In His Steps

Written By Alex M

Day 1: Arrival & Tel Aviv Introduction

  • Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport and drive to your hotel in Tel Aviv

  • Afternoon/Evening: Relax, explore the city on your own, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

  • Stroll through the charming alleys of the Old Town, admire historical landmarks like the Clock Tower and St. Peter's Church, and soak in the beautiful sea views.

  • Overnight stay in Tel Aviv.

Day 2: Caesarea Maritima, Megiddo, Nazareth & Cana

  • Drive north along the coast to Caesarea Maritima (around 1 hour). (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

  • Explore the impressive Roman ruins, including the ancient theater, hippodrome, and Herod's palace. Learn about the city's rich history and imagine the grandeur of its past.

  • Continue your drive to Megiddo (around 40 minutes). (Open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM)

  • Visit the archaeological site of Megiddo, an ancient city mentioned in the Bible. Learn about its significance throughout history and the different civilizations that occupied it.

  • Explore Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus. Visit the Church of the Annunciation, believed to be the site where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to noon and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

  • Consider visiting Nazareth Village, an open-air museum depicting life in Jesus' time. (Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

  • Visit Cana, traditionally associated with Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine. Explore the Wedding Church, a Franciscan church built over the site believed to be where the miracle took place. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to noon and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

Overnight Stay in the Galilee region.

Day 3: Sea of Galilee & Surroundings

  • Explore the beautiful Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake surrounded by historical and scenic sites. Consider taking a boat ride for a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape. Boat tours typically depart from Tiberias or other towns on the shore.

  • Visit Capernaum, an ancient fishing village believed to be Jesus' center of ministry. Explore the ruins of the synagogue and other archaeological remains. (Open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM)

  • Continue to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. Visit the Church of the Multiplication with its impressive mosaic floor. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to noon and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

  • Drive up to the Mount of Beatitudes, a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Enjoy panoramic views of the region and reflect on the significance of this holy site.

Overnight Stay in the Galilee region.

Day 4: Golan Heights & Beyond

  • Drive up to the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau offering stunning views of the surrounding region. (Consider a guided jeep tour for a more adventurous experience)

  • Visit Gamla, a first-century town destroyed by the Romans. Explore the archaeological remains, including the synagogue believed to have been visited by Jesus. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)

  • Soak in the panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee from above and learn about the unique geography and geopolitical significance of the Golan Heights.

  • Continue your drive south to Beit Shean, an ancient city with a rich history dating back thousands of years. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)

  • Explore the impressive Roman ruins, including the amphitheater, colonnaded streets, and baths. Imagine the grandeur of this city that once served as the capital of the Roman Decapolis.

  • Drive south along the Jordan River Valley, passing by the modern city of Jericho. Enjoy a glimpse of the Mount of Temptation, a mountain traditionally associated with Jesus' temptation by the devil.

  • Ascend through the stark and beautiful Judean Desert on your way to Jerusalem.

Overnight Stay in a hotel in Jerusalem.

Day 5: Jerusalem's Old City & Holy Sites

  • Immerse yourself in the historical and spiritual heart of Jerusalem by exploring the Old City. (Open daily. Entrance fees may apply to some sites)

  • Visit the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism and a remnant of the Second Temple.

  • Walk along the Cardo, the main street of Roman and Byzantine Jerusalem, now a bustling marketplace.

  • Explore the Christian and Armenian Quarters, encountering churches, monasteries, and historical landmarks.

  • See the Bethesda Pool, traditionally associated with a miracle performed by Jesus.

  • Visit the Church of St. Anne, believed to be the birthplace of the Virgin Mary.

  • Walk along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows), the path Jesus is believed to have taken on his way to crucifixion.

  • Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. (Open daily from 4:30 AM to 8:00 PM)

  • In the afternoon, visit Yad Vashem, the National Memorial and Museum of the Holocaust. This somber yet important museum honors the memory of the six million Jews killed during World War II. (Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM)

Overnight Stay in a hotel in Jerusalem.

Day 6: Dead Sea & Masada

  • Drive through the Judean Desert on your way to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at approximately 400 meters below sea level.

  • Take a moment to appreciate the unique landscape and the stark beauty of the desert.

  • Consider stopping at the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Learn about the significance of these ancient scrolls and their impact on our understanding of early Judaism and Christianity. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed on Fridays and Saturdays)

  • Experience the unique sensation of floating in the Dead Sea's buoyant waters, rich in minerals known for their therapeutic properties.

  • Remember to bring a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, and flip flops. Apply sunscreen generously as the desert sun can be intense.

  • Be aware that the Dead Sea's high salt content can irritate the eyes and skin. Avoid contact with open wounds and rinse thoroughly with fresh water after swimming.

  • Ascend Masada, a mountaintop fortress overlooking the Dead Sea, by cable car. (Cable car operates daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)

  • Explore the archaeological ruins of Herod the Great's palace complex, including Herod's winter palace, bathhouses, and storage facilities.

  • Learn about the dramatic story of the Jewish Zealots who held the fortress against the Roman siege in 73 AD.

Overnight Stay in a hotel in Jerusalem.

Day 7: Bethlehem & Jerusalem Highlights

  • Take a day trip to Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus.

  • Visit the Church of the Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to be built over the grotto where Jesus was born. (Open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Manger Square and explore the local shops and markets.

  • Return to Jerusalem and head to the Mount of Olives for breathtaking panoramic views of the Old City.

  • Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, a traditional site of Jesus' prayer before his crucifixion. (Open daily)

  • Stop by the Church of All Nations, also known as the Church of the Agony, located on the Mount of Olives.

  • Visit the Garden Tomb, a popular pilgrimage site believed by some to be the burial and resurrection place of Jesus. (Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM)

  • Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to relax, explore Jerusalem's lively markets, or visit any additional sites that interest you.

  • The bustling Mahane Yehuda Market is a great place to experience local culture and find unique souvenirs.

Overnight Stay in a hotel in Jerusalem.

Day 8 : Departure

  • Arrange your airport transfer or drive to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight home.

Alex M
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