Mount of Olives: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Ashdod Port: Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Trip

1. From Ashdod Port: Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Trip

Your guide will be waiting for you when you disembark from your cruise ship in Ashdod and the tour will begin with a pleasant drive to Jerusalem in a comfortable vehicle with A/C. At Mt. Scopus, the tour stops for a panoramic view across the city rooftops. Then drive towards the Old City passing biblical sites like the Garden of Gethsemane that stands on the Mount of Olives alongside the Church of All Nations. Also, spot the ancient Jewish tombs in Kidron Valley, and the Ophel Promenade as we drive parallel to the Old City walls. We enter the Old City on foot through one of the massive gates in the 16th-century walls and pass the Western Wall excavations as we walk towards the Western Wall. This sacred Jewish site is all that remains from the 2,000-year-old holy Jewish Temple that once stood on Temple Mount. In the Jewish Quarter, we see the Byzantine Cardo lined with columns, then we walk along a section of the Via Dolorosa, as Jesus did bearing his cross. The Via Dolorosa culminates at the Holy Sepulcher Church which was built in the 4th century to encompass Christ’s tomb and the site of the crucifixion at Golgotha (Calvary). The tour stops for a lunch break in the Old City and you have time to meander through one of the traditional markets. Leaving the Old City we can see Mount Zion as we drive towards the town where Christ was born. In Bethlehem, we tour the Nativity Church and see the Holy Grotto where the nativity took place. The tour ends with a drive back to Ashdod port where you can rejoin your cruise ship and continue to your next port of call.

From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem Old City & Dead Sea Guided Day Tour

2. From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem Old City & Dead Sea Guided Day Tour

Explore Jerusalem on this full-day bus tour from Tel Aviv. Experience the spiritual sanctuary of the 3 great religions of the Western world as you see sights like the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Armenian Quarter. During the tour, see some of the city’s most holy places, including the Mount of Olives, the Via Dolorosa, the Western Wall and more. Get picked up from your hotel in the morning for the drive to Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives, one of the highest peaks in the city. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the sights below. Travel along the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane and the walls of the Old City. Enter the Western Wall Square via the Armenian Quarter, and stroll through the Bazaar to the Christian Quarter. See the Stations of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, site of the crucifixion. Walk along the 1,700-year-old Byzantine main street, the recently restored Roman road of The Cardo, and the renovated Jewish Quarter. Soak up the magical atmosphere of this most sacred of cities, before descending through the Judean hills to the shore of the Dead Sea.  The drive to the Dead Sea is without a guide, but once you have arrived at the lowest place on earth, swim, float, or enjoy a mud-bath to benefit from the rich-minerals that the natural Dead Sea is renowned for. Transfer back to Tel Aviv for the end of your tour.

From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem Old & New City Bus Tour

3. From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem Old & New City Bus Tour

Embark on a full-day guided trip to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. Visit highlights in the new and old cities, including the Wailing Wall, Via Dolorosa, Mt. Zion, and Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Hear the city's history from your guide. You will leave with a comprehensive overview of the city, having walked in the quarters of the Old City, and continue to the poignant, Holocaust Museum for the later part of the day. Take in the sweeping panoramic view of the dusty city below. Then enter the Old City and tour the main attractions, such as the Wailing Wall, Temple Mount, and the Dome of the Rock. Walk through the Jewish and Armenian Quarters and the recently restored Roman road of The Cardo, visible on Jewish Quarter Street. Visit the bazaar and the Western Wall, or Kotel, and proceed along the Via Dolorosa to visit the Church of Holy Sepulcher, also known as the Church of the Resurrection and said to be the place where Jesus is buried and was resurrected. Ascend to Mt. Zion. On Saturdays, you can visit the Hall of the Last Supper and David's Tomb. Continue to the new city by car and spend some time at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. The sprawling complex contains several sections, but it is the Museum that draws thousands of visitors ever since it opened in 2005. The beautiful building stands in contrast to the horrific story told within. You will also want to see the Hall of Remembrance and the Hall of Names before your return journey to Tel Aviv.

Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port. Private Tour

4. Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port. Private Tour

We begin our day at the Mount of Olives with a spectacular scenic view of Jerusalem. From here we travel the Byzantine Cardo, a historic road that cuts through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. On the way, we visit the Wailing Wall (Kotel), the only remains of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, and one of the most sacred places in Jewish culture. The wailing is a description made by the British of the sounds of the Jewish people praying. Moving on we take the sacred route where Jesus carried the cross along the Way of Sorrows on the route to his crucifixion. We’ll then arrive at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, the site where Jesus was crucified as well as his Burial tomb. We continue our journey by touring the Bazaars of the Christian and Muslim quarters. Our first destination begins at the Mount of Olives overlooking an ancient Jewish cemetery where many believe that the resurrection of the Messiah will happen. (Zech 14:4). Looking down from here we have an excellent view across the Old City down to Temple Mount where the Holy Jewish Temple originally existed. *This point can be replaced with another viewpoint, as it depends on the traffic congestion and possible jams. We will then travel towards the Zion Gate, passing the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations and the Kidron Valley. Here we can observe the Jewish burial tombs of Absalom, King David’s son, Jehoshaphat and the Hezir family. We arrive at Jerusalem’s Old City on exiting the Zion Gate and continue through the Armenian quarter. We will then arrive at the fifteen-hundred-year-old excavated Byzantine Cardo, an ancient road now restored. We pass the Jewish quarter towards the Western Wall, a section of the exterior wall of the Jewish Temple that once stood erect on Temple Mount almost 2,000 years ago. We will walk the path many pilgrims have throughout history, stopping at points where Jesus paused on the way carrying his cross to Golgotha (Calvary). Our final destination is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of the crucifixion and Burial tomb of Jesus of Nazareth. Finally, we will have time to wander the traditional Middle Eastern markets before our next destination Bethlehem, where Jesus Christ was born. Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth and home to Jesse, King David’s father. From Manger Square, we will enter the fourth-century Church of the Nativity, the oldest site in continuous use as a place of Christian worship opened in the year 333. Below the chapel is the Grotto of the Nativity where you’ll see an altar in remembrance of the three wise men, and a fourteen-point star set into the floor which signifies the exact spot where Jesus was born.

From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem Boutique Tour

5. From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem Boutique Tour

Depart from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and learn about the history of Israel and the Jewish people on the way. After about an hour of driving, arrive at the Mount of Olives from which you can admire the magnificent views of the Old City of Jerusalem and the very first city; the City of David. Walk down to the Dominus Flevit Church and see the hundred thousand Jewish graves towards Gethsemane, the place of the Judas kiss. Stop here for a refreshing tea, coffee, or juice.  From the valley, the bus will bring you back up to the Dung gate from where you will ascend to the Temple Mount (not possible on Fridays, Saturdays, and religious holy days). Up next, visit the last stations of the Via Dolorosa inside the Church of The Holy Sepulcher. Gaze at the location of both Golgotha, the place of the crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus. Next, continue to the Jewish Quarter to see the Wailing Wall, the Roman Cardo, part of the Via Dolorosa and Golgotha, the place of the crucifixion, and the Holy Sepulcher.

