Christian Trip to The Holy Land

10-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart USA to Israel

Shalom. Your tour of the Holy Land begins as you depart the United States for Tel Aviv.

Day 2 - Arrival at the Holy Land

Upon your arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, a representative greets and escorts you to ground transportation. After meeting your driver, you head to the hotel to enjoy refreshments and rest.

Day 3 - Capermaum / Tabgha / Sea of Galilee / Vardenit

We embark after breakfast on a drive to Capernaum. Known as the place of Jesus' Galilean ministry, we see the foundations of two synagogues, one built over the other. We proceed to the Pilgrimage Church of St. Peter, which is considered the first church in the world. A walk to Tabgha takes you to where Jesus began his ministry and to the Church of Multiplication with its ancient 4th-century mosaics. On the Mount of Beatitudes, you can envision Jesus preaching the "Sermon on the Mount." A stroll to the shores of Kineret leads to a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. The day concludes at the Yardenit Baptismal site where you have the opportunity to participate in the Ceremony of Immersion in the holy waters of the Jordan River.

Day 4 - Cana / Nazareth / Megiddo / Caesarea

We travel to Cana where Jesus miraculously turned water into wine. Next, we arrive in Nazareth to tour the Church of the Annunciation where the angel, Gabriel, appeared to Mary. This is followed by a visit to Megiddo National Park, a beautiful and impressive place important in antiquity, believed to be the site of Armageddon in the Book of Revelations. From there, we proceed to the Mediterranean coast and arrive in Caesarea. Built by Herod in honor of Caesar Augustus, it was the ancient regional capital for the Roman Empire. After touring the aqueduct, the Roman amphitheater, and hippodrome, we travel to our hotel in Bethlehem.

Day 5 - Bethlehem / Jerusalem

In Bethlehem, we visit the tomb of Rachel. We proceed to the Church of the Nativity where Jesus was born. Viewing the Shepherds Fields, you can imagine listening to the Good News where it was first heard. We continue to Gethsemane at the foothills of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. You can meditate in the garden and Church of All Nations where Jesus prayed the night before His crucifixion. From here, we travel through the Kidron Valley and see the tombs of Absalom, Zechariah, and King Jehoshaphat. After passing through Zion Gate, we enter the Room of the Last Supper. The tomb of King David is next, followed by a visit to the Church of St. Peter of Gallicantu where he thrice denied Jesus.

Day 6 - Jericho / Qumran / Mount of Olives

After breakfast, we drive to Jericho, the oldest populated city in the world. lt is the site of the Temptation of Christ. Then, we travel toward the Dead Sea. When we arrive at the caves of Qumran, we view the location where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. On our way back to Bethlehem, we visit the Mount of Olives. Besides being the location of a 3,000-year-old Jewish cemetery and an observation point, many significant events in the life of Jesus took place here. You can visualize Jesus' ascension into heaven.

Day 7 - Old City Jerusalem

We drive to the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. From here, we view the Temple Mount where in King Solomon's time the first temple was built and subsequently the second temple constructed by Herod. Walking, we wind our way along the Cardo, an ancient promenade, stroll around the Pools of Bethesda, and enter the Church of St. Anne and Antonia's Fortress. Next, tracing Jesus' footsteps, we navigate the Via Dolorosa or Way of Sorrow/Suffering and its many churches, picturing Jesus carrying the cross. The walk culminates at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. You can sense the magnitude of history in this section of Jerusalem and the foresight of centering the Christian Quarter of the old city on such sacred ground.

Day 8 - Masada / Dead Sea

The day's excursion is to the Dead Sea. First, we tour Masada, the fortress of Herod. We access the mountain by cable car and walk the grounds overlooking the Dead Sea. In the afternoon, we dip into the Dead Sea to float in its mineral-rich waters and take full advantage of its therapeutic benefits.

Day 9 - Ein Karem / New City Jerusalem

We journey to Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist and one of the four most-visited Christian pilgrimage sites in Israel. lt is also where Mary visited Elizabeth. We continue to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum. Our last stop is a visit to the Garden Tomb where research suggests may be the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.

