OPTIONAL TOURS

Thursday, March 26th

Three Religions Tour in the Old City of Jerusalem

 

The Three Religions Tour takes you through the ancient alleyways and quarters of the Old City and to the sites that are holy to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. During the tour we will discuss each religion from a historical, religious, and social perspective, incorporating anecdotes about the current state of affairs among the various religions.

 

We will discuss the different streams controlling the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, view the Temple Mount from various vantage points, and discuss the rise of Islam, its prophets and beliefs. We will overlook the Western Wall and visit the tomb area, which is holy to the three religions, and walk along the main street that was as busy thousands of years ago as it is today.

 

During the tour we will experience the diverse cross-cultural fabric of people that currently live within the walls of the Old City. In the market, we will see and discuss the ritual objects of the three religions, smell the fragrance of incense in the houses of worship, and soak in Jerusalem’s spiritual atmosphere, which has become a city for all three religions.

 

The tour passes through main points in the Old City.

 

Mount Zion from a Jewish perspective, King David’s Tomb – Nabi Daud Mosque – the Last Supper dining room, the compound that is holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims, the Jewish Quarter, the Hurva Synagogue, the Cardo, the heart of the Christian city Aelia Capitolina, the Muristan, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – the various streams at the compound, a view of the Temple Mount – Al Aqsa Mosque, Dome of the Rock, the Foundation Stone, Muhammad’s nocturnal journey, and the Wailing Wall as the sole remaining wall of the Holy Temple.

Rosh Hanikra and Acre
A Day of Landscapes,Stories and People

The day begins with a visit to Rosh Hanikra where the sea meets the cliffs at Israel's northwestern tip. Along our ride on the cable car, displaying the rocks and a turquoise sea, we’ll hear about this strategic location and the significant characters that had been active here throughout history - all while enjoying an amazing view at the observation point.

 

Then, we will continue our magical tour through the ancient walls and passage ways of Acre. The tour will combine fascinating stories, anecdotes, discoveries and revelations about the buildings, the people and history. Old Acre is 4000 years old and plays an impressive role in history. We will stroll down the boardwalk and take in the breathtaking city views.  We see churches and mosques towering in the east and watch the sea and bay to the west. As we explore the alleyways of the old city, we’ll experience the vibrant markets, the colors, smells and the welcoming residents.

 

Finally, we will arrive at a magical green garden, and descend under the city and into the spectacular Knight Halls that have been preserved since the time of the Crusaders. We will sip local coffee and receive a fragrant souvenir as we hear about knights, the era, the habits of the inhabitants and the enchanting atmosphere of the place. Visiting a mysterious underground tunnel, we will learn about the life of the Templar community in Acre.

 

Completing our tour at the observation deck on the bay, we will discuss the different religions in the city and the local cultures. We will visit the places that residents consider holy and listen as they tell their riveting stories. In this tour we will experience the city from different perspectives and learn how it preserves its history, religion, tradition and culture of co-existence.

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