Jerusalem Old City Tour
Meeting Point for the Jerusalem Old City Tour: Jerusalem Hotel, Nablus Road, Jerusalem
Date and Time: Saturdays, at 9:00 AM
Duration: 4 hours
Meet the diverse citizens of Jerusalem’s Old City and learn about Jerusalem’s minorities such as Copts, Armenians, Africans, Afghans, Gypsies and Indians.
Understand the Cultural Background of Jerusalem. Get to know the historical development of education in Jerusalem over the centuries, especially throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, where educational development was at its peak.
Itinerary:
-Start the day entering the Old City through Herod’s Gate (Al-Sahira Gate). Our first stop will be the Indian Corner and a visit to the Palestinian Indian community of Jerusalem, where we will see their old guesthouse and beautiful Mamluk period construction.
-From there we continue towards the Afghani Community and see the Sufi Mosque of the Afghanis which is one of the many Sufi landmarks inside the Old City.
-We then stop by the African Community and have a nice coffee break at the Saaleek Café which dates back to the Crusader period and was once used as the headquarters of the Templars. Within the area we will pass by the ancient Water Sabeels which used to carry water into the Old City, before continuing the visit with the Coptic Community,
-Before exiting the Muslim Quarter, we will learn about the Islamic Quarter in general and the Haram Al-Shareef and Dome of the Rock in particular.
-A final attraction inside the Muslim Quarter will be short stops at some of the Old Schools (Madaares) within the area to learn about the educational systems between the 14th and 16th centuries. Our first stop will be Tankizieh School which dates back the 14th century. From there we continue towards the Al-Khatounihey School, which also dates to the 14th century. Finally, we pass by the Al-Aytam School which dates back to the 16th century.
– From here we continue into Khan Al-Zeit market (Souq) which is one of the ancient markets in the Old City (also known as the Cardo Maximus of Hedrion).
– Then we continue towards the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and walk along part of the Way of Sorrows (Via Dolorosa) visiting the last seven Stations of the Cross.
– From the courtyard in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher you will learn about the different denominations within the Church (which make up part of Jerusalem’s Mosaic).
– After a short tour within the Church, we continue towards the Assyrian community and then on to the Armenian quarter where the tour finishes.
The price: $40 dollars / 155 NIS includes:
– guide
The price does not include:
X All Personal Expenses
X Tips
Please bring:
– a big bottle of water
– a snack if needed
– good shoes, comfortable for walking around the city
– hat and sunscreen
– your passport or ID
Minimum number of participants to run the tour: 3
If you have any questions please contact info@visitpalestine.ps or call: 01747998208
