Jerusalem is an incredibly important religious and cultural hub for several world faith systems, most notably Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Often described as the international epicenter of spirituality and Middle Eastern history, Jerusalem has a long legacy of being shaped by numerous civilizations and peoples over thousands of years. With earliest evidence of settlement appearing around 3000 BCE, Jerusalem became subsumed into the State of Israel after World War II. Traveling with Gray Line to Jerusalem offers unique and enriching experiences that provide visitors with a multifaceted glimpse into daily life in the city. Experience Jerusalem’s rich heritage for yourself when you plan a trip with Gray Line Worldwide today!
Tour Expert, Gray Line Jerusalem
Also known as the Wailing Wall or Kotel, Jerusalem’s Western Wall is undoubtedly one of the most famous religious sites in the world. The last remnant of the Second Temple of Jerusalem’s outer wall, the structure symbolizes the city’s conquest by the Romans in 70 CE. It is also a major place for prayer, pilgrimage, and reflection for Jewish people from around the world. Built during the reign of King Herod the Great in 19 BCE, the wall was part of a massive expansion project on Temple Mount. Following its destruction, the Western Wall became the closest point for believers to access the once great Jewish temple. The act of placing prayer notes into the wall’s crevices is an ongoing tradition, and several Jewish celebrations are carried out in its vicinity on a regular basis.
Jerusalem’s Old City is renowned for its rich history and vibrant bazaars, which serve as essential shopping hubs for locals and tourists alike. The Muslim Quarter is filled with bustling markets situated in relatively narrow alleyways and offers an array of traditional clothing, local spices, and many other goods to purchasers. Located just outside the city proper, Mahane Yehuda is one of Jerusalem’s most famous markets due to its melting pot of fresh produce, spices, and street food. Once evening falls, the bazaar transforms into a hotspot for nightlife. For visitors with a penchant for antiques and vintage items, don’t miss a trip to the Jaffa Road Flea Market with its mix of eclectic shops and modern cafes.
Translated from Latin as the “Sorrowful Way” or “Way of Suffering,” the Via Dolorosa is a significant processional route in Jerusalem’s Old City. It signifies the path that Jesus Christ walked on his way to crucifixion and commemorates the event with 14 Stations of the Cross. Beginning near the Antonia Fortress where Jesus was condemned by Pontius Pilate, the pathway ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is traditionally thought to be the site of Jesus’ final death and burial. With a practice dating back to Byzantine times, the modern-day marking of Via Dolorosa was established in the 18th century and has served as a powerful pilgrimage site for Christians during Lent and Easter.
Perched on the Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock is a highly recognizable and significant structure spanning Jerusalem’s skyline. Commissioned by Caliph Abd al-Malik between 688 and 692 CE, the Dome is one of the earliest examples of Islamic architecture built during a time of political upheaval within the Islamic Empire. The site is believed to mark the location where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven as well as where Judaism’s Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac, on God’s commandment. With a distinctive octagonal shape, the building’s namesake comes from its stunning golden dome that rises 66 feet (20 meters) in height. The center of the shrine houses the Foundation Stone, which is revered as the spot for multiple significant events in the Bible and other holy works.
Located in southeastern Israel near the Dead Sea, Masada is an ancient mountaintop fortress that stands isolated on a magnificent rock plateau. Built by Herod the Great as a luxurious palace complex, Masada was also intended to serve as a refuge in case of revolutions or other violent upheavals in the region. Masada did eventually become used for this very purpose during the First Jewish-Roman War, when a group of Jewish zealots transformed the locale into a defensive stronghold against the Romans. In 73 CE, Roman General Flavius Silva besieged and conquered Masada’s walls only to find that its Jewish inhabitants had committed mass suicide rather than face captivity. An ongoing symbol of Jewish heroism, the phrase “Masada shall not fall again” is often used as a mantra of sorts for the Israeli Jewish population to this day.
Roughly two hours by vehicle from Jerusalem, the Dead Sea is a remarkable lake situated between Israel and Jordan. Recognized as the lowest point on Earth at approximately 1,411 feet (430 meters) below sea level, the Dead Sea is also extremely salty, with a salinity level of around 35% (10 times that of ocean water!). As a result, very few species of life can survive in the lake, which explains its rather macabre name. The minerals in the Dead Sea, however, are seen to have incredible therapeutic properties for conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and arthritis. The Dead Sea is also mentioned in various religious texts, including the Bible, and has been associated with stories of Sodom and Gomorrah for millenia.
Just six miles (10 kilometers) south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem is a familiar name for most people with a background in Christianity. Renowned as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, it is home to the Church of the Nativity, which was built to honor the manger in which the Savior was allegedly born. Translated into “House of Bread,” Bethlehem also has a long agricultural history that has transformed in modern times into a diverse culture of Arab Muslim and Christian populations. Located on the West Bank, Bethlehem is typically only accessible via checkpoint while riding on local buses, taxis, or guided tours from Jerusalem.
Also known as Lake Tiberias or Kinneret, the Sea of Galilee is the largest freshwater lake in Israel and is situated approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) northeast of Jerusalem. At an elevation of 686 feet (209 meters), it is considered the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and second only to the Dead Sea in terms of enclosed bodies of water. Fed by the Jordan River, Galilee is heavily associated with many New Testament miracles performed by Jesus Christ, including his legendary walk on the stormy water’s swells. With its breathtaking landscape and unmatched history, the Sea of Galilee is a must-see excursion for any visitor to the Jerusalem area.
About 81 miles (130 kilometers) north of Jerusalem lies a coastal city known as Akko (or Acre). With a rich and diverse history spanning back thousands of years, Akko is believed to have been inhabited since the Bronze Age, which makes it one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world. It has also served as an influential port city and strategic military stronghold for various empires, including the Roman and Ottoman civilizations. During the Crusades in particular, Akko served as the capital of the Latin Kingdom and still houses the formidable Citadel of Akko, a structure that includes remnants of Crusader halls and underground chambers used by the Knights Hospitaller.
Capernaum is an ancient fishing village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which makes it approximately 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Jerusalem. Often referred to as “the town of Jesus,” Capernaum allegedly became Christ’s primary base of missionary operations during the period covered by the New Testament. Lore also states that the village was home to the Apostle Peter and his brother Andrew. Ongoing archaeological digs continue to find historical treasures, including a 4th-century synagogue and homes of people from years past. A popular destination for some on-foot exploration through ancient ruins, Capernaum is a great location to begin or finish a trip to Jerusalem.
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