This Ashdod tour explores Jerusalem's Jewish and Christian Quarters including sites such as the Wailing Wall and Temple Mount, the Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulcher, plus you visit Bethlehem and its Church of the Nativity, a "must visit" for many Christians.
After meeting your guide at the pier in Ashdod, you depart for the Mount of Olives where you enjoy a panoramic view of Jerusalem's old city and also the Judean Desert. From here you can understand how Jerusalem got one of its earlier names, Zion, which comes from a word meaning desert.
Next you drive to the old city where you visit Mount Zion, King David's tomb, the Last Supper hall, the Cardo (ancient market street), the Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall. Also known as the Kotel, the Western Wall is the most visited site in Israel. The wall is located at the foot of the Temple Mount and dates from the end of the Second Temple period, being constructed about 19 BC by Herod the Great. The remnants of this ancient wall surrounding the Jewish Temple's courtyard is one of the most sacred sites in Judaism, other than the Temple Mount itself.
This afternoon you visit the Christian Quarter where you have a chance to walk the Via Dolorosa. This is the route that Jesus took between his condemnation by Pilate and his crucifixion. For many Christians, this is the most meaningful part of their visit to Jerusalem. You also visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher which is known as the site where Jesus was crucified and is said to contain the place where he was buried. You also see Jaffa Gate, the main entrance into the old city, and the Arab Market which is a very popular shopping market.
Free time for lunch (meal not included) is provided.
Before leaving Jerusalem you also visit The Church of St. Anne. This beautiful 12th century church was built over the traditional site of the birthplace of Anne, the mother of Mary. The church sits next to the Bethesda Pool which is thought to be the place where Jesus healed a paralytic (as mentioned in the book of John).
Later in the day, you drive to Bethlehem to visit the Church of Nativity which marks the traditional place of Jesus of Nazareth's birth. It is one of the oldest surviving Christian churches and a "must visit" for many Christians.
Late this afternoon you return to the pier in Ashdod.
Exemption from Paying Israel VAT taxes
Tourists to Israel are exempt from paying VAT tax if they provide their passport information at time of reservation. To process your tour and avoid almost 20% in taxes (above current price), please provide the following for each person.
-Full name as listed in the passport
-Passport Number
-Nationality
-Passport Issue Date
-Passport Expiration Date
-Date of Birth
Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
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