Day 10 - Depart Israel to the USA or Optional Extension to Jordan

You are transported to Ben Gurion International Airport for your return flight, or continue on with a trip extension to Jordan.

Four-Day Extension to Jordan

Day 1 - Sheikh Hussein Bridge / Madaba / Mount Nebo / Petra, Overnight

Your tour guide meets you upon arrival at Jordan's border (Sheikh Hussein) to assist your group with obtaining a visa. After crossing the border, we meet your driver. We travel to the impressive Mount Nebo where it is said Moses ascended to view the land of Israel. It may also be his burial site. Next, we head to discover the City of Mosaics, Madaba. The Greek Orthodox Church houses a 6th-century mosaic map of Israel containing 2,000,000 pieces of colored stones scaling 16x5 meters in its current state. We end the day in Petra.

Day 2 - Petra Tour/ Amman, Overnight

We then tour Petra, the magnificent "Rose City." As Jordan's most visited tourist attraction, it is known for its history and archeology, as well as its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. The 7-kilometer walk can also be covered by horseback. We depart to our Amman.

Day 3 - Amman / King Hussein Bridge, Allenby / Return to Israel

Following breakfast, we journey to Jerash, a city with a history dating to the Bronze Age and archeology from the Neolithic period. Walk among the ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gerasa and see the fortification walls, temples, baths, colonnaded streets, theaters, shops, and sophisticated waterworks. When the day is done, we travel to Sheikh Hussein to cross the border to Israel.

Day 4 - Depart Israel to the USA

You are transported to Ben Gurion lnternational Airport for your return flight. Your tour of the Holy Land and Jordan ends as you depart for the USA.

Muslim Trips to The Holy Land

Four-Day Itinerary

Day 1

The tour starts at Al Quds, the Holy City of Jerusalem. Mount of Olives, with its panoramic view, Maqam (Sanctuary) Rabeiah-el-Adawiyah and Suleiman el-Farsi. Crossing the Al-Joz Valley, where the Last Judgment shall take place, we reach the highlight of every Muslim Pilgrimage to the Holy Land: The Al Aqsa, also known as the Haram-esh-Sharif, the Holy and Honorable. We will have an extensive tour of the Haram esh-Sharif, learning about its historical and architectonical background, as well as the many legends, told about the holy Al Aksa Mosque & The Dome of the Rock, “whose precincts We did bless” (Al Qur’an el Kareem, Sura 17, verse 1). Visit the Underground Mosque below the Al Aqsa, just newly opened to the public, as well as the Marawani Mosque. Now it’s time to stroll through the colorful “Suq” (Bazaar) of Jerusalem, where you can buy some souvenirs to take back home. We will also pay a visit to the famous “Church of the Holy Sepulcher”, where the Prophet ‘Issa (Jesus) was crucified and buried before we head to our Jerusalem Hotel.

Day 2

Drive to Hebron, also named Al-Halil after the prophet Ibrahim. We will not miss the Ibrahimi Mosque (Haram el Halil) – a sanctuary built already some 2,000 years ago on the burial place of the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim el Halil), Isaac, Jacob (Nabi Yaakub) and their spouses. We will also seize this opportunity to pray at this holy place. Hebron is also known for its glass-blowers. Continue north to Halhul, the highest town in Palestine, where we visit the Shrine of Nebi Yunas. We end this day in Bethlehem, in the Church of Nativity, the birthplace of the Prophet Jesus (Nabi ‘Issa). This Church is the oldest still active church in the world! A short drive brings us back to Jerusalem.

