The Confluence | Long weekend in Jericho + Jerusalem, Palestine

In a story old as time, there is a place on this earth regarded as one of the holiest to have ever existed – where ancient tales and traditions are venerated and upheld for believers of the only three monotheist religions know to mankind.

The center of one of the longest political disputes of our time, the Holy City of Jerusalem sits at the heart of the three Abrahamic religions of Islam, Christianity and Judaism. For believers, agnostics and atheists alike, it is a place of depth and wonder.

A city with a thousand magical tales, sights, sounds, smells and tastes. Jerusalem is not a place to let pass you by, whether you seek a spiritual journey or one of pure adventure - it is a beautiful city of many contradictions and living proof of mankind’s age-old struggle to find harmony amidst chaos. So pack your bags and join us on a modern trip back in time to the Holy City. But hey, Holy City is only the beginning...

Let's go!

Day 1 :: Friday // Departure + Jericho – Bethlehem

Meeting at DXB Terminal 3 for a direct flight to Ben Gurion Airport on flydubai. Transfer to Jericho in the West Bank, believed to be the oldest continuous settlement in the world. In Biblical history it is famous for the episode, that the walls of Jericho felt down, after the Israelites under Joshua played their trumpets. Next we take cable car to the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by the devil. From the Greek Orthodox monastery, we will enjoy panoramic views of the area. Further on to old Sycamore Tree, where the tax collector Zacchaeus climbed a tree to get a better look at Jesus. If time permits we will visit the Islamic remains of Hisham’s Palace from the 8th century.

Drive to Bethlehem, a town with a Palestinian Christian community. See the Shepherds Fields in Beth-Sahour, then arrive at Manger Square and the ancient Church of the Nativity. Here St. Hieronymus wrote the first Latin translation of the Bible, the Volgata. On the way we will see a part of the 700 km long Separation Wall, dividing the West Bank and Israel, used as graffiti wall, with its world-famous Banksy graffiti and take a sneak peek inside Walled Off Hotel. Overnight in Jerusalem in a boutique hotel with a view over Al Aqsa Mosque.

Day 2 :: Saturday // Jerusalem – City of David – Christianity – Bethlehem

We will start our day at the City of David, believed to be the oldest populated part of Jerusalem and an archaeological site. Proceed to Mt. of Olives for a panorama view of the old city, divided into the Jewish, the Christian, the Armenian and the Muslim quarter. Walk down to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested. We follow Via Dolorosa, the Way of Suffering, until the Church of the Holy Sepulchres. The church marks the spot where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 3 :: Sunday // Jerusalem Islam and Judaism – Mahane Yehuda Market

Check-out from hotel. Depending on authorities visit to the Temple Mount, known as Haram El Sharif. We will see the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, two of the most important Islamic sanctuaries. From the Temple Mount Prophet Mohammad ascent to heaven.
Walk in the old city, colonnaded streets dating back to the Romans, running from north to south in the old city. We continue along Souq Az Zeit to the Damascus Gate, built in its form by Suleiman the Magnificent.
End the day at Mahane Yehuda market, where you can watch the locals shop, smell the culinary delights of the little cafes. With pockets full of memories, back to airport for a return flight to Dubai .

Grade: Easy, available to everyone.
Room & Meals: new 4 star hotel in Jerusalem, with a view on Al Aqsa Mosque. Shared rooms, single room at 100 USD extra . Meals excluded.

Cost: 5290 AED incl. flights on flydubai, until MAY 25.

Visa: Most of nationalities can get visa on arrival.
More info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Israel

All details available to confirmed RSVPs.

See yah at Confluence x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup