Itinerary:
Like the prophets have prophesized, we enter Jerusalem by the Mount of Olives, a holy site by itself, with an overview of the Old City of Jerusalem. From here we can better understand the more than 4000 year old history of the Holy City. We will visit the Garden of Gethsemane at the bottom of the Mt. Of Olives, with its ancient Olive Trees that date back to Jesus' time (!). At the Western (Wailing) Wall of the Temple Mount the Jews pray and mourn over the destruction of God's Temple. Through the Muslim Quarter and the pulsating Bazaar we reach the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross. We follow some of its most important stations to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the place of the Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.
A short drive brings us to Bethlehem, where we visit the Church of the Nativity, built on the place where Mary gave birth to Jesus. This church is the oldest still active church in the world. From here we set course back to Jerusalem.
Notes:
- As we visit some of the holiest places for the various religions, respectful, modest clothing, is required. This means you have to cover both your knees and shoulders, including men.
- Bethlehem is under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority and hence the sole responsibility lies with our Palestinian Colleagues. The visit can be cancelled without prior notice due to security circumstances or other reasons which are not under our control.
