Jerusalem

Jerusalem is sacred ground to the three great monotheistic religions of the world.  At Imprint Tours we value the proximity factor - the emotional response that derives from a physical connection to a place or culture.  While a consideration in all our destinations, nowhere is this more true than the land of Israel.  Traveling with Intent is obvious and easy here.  Even for those not raised in a religious environment it is impossible not to be moved by visits to historic Christian, Muslim, and Jewish sights.  To walk the stones that were tread by Abraham and Jesus is the ultimate proximity experience.  The Old City of Jerusalem is one of the most evocative places we visit on any tour.

Day 1  Wed
After breakfast we’ll head back north to the Allenby Bridge border crossing with Israel.  We’ll be met by our ace tour leader Mahdi and escorted to Jerusalem where we will settle in at our perfectly located hotel and have dinner together.  Border crossing times vary greatly.  If time allows we will visit the Jordan River (Jesus’ baptismal site) and make a quick photo stop for the picturesque St George’s Monastery in Wadi Qelt.
Hotel Golden Walls (5 Nights)

Day 2  Thurs
Today we will explore the Dome of the Rock compound. Then its exploration time in the Arab and Armenian Quarters of the Old City.  After a break for lunch, we’ll have an optional Q&A session with a local artist.  This is your chance for a genuine cultural connection and opportunity to get a local’s view of the various challenges of life in Jerusalem.

Day 3  Fri
This morning we’ll tour the Western Wall Tunnels, followed by a walking tour of Old Jerusalem, including the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Via Dolorosa.  Your afternoon is free for you to explore on your own, shop, or relax in the hotel.  At the end of the afternoon join us at the hotel to walk to the Western Wall.  The Sabat celebrations there are not to be missed. For those who desire, we can arrange an optional Sabbath dinner in Jewish homes.

Day 4  Sat
Today is another ‘filled to the brim’ exploration day.  We’re off to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity and the famous Walled Off Hotel.  On the way we’ll visit the Mt of Olives and Gethsemane.  We’ll finish off the morning with an olivewood carving demo.  In the afternoon we’ll return to Jerusalem to visit the Israel Museum.  This eclectic museum is headlined by some of the Dead Sea Scrolls and a fascinating model of Historic Jerusalem.

Day 5  Sun
Today is an entirely free day to explore Jerusalem further on your own.  There is no shortage of museums, sights, and activities to keep you busy.  Our favorites include the Holocaust Museum (Yad Vashem), hike the Old City ramparts, City of David archeological site with Hezikiah’s Tunnel, the Citadel (Tower of David), Garden Tomb, Solomons’ Quarries, the Herzl Museum, or Mea She'arim Orthodox neighborhood.

Day 6  Mon
Extension over after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.

[Tour specifics and hotels are subject to change]

What’s Included:
5 nights accommodation; All breakfasts, 3 Dinners, 1 Lunch; All tour transportation (bus); All tips (guide, tour director, local guides, drivers, group meals, hotel staffs); Full-time services of an Israeli tour manager and Imprint escort, local guides; All entrances: Western Wall Tunnels, Jerusalem Museum, Church of the Nativity, Dome of the Rock, Church of the Annunciation, Church of the Holy Sepulcher; All activities: Walled Off Hotel, Via della Rosa, tour Old Jerusalem, Gethsemane, Mt of Olives, and more

Important exceptions:
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing & meals, and expenditures of a personal nature.