The New City of Jerusalem
The holy city of Jerusalem has experienced many changes since ancient times. Jerusalem was conquered and taken over by many rulers, and was ruined and rebuilt many times. The city is ancient, but there is also a new side to Jerusalem, which is just as important as all the city’s relics and history. Jerusalem is a wondrous place with beautiful architecture, characterized by its unique Jerusalem stone, refreshing mountain air, and the smell of pine trees.
Jewish Heritage in Jerusalem
Many neighborhoods that contained vibrant Jewish life have been rebuilt, and can be enjoyed by contemporary tourists. Beautiful and significant sites unfold as you tour the luxurious neighborhoods of Yemin Moshe and Mishkenot Sha’ananim, the prestigious King David hotel, the Tower of David and the YMCA, which resides close to the old city. Modern Israel is exemplified by the IDF square. Tours in Jerusalem old city must contain visit to the Kotel , the Western wall, the wall that supported the Second Temple. This spot is always very popular with tourists and Israeli citizens alike. You may place your note with a special wish in the cracks of the holy limestone wall. Who knows? Your wish may just come true.
Other special sites include the beautifully renovated City of David, the Jewish Quarter and the Kotel synagogue, where many Bar Mitzvah boys read their Torah portion. Jerusalem is also home to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum. The horrors of the Holocaust cannot be ignored, and the museum is constantly updating information regarding Jewish life during the Second World War. Yad Vashem was established in 1953, and a new museum complex opened in 2005. The new complex includes a Hall of Names, Holocaust art, an Exhibition Pavilion, and wings for learning the facts of this era, important to all, but especially to the Jewish people.
Jewish Life, Then and Now
Enter the Zion gate to revel in Jewish life of both ancient and modern times. This gate leads you to the Cardo, a main Byzantine street dating back 1700 years, which escorts you to the Jewish Quarter. You can visit four Sephardi synagogues from the 16th century, as well as enjoy the newly renovated paths. The City of David was captured by King David three thousand years ago, and the excavations here are fascinating. Modern spots include the Mamilla shopping center and the Hebrew University, which is internationally renowned as a place of academic excellence.
If you are interested in cultural and culinary events in your Jerusalem city tour, the First Station mall is a great location. This mall is built on the site of the original old train station in Jerusalem, and now hosts hundreds of events every year. These include festivals, culinary events, and even walking and biking tours. This is a great place to eat and to be merry! The Machane Yehuda market is another place where the old and new live together in harmony. Shop for staples or enjoy a good meal at a restaurant, and take a look at the beautiful wall mural at this market, also known by the Hebrew word ‘shuk’. Visit this holy, magnificent, and spiritual city – and you may never want to leave!
Israel Tours and the Jerusalem Connection
A private tour guide in Jerusalem can lead you to all the holy sites in Jerusalem.
Christian visitors can take Jerusalem guided tours with a Jerusalem tour guide, and follow the path of Jesus from the Via Dolorosa, to the final Garden Tomb burial site during their city tour in Jerusalem. Jewish visitors on Jerusalem excursions can visit the holy Jewish sites and fascinating museums. The Mount of Olives is situated just outside the holy city, treating guests on its peak to refreshing air and a breathtaking view.
But as beautiful and unique as the holy city is, Jerusalem is part and parcel of the entire country of Israel. The capital city is connected to Israel’s culture and history, and can experienced within the total Israeli context. Book day tours from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem or tours from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv to enjoy the best of both worlds. The bubbly, bustling city of Tel Aviv has wonderful restaurants, nightclubs, and beaches. This central, high-tech city never sleeps, and you can enjoy movies, plays, concerts and other cultural delights here. After sunbathing and enjoying Tel Aviv’s delights, take a day trip to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv for historical and religious food for thought. As Israel is such a tiny country, Tel Aviv – Jerusalem tours are definitely a daily option. Tourists can also opt to travel from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, if this is their preference. For southward bound tourists, the natural choice is a tour from Masada to Jerusalem. Masada is a natural Segway from Jerusalem and one of the best day trips from Jerusalem, as this site represents the uprising of Jews against the Roman Empire.
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