5-Day Private Tour of Jerusalem

A Sacred Tapestry of History and Faith

Jerusalem is a city unlike any other. Its streets, markets, and holy sites weave together the faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, creating a living tapestry of history and devotion. On this private 5-day journey, you will explore sacred landmarks, discover remarkable archaeological treasures, and experience the vibrant life of the modern city. From ancient prophets to present-day traditions, this tour is designed to reveal Jerusalem’s ancient and modern history, culture, and complexity.

Day 2: Mount Zion and the Jewish Quarter

Begin at the Room of the Last Supper, where Jesus gathered with His disciples before His passion. A floor beneath it is the traditional tomb of King David, a site long revered by Jewish visitors. Also reach the adjacent Dormition Abbey, where tradition places Mary’s passing and the Pentecost, and continue to the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, recalling Peter’s denial. Next, enter the Jewish Quarter, where ancient streets and restored synagogues bring Jerusalem’s Jewish story to life. Walk the Cardo, the main Roman thoroughfare, before visiting the Hurva Synagogue, beautifully rebuilt after its destruction in 1948.

At the Herodian Quarter and adjacent Burnt House, step into lavish priestly mansions that reveal the wealth of Jerusalem till its Roman destruction in 70 CE. Visit also the Temple Institute, dedicated to researching and recreating vessels for a potential future Temple. Continue to the Western Wall, Judaism’s most sacred prayer site, and consider joining a tour of the Western Wall Tunnels, running along the base of the ancient Temple Mount.

Day 3: Christian Pilgrimage in the Old City

Begin on the Temple Mount, crowned by the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. This is the holiest site in Judaism, revered also in Christianity and Islam. At its northern exit, visit the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a paralyzed man, and the Praetorium, traditionally identified as the place of Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate. Next, follow the Via Dolorosa, the “Way of Sorrows,” retracing the path of Jesus’ crucifixion, with stations marking events along the way.

The path culminates at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, venerated as the site of both the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, a powerful focus of Christian devotion. Conclude the day with a walk through the Christian Quarter markets, where merchants, pilgrims, and travelers have mingled for centuries, creating a lively atmosphere of history and tradition.

Day 4: Ancient Foundations and Modern Life

Start the day at the Southern Wall Archaeological Park, where pilgrims once ascended to the Temple. Continue into the City of David, Jerusalem’s oldest core. Descend to the Gihon Spring, then walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, carved to protect the city’s water supply. Emerging at the Pool of Siloam, recall the biblical story of Jesus healing the blind man.

Shift now into modern Jerusalem with a stroll through the Mahane Yehuda Market, bursting with flavors, spices, and local energy. After a lunch break, continue through Mea Shearim, revealing the unique lifestyle of Jerusalem’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. Spend the afternoon at the Israel Museum, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, priceless archaeology, and a scale model of Second Temple Jerusalem. In the evening consider signing to the spectacular Tower of David Night Show, where Jerusalem’s history is projected onto the ancient citadel in a dazzling display of light and sound.

Day 5: Memory, Identity, and Sacred Hills

Begin at Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, with its powerful museum, memorials, and stories of resilience and loss. Nearby, visit Mount Herzl, Israel’s national cemetery, where leaders such as Theodor Herzl and fallen soldiers are honored, linking national history with personal sacrifice. Travel to Ein Karem, the picturesque village traditionally associated with the birth of John the Baptist, where quiet lanes and churches create an atmosphere of peace and reflection. For a special lunch experience, head to Abu Ghosh, a village known for its hospitality and excellent Middle Eastern cuisine, where you can enjoy a relaxed and flavorful lunch.

Afterward, visit the Crusader-era Church of the Resurrection, one of the best-preserved medieval churches in the Holy Land, with elegant stone arches and frescoes that transport visitors back to the twelfth century. Conclude the day at the summit above the village, identified with Kiryat Ye’arim, the site where the Ark of the Covenant rested for twenty years after being returned by the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:1–2). Here, Jewish tradition recalls Israel’s longing for God’s presence, and the view across the Jerusalem hills provides a fitting place to reflect on Jerusalem’s sacred heritage and the journey you have completed.