred en route from Eilat to Jerusalem, stop at the Dead Sea for a quick float, and visit the most significant sites of Jerusalem. Start atop the Mt. of Olives, with the panorama of Jerusalem at your finger tips, where an overview of the geography, biblical, and political situation bring insight into the temperament of the times past and present. Pass the Kidron Valley and ascend to the Old City and along the Via Dolorosa, where you will trace His path on the eve of Passover.

Tour Itinerary

Tour Code: EJTJ1

  • Depart Eilat, driving north along the Rift Valley.
  • Stop on the shores of the DEAD SEA – lowest point on earth – for a quick dip, in the mineral rich water.
  •  Continue north along the shore of the Dead Sea passing the Qumran caves, ,site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.
  • Proceed on towards Jerusalem, driving up the Judean mountains.
  • Stop atop the MT. OF OLIVES for a panoramic view of the old city, where over 4000 years of history unravels before you. Bypass Gethsemane, at the foot of the Mountain
  • Travel the “Last Path” in Kidron Valley and enter the Old City of Jerusalem via Dung Gate
  • Visit the WAILING WALL and walk along the “VIA DOLOROSA” to GOLGOTHA and the CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE.
  • Walk through the colorful eastern bazaar and through the Jewish Quarter, above the Roman Cardo.
  •  Depart the city via Zion Gate on Mt. Zion, to visit the the traditional ROOM OF THE LAST SUPPER and KING DAVID’S TOMB.
  • Drive through the streets of new Jerusalem to the MENORAH, in front of the Israeli parliament.
  • Return to Eilat 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.

OPTIONAL SITES

Church of Dominus Flevit: “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it….” (Luke 19:41)
Gethsemane: traditional site, where Judah betrayed Jesus.
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.