Day 1 - Jerusalem Old City and it's surroundings
Morning, Mount Olives 09:00am - 11:00am
This recommended route will require you to take a short taxi or bus to your starting point at the Chapel of Ascension at Mount Olives. Click here for more details about the Chapel of Ascension, a unique spot with a magical and mysterious history dating all the way back to the 4th century. Continue to a fantastic view of the entire Old City from Mount Olives. Descend Mount Olives towards the Church of all Nations and Gethsemane next to the other. As you descend, you will walk by the Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalen, just in case you want to have a look.
Visit Gethsemane, with olive trees dating 2,000 years back to Jesus' time, and enter the Church of all Nations to admire its impressive facade. Across from Gethsemane, you will encounter Mary's tomb. From there, make your way towards the Old City, which you will enter via the Old City's Lion's Gate, the first station (out of 14) of the Via Dolorosa.
More details & opening times at Church of all Nations and Gethsemane
Noon, The Via Dolorosa 11:00am - 02:00pm
Visit the Franciscan museum Terra Sancta as you walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Holy Sepulchre. This ancient building from the 13th century exhibits Christianity's spiritual, archaeological, and artistic heritage, as preciously conserved by the Franciscans over the last eight centuries. More details at Terra Sancta Museum
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is dated back to the 4th century. Here you will find 5 of the cross stops and the main landmark of the place where Jesus was buried and resurrected.
As you exit the Church, we recommend tasting great Hummus at Abu Shukri or Lina restaurants and enjoying traditional middle eastern sweets such as Knafe at Jafar's or other delicacies at Shawar bakery before you move on to visit Mount Zion.
Click here for more details about The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and the most sacred site in the world for millions of Christians.
Click here for a list of places to eat in the Old City, from authentic local cuisine to tasty pizza and fast food.
Make your way to Mount Zion through the Old City's cobblestone streets and vibrant market. Once you have exited Zion gate, you will encounter two inspiring places; the Dormition Abbey and the Room of the Last Supper. As one of the most prominent churches in Jerusalem, "the Dormition" is a monastic church that overlooks the old city. Its great size, beauty, and location make it an attractive sight. Church construction began in 1910 on a plot acquired by the German emperor Wilhelm II during his visit to the Holy Land in 1898. The emperor built this large church to highlight the strength of Germany, and the structure appears to be a fortress. We highly recommend you visit this church, with its magnificent views and surroundings.
Adjacent to the church, you can find the Room of the Last Supper. Located on the upper floor of King David's Tomb, the Room of the Last Supper, also called the Cenacle, is considered one of the holiest places for Christians in Jerusalem, since it is said that the Last Supper occurred there. With a combination of multiple styles and a rich history, this sacred place is worth visiting all year round.
Click her for more details & opening and prayers times at the Dormition Abbey. If you visit Jerusalem on a Friday, you might consider joining the procession taking place at the Via Dolorosa.
We recommend you return to the Old City via Zion Gate, to walk towards the Armenian Quarter and Jaffa Gate to exit the Old City at Mamilla boulevard. After a long day of walking, enjoy some time at your hotel and return in the evening to see the Light Spectacular at the Tower of David museum for a recap experience of Jerusalem's history in a mesmerizing way.
Show times are; During fall - winter shows start at 7pm, and during spring-summer they begin at 8 pm.
Get discounted tickets here: Light Spectacular at the Tower of David
Day 2 - Christian landmarks in Bethlehem & Ein Karem
Morning, Bethlehem 08:30am - 01:30am
After you have explored top Christian landmarks in and around the Old City, we invite you to take a short trip to Bethlehem, which is approximately 20 min drive from Jerusalem's city center and Ein Karem. Your trip today will start with a visit to Bethlehem, located 20 minutes from Jerusalem's city center. To simplify it, we recommend taking a ½ a day group bus tour exploring the Church of Nativity and Shepherd's field. The bus will return you to your Jerusalem hotel. Click here to learn more about options to get from Jerusalem to Bethlehem
Explore the Christian highlights of the City of Bethlehem as you pay a visit to the Church of Nativity, traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth. Visit Manger Square, an important city square in the heart of Bethlehem, and continue to an overview of Shepherd's Field, one of the most sacred sites for Christians.
Guided tours to Bethlehem depart daily and start from $72.00 p/p . Check out Bethlehem's highlights in a ½ day bus tour
Please note; if you booked a guided tour to Bethlehem, indicate "Ein Karem" as your drop-off location. Any location drop-off within Jerusalem is free of charge if you are part of the guided bus tour.
Noon, Ein Karem 1:30pm - 04:00pm
Continue to Ein Kerem, located on the western side of Jerusalem. Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants in place; see a list below. Visit the Church of Visitation, and the Church of John the Baptist, both located within a short walking distance. Here are some helpful links: places to visit in Ein Kerem, restaurants in Ein Karem.
We hope you enjoy visiting the Christian landmarks that shape the lives of millions of believers worldwide.