Day 11 – Tuesday, January 14: Jerusalem, Herodium, Shepherds’ Fields, Bethlehem

 

Today was our first full day in Jerusalem and surrounding area. The sun was once again shining bright all day, without a cloud in the sky. Temps were perfect once again, in the mid 60s. After breakfast, we left the hotel around 7:35, reading Psalm 122 as we departed for the Mt. of Olives.

 

Mt. of Olives/Gethsemane

Our first stop of the day was the Mt. of Olives. We drove around the north side of the Old City, passing the Damascus and Herod Gates on the way. Cresting the Mt. of Olives we drove to a spectacular view across the Kidron Valley of the Old City and Temple Mount below. From here we walked down to Dominus Flavet, a small chapel where we enjoyed singing a few songs together. Here we read from Luke 19 (Palm Sunday), Acts 1 (Christ’s ascension), and Zechariah 14 (about the return of Christ). Continuing down the slope towards the Church of All Nations (the traditional Garden of Gethsemane, Luke 22), we walked up into the courtyard of the church to see the very old olive trees.

 

Herodium

Our next stop took us south and a bit east of Jerusalem to Herodium. This was a palace-fortress built by Herod the Great. He was also buried in 4 BC. The site was incredible, with many new renovations and displays. Inside the well-preserved official’s chamber (i.e. reception hall) where we saw a wonderful presentation. We then walked up 150 steps through the royal arches to the top where we saw the bathhouse, synagogue, impressive frescoes, and a great view of Jerusalem from the highest of the four towers. We left the site by walked down through the cistern system.

 
“To begin our day we drove to the top of the Mt. of Olives. Wow, the view was incredible of the Old City and Temple Mount below to the west. Here, we celebrated Jesus’ kingship in both His 1st coming and 2nd future coming.”
Jerusalem Mt. of Olives Jan 2025 Israel Tour John DeLancey

Bethlehem/Shepherd’s Fields

Just to the west of Herodium is Bethlehem. After lunch in Beit Sahour (an eastern adjacent Arab town), we enjoyed singing Christmas carols in the Shepherds’ Fields. We read from Micah 2, 4, and 5 as well as Luke 2 about the birth of Jesus. It was “just at the right time God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4). From here we drove into Bethlehem where we visited an olive wood factory and story. These olive wood products were impressive.

 

Promenade

Driving back towards Jerusalem, we arrived at our hotel for dinner at 6:30. A couple representatives from Amiel Tours (our Israeli land agents) joined us. After dinner many in the group enjoyed a quiet (and easier) walk to the Promenade and back. This traffic-free wide sidewalk winds around on the west and south end of the Old City, providing a wonderful view! We then returned for another night of rest.

 

Day 12 – Wednesday, January 15: Yad Vashem, Israel Museum, Old City – St. Annie’s Church, Pools of Bethesda, Holy Sepulcher Church, Rampart Walls

Jerusalem Mt. of Olives Jan 2025 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Jerusalem Dominus Flat Mt. of Olives Jan 2025 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Garden Tomb Jan 2025 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Herodium Jan 2025 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Jerusalem Dominus Flat Mt. of Olives Jan 2025 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Garden Tomb Jan 2025 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Herodium Jan 2025 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Shepherds' Fields Jan 2025 Israel Tour John DeLancey

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