After meeting your guide on the pier in Haifa, you will begin the approximate 2 hour 30 minute drive to Jerusalem through the Judean Hills. As you ascend into these hauntingly stark hills, you will be traveling along the same route used for centuries to reach Jerusalem.
The capital of Israel, Jerusalem is famous for its timeless beauty and was once considered the center of the world. As you navigate your way through this amazing city, you will pass some of Israel's most notable landmarks, such as the Hebrew University, home to 2005 Nobel Prize winner Professor Emeritus Robert J. Aumann, the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book, the Knesset (Israel's Parliament) and the State Supreme High Court. After an interesting overview of the city, you will proceed toward the Mount of Olives where time will be allowed to take photos from this highly favorable vantage point that provides an unparalleled and breathtaking panorama of the walled Old City. Near the base of the Mount, you will pass the picturesque Gardens of Gethsemane, site of an ancient olive oil press yard that is surrounded by 1,000 year-old trees. Here you can also see the impressive Church of All Nations.
Following an unforgettable morning, you will continue your exploration of this fascinating destination with a walking tour of the historical Old City. Entering via the Jaffa Gate, your walk will take you past some of the most sacred sites in religious history. As you make your way along a route that flanks the colorful bazaar, you will observe the Christian Quarter, which rests beside a part of the famous Via Dolorosa, believed by many to be the route Jesus followed as he carried his cross to Calvary. Amongst the sites you will view is the golden-topped Dome of the Rock. With its stunning blue and gold ceramic tiles, this amazing shrine is considered the third holiest site in Islam. You will also view the famous Western (Wailing) Wall, the holiest site in the Jewish world because it is believed to have been closest to where the Holy Ark once stood. A visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is also included. Perched on the hill known as Golgotha, the Church marks the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
Rejoining your transportation, you will leave the city behind and make your way through the Judean Hills to the edge of the desert, where the legendary town of Bethlehem is found. Your time here includes a visit to the renowned Church of the Nativity. This extraordinary church is built over a grotto that is believed to be the location of Jesus' birth. As waits to enter the grotto can be more than 3 hours long, a visit to the grotto is not included in this tour. After what will no doubt be a highly memorable visit, you will re-board your transportation and enjoy a leisurely drive back to the ship.
Please note: Due to traffic or crowds at the sites, the tour itinerary may be altered in an attempt to avoid foreseen delays. All sites mentioned in the tour will be visited and crowds are to be expected.
Special Note: Bethlehem is part of the Palestinian Authority. Our guides in Israel, who are Israelis, are not allowed to escort tourists into Bethlehem. For the Bethlehem portion of your tour, you will have a local Palestinian guide to escort you. The cost of this guide is included. If traveling in any vehicle smaller than a coach, you will also need to change vehicles for the Bethlehem portion of the tour. A mandatory stop at a gift shop in the Palestinian Authority area is required as part of this visit. Purchasing is not required.
