One Day Jerusalem Itinerary: Exploring the Holy City’s Sacred Sites

Sparse in natural resources, but unparalleled in history. A land that has been fought over numerous times, both politically and ideologically. One can have many reasons to go here, and I had my own, too.

Strictly speaking, the term “Holy Land” refers to a larger area than Jerusalem itself. It refers to both Israel and Palestine, as well as areas of Jordan and Lebanon. However, Jerusalem is undoubtedly the most significant of these places, being one of the holiest places for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is a fairly controversial place (to say the least), and much blood has been spilled on it.

Jerusalem has been on my bucket list for quite some time and finally, it was ticked off from the list when the cruise ship MS Boudicca of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, where I was one of the crew, visited Israel on March 7, 2020, just a week before the pandemic completely put the world to a standstill. As member of the crew, of course, I wasted no time taking the opportunity in going to Jerusalem, and to walk on the holiest site of Christianity.

A Trip of a Lifetime

I cannot even begin to describe my excitement while the ship was still at sea and heading toward the port of Ashdod in Israel. I was thrilled to visit the port of Ashdod as it gave me the chance to see Jerusalem, a city that has always fascinated me. Ashdod was a welcome sight for me but it was the promise of visiting Jerusalem that had me excited!

Working on a cruise ship, I have had the opportunity to visit some of the most breathtaking destinations around the world. But the ship’s visit to the Port of Ashdod in Israel was particularly special. Jerusalem, the holy city, has always been on my bucket list, and finally, I was able to make my dream come true.

As soon as my duty was over, I quickly changed into comfortable clothing and hopped onto the tour bus. The excitement was palpable as we drove towards Jerusalem, passing by beautiful sights and landmarks along the way. The journey to Jerusalem was breathtaking and I couldn’t wait to explore its rich history and culture. When we finally arrived in the city, I was so blown away!

Welcome to Jerusalem!

Jerusalem is a mesmerizing city that has captured the imagination of people of all cultures and religions for thousands of years. Its rich history, beautiful architecture, and religious significance make it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. Located in the heart of the Middle East, Jerusalem is an ancient city that is revered by three major religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

One of the things that make Jerusalem so special is its remarkable history, which ranges from biblical times to the modern era. Jerusalem has been destroyed and rebuilt countless times over the centuries, and each time it has emerged stronger than ever before. Today, the city’s Old City is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site, and its historical significance draws millions of visitors each year.

Jerusalem is known for its stunning architecture, which is a blend of different styles and periods. The city boasts an impressive collection of ancient buildings, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock, among others. Visitors to Jerusalem can take a tour of these incredible structures and marvel at their intricate designs and decorations.

One of the most significant aspects of Jerusalem is its religious importance. Jerusalem is considered to be holy by adherents of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and it is home to many important religious sites. For Jews, the Western Wall is the most sacred site in the city, while Christians flock to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to pay homage to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Muslims, on the other hand, visit the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which are regarded as the third holiest sites in Islam.

Jerusalem’s historical significance, stunning architecture, and religious importance make it one of the most fascinating places on earth. No visit to Israel is complete without experiencing Jerusalem’s wonders, and visitors can look forward to an unforgettable trip.

My One-day Jerusalem Itinerary

Mount of Olives

Our first stop was the Mount of Olives. This site is significant in the Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths. It’s believed that this is where the dead will rise to judgment day. The scenic view of the Old City of Jerusalem from the top of the mountain is breath-taking . You could see the old city of Jerusalem, surrounded by ancient walls.

The experience was one of beauty and reverence, and it set the tone for the rest of our visit. As I stood there gazing over the panoramic view, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of olive trees that would have witnessed thousands of years of religious history and political turmoil.

Church of All Nations

Next, we visited the Church of All Nations, also known as the Basilica of the Agony, a beautiful church built atop the rock of agony. The church is located at the base of the Mount of Olives and is adjacent to the Garden of Gethsemane. The church has a beautiful garden with centuries-old olive trees. It’s believed that Jesus prayed in this garden before his arrest, which makes it a sacred site for Christians. The church itself is stunning, with an intricate mosaic wall that depicts scenes from the New Testament. It was a peaceful and serene space, perfect for contemplation and reflection.

Garden of Gethsemene

Adjacent to the Church of All Nations is the Garden of Gethsemene, where Jesus prayed and his disciples slept before his arrest. The tranquil garden with its centuries-old trees was the perfect place to reflect on the events of that night.

Fortification Walls

The next place on the itinerary was the Fortification Walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. The walls are a testament to the resilience of the city and its people. These walls date back to the Ottoman Empire to protect the city from invading armies, and they’ve miraculously survived wars and conquests over the years. The walls contain 8 gates, but the Jaffa Gate is the most popular among tourists.

Walking along the walls, I felt a sense of awe and wonder as I took in the breathtaking views of the city.The walls have stood the test of time and are the only surviving boundaries of the old city of Jerusalem. It was a humbling experience for us to see the walls that have witnessed countless battles and wars, but still stand tall and proud.

Dome of the Rock

Due to time constraints, we did not went closer to the Dome of the Rock but we had a nice view the dome even from the distance. The Dome of the Rock is one of the most iconic landmarks in Jerusalem. The golden dome stands tall above the old city and is the holiest site in Judaism, as well as the third holiest site in Islam.

This iconic building is one of the most recognizable in the world, with its golden dome shining in the sunlight. It’s believed that this is the spot where Abraham was tested by God, and where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. The Dome of the Rock is one of the most sacred sites in Islam, and it’s a must-see for any visitor to Jerusalem.

Western Wall

We made our way to the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall. This site marks the boundary of the Second Temple and is the holiest site for Jews. The Western Wall is located just down the road from the Dome of the Rock. This is the holiest site in Judaism, and it’s believed to be the last remaining part of the ancient Jewish temple.

Visiting the Western Wall was a powerful experience for me. Watching people pray and place their hands on the wall was a reminder of the deep spiritual connections that people have with this place. I also observed people leaving notes of prayer in the cracks of the wall.

Stations of the Cross

The Via Dolorosa is the route that Jesus is believed to have walked while carrying the cross to his crucifixion. I walked along this path through the winding alleyways of the Old City of Jerusalem, stopping at the stations of the cross, which are marked with plaques along the way. Walking along this route was a deeply emotional experience for me, and it was a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. It was a humbling experience to follow in the footsteps of Christ and witness the various stages of his journey.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Our final stop was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Built on the location where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, buried and resurrected, this church is a site of great spiritual significance and one of the holiest sites for Christians. It is a monumental structure that evokes a sense of wonder and spirituality. The church is an important pilgrimage site for Christians from around the world.

The visit was magnificent. We visited several religious sites — your standard Holy Land tour package, if you will. I must say, I learned a lot! It’s one thing to see these in pictures and the Internet, but it’s another to be in them, and to realize that one is actually walking the same path that both saints and sinners have walked on for eons. Jerusalem is undoubtedly among those cities that have single-handedly shaped the way we lived our lives today, transcending generations to exert its influence.

My one day tour in Jerusalem was a powerful and moving experience that I will cherish forever. Each site I visited was unique and special in its own way, and I left with a deep appreciation for the history and spirituality of this incredible city. This tour was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I would not have had if my ship hadn’t docked at Ashdod port. As a cruise ship crew member, it’s moments like these that make me appreciate my job even more.

Considering a trip to Jerusalem? I highly recommend taking the time to explore all of the incredible landmarks and attractions that this city has to offer. And if you are visiting Jerusalem on a cruise ship, ensure that you leave enough time to explore this historic city. The above itinerary will give you a good taste of what it has to offer.