From Tel Aviv: Highlights of Jerusalem & the Dead Sea Tour

Your first stop in Jerusalem is the Mount of Olives where you can look out across the ancient city. As you descend the Mount of Olives you'll see the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations with its colorful mosaic pediment, and the Jewish burial tombs of Zechariah, Absalom and BeneiHazir. Pass through the Kidron Valley and follow the walls of the Old City to the entrance to the Armenian Quarter. Walk along the Cardo where Crusader shops once lined the street, now home to modern up-market stores. Next, visit the Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall (Kotel or Wailing Wall). This wall is the last remaining wall of the Jewish Temple which was destroyed in 70 A.D. Jews gather here at all hours of the night and day to pray. You can place a prayer note in the cracks between the huge stones of the wall. Then, walk the Via Dolorosa or the Way of the Cross. The Via Dolorosa wends its way through the Old City lanes and markets. Each of the 14 Stations of the Cross where Jesus paused is marked with an explanation of the events. We reach the last point on this holy route at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, constructed on the site where Jesus was crucified at Golgotha. After seeing the highlights of Jerusalem, your journey takes you out of Jerusalem and past the city of Jericho to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth at about 400 meters below sea level. After an exciting day of sightseeing, relax with a refreshing swim in the famous sea. The Dead Sea is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean and the high saline content will keep you afloat so you can pose for a classic photo while reading a newspaper. At the end of your tour, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Tel Aviv.