The Holy Land is an area full of history and adventure! See sacred sites for three of the world’s major religions in one city – in one area! The history of the world is saturated in every pore of the region, and is open to you as you explore! One great way to see the sights is by taking a tour through G Adventures. They have a wonderful eight-day seven-night tour through the region that takes you to many sites. We will walk through the tour!

Day 1 Tel Aviv

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Tel Aviv/Haifa

This morning explore vibrant Tel Aviv. Enjoy an orientation walk in historic Jaffa before driving up the coast to a Druze community for a local lunch. After, continue to Haifa, beautifully set on the slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea.

The Druze are a religious and ethnic minority in the region that are known for their hospitality. Even though the faith originally developed out of Ismaili Islam, Druze are generally not considered Muslims. 

Day 3 Haifa/Nazareth/Galilee

Visit Akko and explore its colorful markets and old city. After, travel to Nazareth where we visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East. Continue to the Sea of Galilee for the evening.

The Basilica of the Annunciation was established where Catholic tradition states Mary’s house existed when she was visited by the angel Gabriel when he announced that Mary would conceive and bear the son of God, called the Annunciation. It is considered one of the holiest sites in the Christina world. 

Day 4 Galilee/Jericho

Tour the Sea of Galilee area, including the Church of Transfiguration and the ruins of Capernaum. Also, visit a local Kibbutz to learn about this interesting communal lifestyle. Continue to Jericho for the night.

The Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake in the world, and the second lowest lake (beaten by the Dead Sea, a saltwater lake just a few miles to the south). In the New Testament most of Jesus’s ministry happens on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Kinneret. One of Jesus’ famous teaching episodes, the Sermon on the Mount, is supposed to have been given on a hill overlooking the Kinneret.

Day 5 Masada/Dead Sea/Jerusalem

Visit the fortress of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After, relax at the Dead Sea with time to swim before continuing to Jerusalem for the night.

The Masada is an ancient fortification on top of a mesa-like structure in the south district of Israel. In the First Jewish-Roman war the fortress was laid siege to by Roman troops using a circumvallation wall and a siege ramp against the western face of the plateau. The Roman siege installations as a whole, especially the attack ramp, are the best preserved of their kind, and the reason for declaring Masada a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 6 Jerusalem

Take a guided walk through the Old City Starting at the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa mosque courtyard. After, walk along the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Explore the winding alleyways and quarters and continue on to the western wall. This afternoon is free to explore on your own, or opt to visit the Israel museum then stroll through the Yehuds Market walk with beer tasting.

The Al Aqsa mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. The mosque was built on the Temple Mount. Muslims believe that Muhammad was transported from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to al-Aqsa during the Night Journey. 

Day 7 Jerusalem

Visit Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity and the Duhaishe Camp for Palestinian refugees. Return to Jerusalem and opt to visit museums or explore on your own.

The Church of the Nativity is the oldest major church in the Holy Land, and the grotto it contains is the oldest site continually used as a place of worship in Christianity, due to being the traditional birthplace of Jesus.

Day 8 Jerusalem

Depart at any time.

 


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