Jerusalem & Dead Sea Full-Day Tour from Tel Aviv

6. Jerusalem & Dead Sea Full-Day Tour from Tel Aviv

This full-day tour takes you to the holiest of holy cities, spiritual sanctuary to the 3 great religions of the Western world, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Dating back over 4 millennia, the Old City is so packed with sites that it draws visitors from around the world, whatever their spiritual leanings. You will be traveling with a Government licensed tour guide in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles, although there will be some walking, so come prepared. You will stop at the Mount of Olives to take a panoramic view of the dusty city below. Enter the Old City and tour the major attractions, such as the Wailing Wall. Walk through the Jewish and Christian quarters and the Cardo, still visible on Jewish Quarter Street. Head through the bazaar towards the Western Wall, or Kotel, and proceed along the Via Dolorosa to visit the Church of Holy Sepulcher, also known as Church of the Resurrection and said to be the place where Jesus is buried. An essential place of pilgrimage for Christians since at least the 4th-Century, whatever your beliefs the atmosphere is mesmerizing. Leaving Jerusalem behind, you will drive to the Dead Sea, or “Sea of Salt.” Located in the Jordan Rift Valley between Jordan and the West Bank, it is the lowest place on earth and its high density of salt makes for a unique experience as you float on the beautiful aquamarine surface. You will stop to relax at one of the resorts on the shores of the Dead Sea and enjoy the opportunity to float while covering yourself with the mineral rich, therapeutic Dead Sea mud. Its health-giving properties have turned it in to a major spa destination with a variety of unique bath products for sale in the hotels and shops. Purchase some bath salts and skin creams to take home, before heading back to your hotel in Tel Aviv, Netanya or Herzliy.

Jerusalem: Mount of Olives Guided Tour

7. Jerusalem: Mount of Olives Guided Tour

Overlooking the city of Jerusalem, immerse yourself in the vast religious history of the Mount of Olives. Join a guided tour and travel through the ancient sites and temples of this special region as you hear thousand-year-old stories about its origins. Depart from a meeting point in the city of Jerusalem and drive toward its outskirts to reach the famous Mount of Olives. Explore the site of the oldest Jewish burial ground in the world, with tens of thousands of graves dating back to the Canaanite era. Learn about the importance of this sacred site to both Jewish and Christian people. Discover why it's known as a site of pilgrimage to lament the destruction of the First Temple, as well as the location of the Gates of Heaven that will open on Judgement Day. Visit many important churches and the Mosque of Ascension, to piece together the history of this beautiful area before finishing the tour at Mary’s Tomb. From here, take the short walk back to the Lion’s Gate of the Old City, or ride the bus to the Wailing Wall.

Jerusalem & Bethlehem Full Day Tour from Tel Aviv

8. Jerusalem & Bethlehem Full Day Tour from Tel Aviv

This full-day tour takes you to the holiest of holy cities, spiritual sanctuary to the 3 great religions of the Western world, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Dating back over 4 millennia the Old City is so packed with sites that it draws visitors from around the world, whatever their spiritual leanings. You will be traveling with a government licensed tour guide in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles, although there will be some walking, so come prepared. You will stop at the Mount of Olives to take in a panoramic view of the dusty city below. Enter the Old City and tour the major attractions, such as the Wailing Wall, Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock. Walk through the Jewish and Armenian Quarters and the recently restored Roman road of The Cardo, visible on Jewish Quarter Street. Head through the bazaar towards the Western Wall, or Kotel, and proceed along the Via Dolorosa to visit the Church of Holy Sepulcher, also known as Church of the Resurrection and said to be the place where Jesus is buried and was resurrected. An essential place of pilgrimage for Christians since at least the 4th-Century, whatever your beliefs the atmosphere is mesmerizing. Leaving Jerusalem behind, you will drive to Bethlehem to get an overview of Shepherds' Field and to visit the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. Located on the West Bank in Palestine, the city is heavily dependent on tourism and thousands come every year to worship or just watch at Manger's Square where Jesus is said to have been born. Now pedestrianized, the square is surrounded by streets named after the Lord, including Star Street and Nativity Street. It is also home to the city’s only mosque and the Palestinian Peace Center. Take a moment to reflect or pop in to one of the handicraft shops, before the drive back to Tel Aviv, Netanya or Herzliy.

Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Ashdod Port. Private tour

9. Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Ashdod Port. Private tour

We begin our day at the Mount of Olives with a spectacular scenic view of Jerusalem. From here we travel the Byzantine Cardo, a historic road that cuts through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. On the way, we visit the Wailing Wall (Kotel), the only remains of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, and one of the most sacred places in Jewish culture. The wailing is a description made by the British of the sounds of the Jewish people praying. Moving on we take the sacred route where Jesus carried the cross along the Way of Sorrows on the route to his crucifixion. We’ll then arrive at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, the site where Jesus was crucified as well as his Burial tomb. We continue our journey by touring the Bazaars of the Christian and Muslim quarters. Our first destination begins at the Mount of Olives overlooking an ancient Jewish cemetery where many believe that the resurrection of the Messiah will happen. (Zech 14:4). Looking down from here we have an excellent view across the Old City down to Temple Mount where the Holy Jewish Temple originally existed. *This point can be replaced with another viewpoint, as it depends on the traffic congestion and possible jams. We will then travel towards the Zion Gate, passing the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations and the Kidron Valley. Here we can observe the Jewish burial tombs of Absalom, King David’s son, Jehoshaphat and the Hezir family. We arrive at Jerusalem’s Old City on exiting the Zion Gate and continue through the Armenian quarter. We will then arrive at the fifteen-hundred-year-old excavated Byzantine Cardo, an ancient road now restored. We pass the Jewish quarter towards the Western Wall, a section of the exterior wall of the Jewish Temple that once stood erect on Temple Mount almost 2,000 years ago. We will walk the path many pilgrims have throughout history, stopping at points where Jesus paused on the way carrying his cross to Golgotha (Calvary). Our final destination is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of the crucifixion and Burial tomb of Jesus of Nazareth. Finally, we will have time to wander the traditional Middle Eastern markets before our next destination Bethlehem, where Jesus Christ was born. Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth and home to Jesse, King David’s father. From Manger Square, we will enter the fourth-century Church of the Nativity, the oldest site in continuous use as a place of Christian worship opened in the year 333. Below the chapel is the Grotto of the Nativity where you’ll see an altar in remembrance of the three wise men, and a fourteen-point star set into the floor which signifies the exact spot where Jesus was born.

Jerusalem Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

10. Jerusalem Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

This half-day tour explores the holiest of cities, and the spiritual sanctuary to the 3 great religions of the Western world - Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Dating back over 4 millennia, the Old City is packed with sites and draws visitors, regardless of their spiritual leanings. During the tour you will see some of the city’s most holy places, including Mount Scopus, the Via Dolorosa, the Western Wall and more. You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning for the drive to Mount Scopus, one of the highest peaks of Jerusalem, where you can enjoy a panoramic overview of the city. Travel along the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane and the walls of the City. Enter the Western (Wailing) Wall Square via the Armenian Quarter, and stroll through the Bazaar to the Christian Quarter. You will see the Stations of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, site of the crucifixion. Walk along the 1,700-year-old Byzantine main street, the recently restored Roman road of The Cardo, and the renovated Jewish Quarter. Soak up the magical atmosphere of this most sacred of cities, and end at approximately 13:30 in the Old City, where you can continue with your own lunch or explore at leisure.

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What people are saying about Mount of Olives

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 2,171 reviews

Unforgettable experience, would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to experience Jerusalem and Bethlehem highlights in one day. We were 4 people so we asked to skip the Dead Sea (as we already saw this) and personalize the tour for our needs, and they accommodated our request. Our guide Wassim Suliman even spoke perfect Italian and he was the absolute best - he provided super clear and detailed explanations of the history of the Holy Land, answered all our questions, made us skip the queues in the Holy Sepulcher and just made the whole day so enjoyable and memorable! We will never forget that day!

Tour assolutamente consigliato. Organizzazione perfetta in ogni minimo dettaglio. Mando è super entusiasta e appassionato sui temi della visita e riesce a trasferire al meglio tutte le informazioni senza mai essere noioso. Buona la sosta per il pranzo e anche lo spuntino della mattina!!

Thank you so much to our guide Ami! It was such an amazing day for Body and Soul. The organization and timing very perfect. We really recommend to everybody who wants to explore the holy side of Israel and enjoy the Dead Sea.

Such a magical place to visit! We had an amazing guide with many interesting stories.

Lovely guide, comfortable bus, everything on time, no glitches.