Private Day in Jerusalem

This comprehensive, full-day tour offers a wonderful and private day in Jerusalem, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. After meeting your guide on the pier in Haifa, you will begin the approximately 2.5-hour drive to Jerusalem through the hauntingly stark Judean Hills, traveling along the same route used for centuries to reach Jerusalem, approximately three hours away. The capital of Israel, Jerusalem is famous for its timeless beauty and was once considered the center of the world. As you navigate your way through this amazing city, you will pass some of Israel's most notable landmarks, such as the Hebrew University, home to 2005 Nobel Prize winner Professor Emeritus Robert J. Aumann, the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book, the Knesset (Israel's Parliament) and the State Supreme High Court. From here you will continue to Mt. Zion, lying to the south of today's city walls. Upon arrival, you will visit the Room of the Last Supper, where according to tradition Jesus' last meal with his disciples and the descent of the Holy Spirit took place. Located on the ground floor is the Tomb of King David, one of the places most visited and venerated by the people of the Jewish faith. Next, it's on to the Dormition Abbey, a massive yet serenely beautiful structure topped by a high domed bell tower, a conical dome, and corner towers. According to tradition, this Benedictine basilica is built over the place where Mary, the mother of Jesus, "fell asleep." Then it's time to begin your walking tour of the Old City. Entering via the Jaffa Gate, your walk will take you past some of the most sacred sites in religious history. As you make your way along a route that flanks the colorful bazaar, you will observe the Christian Quarter, which rests beside a part of the famous Via Dolorosa, believed by many to be the route Jesus followed as he carried his cross to Calvary. Amongst the sites, you will view is the golden-topped Dome of the Rock. With its stunning blue and gold ceramic tiles, this amazing shrine is considered the third holiest site in Islam. You will also view the famous Western (Wailing) Wall, the holiest site in the Jewish world because it is believed to have been closest to where the Holy Ark once stood. A visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is also included. Perched on the hill known as Golgotha, the Church marks the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Re-join your transportation and travel back to the ship in Haifa approximately 2.5 hours away. Please Note: Vehicles available for this tour accommodate groups of up to 45 guests maximum. Groups with more than 22 guests may be accommodated upon request. Please consider this information when booking.