After picked up from hotels, we will begin with a dramatic panoramic overview of the new and old city of
Jerusalem from the
Mount of Olives, including the Temple Mount Esplanade of the old city. Then we will enter the Old City of Jerusalem and walk along the
Via Dolorosa (the Stations of the Cross) to the
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of the crucifixion. After that we will head towards the renovated
Jewish Quarter walking through the
Cardo, a 1700 year-old ancient pathway constructed in Roman times.
Then we will leave from Jerusalem and drive towards Bethlehem via the Nativity Circle and visit Bethlehem's Manger Square. Afterwards we continue to visit the main Basilica of the Nativity, constructed on the ruins of its predecessor in 565 AD, as well as the Catholic Church of St. Catherine, adjoining the Basilica of the Nativity. Underneath the Church stands the Grotto of the Nativity. We will also visit the nearby Milk Grotto. Our last stop in Bethlehem before returning to Jerusalem will be at a beautiful overview of the Shepherds' Fields, and the special Church of the Shepherds' Fields.