The Old City
At the top of any Jerusalem itinerary! The Old City of Jerusalem is, simply put, an ancient treasure trove of discovery and delight. The true essence of Jerusalem is hidden in the narrow, winding alleyways of the Old City: the special atmosphere, fascinating history and secrets are revealed among its ancient stones. Visit the Western Wall to be moved by the sanctity of the remains of the Temple and to place a note with a request to the Holy One between the stones.
Follow in the footsteps of Jesus, down the Via Dolorosa, to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher – home to the two holiest sites of Christianity: the site where Jesus of Nazareth was crucified and the empty tomb, from which he is believed to have resurrected. Continue to Mount Zion, where you can visit the Cenacle (also known as the Upper Room), traditionally held to be the site of the Last Supper. Then, as Jesus did frequently, visit the Mount of Olives for a moment of meditation at Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed and his disciples slept the night before the crucifixion. And, ascend to the rooftop of the Austrian Hospice of the Holy Family for a truly magnificent view of Jerusalem and the Old City.
To immerse you even deeper into the roots of ancient Jerusalem, tour the Western Wall tunnels, visit the Dome of the Rock, the holy site where Muhammad is believed to have ascended to Heaven, and the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, home to one of the most beautiful organs in Israel.