Day 3

Visit the site of Nebi Moussa, where a medieval tradition places the tomb of Nabi Moussa (Moses). This place was famous for “Ziyarat Nabi Moussa” that was held here during the spring and included a colorful march from Jerusalem, a week of prayers, and other festive activities. Now we head to Jericho – “The City of Palm Trees,” where we will visit some of the sites of the oldest city in the world, famous for its sweet-water springs that produce a little heaven in the heart of the desert. We continue through the Jordan Valley and pass Beisan (Beth Shean) where according to Hadith the palm trees that will bear no fruit will be a sign for Ad- Dajjal (The Deceiver) and head toward the Mountains of Galilee. Near the “Horns of Hittin,” overlooking the blue Sea of Galilee, where Salach-e-Din had his glorious victory over the Crusaders, we will visit the Tomb of Nabi Shuaib (Jethro) – The father-in-law of Nebi Moussa, who helped him in fighting the infidel Midianites, and fled from them to hide in this cave. This place is also a very holy place for the Druze. We end the day in Tiberias, located beautifully near the Lake that bears its name.

Day 4

After breakfast, drive to the oriental city of Akko (Acre), an ancient, well-preserved port-city, full of controversies. After entering the Old City through the thick walls that symbolize the Islamic victory over the “Emperor” – Napoleon Bonaparte, we visit the very well-preserved “Knights Halls” which were buried under the Muslim city.  We will also visit the Turkish “Hammam” (Bath) where a state-of-the-art audiovisual show leads you through its chambers, and make the “good old days” come alive. All those sites are in, around, and under the living oriental Bazaar with its colors and odors of the East. We will not miss, of course, a visit and a prayer at the glorious Al Jazzar Mosque, which became one of the symbols of the city. The mosque is also famous for keeping some hairs of the Prophet’s beard! Continue along the Mediterranean Coast to the old city of Jaffa, one of the ancient gateways to the Holy Land. Today Jaffa’s renovated alleyways attract many artists, who have their galleries there. From here we drive to the city of Lod, mentioned in the Hadith as the place where the Masih ad-Dajjal, the last of the 30 Deceivers, will be slain by Jesus Son of Mary on the Day of Resurrection (Yawm al-Qiyamah). This is the place where you recite the last 10 verses of Sura 18, Surat al Kahf. From here it is only a short drive to Ramla, founded as the Capital of the Palestine District of the first Caliphate. In Ramla, we visit the “White Mosque” dedicated to Nabi Salach, one of the prophets who spoke against the infidels before the time of Mohammed, Grace be upon him. The place is also famous for the underground “Arches Pool” – a glorious example of early Islamic architecture.

Nine-Day Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. A representative will escort the group and introduce your driver before heading to the hotel in Netanya or Tel Aviv.

DAY 2

We start our day along the Mediterranean coast. We arrive in Caesarea, a port city built by Herod in honor of Caesar Augustus and the ancient capital for the Roman Empire in the region, and the city of residency of Pontius Pilate. We visit the aqueduct, the Roman amphitheater, and the hippodrome. We proceed to Haifa and view the Baha’i Gardens, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Drive to the oriental city of Akko (Acre), an ancient, well-preserved port-city, full of controversies. After entering the Old City through the thick walls that symbolize the Islamic victory over the “Emperor” – Napoleon Bonaparte, we visit the very well preserved “Knights Halls” which were buried under the Muslim city. We will also visit the Turkish “Hammam” (Bath) where a state-of-the-art audiovisual show leads you through its chambers, and make the “good old days” come alive. All those sites are in, around, and under the living oriental Bazaar with its colors and odors of the East.

DAY 3

We head to Mount Bental the view is incredible! We continue to the Banias Spring and Waterfall, an ancient Greco-Roman city on one of the sources of the Jordan River, today a nature reserve, where you can walk in the dense wood along the sprinkling water, and enjoy the different archaeological findings ranging from the Greco-Roman period to the times of the Crusaders and the Turks. On the cliff overlooking the Banias, you can see the Holy Site dedicated to the Prophet Al Hader. We climb even higher to Qala’at Namrud – a Muslim Fortress at the slopes of Mt. Hermon (Jebel-e-Sheikh), overlooking all of the Hula Valley, the Upper Galilee, and all the way to Lebanon. This view made it the main Muslim stronghold that withheld the Crusader Kingdom from spreading further to the North. Continue the boat ride from Tiberius to Capernaum; there you will see an ancient synagogue and St. Peter’s house, which was later converted into a church. Also by the shore you will visit Tabgha with the Church of St. Peter’s Primacy and the ancient mosaic of the loaves and fishes.

