The Best of Jerusalem & the Old City
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Port
Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$169.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 10¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
There is so much history in Israel that familiar names will catch your attention all the way from Haifa to Jerusalem.
Begin your visit to Jerusalem with a magnificent view over the Golden City from atop the Mount of Olives. Then, follow in the footsteps of Jesus as you walk through the Garden of Gethsemane. It was in this garden of olive trees that Jesus spent the last moments before his arrest. Early Christians were already holding gatherings here before the first church was built around AD 380. Visit the beautiful church and see some of the oldest olive trees remaining in Jerusalem.
Re-board your coach for a narrated panoramic drive through West Jerusalem, passing the Knesset (Parliament), the Supreme Court and the Shrine of the Book.
After a hearty lunch, drive to the Jaffa Gate. Set out with your guide on a walking tour through the Old City of Jerusalem to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Following his official recognition of Christianity, Emperor Constantine constructed here a vast sanctuary, built on what he believed was the site of Christ's resurrection. The building was destroyed in successive wars, transformed by Persians, and then rebuilt by the Crusaders. Here you will see the last five Stations of the Cross. Continue your walk through the Christian Quarter to the Roman Cardo in the Jewish Quarter, and see the ancient walls that protected Jerusalem during the 1st and 2nd temple period.
Continue to the Western or Wailing Wall. This is the last vestige of the ramparts that surrounded the Holy Temple of the Jews, built by Solomon and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, rebuilt by Babylonian exiles and Herod and the burned down by Titus.
Drive to the Sherover Promenade for another stunning panoramic view of Jerusalem; then continue to the Mar Elias Monastery for a panoramic view of Bethlehem.
Return to Haifa and your ship.
Notes:
Travel time to Jerusalem is approximately two hours each way. Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.