Jerusalem: The Center of the Universe - Walk the "Holy City" with GaryTheGuide

Overview

This tour allows you to see Jerusalem from the perspective of multiple cultures and religions. We can traverse the city at your pace, seeing the sites that interest you most. I would be happy to personalize this tour for you based on your needs. The Old City of Jerusalem is filled with culture, sounds and tastes, people, and meaning. Wandering this city with an open mind can lead you to discover things you never knew, about the city and about yourself.

Itinerary

1. Mont du Temple

   What Muslims call Al-Aksa and Jews call the Temple Mount could be described as the connection between Heaven and Earth. It is the site of the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aksa Mosque, and it is where the Temples of Solomon and Herod stood. This spot represents where Christians, Jews, and Muslims envision the peace that awaits us all in the future.

   · 1 h

2. This is the most accepted site for the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. It is filled with chapels and artifacts that narrate the stories of Jesus, his followers, and believers who shaped christianity throughout the ages. Recent restorations open up the ability to see stunning and colorful artwork, scenes that have been hidden beneath the dust for centuries.

   · 1 h

3. Mur des lamentations

   There are three different sections of the Western Wall, the center of Jewish holiness for close to 8 centuries. The Hidden Wall helps you understand what this wall meant for Jews from the moment prayer began there in the 13th century. Ezrat Yisrael (the gender mixed area of the Western Wall) allows you to grasp how this wall is connected to the Temple, God's house on Earth. The traditional Western Wall (gender separated) allows you to see how modern Israel and it's people interface with this holy spot, an image that brings out the challenges and conflicts within the Jewish faith.

   · 1 h

4. Mount Zion

   This is an optional site on the tour: Mount Zion is a neighborhood of enigmas. It's very name is confusing. We will visit both the Room of the Last Supper and the Tomb of King David, discussing whether these are the true sites. The discussion itself of the validity of these holy places, as well as the Dormition Church which sits next door, brings out colorful stories of Jews, Christians, and Muslims attempting to define themselves in an ever changing world.

   · 1 h

5. City Of David National Park

   This is an optional site on the tour: The original Jerusalem, built by a small fresh water spring, sat just south of today's Old City walls. In this small village, the Canaanites created a unique system of tunnels and walls to protect their water supply. These structures appear in the stories of the Biblical King David and his descendants. We will traverse these caves, exploring the stories of Kings, palaces, battles, burial, and miracles. [admission fee $5-9 (US) per person, not included in the tour price] (option of traversing a wet tunnel that will require water shoes and a flashlight)

   · 1 h 30 min· Admission not included

6. This is an optional site on the tour: The peak of this hill is where the Messiah enters Jerusalem, where Jesus ascended to heaven, and where holiness has been commemorated for millenia. Between fascinating churches and chapels, ancient graves, and politically charged neiighborhoods, we will experience some of the most moving views in Jerusalem. [admission fee up to $7 (US) per person not included in the tour price]

   · 2 h· Admission not included

Pickup

Pickup or meet at the departure point.

Pick up is personalized to your needs. You may choose to meet me at Jaffa Gate, the main entrance in to the Old City of Jerusalem. If you prefer, I can meet you at a convenient spot or at your hotel. For an additional charge, I can pick you up from hotels that are farther away and provide transport to Jerusalem.

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Holy sites require modest dress! You may dress comfortable while walking along the streets and markets. When entering the Holy sites, women must cover their legs down to their ankles, their arms past their elbows, and their front up to their neckline. Men must have their knees covered and wear a shirt with sleeves. (contact GaryTheGuide for details)
• You will receive confirmation immediately when you book.

Travelers

Pricing per group (up to 15 people).

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 170597P1

Activity offered by GaryTheGuide via Viator.