Easter in Tel Aviv – Jerusalem our Barefoot package

 Jaffa is the ancient port city from which Tel Aviv has blossomed – a harmonious blend of the past and present. Visiting the Jaffa Flea Market, Shuk Hapishpishim, is a must when in Israel. As you weave your way through the winding streets, you’ll find an abundance of knickknacks and treasures. Vendors display their eclectic offerings of Judaica, Persian rugs and tiles, antiques, jewelry, and old coins. Embrace your inner-Israeli as you practice your bargaining skills, then carry your keepsakes to the nearest café to reward yourself with some local delicacies.​

​Flea Market opening hours are Sunday -Thursday 10:00a.m.- 06:00p.m.​ Friday 10:00a.m. – 02:00p.m.

The address is Olei Zion St, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.

Either you choose to find a local guide or you decide to discover this sacred city on your own, one thing is certain; you will be astonished. Start with the Christian Quarter, which is of course of the highest interest for the Christians. Stroll down Via Dolorosa, the route Jesus walked with his cross to his crucifixion. Jerusalem Audio Walking Tours is a handy app that provides an audio tour of the path along with navigation.

Among the must-see stops along the route are: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; the Convent of the Sisters of Zion, a Roman Catholic convent near the Via Dolorosa; and the Ecce Homo Arch, believed by some to be the site where Jesus, sentenced to be crucified, was presented to the crowds by Pontius Pilate. One of the most popular attractions in Jerusalem is of course the Western Wall Plaza in the Old City, which is busy at every hour of the day with people of all faiths praying, meditating or simply taking in this wondrous, ancient site. This is in the Muslim Quarter which also worth a visit. ​

In Latin, “via” means “way”. “Dolorosa” comes from the Latin word “dolor,” which means “pain.” Together, it is “The Painful Way” or “The Way of Suffering.” Via Dolorosa is the best way for someone to follow, when discovering the Christian Quarter in Jerusalem. It consists of 14 stations. Its first stop is in the Muslim quarter and the last stop is in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The Via Dolorosa is one of the most popular routes in the Old City of Jerusalem. No matter if you’re Christian or not, it’s an interesting experience to walk along the route. The most basic stations are the spots where Jesus met his mother while carrying the cross and it is located in a church owned by the Armenian Catholics, the 3 spots where Jesus fell, the spot where he was stripped of his garments (in the outer courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre), station 11 where Jesus was nailed to the cross, whish is located inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on the second floor, station 12 where Jesus died (right next to station 11) and of course station 13, where Jesus is taken down from the cross.

On Good Friday around 08:00pm, the Epitaph is placed on the Holy Altar of the Terrible Calvary and after the Gospel is read and bowed by the Beatitude and the High Priests, it is directed to the Holy Sepulchre. There it passes three times around the Holy Sepulcher and after the third circumambulation is completed, the Epitaph is placed on the stone of the Holy Sepulcher where psalms follow, by two High Priests.

Then the Epitaph begins, in which the faithful and those who want to see in person can and do follow. The procession of the Epitaph ends at the Catholic Church of the Resurrection, where the prophecies and the Apostolic and Gospel reading are read.

The Holy Fire Ceremony is one that goes back several centuries. It happens within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher every Holy Saturday, or the day before Orthodox Easter. It has taken place at the same place, at the same time, in the same manner ever since its humble beginnings long ago. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, considered by many to be the holiest place on earth, is said to be the place where Jesus Christ was buried and raised from the dead. You can also learn about the miracle at Agia Porta, which according to tradition happened in 1549 during the Turkish rule, and resulted in a lightning bolt tearing apart the pillar from which came the Holy Light that lit the candles of the Orthodox Patriarch.

The ceremony draws thousands to Jerusalem every year and has attracted controversy from various sources and even from Christians. The Holy Fire is said to be a miracle that happens every year during this mass event. The main reason that the ceremony is not more well-known, as speculators have concluded, is that only Orthodox Churches attend it and are highly involved in its celebration. Of course, with every account of a miracle comes criticism and there are many people who dispute it.  Regardless of where you stand on the matter, the impact of the ceremony on countless lives is nothing to be ignored. For those who witness it, the Holy Fire is just another way by which their faith is strengthened.

Address: Jerusalem

Whether you’re a pilgrim or not, this culturally significant destination should be on your bucket list but of course if you are a Christian Orthodox even more.​ The first place everyone should pass by during his visit to Bethlehem is the Church of Nativity, which’s site is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Then it’s ‘’The Mar Saba Monastery’’ which resembles an Indiana Jones-style kingdom, carved into a cliff overlooking the Kidron Valley. Then it’s time for the Shepherds’ Field, the place said to be where angels appeared to shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus and if you have enough time you can also visit the Old Bethlehem Museum to get familiar with Palestine’s history.

The address of the Church of Nativity is P635+P2C, Bethlehem Territory.

The Carmel Market (Shuk Hacarmel) is the largest market, or Shuk, in Tel Aviv. It’s a vibrant marketplace where traders sell everything from clothing to spices, and fruit to electronics. Visiting the Carmel Market is a fascinating thing to do in Tel Aviv. The hustle and bustle, vibrant noises, and its reputation as the largest Shuk in Tel Aviv all combine to make the Carmel Market a favorite. 

The market is popular for everyone, from first time tourists visiting the city to locals who come here to get the freshest fruit and vegetables. The market can at first appear to be a little intimidating, with so many senses stimulated at once. Daylight hours are the busiest times at the market. However, the end of the day can be an interesting time to visit, with traders offering sometimes crazy deals on produce. You can also arrange to have a food tour in the market.​

The opening hours are from Sunday – Thursday 07:00a.m. – 06:00p.m. (04:00p.m. in winter)​ Friday 07:00a.m. – afternoon (two hours before Shabbat comes in).

The address is Allenby St 59, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.

The Eretz Israel Museum (Land of Israel Museum) has a large exhibition of archaeological, anthropological and historical objects organized in a series of exhibition stands. There is also a planetarium as well as pavilions with exhibitions of ceramics, glass, history of writing, science, ethnography and folklore.

The museum occupies a complex of buildings that also houses the Tell Qasile archaeological site where 12 settlement levels have been identified dating back to the 12th century BC. Stratum XII and Stratum XI are attributed to the Philistines, while Stratum X dates from the 10th century when the kings of Israel had a port there.

Opening hours are Monday & Wednesday from 10:00am. – 04:00p.m., Tuesday – Thursday from 10:00a.m. – 08:00p.m., Friday from 10:00a.m. – 02:00p.m. & Saturday from 10:00a.m. – 06:00p.m., Sundays are closed.

The address is Chaim Levanon St 2, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.

It’s very interesting to attend a night tour in Jaffa neighborhood. The port city is the southernmost part of Tel Aviv and full of history and culture that sets it apart from the rest of the city. During the tour, you will discover the history of Jaffa while exploring the neighborhood’s ancient narrow streets. As soon as you begin your tour, you will already feel worlds away from Tel Aviv.

That tour usually begins at the classic Jaffa clock tower and continue through all the must-see places in the town. The tour makes several stops, allowing the participants to take in all the beauty around from the wishing bridge to the HaPisga Garden. Your tour ends at the Jaffa flea market, the beating heart of Jaffa, which is gonna be closed at that time though. But you will find many art galleries, boutiques, craft shops, and restaurants line the alleys. You will have the chance to sit and enjoy the rest of your night in the buzzing bars and restaurants in the market.

The address is Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.