Jerusalem Tours and Vacation Packages

Overview

Located in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea is Jerusalem, the largest city in Israel. Considered a holy city by three religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Jerusalem is a place of interesting contrasts to be experienced on Jerusalem tours while on an Israel vacation.

In 1950, Israel declared Jerusalem as its capital; however, this declaration was not internationally recognized and many countries do not see Jerusalem as a city that is properly Israel’s. The status of Jerusalem remains an issue between Israel and Palestine with both sides claiming the city as their respective capital.

West Jerusalem hosts the Jewish population and is the largest part of the city. East Jerusalem is located north of the Old City and is predominantly Arab. The Old City is divided into quarters, each named after the major communities of the 19th century: Arab, Jewish, Christian and Armenian.

In the Old City, the Western Wall is what remains of the Jewish Temple, the most sacred place in the world for the Jewish faith. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the site of the crucifixion of Christ and is a very important pilgrimage location for Orthodox and Catholic Christians. For Muslims, Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. It is believed that Muhammad was transported from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to Al-Aqsa during the Night Journey. An ancient city home to ancient beliefs, Jerusalem is a very unique destination on Israel trips.