Jerusalem Walking Tour: In the Footsteps of Jesus

Exploring the sacred sites of Jerusalem is a profound experience for many visitors. The ‘Jerusalem Walking Tour: In the Footsteps of Jesus’ offers an immersive journey through the city’s iconic Christian landmarks. From the sweeping views of the Mount of Olives to the poignant retracing of Jesus’ final steps, this tour provides a comprehensive and reverent look at the life and teachings of one of history’s most influential figures. As travelers explore biblical stories and uncover historical details, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of the profound significance of this hallowed ground.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Walking Tours In Jerusalem.

Key Points

• The tour begins at the Mount of Olives, offering a panoramic view of Jerusalem’s Old City and the Temple Mount.
• The tour explores the Church of All Nations and the Garden of Gethsemane, significant sites in the life of Jesus.
• Visitors descend into the Kidron Valley and enter the Old City of Jerusalem through the Dung Gate.
• The tour includes a visit to the Pool of Bethesda and St. Anne’s Church, connected to the life of Jesus.
• The tour culminates at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.

Mount of Olives Panoramic View

The tour begins at the Mount of Olives, offering visitors a stunning panoramic view of Jerusalem’s Old City and the Temple Mount in the distance.

From this vantage point, you’ll get a sense of the city’s layout and the significance of the sites you’ll visit.

The guide will share biblical stories and historical details about the mount, which is revered as a sacred place in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

As you gaze out over the city, you’ll start to envision the events that unfolded here, setting the stage for the rest of the walking tour through the footsteps of Jesus.

Church of All Nations and Gethsemane

From the Mount of Olives, the tour descends down to the Church of All Nations, located near the biblical Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed and was betrayed according to the Gospels. The church’s architecture reflects Byzantine and Romanesque influences, and its interior features magnificent mosaics and the Rock of Agony – a section of bedrock where Jesus is said to have prayed before his arrest. Visitors can also explore the peaceful Garden of Gethsemane, with its ancient olive trees and serene atmosphere.

Church of All Nations	Garden of Gethsemane
– Byzantine and Romanesque architecture	– Peaceful and serene atmosphere
– Magnificent mosaics	– Ancient olive trees
– Rock of Agony	– Biblical site of Jesus’ betrayal

Kidron Valley and Old City Entrance

Leaving the tranquil Garden of Gethsemane, the tour group descends into the Kidron Valley, passing by the Jewish cemetery on their way to the entrance of the Old City of Jerusalem.

The Kidron Valley, a dry riverbed separating the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives, is steeped in biblical history as the site of numerous events mentioned in the Old Testament.

The Jewish cemetery on the slopes of the Kidron Valley is one of the oldest continuously used cemeteries in the world, with some tombs dating back over 3,000 years.

Arriving at the Dung Gate, the group enters the walled Old City, stepping back in time to explore the rich history and religious significance of this ancient Jerusalem neighborhood.

Pool of Bethesda and St Anne’s Church

Entering the Old City through the Dung Gate, the tour group makes its way to the Pool of Bethesda, a historical site with deep ties to the life of Jesus.

Described in the Gospel of John, this ancient pool was believed to have healing powers, and it was here that Jesus performed one of his miraculous healings.

The group then visits the nearby St. Anne’s Church, a stunning Crusader-era structure renowned for its exceptional acoustics.

Here, they learn about the church’s connection to the mother of the Virgin Mary and the important role it played in the lives of early Christians.

Throughout the visit, the guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the biblical stories to life and enhancing the group’s understanding of this sacred landscape.

Convent of the Sisters of Zion

The tour then proceeds to the Convent of the Sisters of Zion, a tranquil and historic site located within the Old City. This Roman-era structure, with its well-preserved ancient pavement, is believed to sit atop the remains of the Antonia Fortress, a critical landmark associated with the final hours of Jesus’s life.

Visitors can explore several key features of the convent, including:

1. The Lithostrotos, an exposed section of the ancient pavement where Jesus is said to have been tried by Pontius Pilate.
2. The Ecce Homo Arch, a Roman triumphal arch that may have witnessed Jesus’s sentencing.
3. The crypt, which contains remnants of the Antonia Fortress and offers a glimpse into the complex’s history.

The Convent of the Sisters of Zion provides a fascinating window into the final days of Jesus’s life in Jerusalem.

Via Dolorosa and The Crucifixion

After exploring the Convent of the Sisters of Zion, the tour continues along the Via Dolorosa, the historic street believed to be the path Jesus walked on his way to crucifixion.

This deeply significant and emotionally-charged route winds through the heart of the Old City, passing by several churches and chapels that commemorate the Stations of the Cross. Pilgrims follow in Jesus’ footsteps, pausing at each station to reflect on the events leading up to his death.

The tour culminates at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. Here, visitors can witness the poignant final Stations of the Cross and pay their respects at this sacred and revered Christian holy site.

Tour Inclusions and Additional Information

This walking tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Plus, confirmation is provided upon booking, and a minimum number of participants is required for the tour to operate.

Visitors should note the dress code requirements for places of worship and selected museums, and the tour isn’t suitable for children under 4 years old. Groups are limited to a maximum of 40 travelers per tour.

Finally, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour includes the following key highlights:

1. Visit the Mount of Olives for a scenic overview of Jerusalem.
2. Walk down to the Church of All Nations near the Garden of Gethsemane.
3. Explore the Old City, including the Pool of Bethesda, St Anne’s Church, and the Convent of the Sisters of Zion.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time). This allows travelers to have the flexibility to change their plans if needed without incurring any penalties. The cancellation policy is straightforward and easy to understand, providing peace of mind for those who book the Jerusalem Walking Tour.

Cancellation Policy	Description
Free Cancellation	Up to 24 hours before the tour
Partial Refund	25-48 hours before the tour
No Refund	Less than 24 hours before the tour

This cancellation policy ensures that travelers can plan their trip with confidence, knowing that they can easily adjust their plans if necessary without facing significant financial consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Walking Distance During the Tour?

The walking distance during the tour is not explicitly stated. However, the tour is described as a "full-day guided walking tour," suggesting a significant amount of walking to cover the key highlights along the route.

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 40 travelers per tour. The description notes that there is a minimum number of participants required for the tour to operate.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom breaks at various points during the full-day walking tour. Participants will have opportunities to use facilities at select sites and attractions visited along the route.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants can generally take photos during the tour, though they may be restricted in certain religious sites. It’s best to check with the tour guide about photography policies before taking pictures at any location on the itinerary.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers can discuss this with the tour provider at the time of booking to customize the itinerary and explore additional Christian sites in Jerusalem.

Recap

The Jerusalem Walking Tour: In the Footsteps of Jesus offers a comprehensive and reverent exploration of the life and final days of Jesus in Jerusalem.

Visitors enjoy biblical stories and historical details while visiting iconic Christian sites, culminating at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.

This tour provides an insightful and meaningful experience for those seeking to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.