Church of the Holy Sepulcher - Water and Wine Tours

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.

Matthew: 27:33-37

“Is this really the place?” people often ask. Yes, it is. Here Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected during the Passover pilgrimage season close to 2,000 years ago. Subsequent actions taken here by the Roman Emperor Hadrian and the Byzantine Empress Helena provide a sense of authenticity to buttress the case for calling this the true place of crucifixion. For a better spiritual experience at this, Christianity’s holiest location, it is best to arrive early in the morning or in the evening before the church closes. At those times it is often empty and pilgrims are left alone with their thoughts and prayers are unhurried.

How to put together your Water and Wine tour of Israel

On our Water and Wine Tours website you will not find standard tours.

Don’t worry. We’ll make sure that you experience the must-see sites in the country. But we’ve also included a comprehensive list of sites, by region for people with many different interests, with enough description for you to ascertain whether it’s the sort of place you want to spend your time.

You know your budget and how much time you have to spend here.

So here are our recommendations, based on years of leading all sorts of tours throughout the country.

Ask yourself if this trip is a vacation. Do you want to see sites but also feel really relaxed at the end of each day? So that you don’t need a few days of sleep upon your return home? If this is the case then try to restrict yourself to three major sites per day. Between the sites, travel and lunch 8-10 hours will pass quickly.
If you’re more inclined to describe yourself as a pilgrim or someone who wants a survey of sites, then expect to visit up to five sites per day. You’ll be spiritually satisfied but you’ll also need to get a good night’s sleep every night.

Your Tour Guide

Water & Wine Tours specializes in individually tailored tours catering to the interests of its clients. Our founder, Zach Levin, is an experienced, licensed tour guide who majored in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures at Columbia University in the City of New York.

Our tour guides make the history and culture of Israel come alive. They understand that the customer is always right and want you to experience an unforgettable Israel. We’ll take you to places which you’ll love and never forget. When you need to be left alone we’ll sense it. When you need an extra hand we’re there for you.