Jerusalem, the capital of Israel—often described as “united and indivisible”—is a sacred city for the three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is situated on a plateau in the Judean Mountains, at the watershed between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea, at an elevation of around 800 metres above sea level. The city lies approximately 60 km from the Mediterranean coast and 30 km west of the Dead Sea.
For thousands of years, pilgrims have travelled here to venerate its holy sites. For Jews, the most sacred places are the Temple Mount and the Western Wall—the latter being the only remaining part of the ancient Jerusalem Temple and a symbol of Jewish history and continuity.
For Christians, Jerusalem is home to some of the most important sites in the world, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Via Dolorosa, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Mount of Olives, along with many churches built at locations associated with the life of Jesus Christ.
For Sunni Muslims, Jerusalem is the third holiest city after Mecca and Medina. According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad was miraculously transported from Mecca to Jerusalem, where he prayed before ascending to heaven. The most important Muslim holy sites here include the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount.
Today, Jerusalem is a modern capital city, home to the Knesset, the presidential residence, and the Prime Minister’s Office, as well as numerous museums, galleries, religious institutions, hotels, and restaurants.
Founded in 1925, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem consistently ranks among the world’s top universities. Its board once included leading intellectuals such as Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud. Among its Nobel Prize–associated scholars are Avram Hershko, David Gross, and Daniel Kahneman.
The Israel Museum, one of the country’s most important cultural institutions, attracts nearly one million visitors annually. Its extensive complex includes collections of Judaica, archaeology, and fine art. Among its most famous exhibits are the Dead Sea Scrolls, displayed in the Shrine of the Book, as well as a detailed model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period.
The city offers a wide range of leisure options, including parks, entertainment venues, hotels, restaurants, and countless cafés serving both international and local cuisine.
Just a few kilometres away lies Bethlehem, where King David was anointed and, centuries later, Jesus Christ was born. The Church of the Nativity was built there by order of Helena.
It is no surprise that hundreds of thousands of visitors to Israel begin their journey with Jerusalem—and few leave disappointed. The city draws travellers back time and again, offering an almost inexhaustible wealth of history, culture, and spiritual experience.
That is why Israel2Go offers a wide range of tours, allowing visitors to explore the many layers of this extraordinary city. Small-group “Comfort” tours (up to 16 people) provide a more in-depth and personalised experience of Jerusalem’s historical and religious landmarks.
For centuries, Jews parting from one another would say: “Next year in Jerusalem.” Today, we say: This year—in Jerusalem. You are welcome here.