Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Stop at Mount Zion to visit king David's tomb, room of last supper and the dormition abbey; Enter the old city and walk through the Armenian and Jewish quarters to the recently excavated and restored Cardo, the Roman road.
See the Jewish wailing wall, the Kotel, and continue to the Christian quarter. Walk along the Via Dolorosa and visit the church of holy Sepulchre. Proceed to the new city and visit Yad Vashem, the memorial to the holocaust. On Saturdays and Jewish holidays, instead of Yad Vashem, visit Ein Kerem, southwest of Jerusalem, traditionally known as birthplace of John the Baptist; Stroll in the narrow lanes of the picturesque neighborhood, stopping by Mary's spring and continue to visit the remarkable Church of Saint John the Baptist, Return to point of departure.
Visit some of the most historically and religiously significant landmarks in the beautiful Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Marvel over memorable places from the bible, take in the precious views and engage with the various cultures.
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Visit the Old City of Jerusalem
* Learn about the various religions and cultures that live together
* Walk up to the Western Wall
Starting at the Mount of Olives, rising over 800 metres boasting impressive views of the Old City and the surrounding neighborhoods. Historically named due to the fact it was once covered in olive trees and is known for appearing in the Old Testament. Moving on from here we’ll visit Mount Zion, the highest point in ancient Jerusalem, the place that was once used as a metaphoric symbol for “the Promised Land.” It is also believed to be the site where the “Last Supper” took place.
Enter the Old City and roam the fascinating streets of the Jewish Quarter, filled with narrow alley ways and unique architecture. See the Western Wall, where everybody is welcome to go up to it and traditionally leave a piece of paper with a prayer or wish on it, in a crack in the wall. Continuing onto the Christian Quarter, you’ll see the streets are full of priests and pilgrims from around the world to visit the over 40 holy sites. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, a winding route leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was crucified and has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 4th century.
In Bethlehem we’ll see a lovely overview of Shepherds’ Field, a historically important location and bears breathtaking landscapes. From here we’ll find our way to the Church of Nativity and Manger’s square. Admire the ancient architecture and firsthand learn the local culture.
We start with an overview of Jerusalem and then walk along the Byzantine Cardo, in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. From the Western Wall (Kotel), we will follow the Via Dolorosa, the Stations of the Cross, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After enjoying the bazaar of the Christian and Moslem quarters we continue to Bethlehem. In Bethlehem visit the Church of Nativity and overlook the Shepherd's Field.
Drive through the Judean desert to the dead sea. Roadside view of Qumeran caves (visit not included) where the dead sea scrolls were found; Visit a dead sea cosmetic products shop. Stop for relaxation at one of the resorts on the shores of the dead sea; Enjoy the opportunity to float in the unsinkable dead sea and cover yourself with the mineral rich, therapeutic dead sea mud. Return to point of departure.
Drive via the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea area. Visit Massada, the fortress of King Herod and the last stronghold of the Zealots. Continue along the shores of the Dead Sea (the lowest point on earth) to Ein Gedi Spa to enjoy its therapeutic qualities as the rich mineral hot springs, the therapeutic mud and to enjoy the unique experience of floating on the rich mineral water of the Dead Sea.
Points of interest/ itinerary:
Judean Desert, Inn off the good, Samaritan, Jericho, Masada, Ein Gedi.
This two day tour with overnight B&B stay begins with a day in Jerusalem. See the Old City sites including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Via Dolorosa, Western Wall and the colorful ancient market. Drive through the new city of Jerusalem passed modern-day sites to the Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum. See the moving exhibits at this award winning site.
Day 2 – Head south to the Dead Sea for the unique experience of floating in the mineral rich saline water. Relax and enjoy the beach, sun, black Dead Sea mud and therapeutic waters.
LAUFER VIP SERVICES
Avoid the queues at Ben Gurion airport and treat yourself to a stress free service that will make your arrival and/or departure at Ben Gurion Airport smoother and easier. VIP services at Ben Gurion Airport are the way to insure a smooth, pleasant, and expedited process when entering and departing Israel.
The VIP Club staff is there to serve customers from the moment of their arrival at the meeting point in the airport. We take care of collecting luggage, security screening, baggage inspection, and passport control, up to the point of boarding the flight or reaching the arrivals hall, depending on the services included in the VIP package. Just imagine no trekking through the beautiful (but very large) new terminal, no schlepping your luggage and no endless standing on lines!
VIP Service Upon Arrival:
Incoming flight: The service includes escorting from the airplane to the arrivals hall and quick procedure at the airport, meeting the passengers at the finger where the plane is connected. Passengers are driven by a private VIP vehicle to a fast track exclusive priority lane access through security checks and passport control.
Priority & assistance through customs and passport control, security inspection process, baggage collection, collections of items from duty free (if needed). A steward/stewardess will accompany the passengers up to the arrivals hall to the waiting driver.
Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Stop at Mount Zion to visit king David's tomb, the room of last supper and the dormition abbey; Enter the old city and walk through the Armenian and Jewish quarters to the recently excavated and restored Cardo, the Roman road. See the Jewish wailing wall, the Kotel, and continue to the Christian quarter. Walk along the Via Dolorosa and visit the church of holy Sepulchre. Drive through the Judean desert to the dead sea. Stop for relaxation at one of the resorts on the shores of the dead sea; Enjoy the opportunity to float in the dead sea and cover yourself with the mineral rich, therapeutic dead sea mud. Return to point of departure.
This package includes two day tours and overnight B&B accommodation. See Jerusalem's Old City, the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and wall through David's city enjoying the lively bazaar. Drive through the new city of Jerusalem passed famous sites to the Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum. Take a trip south to Masada; see the 1st century hill top remains of the last Jewish outpost against the Romans. Relax in the Dead Sea enjoying its therapeutic qualities.
Drive along the coastal road to Caesarea, the ancient Roman capital and port. Enjoy a walking tour of the theatre and the archaeological ruins and excavations. Continue to Megiddo national park, also known as Armageddon. Learn the impressive history of the site that served as a battle field from Egyptian through Assyrian and Israeli times. Admire the fascinating view of Jezreel Valley.
Onto Haifa for a scenic view of the City, the Port and the magnificent Bahai Gardens and Shrine. Drive to Acre, the Old City recognized by UNESCO as world heritage site. Walk through the market, the mosque and the old port. Visit the remarkable underground Crusader City and crypt and learn about their fascinating history and culture.