Jerusalem
Jerusalem is perhaps the most sacred city in the world. Venerated by Jews, Christian and Muslims alike, it attracts thousands on daily basis. How did a small village in a hilly terrain evolve into this multi sacred city?, in this one day tour we will try to make sense of Jerusalem.
| We start with a stunning panoramic view of the old city and the Temple Mount from the top of Mt. of Olives. This is one of the most beautiful observation points in Israel. Besides assessing if the Messiah is indeed to appear one day at the Golden gate, The view top also enables a short introduction, a photo opp., - and even a camel ride (if the camel shows up..). Driving down to the Kidron valley we will pass by the Chapel of the Ascension, the site of Dominus Flevit, the famed Jewish Cemetery of mount of Olives, and possibly visit the complex of Gethsemane and the traditional site of Mary’s Tomb. |  |
We then drive around the olc city, and parking next to Jaffa Gate, we start a 4 hours walking tour of the four quarters of the Old City |  |
We then continue into the Muslim Quarter, and join the Via Dolorosa, the sacred traditional path from the site of the trial of Jesus to the site of his Crucifixion. Assessing the Catholic traditions along the way, we end at the Holy Sepulchre Grabbing Lunch along the way (Hummus at “Lina” any one? Or perhaps some lamb Shawarma on a roof top in the Christian Quarter?), we can also appreciate souvenir shopping in the big Suq (market) at the end of the tour. Happy and tired we return to the car at Mamilla, and if driving back to Tel-Aviv, we can pass by the “Capitol hill” in western Jerusalem, see the Parliament building (the “Knesset“), the Israel Museum, the Supreme Court Building, and the newly built Jerusalem Chords bridge. |
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Possible additional activities in Jerusalem:
Food: See my list of Recommended restaurants in Jerusalem.
And see also my list of Recommended Wineries in the Center, and Recommended Breweries in the Center.
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Ldoging: See my list of Recommended Hotels in Jerusalem.
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Additional Tours:
 | - visit the Temple Mount and see the Al-Aksa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Asses the possible remains of the Jewish Temple, and appreciate Mamluk architecture, preserved mostly in the Western side of the Plaza. |
 | - Explore the City of David  – “Area G“, possible palace of King David , Warren’s shaft, Hezekiah’s Tunnel , and the Pool of Siloam . We can also walk along the newly opened underground Sewage tunnel and so reach the Southern Wall Archaeological Park . |
 | - Join a tour of the Western Wall tunnels .
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| - Experience participating in the Temple Mount Debris Sifting Project. | |
| - Visit the Ketef Hinnom tombs at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center. | |
 | - Explore holy Christian sites on Mt. Of Olives: Pater Noster church, Chapel of the Ascension, and the Church of Bethphage . |
 | - Explore the Cathedral of Saint James in the Armenian Quarter and the holy sites on Mt. Zion: place of the Last Supper, the alleged rest place of Mary (Dormition), Petrus in Gallicantu, and the (false) tomb mark of King David .. |
 | - Hike along the Old city Ramparts walk, either heading north, from Jaffa gate to Damascus Gate and then explore Zedekiah’s cave , or heading south, along the Armenian quarter, to Zion Gate and the site on Mt. Zion. |
 | - Explore the Muslim Quarter – The Pools of Bethesda , Damascus Gate, Zedekiah’s cave , the Garden Tomb, and Rockefeller Museum. |
 | - Tour of the Israel Museum , the nearby Monastery of the Cross , and the National holocaust memorial (“Yad Vashem“), both best places to learn the ancient and modern history of Israel. |
 | - Learn more about Jerusalem at the Tower of David museum, and at the Time Elevator. |
 | - Stroll along Jaffa Road, exploring Ben Yehudah Street, the Mahane Yehudah Market, and the Ultra orthodox “Mea Shearim“ neigborhood. |
 | - If staying for the night – book the Tower of David night spectacular, and possibly a nice dinner at Mamilla rooftop, or trendy Mahane Yehudah restaurant. |
Possible Activities Near Jerusalem:
 | - Drive to Ein Kerem and visit “John Baharim” church and the “Church of the Visitation“, both marks of the traditional home town of John the Baptist. |
 | -Drive to Ramat Rachel, Herodium and Gush-Etzion, viewing Beth-Lehem on the way. |
 | - Drive to the Shephela and see battle site of David vs. Goliath (=Valley of Elah), homeland of Samson, Beit-Shemesh, and explore underground city of Maresha (and possibly join “Dig for a day“). |
 | - Drive to the Jerusalem mountains and see the Holocaust memorial ”Scrolls of Fire” monument in the ”Forest of the Martyrs“; visit the winery “Domaine de Castel“; and ride horses in Ramat Raziel horse ranch. |
 | - Drive to Nebi Samuel, and explore and dine at Abu-Gosh, Israeli-Arab village famous for its Hummus and Kanafeh. |
 | - Book “extreme” activities such as an ATV tour, Zip-line or live shooting in a shooting range!. |
 | - Drive into Beth-Lehem to visit the Church of the Nativity and the Shepherds field (to be conducted by an Arab Colleague). |
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Costs:
By foot: $400
By car: $500
By car from Tel-Aviv: $600
By car from Ashdod: $650
By Car from Haifa: $750
* Extra $100 for guiding on Saturday and Holidays.
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