Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains, between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. It is a holy city for Abrahamic religions.
Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a famous city for tourists. In fact, there are over one million visitors to the town every year. It is the location of the birth of Jesus and is considered to be a place of religious significance for Christians and Jews.
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is a major tourist attraction. It is the oldest church in the world and is believed to be the place of the birth of Jesus. There are chapels for various Christian denominations that are located throughout the church.
Bethlehem also has many historical sites and museums. The Moravian Story Walking Tour explores the Moravian community. It offers free children’s tours.
There are a number of luxury hotels in Bethlehem that offer swimming pools and fine dining restaurants. There are also backpacker hostels. These are very popular during the Christmas season.
For a great view of the mountains, consider visiting the Shepherd’s Field. This is the best place to get panoramic views of the hills. For a bit of fun, you can also take a cable car ride to the Mount of Temptation.
There are also a number of unusual attractions to see in Bethlehem. The Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts is one of the city’s more unusual attractions. The museum is made up of three 19th-century houses. The courtyard contains a life-size statue of Saint Jerome.
Another interesting tour is the Historic Bethlehem Heritage Trail. It features 80 stops that cover 275 years of history. The tour starts at the Goundie House, a 1810 building that was a home to one of the early brewers in Bethlehem.
Old City
The old city of Jerusalem is home to a number of historical and religious sites. From the Temple Mount, which is sacred to Muslims, to the Golden Dome of the Rock, which is sacred to Jews, the city has a lot to offer.
The Old City is separated into four quarters. The Jewish Quarter, Christian Quarter, Armenian Quarter, and Muslim Quarter.
The Golden Dome of the Rock is the site of the First and Second Temples. It is a major religious and pilgrimage site. It is located in the Muslim Quarter. This Islamic shrine is a must-see on any tour.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built in the 4th century, has four stations of the Via Dolorosa. This route is where Jesus made his way to the cross.
The best time to see the Via Dolorosa is on Fridays. Its start point is near the Lion Gate. The end point is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
The best time to go on a free walking tour of the Old City is in the morning or late afternoon. During these times, the tourist crowds are thinner.
In the Muslim Quarter, there are several television antennas for visitors to view the lavish Dome of the Rock. Its roof is made of orange tile.
The Old City was originally one square mile. Its layout was documented in significant detail in old maps. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee is a geographical marvel. It is a freshwater lake at the northern end of the Syrian-African Rift Valley. Its main water source is the Jordan River.
The Sea of Galilee is a beautiful and spiritual place. Much of the ministry of Jesus took place along its shores.
The best way to enjoy this region is to take a day trip. Some tours offer entrance to churches and museums. The tour lasts for about 12 hours. The tour is not suitable for children.
You will be guided by a professional guide. The tour includes transportation, a meal, and admission tickets. The cost is US$340 for two adults.
There are many places to see on the Sea of Galilee. The easiest way to get around is by car. If you have more time, hiking is another option.
You can also take a boat ride. This gives you a chance to learn about the history of the area while enjoying a panoramic view of the scenery. You can also combine a visit with a tour to the north.
If you are looking for a more adventurous experience, you can opt to go sailing on the Sea of Galilee. Several tour companies provide this service. The trip departs from Tiberias and heads towards Capernaum. Some tour boats offer group prayers.
You should wear modest clothing. You will need to cover your shoulders and wear lightweight pants and a skirt.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most popular tours in Jerusalem. This holy site is considered the tomb of Jesus. It has been revered since the 4th century. It is a popular place for pilgrims from all over the world to visit.
Visiting the church can be overwhelming. Visitors line up for hours to enter the tomb. If you want to avoid the crowd, try arriving later in the day. You can also take a guided tour to explain all of the major points.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been demolished and rebuilt several times in the centuries. The current shape of the church was created by Crusaders after they established the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Inside the church, visitors can see tombs from the Second Temple. The most lavishly decorated part of the church is the ambulatory, which includes Calvary.
To see the tomb, you can climb up the stairs to the second floor. A wooden ladder stands above the main entrance. This ladder cannot be moved. It symbolizes the delicate relationship between Christian denominations.
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the final stop on the famous Via Dolorosa, or the Way of the Cross. It is the final place to visit if you are making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre’s exterior has a Turkish Rococo style. The exterior features 43 lamps and a candelabra. The ceiling is spectacular. The walls are decorated with crosses carved by pilgrims.
Masada
Masada is one of the most popular attractions in Israel. Located on the west coast of the Dead Sea, this fortress is an archaeological and historical site that tells the story of the last Jewish stronghold against the Roman Empire. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fascinating place to visit.
There are two main ways to reach Masada. You can climb the stairs or take the cable car. Regardless of how you choose to get to Masada, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Dead Sea and a sense of history.
The best way to see Masada is with a guided tour. Many tours include transportation from and to Jerusalem. The tour can also be combined with a trip to the Dead Sea. The tour includes a therapeutic mud bath and a floating experience.
The cable car is a fun option on a hot day. The ride takes just over three minutes. On the cable car, you can see the famous snake path and the Dead Sea.
You can also explore the ruins at Masada by foot. There are two main entrances: the west and the eastern. The western side is the easiest. The western side also has a better view of the Dead Sea.
The Masada fortress is a complex that is very well preserved. You can see the Roman columns and a mosaic floor that is well preserved. There is also a modern visitor center with a museum.
Temple Mount
During your trip to Jerusalem, be sure to visit the iconic Temple Mount. This is a sacred site to both Christians and Muslims, and is a must-see for anyone visiting the Holy City. However, it is also subject to certain restrictions.
To enter the complex, you must go through one of twelve gates. The entry point is outside the Western Wall area. You’ll be greeted by armed guards who may ask you to remove your camera or other suspicious items. You’ll be required to show your passport.
The Temple Mount has 100 different structures. Many of them are Muslim, while others are Christian. The Dome of the Rock is the most impressive of them all. This is a large, stone building that was decorated with mosaic and faience. It is also the largest of the many religious symbols located on the Temple Mount.
The Temple Mount is also home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is the third holiest Islamic site. Although the site is closed to non-Muslims, visitors can still see some of its most important sights.
The best way to experience the Temple Mount is to take a guided tour. You can do this in combination with a day tour of Jerusalem. The tour includes a lunch in a local restaurant, which is a great bonus! The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who will give you a history of the site as well as the most important things to see and do.
