When driving south from Haifa, you will see the Bahá'i World Centre with the Shrine of the Báb and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo © 2008 Bart de Boer

From Haifa, a two-hour drive south brings you to Jerusalem. From the Mount of Olives you have a stunning view of the city. Photo © 2008 Bart de Boer

The Church of All Nations at the Gardens of Gethsemane. Photo © 2008 Bart de Boer

Jerusalem's walled Old Town is a maze of cobble stone streets and alleys. Photo © 2008 Bart de Boer

Nothing like some vitamins to keep you going in the crowded, hot alleys! No time to stop though, as your guide will lead you through the alleys at record speed. Photo © 2008 Bart de Boer

When visiting Jerusalem on an organized excursion, prepare yourself for some of the worst aspects of mass tourism. You should expect to follow a guide with a sign for hours who will herd you past Jerusalem's sights in a record pace. Of course a stop will be made a very tacky touristy store. Bring plenty of water, lather yourself in sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing. At the end of the day you can say your have "glanced" at the highlights of Jerusalem, but by no means you will have a true understanding of this fascinating city.

Beautiful mosaics in Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Photo © 2008 Bart de Boer

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Photo © 2008 Bart de Boer

The Dome of the Rock towering over the Western Wall. Completed in 691 AD, it is reportedly the oldest Islamic building in the world. Photo © 2008 Bart de Boer

Important Jewish religious site is the Western Wall (or Wailing Wall). Photo © 2008 Bart de Boer