We start with a stunning panoramic view of the old city from Mount of Olives Viewpoint . This is one of the most beautiful observation points in Israel. It enables a short introduction, a photo opportunity, – and even a camel ride :-).
Driving down to the Kidron Valley we pass by holy Christian sites Chapel of the Ascension , the church of Pater Noster , Dominus Flevit , Church of Mary Magdalene , Garden of Gethsemane , the Grotto of Gethsemane , Mary’s Tomb , and the supposed site of stonning Stephanus (Stephanus Church ).
We then drive around the the Old City, and Entering at Jaffa Gate we start Exploring the Old City .
We pass through the Jewish Quarter , possibly visiting the famed Western wall , and in the Muslim Quarter we join the Via Dolorosa , the traditional path from the site of the trial of Jesus to the site of his crucifixion.
Assessing the Catholic traditions along the “stations of the Cross” we could also visit “Mary’s Birth Place” ; Pools of Bethesda ; “Prison of Christ” ; the Provoslavic Nevsky Church ; or the Lutheran Redeemer church , ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre , the traditional sites of Golgotha and the Tomb of Jesus.
armenian ceremony
saint mark assyrian churchGrabbing some Hummus in the big Suq (market), we then explore more Christian sites in the Christian Quarter (e.g. John the Baptist “Prodromos” church ) and in the Armenian Quarter (e.g. Saint James Cathedral , Saint Mark Syrian church and Christ Church ).
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dormition 6We end the review with significant Christian site on Mount Zion : The traditional sites of the Last Supper (“Cenacle“ ); the rest place of Virgin Mary (Dormition Abbey ); the Tomb mark of King David , the Armenian Caiaphas Church , and if time permits, also the tradtional site of thedenial of Peter (Petrus in Gallicantu ).
If time and will permits we can drive to additional Holy Christian sites in the vicinity of Jerusalem, such as the Kathisma church , San Simon Monastery , the Monastery of the Cross , and John Baharim Church and the Chruch of the Visitation in Ein Karem .
We could also visit the Shroud of Turin Exhibition near Damascus Gate .
