An unforgettable experience of touring Jerusalem on Christmas Eve, visiting the Old Christian Quarter and the Church of Holy Sepulcher. On the day of Christmas Eve the tour takes you to Jerusalem where the first stop is on the Mount of Olives. Here we enjoy breathtaking views across the Old City. Proceed to Jerusalem old city, visit Church of the Holy Sepulchre, site of Calvary, Jesus’ burial tomb and other sacred Christian sites. Driving through modern-day Jerusalem we pass landmarks like the Israeli Knesset and Israel Museum then head for Bethlehem. We arrive at Bethlehem’s Manger Square then indulge in a festive Christmas Eve dinner. At midnight we attend Mass in the Church of Nativity or we join Christians from across the globe in Manger Square to watch Christmas Eve Midnight Mass on outdoor screens. The tour is available in English and Spanish on the 24.12.2023. Minimum 2 people per booking. 

Christmas in Bethlehem’s Manger Square is one of the most iconic settings in the world for celebrating Christmas Eve. Bethlehem, the Palestinian town in which Jesus was born, is located in the West Bank, just a few minutes south of Jerusalem, and whilst entering the Church of the Nativity is not possible, watching the performances on the large stage in Manger Square, as well as other surrounding activities, complete with soaking in the unique Christmas atmosphere, is a very strong experience. Every Christmas Eve, a number of group tours are available, and joining one of these is recommended to maximize your Bethlehem Christmas Experience.

Pickup from listed hotels from Tel Aviv, start your way to festive Jerusalem. First stop in Jerusalem at Mount Scopus for a magnificent and breathtaking view of the Old and New cities illuminated. Drive through the New City passing by the Knesset, Israel’s parliament house and the Israel museum.

Enter the Old City through Jaffa Gate and the local bazaar for a brief visit to the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Continue to the Christian Quarter.  Walk along the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of Holy Sepulchre.

The Via Dolorosa is a processional route in the Old City of Jerusalem. It represents the path that Jesus would have taken, forced by the Roman soldiers, on the way to his crucifixion.  Via Dolorosa (Latin for “Sorrowful Way” or “Way of Suffering”) is a narrow, stone path believed to be the route Jesus took to His Crucifixion nearly 2000 years ago. … It is here that Christians relive and celebrate Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection. The Via Dolorosa is filled with religion and ritual.

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the most sacred site in the world for millions of Christians. This is the site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Helena identified this place as The Calvary, where Jesus was crucified.  Calvary, or Golgotha, (Aramaic: “Skull”) also called Calvary, (from Latin calva: “bald head” or “skull”), skull-shaped hill in ancient Jerusalem, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion. It is referred to in all four Gospels (Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22, Luke 23:33, and John 19:17). According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified at a spot outside Jerusalem called Golgotha, which in Aramaic means “place of the skull.” The Latin word for skull is calvaria, and in English many Christians refer to the site of the crucifixion as Calvary.

At around 20:00, proceed to the city of Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus. After a short stop in a souvenir store for tea, coffee and shopping, continue to the Shepherds’ field.

Walk through Manger Square enjoying the festive Christmas decorations Illuminating  the city’s main square and the Church of Nativity.

Stop at a local restaurant specially decorated for the holidays and enjoy a festive Christmas Dinner; Watch the Midnight Mass broadcasted live on TV; If mass is  broadcasted on screens at Manger Square (subject to Palestinian authority’s approval) proceed to the spot.

After Mass return to the meeting point with our representative and drive back to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or Herzliya. Return transfer to hotel after the tour.

Enjoy your Christmas Tour and Bethlehem Mass!

Christmas Tour in Jerusalem & Bethlehem Mass & Dinner Includes

•  Pickup from mentioned hotels from Tel Aviv
•  Return transfer to pickup point
•  All transfers in A/C vehicles according to the tour itinerary
•  Government licensed tour guide in English or Spanish
•  All entrance fees to all sites visited according to the tour itinerary
•  Bethlehem Mass Celebration in Manger Square 
•  Christmas Festive Dinner in Bethlehem 

• Tour Duration: up to 11 hours
• Passports ( original ) are required on the tour day 
• Change of vehicle is required upon entering Palestinian territory
• This tour includes a reasonable amount of walking; comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Modest dress is obligatory for visits to holy sites; covered knees and shoulders
• Warm clothes strongly recommended
• Meeting point of departure from Bethlehem will be set by guide
• The Palestinian Authority is solely responsible for the organization and events of Christmas Eve in Bethlehem. Compass is not responsible if the tour is affected by changes within the PA territory beyond our control
• Instant confirmation & invoice

Cancellation policy – Terms and Conditions:

• Cancellation at any time 10% of the total price is nonrefundable
• Cancellation anytime week before the tour day 90% fully refundable
• Full charge in case of cancellation less than week before the tour day
• Any unused services fully nonrefundable
• All not mentioned in includes – excluded from the tour

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