DAY 4

We have breakfast at the hotel and drive southbound by the Jordan Valley to Jericho, where you will visit the magnificent “Hisham’s Palace” – one of the most well-preserved monuments of the Early Muslim Era in Palestine. This palace is mainly famous for its colorful and realistic mosaics that beautify the floor in the Palace’s “Diwan”. We then drive to Masada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D. Ascend Masada by cable car and visit the food storeroom, water irrigation system, and Herod’s Palace. We will visit the site of Nabi Moussa, where a medieval tradition places the tomb of Nabi Moussa (Moses). Until the time of the British mandate in Palestine, this place was famous for “Ziyarat Nabi Moussa” that was held here during the spring, and included a colorful march from Jerusalem to this site, and a week of prayers and other festive activities.

DAY 5

We dedicate the first part of the day to visit and join the holy prayer and participate in the Hutba at the Al Aqsa Mosque. We will have a guided tour of the Haram esh-Sharif, learning about its historical & architectonical background, as well as the many legends told about the holy Al Aqsa Mosque & The Dome of the Rock, “whose precincts We did bless” – Al Qur’an el Kareem, Sura 17, verse 1. From here we continue along the colorful “Suq” (bazaar) to the Church of the Resurrection of Jesus, where the Khalif Omar met the Bishop Sophronius and prayed outside, in order not to desecrate the Holy City. We shall also visit the Omar Mosque, situated just outside the church, and commemorating that event. We walk through the Jewish Quarter to see some of the archaeological excavations made there, such as the Roman Cardo, and then, if open to visitors, visit King David’s tomb – a place holy for Muslims, Jews, and Christians. We end the day at the famous Western (“Wailing”) Wall, where we can see Jews from all over the world, in their different dresses, coming to pray near the last remnants of their temple.

DAY 6

We start the day at the different mosques on top of the Mount of Olives. From here there is a panoramic view over Jerusalem’s Old City, with the magnificent Dome of the Rock in its center. Then we walk/drive down to the marble memorial of Mujir-e-Din al Hanbaly, a medieval philosopher, located just above the Tomb of Sitt Mariam (Mary) in the Garden of Gethsemane. Then we drive out of the city to visit Maqam e-Nebi Samuel, Tomb of the Prophet Samuel, which is holy for all three main monotheistic religions. There is a wide view towards the Holy City, Jerusalem, and towards the Mediterranean Sea from this historic place. We end the day with a short hike in the Masrek Nature Reserve, visiting the Tomb of Salman el Farsi, who was the personal Barber of the Prophet Mohammed, peace shall be upon him. Due to the holiness of the site, the goats were kept off it, enabling some giant pine-trees to grow there.

DAY 7

Today we will visit Nablus, The Old City, where there are ancient religious shrines and we’ll visit the old Palestinian market. We also visit Mount Gerizim. It is a well-known sacred spot in the city. The history of the mountain dates back to the ancient periods. It is located by the side of the West Bank in Nablus city. The mountain is a very sacred spot for the people of the Samaritan communities. Then we drive to Ramallah, where we visit the “White Mosque” dedicated to Nabi Salach, one of the prophets who spoke against the infidels already before the time of Mohammed. The place is also famous for the underground “Arches Pool” nearby (currently not open).

DAY 8

We drive to Hebron, also named Al-Halil after the prophet Ibrahim. Here we will not miss the Ibrahimi Mosque (Haram el Halil) – a sanctuary built already some 2000 years ago on the burial place of the Prophet Abraham (Ibraim el Halil), Isaac, Jacob (Nabi Yaakub) and their spouses. We will also seize this opportunity to pray at this holy place. Hebron is also known for its glassblowers. Continue north to Halhul, the highest town in Palestine, where we visit the Shrine of Nebi Yunas. We end this day in Bethlehem, in the Church of Nativity, the birthplace of the Prophet Jesus (Nabi ‘Issa). This Church is the oldest active church in the world!

DAY 9

We have breakfast in the hotel and drive to Ben Gurion International Airport for your return flight.