Jerusalem Tour 2026-2027: Al-Aqsa Mosque and Old City Programmes

For Muslims, Jerusalem is regarded as the holiest city after Makkah and Madinah, and because it carries the memory of many prophets, it is also known as the city of the prophets. A Jerusalem tour is undertaken not merely to see this blessed city but to feel its history and spiritual meaning first-hand. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the first qibla, towards which Muslims turned in prayer for a period after the Hijrah. The first verse of Surah al-Isra relates that the Prophet was taken by night from Masjid al-Haram to Al-Aqsa Mosque, whose surroundings have been blessed; in Islamic tradition, the Mi’raj is also accepted as having begun from here. Al-Aqsa Mosque is also mentioned in the hadith in which the Prophet stated that journeys should be undertaken only to three mosques.

The city came under Muslim rule during the caliphate of Umar, and the Dome of the Rock and the Qibli Mosque were built during the Umayyad period. Having changed hands during the Crusades, Jerusalem was reconquered by Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (Saladin), and the city later remained under Ottoman rule for about four centuries. That is why a Jerusalem trip is, for Turkish visitors, both a spiritual journey and an opportunity to see the traces of a shared history in person. If you would like to read the stories of these sites in more detail, take a look at our guide to visiting Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The name Al-Aqsa Mosque refers not to a single building but to the entire walled area of al-Haram al-Sharif. Mosques, domes, sabils (public fountains), madrasas and minarets stand together in its wide courtyard. The highlights of an Al-Aqsa Mosque tour programme are as follows.

Qibli Mosque

Located at the southern end of al-Haram al-Sharif and known for its lead-covered dome, the Qibli Mosque is the main mosque where Friday prayers are held. When Al-Aqsa Mosque is referred to in the narrow sense, it is usually this building that is meant. Built in the Umayyad period, the structure took its present form through repairs carried out in different eras.

Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock, the symbol of Jerusalem with its golden dome, was built during the reign of the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan over the rock from which the Mi’raj is believed to have begun. The exterior of the octagonal building was covered with tiles during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. Although the two are often confused, the Dome of the Rock and the Qibli Mosque are separate buildings; both stand within al-Haram al-Sharif.

Marwani Mosque

Located in the south-eastern corner of the site, below the level of the courtyard, the Marwani Mosque is a large underground space built with stone columns and arches. It is one of the important areas where prayers are held at crowded times.

Buraq Wall

Part of the western wall of al-Haram al-Sharif is known as the Buraq Wall, because in Islamic tradition it is regarded as the place where the Prophet tethered Buraq on the night of the Mi’raj. On the inner side of the wall, within the boundaries of al-Haram al-Sharif, there is a small Buraq Mosque; you can ask your guide about the possibilities for visiting it.

A walk within the walls, following the traces of the era of Suleiman the Magnificent.

The walls surrounding Jerusalem’s Old City were largely rebuilt during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. The gates along the walls lead into different quarters of the city; some of the sabils built in the same period can still be seen today.

Known in Arabic as Bab al-Amud, Damascus Gate is one of the most magnificent gates in the walls. Passing through it, you reach the lively bazaars of the Muslim Quarter, and from there you can walk to the gates of al-Haram al-Sharif. Because finding your way in the narrow, similar-looking streets of the Old City can be difficult, this walk is made with an experienced Turkish-speaking guide. The Mosque of Omar, near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter, keeps alive the account that Caliph Umar prayed outside the church rather than inside it.

The Old City within the walls is traditionally divided into the Muslim, Christian, Armenian and Jewish quarters. The Muslim Quarter, the largest part of the Old City, lies at the heart of the tour with its historic khans, madrasas and gates opening onto al-Haram al-Sharif. Short breaks in the bazaars are also a good opportunity to get to know the city’s everyday life.

The Ibrahimi Mosque, in the city of Hebron to the south of Jerusalem, stands over the cave believed to hold the tombs of the Prophets Ibrahim, Ishaq and Yaqub and their wives. The city, known in Arabic as al-Khalil, takes its name from Prophet Ibrahim, who is known by the title Khalilullah.

Bethlehem, regarded as the birthplace of Prophet Isa (Jesus), is remembered in Islamic tradition together with Maryam (Mary) and Prophet Isa. Opposite the Church of the Nativity in the city centre stands a mosque bearing the name of Caliph Umar. Both stops are usually added to the programme as day visits from Jerusalem. Because visiting possibilities and entry arrangements may vary with the conditions in the region, these stops are confirmed according to the current situation before departure.

The table below gives a general idea of how the days of a Jerusalem tour can be spent. The itinerary is applied flexibly, taking into account prayer times and the entry arrangements at al-Haram al-Sharif on the day.

The order and length of the programme vary depending on the package you choose.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is entered with the same courtesy shown on entering any mosque: being in a state of wudu if possible, moving calmly and not raising your voice are the basic rules. During your visit, we recommend paying attention to the following points:

• Take off your shoes when entering the Qibli Mosque and the Dome of the Rock; keep a shoe bag with you.
• When taking photos, do not disturb those who are praying or other visitors.
• Always carry your passport with you, as ID checks may be carried out at the entrances.
• Do not neglect to pray tahiyyat al-masjid and to make dua.

