Take an inspiring journey of Christian heritage, set against the backdrop of 2,000 years of history. From ancient Judea to modern Israel, Christians have turned their thoughts to the birthplace of Jesus. See sites tied to Christianity, tour natural places of stunning beauty and learn about the entwined roots of Judaism and Christianity.
Jesus was born, preached and died here; in later centuries Christian history continued in Judea as waves of Crusaders built cities and made their mark. Old and New Testament sites, ruins, churches, fortresses and cities await your exploration!
DAY 1
Thursday (tour starts from Jerusalem )
Drive to Mount of olives for a panoramic view of the city; visit the church of all nations, King David’s tomb and the room of last supper on mt. Zion. Enter within the walls of the city and visit the Cardo, temple mount (entrance to the mosques not included), Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, oriental bazaar. Visit the garden tomb.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 2
Friday
Drive to Ein Karem to visit the Church of Visitation; proceed to Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust; Visit the Israel museum, the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed, and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the second temple period. Proceed to Bethlehem to visit the Church of Nativity.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 3
Saturday
Drive to Qumeran, where the Dead Sea scrolls where found. Visit the ancient city of Qumeran and drive along the shore of the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, to Massada, the last stronghold of the jews after the destruction of the second temple in 70 A.D. Ascend Massada by cable car and visit the food storeroom, water irrigation system and Herod’s palace. Descend by cable car. Time and weather permitting, an opportunity will be provided to float in the dead sea.
