Jerusalem Half Day

About this tour

We begin our travels on the Mount of Olives with an extensive view of the Holy City of Jerusalem. We can see Ancient Jewish cemetery descending below us further onto Old City and the Bright Golden Dome of the rock sitting on Temple Mount. Almost 200 years ago the Second Temple once stood erected at the same location where the Dome of the Rock now stands.

Traveling downwards we take the long snakelike road to Kidron Valley. We pass by the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested and took his last walk carrying the cross on his way to be crucified. Next we can take a glance at the Church of all Nations, also known as the Basilica of the Agony. As we continue we see the ancient burial tombs of Absalom and Jehoshaphat, Benei Hezir, and Zechariah.
To enter the Old City we pass through the Zion gate, onto the Armenian Quarter and finally onto Byzantine Cardo. A main street that cut through Jerusalem 1,500 years ago where during Muslim rule was left neglected. However, during the crusader period it became buoyant again and shops lined the street. With the aid of archaeological excavations the street is currently an active thoroughfare with shops selling various specialties and souvenirs.

As we travel through the Jewish quarter we approach the holiest structure of the Jewish faith, the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall. Jews from around the globe come here to pray and put prayer notes between the stones and cracks in the wall. This wall is only part of a bigger wall which used to surround and protect the Holy Second Temple, demolished almost 2,000 years ago.

Our journey continues by visiting the Via Dolorosa also known as the Way of Sorrows. This is the path that Jesus took on his way to be crucified. Along this route we observe the stations depicting the various stages of his journey. The path eventually reaches the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The place known where Jesus was crucified. Inside the church we have the Tomb of Jesus. Over time this church has had renovations, rebuilt and expanded. Results today shows a large impressive display of magnificence for worship. Ending our day trip we take a visit to the bustling markets of the Old City.