Which gates can be used to enter al-Haram al-Sharif, the hours when the site is open and the arrangements for visitors may change from time to time. On some days certain gates may be closed, or additional checks may be carried out at the entrance. For this reason, your guide updates the daily visiting plan according to that day’s conditions, and some flexibility is built into the programme.

Prayers and the Friday prayer

In RotaNur’s approach to halal culture tours, the programme is built around prayer times. Sightseeing hours are planned, as far as possible, so that the daily prayers can be performed at al-Haram al-Sharif. On programmes that coincide with a Friday, performing the Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque is taken into account; however, this depends on that day’s entry arrangements.

Halal food

Halal sensitivity is a priority when it comes to meals. In and around the Old City there are restaurants offering halal options from Arab cuisine, and group meals are chosen with the same sensitivity. Your guide can recommend reliable places to those who would like to try local flavours.

Accommodation and transport

For accommodation, hotels in areas with easy access to al-Haram al-Sharif and the Old City are preferred. This makes going back and forth to the mosque several times a day less tiring. Airport pick-up, hotel transfers and transport for visits outside the city, such as Hebron and Bethlehem, are organised according to the scope of the programme.

Guidance and support

As the Old City is mostly explored on foot, guidance is especially important on this route. While explaining the history of each site and the etiquette for visiting it, our experienced Turkish-speaking guide also keeps an eye on the group’s pace. Throughout the journey, you can reach our 24/7 support line via WhatsApp.

It is possible to visit Jerusalem in any season; however, the weather and crowd levels directly affect the pace of the trip.

The month of Ramadan has a special beauty with its spiritual atmosphere; however, crowds increase during this period and visiting arrangements may differ.

Documents and entry requirements

Entry requirements for Jerusalem and passport-related conditions may change from time to time. We therefore recommend confirming the current requirements with official sources before travelling; we guide you through the application process.

Safety information

The security situation in the region may vary. We advise checking the current travel advisories of Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before deciding to travel and again close to your travel date. If any change to the programme is needed, we will let you know via WhatsApp.

Clothing and luggage

• Loose, modest clothing; a headscarf for female travellers
• Shoes suitable for long walks that are easy to take off, and a shoe bag
• Depending on the season, a light cardigan or raincoat and a small backpack

Money and shopping

Carrying some cash for daily expenses makes things easier, as card payment may not be possible everywhere. In the bazaars of the Old City you can find prayer beads, olive wood souvenirs and local products. As bargaining is common, it helps to agree on the price in advance.

Health and personal needs

Take enough of any medication you use regularly, in its original packaging. Carrying a water bottle, sunglasses and a hat for long walks is especially important in the summer months. If you have a chronic condition, we recommend consulting your doctor before travelling.

If a date change or cancellation is needed after registration, the conditions that apply depend on the date on which the cancellation is made; you can find the details on our cancellation and refund conditions page.

You can see our Jerusalem tours and our halal culture tour programmes on other routes side by side in the table below. Current prices and dates are shown on the package cards; programmes may be updated from time to time.

When comparing, we recommend looking not only at the price but also at the itinerary, the accommodation area and the services included in the price. If you find it hard to decide, you can write to us on our WhatsApp line.

Our 2026-2027 Jerusalem tour price starts from 38,000 ₺ per person. The main factors that determine the price are the travel date, programme length, hotel category and room type.

Current Jerusalem tour price:

• Jerusalem Tour: 38,000 ₺ per person

Prices are pulled automatically from the current information on the product page; for the exact price and availability, you can check with our advisors before booking. No online payment is taken. After you submit your reservation request, our advisor contacts you, confirms the programme and availability, and guides you through the payment steps. You can also ask our advisors about financing options.

The exact scope is clearly stated in the details of each package. In general, our programmes may include the following services:

• Flights and airport transfers, depending on the programme
• Accommodation and the meals specified in the programme
• Experienced Turkish-speaking guidance and transport for the visits in the programme
• A pre-departure briefing and 24/7 support

Personal expenses, meals not included in the programme, optional additional visits and costs related to entry documents are generally not included in the price. For other topics you may be curious about, you can also take a look at our frequently asked questions page.

• Halal concept: From meals to sightseeing hours, the programme is built around prayer times and halal sensitivities.
• Experienced Turkish-speaking guidance: Every stop, from al-Haram al-Sharif to the Ottoman walls, is explained in its historical and spiritual context.
• Transparent information: The services included and not included in the price are clearly shared before registration.
• 24/7 support: You can reach our team via WhatsApp before and during your journey.

If you would also like to follow the traces of Islamic civilisation in other regions, you can explore our Andalusia tours, Uzbekistan tours and Bosnia and Balkans tours pages, and see all routes on our halal culture tours page. For a journey to Makkah and Madinah, take a look at our Umrah tours page, and for your questions, our contact page.

A journey to Jerusalem is far more peaceful with the right information and good preparation. Simply write to us on our WhatsApp line so that we can choose the right programme for you together; we will be happy to answer your questions.