In your tour of the classical Jerusalem you will visit the Old City area which introduces Jeruslem as the three main monothestic religions in the world and the vast history of more then 5,000 years of this city.
Jerusalem - Panoramic view (Haas Promenade or Mount of
Olives)
To get an overall understanding of the city, it is vital to see it in the first place "from above". Besides taking life pleasure in one of the most famous postcard photographs, the panoramic view is an optimal starting point in order to picture what sites you will visit during the day, to learn the significance of the places and to understand how history, geography and politics have shaped the city.
Mount Zion – King David Tomb and the Last Supper Room
According to the tradition, you will find in this area two of the most important sites in Jerusalem: the King David Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper.
The King David Tomb is an important pilgrimage site for Jews and serves as prayer hall. Not far from the tomb, there is the room where Jesus and the disciples shared the Last Supper before he was arrested and crucified. In a remarkable way, this specific site synthesizes the history of Jerusalem and of the country: once the building used to be a church, afterwards it became a mosque and nowadays it serves as a synagogue.
The Old City and its four Quarters – the Armenian, the Jewish, the Moslem and the Christian
The OldCity is densely inhabited by Armenians, Jews, Moslems, Christians and other minorities. In the tour through the Old city you will be introduced to the four quarters and to the communities that live in each one of them. You will wander through alleyways, discovering something new behind every corner; you will walk through homes and courtyards, and visit synagogues, churches and mosques… There is a lot to discover in the square kilometer labyrinth that makes up the Old City and even more to learn about its inhabitants who live their daily life side by side.
The Market
The Market of the Old City stretches mostly out over the Christian and Moslem quarters. It is an active market which serves the Jerusalemites in their regular needs and the tourists hunting for Middle Eastern gifts and souvenirs of the Holy Land (carpets, icons, jewelry, antiquities…). Walking through the market is an experience by itself; the shouting of the shopkeepers (promising the best prices to their customers), the colorful food stands and the smells escaping from the spice shops enliven the narrow alleyways.
Do not forget to bargain when you buy something, it is the local tradition! But don't worry your guide will assist you getting the best quality at the best prices.
The Western Wall
The Western Wall is historically and religiously the most important site in the whole world for the Jewish people. Being the only remaining part of the TempleMount compound, it is the closest a believer can get to the site where the Temple used to stand. Since the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70AD, when Jews were expelled from Jerusalem, they have dreamt to mourn and pray at this holy place. The Western Wall is one of the most captivating places in the whole of Israel. You can feel its spiritual atmosphere, especially on Fridays at sunset when large crowds gather to celebrate the commencement of Shabbat. The Western Wall is open to visitors of all beliefs. You can place a note between the ancient stones and hope your wish becomes true.
The Temple Mount – Dome of the Rock and El Aksa Mosque
The TempleMount is named after the location of the Temple of Solomon and the SecondTemple. In the 7th century, when, according to the Moslem tradition, Mohammed ascended to heaven, this site became the third holiest place in the Moslem world (after Mecca and Medina). While visiting the TempleMount you will enjoy the calm surroundings and the beautiful architecture of both the Dome of the Rock (built in the 7th century) and the El Aksa Mosque (built in the 11th century). You will learn about the Moslem religion, traditions and laws; the history behind the religion and the role it plays in the daily life of each and every believer.
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher
In the Church of the Holy Sepulcher you will find the Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified) and the tomb where Jesus was buried a and from which he resurrected. This is one of the most important churches in the world. The church was first built in the 4th century and then rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries. The last 5 Stations of the Cross (the Via Dolorosa) are found within the church itself. You will learn about the tradition and the history of the place, the construction of the church and the six denominations that hold rights on it. Powerful religious and historical emotions often arouse the visitors and pilgrims who have traveled thousands of kilometers to reach this holy site.