Best of Christian Holy Land

This tour explores the southern region of Israel, traversing the scenic Judean Hills and passing by the Inn of the Good Samaritan. We make a stop at sea level to capture an unforgettable photo, and then continue our journey downwards, descending deeper beneath sea level towards the renowned Dead Sea. Our initial destination is Masada, where we ascend to the plateau summit via a cable car, allowing us to explore the remnants of Herod’s ancient palace fortress, which has stood for over 2,000 years. Among the remarkable structures are palaces and a well-preserved bathhouse. Moving on from Masada, the tour proceeds past the desert oasis of Ein Gedi and Qumran, the historical site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. The remainder of the day is dedicated to relaxation on one of the Dead Sea’s beaches. Here, you can experience the unique sensation of effortlessly floating in the highly saline water, which is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean, providing natural buoyancy. Additionally, you can indulge in the benefits of the Dead Sea mud, using it as a natural skin mask while basking in the glorious Dead Sea sunlight.

Join this guided tour to explore Bethlehem and Jericho, delving into the rich historical sites while experiencing the spiritual significance of these ancient cities. Our journey begins at the renowned Inn of the Good Samaritan, leading us towards the captivating depths of Jericho, a city located below sea level. Within Jericho, witness the remarkable sycamore tree that Zacchaeus climbed in his quest for a glimpse of Jesus. Immerse yourself in the biblical account of Joshua’s triumphant procession around the sturdy walls of Jericho, ultimately leading to their collapse.

Leaving Jericho, our route takes us past the iconic Mount of Temptation. We then proceed to Qasr al-Yahud, situated on the Jordan River, where the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist occurred. Our next destination is Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, a location brimming with over two millennia of history. As we arrive in Bethlehem, we pause at Manger Square before entering the revered Church of the Nativity, which enshrines the Holy Grotto, the very site of the nativity.

Continuing our exploration, we visit the adjacent Church of St. Catherine, where we marvel at its subterranean caves, which house ancient tombs and sacred shrines. Our path leads us past the serene Shepherds Field before we conclude our tour, returning to Jerusalem, our starting point. Embark on this unforgettable journey that unveils the biblical tales and remarkable landmarks of Bethlehem and Jericho.

Experience the Christian Jerusalem tour, where you can retrace the footsteps of Jesus and explore significant locations that played a pivotal role in Biblical events. Embark on this journey starting from the Mt. of Olives at the Church of the Ascension, where Jesus ascended to heaven, leaving an enduring mark of his foot on a stone slab. While a 4th-century chapel once stood in this sacred spot, it has now been replaced by a chapel from the Crusader era.

Continuing the Jerusalem tour, you will make a stop at the nearby Church of the Pater Noster, where Jesus imparted the Lord’s Prayer to his disciples. Plaques adorned with the Lord’s Prayer in various languages adorn the walls, allowing us to witness the very place where Jesus shared this profound teaching. As we descend the Mount of Olives, breathtaking views of the 3,000-year-old Jewish cemetery and the Old City across the Kidron Valley unfold before us. During a brief pause at the Dominus Flevit, a teardrop-shaped chapel designed by Barluzzi, we stand at the very site where Jesus gazed upon Jerusalem and shed tears.

Our tour also includes a visit to the magnificent Church of All Nations, followed by a stroll through the adjacent Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus fervently prayed and was later apprehended on the eve of his crucifixion. Crossing the Kidron Valley, we enter the Old City through the Lion’s Gate, catching sight of the Pools of Bethesda, the location where Jesus performed a miraculous healing of a paralytic. Another notable stop on the Christian Jerusalem tour is the Church of St. Anne, erected above the site believed to be Mary’s birthplace.

We visit the Convent of the Sisters of Zion, where we encounter Second Temple Era water cisterns and intricately engraved Roman flagstones. It was in this very place that Pilate presided over the trial and condemnation of Jesus, who shouldered his cross and walked amidst a jeering crowd along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary, where he was ultimately crucified. As we retrace a portion of Jesus’ path along the Via Dolorosa through the Old City, the tour pauses at the 3rd Station of the Cross.

We begin our journey by admiring the breathtaking panoramic vistas of Jerusalem from the summit of Mount of Scopus. As we descend the mount, we pass by significant landmarks such as the biblical Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations, and the Kidron Valley, which holds monumental Jewish tombs. In the Jewish Quarter, our eyes are drawn to the Cardo, the primary street of Jerusalem during the Byzantine era. Our next stop is the Western Wall, where we insert a prayer note among the ancient stones. Continuing our tour, we follow a portion of the Via Dolorosa until we arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here, we witness the historical site of Christ’s crucifixion and burial tomb. After a refreshing lunch break and a stroll through the bustling Old City bazaar, we venture towards modern Jerusalem. Our drive through the contemporary city leads us to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. The museum’s exhibits showcases a collection of authentic artifacts, original documents, photographs, and video testimonials of Holocaust survivors.

The tour of Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) commences with a picturesque drive northward along the coastline of the Mediterranean. The tour then veers inland towards the Valley of Armageddon, where we catch a glimpse of Megiddo in the distance. Prior to arriving in Nazareth, we pass by the Mount of Precipitation. According to the Book of Luke, this is the mount where an enraged crowd attempted to throw Jesus off.

Upon reaching Nazareth, we embark on a tour of the magnificent Church of Annunciation, which stands on the very spot where the Angel Gabriel revealed to Mary her future son. Our journey continues to the neighboring Church of St. Joseph, where the Holy Family resided and where Joseph practiced his carpentry craft. Leaving Nazareth, the Christian Galilee tour proceeds through the picturesque countryside until we reach the Sea of Galilee.

We pass by Cana, the site where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine. We also see the Mount of Beatitudes, where Christ delivered his Sermon on the Mount. The tour includes a stop in Capernaum, the place where Jesus established his ministry in Galilee. In Capernaum, we will explore the Church constructed above the excavated residence of St. Peter, and in the nearby village of Tabgha, we will visit the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes.

Our journey follows the shoreline of the Kinneret, where Jesus walked on water and calmed the Sea. It is on these shores that the majority of Jesus’ miracles took place. We can revel in the breathtaking view of the Sea, surrounded by lush farmlands, while the majestic Golan Heights dominate the opposite shore. Passing by Tiberias, the largest settlement on the shores of the beautiful Sea of Galilee, which boasts a history spanning over 2,000 years.

The tour makes a stop at the point where the Jordan River meets the Sea of Galilee, as it is believed to be the location of Jesus’ baptism by John. Visitors on this tour also have the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River. After an exhilarating day immersed in the Christian sites of Galilee, we make our return journey southward, passing by Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration.