Jerusalem

Your starting point for the whole pilgrimage. Before walking the Via Dolorosa, visit the Multimedia Exhibition, which uses projections to show the Holy Sepulchre through different historical periods and gives you the context for everything you will see today.

Hours: see the CIC Opening Hours page (link in Quick Reference).

Fee: small entrance fee for the Multimedia Exhibition.

↗ Christian Information Center — official website

Walk down the hill to the Church of the Flagellation, where the traditional 14 Stations of the Cross begin. The route climbs back up through the Old City market streets toward the site of the Crucifixion and Resurrection.

“He went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Skull.” (John 19:17)

Duration: about 45–60 minutes on foot, unhurried, including brief stops at each Station.

Tip: start early to avoid both the heat and the market crowds.

↗ Custody of the Holy Land — Sanctuary of the Flagellation (Stations 1–2)

The holiest site in Christendom, sheltering both Calvary and the Empty Tomb under one roof. Take time to walk the whole church, and use what you learned at the CIC exhibition to recognize the different layers of history beneath the stones.

“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19)

Hours: open very early morning until evening, with seasonal variation — check the CIC page the same day; arriving before 7:30 AM or after 5 PM avoids the worst crowds.

Fee: free entry.

Dress code: shoulders and knees covered.

Mass: Catholic Masses are celebrated daily at Calvary, the Tomb and the Chapel of the Apparition, early in the morning — no reservation needed for individuals.

↗ Custody of the Holy Land — Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre

Visit the Cenacle (the Upper Room of the Last Supper) and the Tomb of King David, then walk through the Armenian and Jewish Quarters toward the Western Wall (Kotel) and the Lion’s Gate, experiencing the living diversity of the Holy City.

“He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.” (cf. Luke 24:30-35)

Dress code: modest dress also expected at the Western Wall; head covering provided for men at the entrance if needed.

Tip: this is a good point to end Day 1 and rest before an early Day 2.

↗ Custody of the Holy Land — St. Francis ad Coenaculum (the Cenacle)

A ridge facing the Old City, covered with pivotal Gospel sites. Begin at the Church of the Ascension and the Pater Noster Church, where the Lord’s Prayer is inscribed on tiled walls in over 140 languages.

Getting there: taxi, ride-hailing app, or a moderate uphill walk from the Old City via the Kidron Valley; most pilgrims start at the top and walk downhill. Check Moovit for the current bus option to the summit.

↗ Custody of the Holy Land — Gethsemane & the Mount of Olives shrines

On the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, the traditional starting point of the Palm Sunday procession. Inside, the “Stele of Bethphage” recalls the moment Jesus chose to enter Jerusalem humbly, on a donkey, rather than as a conquering king.

“Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there.” (Matthew 21:1-2)

↗ Custody of the Holy Land — Bethphage

Stop at Dominus Flevit, shaped like a teardrop, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, then descend to the Basilica of Gethsemane (Church of All Nations) beside the ancient olive trees of the garden of the Agony.

“My soul is sorrowful, even to death.” (Matthew 26:38)

Dress code: modest dress required; the basilica interior is deliberately dim for prayer — keep voices low.

↗ Custody of the Holy Land — Dominus Flevit

Nearby, visit the Tomb of the Virgin Mary and, if open, St. Stephen’s Church, traditionally marking the site of the first Christian martyrdom.

↗ Custody of the Holy Land — the Mount of Olives shrines (incl. the Tomb of the Virgin Mary)

This village on the western edge of Jerusalem is the traditional birthplace of John the Baptist, the one who prepared the way for the Lord.

“His name is John.” (Luke 1:63)

Getting there: Egged bus 17 from central Jerusalem runs directly into Ein Karem.

↗ Custody of the Holy Land — Ain Karem, St. John the Baptist

On a hillside above the village, this church commemorates Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth and the meeting of the two expectant mothers.

“My soul magnifies the Lord.” (Luke 1:46)

↗ Custody of the Holy Land — Ain Karem, the Visitation

A short distance from the village center, this church marks the traditional place where John prepared in solitude for his ministry.

↗ Custody of the Holy Land — Ain Karem, St. John in the Desert

On the Mount of Remembrance, on your way back from Ein Karem, this is the world memorial to the victims of the Holocaust — a solemn and important encounter with modern history.

Fee: entrance to the museum is free; a fee applies for parking.

Getting there: Egged bus 82 (“Yad Vashem & Mount Herzl”) or the Jerusalem Light Rail to the Mount Herzl terminus, then a short signposted walk.

Note: closed on Shabbat (Friday afternoon and Saturday) and on some Jewish holidays — check before you plan Day 3 for a Friday or Saturday.

Time needed: allow at least 2–3 hours.

↗ Yad Vashem — official website