About this experience
Believers from all over the world come to Jerusalem to walk the path of Christ's last earthly trials. It is commonly believed that this is purely a pilgrimage route and a repetition of the Stations of the Cross - an act of religious people. However, the famous 14 stops on the Via Dolorosa - the road that is worth walking to touch the events that underlie modern Christian civilization. I will help you unravel the intricate stories of the Holy Land and enter into the biblical narrative of the last week of Christ's life, reinterpreting and experiencing it anew.
What to Expect
In the footsteps of Jesus Christ
You will begin your journey from the Mount of Olives and walk it step by step, as Jesus Christ did: you will enter the Old City through the Lions' Gate and stop at all 14 stations of the Via Dolorosa. Along the way, you will learn about the events of the Savior's last day, visit the place of the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, and of course, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - the place where Jesus was crucified (Calvary), buried (Cave of the Coffin), and where he rose from the dead on the third day. I will introduce you to the history of the Holy Land and explain why it is revered by Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
Secrets of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
You will learn why the apse of the first Church, built by Constantine the Great, was not facing east, as is customary in churches, but west. We will climb Calvary, where I will tell you why it is traditionally believed that the bones of Adam are buried under Calvary and how they got there. You will be able to touch the Stone of Anointing, sanctify objects, and light candles from the Holy Fire, which descends on Easter at the Coffin. And, of course, you will enter the Tomb itself, as this is the goal of every pilgrim to the Holy Land!
Spiritual Experience
The narrative will be constructed in such a way that the biblical stories will literally come alive before your eyes, and the atmosphere and energy of the holy places will immerse you in a truly special emotional state, for which most travelers come here. The facts you will learn on the tour will help you piece together the known, but perhaps somewhat scattered events into a unified link - understandable, logical, and filled with profound meaning.
Organizational Details
- 2-3 days before the excursion date, be sure to inform the guide of any changes and confirm the tour, otherwise the guide may cancel your booking.
- Starting point: Mount of Olives. Ending point: territory of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- You will drive to the observation platform of the Mount of Olives by car.
- If desired, the details of the route can be adjusted: meeting time and place.
- Bonus: possible visit to additional sites.
- The tour includes a break for lunch and free time.
