4. Jerusalem: Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock Guided Day Tour
Visit some of Jerusalem's most sacred sites and look out over the holy city from the Mount of Olives on this day tour. Walk through Kidron Valley, tour the Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Davidson Center. Visit the Tower of David in case the Temple Mount is closed.
Start with a hotel pickup and be driven to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the Jerusalem skyline. Observe the Old City, the Temple Mount, and look across the city's oldest Jewish cemetery which houses between 70,000-300,000 graves.
Venturing into the Kidron Valley, see the monumental tombs of Avshalom, the Tomb of Zechariah, and the Tomb of Benei Hezir. The valley features in the Torah several times, including when King David fled from Avshalom.
Then, enter Jerusalem’s Old City via the Dung Gate as you head towards the Temple Mount, the site of the first holy temple or Solomon’s Temple. Get to know the events behind the destruction of the First Temple and the Second Temple's fate from your guide.
Today, the Temple Mount is home to the Islamic shrine of the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Learn why it is revered by Jews, Muslims and Christians and marvel at the golden dome. The Al-Aqsa Mosque played a significant role in the life of Prophet Muhammad and is mentioned in the Koran.
Occasionally, the Temple Mount is closed to visitors for security reasons. In such an event, this part of the tour will be modified with a visit to the Tower of David instead. Also known as the Jerusalem Citadel, this ancient symbol of the city stands at Jaffa Gate.
Learn about the site’s history going back thousands of years. In the citadel, see important archaeological findings and enjoy brilliant views from the lookout point. After the Temple Mount (or the Tower of David) tour, continue to your next stop, the Davidson Center.
At the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, explore excavations that uncovered the city walls from the First Temple Period, steps that led up to Temple Mount, grand arches, Second Temple period streets, and ritual baths. See where Jerusalem’s main shopping street once stood and enjoy displays in the museum.
After a day filled with history and wonder, be taken back to your hotel.