Wednesday December 7th, 2016
Join this unique tour guided by the archaeologist Amit Reem and get the opportunity to learn about the secrets of Jerusalem.
Start the day with a short review on the topography and layout of ancient Jerusalem using a 19th century model of the city.
Drive to St. Onuphrius Monastery and visit the magnificent necropolis (burial grounds) from the Second Temple period. The graves are located on the territory of an active Greek Orthodox monastery maintained by two nuns. We will hear about the history and the traditions associated with the place and learn about the burial practices in the Second Temple period, the days of Jesus. (Subject to permission from the Greek Patriarchate).
Our next visit will be to the City of David. The story of the City began over 3,000 years ago, when King David left the city of Hebron for a small hilltop city known as Jerusalem, establishing it as the unified capital of the tribes of Israel. Years later, David's son, King Solomon, built the First Temple next to the City of David on top of Mount Moriah, the site of the binding of Isaac, and with it, this hilltop became one of the most important sites in the world.
Today, the story of the City of David continues. Deep underground, the City of David is revealing some of the most exciting archeological finds of the ancient world. While above ground, the city is a vibrant center of activity with a visitor's center that welcomes visitors for an exciting tour to the site where much of the Bible was written.
We will visit the new excavated areas including the Herodian stepped street and the magnificent underground sewage system of the Second Temple Period under the street. After a short walk through the sewage system we will emerge under Robinson’s Arch in the southwest corner of the Wailing Wall. According to new excavation in this area we will ask ourselves who really built the Wailing Wall.
Continue by foot To Mount Zion and visit the Last Supper Room (also known as the Coenaculum) which is according to fourth century tradition, the site Jesus' fateful Last Supper. The Coenaculum is divided by pillars into two naves, and has an adjoining smaller room that is kept locked at all times.
In the Christian quarter we will visit Bilal Abu Khalaf's store. Bilal is a well-known textile who imports cotton, silk and gold cloths from Syria and India. His beautiful and unique fabrics are used for curtains, cushions, furniture and more. Among Bilal’s clients are Christian priests, Muslim imams and ultra-Orthodox Jews.
Our next stop will be to the Holy Sepulcher, the most sacred site for Christians. We will tell the tale of the last day of Jesus and hear explanations about the different Christian sects in the Church, and reveal a secret ritual taking place in the Church. If we will get permission, we will climb to the bell tower and touch the ancient bells.
We end this special tour with a surprise at the Notre-Dame compound and explore together a unique ancient object.
Rate per person: US$ 135
Rate is based on minimum 15 participants
Rate includes:
Luxurious and air-conditioned transportation as per program
Professional English speaking guide as per program
Expert Archaeologist Amit Reem
Entrance fees at sites as per program
Lunch at a local restaurant
Two bottles of mineral water per person
Rate does not include:
Tips to driver-guide (8 USD/day/person shared between guide and driver)