1. Tel Aviv/Jerusalem: Christmas in Bethlehem and Jerusalem
Following your pickup, you will begin with great views from the Mount of Olives. It is a high summit which connects the old city of Jerusalem to the east, separating it from the Judaean Desert. Due to its proximity to the city and its soft and comfortable rock quarrying, this place was used for burial in the Canaanite days. From there you will be able to tour Jerusalem, the “City of David”. The most striking structure that emerges from the observation is the rock dome structure built by Abd al-Malek in 691 A.D. Entering the Old City, you will pass through the Old Market until you arrive to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the heart of the Christian Quarter is considered the most sacred place in the world for most Christians. You will pass through Via Dolorosa on the way back to the bus, before then heading to Bethlehem if time permits. Entering Bethlehem you will feel the Christmas spirit with the entire city decorated with banners, bells, and lights. You will continue on to Manger Square where the decorated Christmas tree is located, before enjoying a holiday dinner near Manager Square while waiting for Midnight Mass. It may be possible to enter the Church of Nativity for Mass, but if not, you will watch Midnight Mass in Manger Square on one of the large outdoor screens. Following the Mass, you will be dropped off to your starting point (Tel Aviv or Jerusalem).