Historical Tour in Israel

As you arrive in Jerusalem, you’ll explore a bit of the Old Town — a UNESCO World Heritage site — and get acquainted with your guide. Start with a stroll through the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, which features native plants and animals mentioned in the Bible as well as endangered and injured animals. The zoo participates in the Sumatran Tiger European Endangered Species Program. 

You’ll start your Holy Land experience by visiting the Church of All Nations in the Garden of Gethsemane. Enjoy beautiful views from the Mount of Olives. Just outside the walls of the Old City is Mount Zion, where you’ll visit King David’s Tomb, the Church of the Ascension, the Room of the Last Supper and Dormition Abbey. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Walls of Jerusalem with its watchtowers and gates.  

Today, you’ll visit the birthplace of Jesus Christ and the Church of the Nativity. You’ll also explore Jericho and the Mount of Temptation, as well as Capernaum National Park, which features the ancient remains of a Galilean fishing village.

This morning, you’ll journey into Nazareth where Jesus lived and grew up. Visit the Church of the Annunciation, the site where it’s believed that the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary announcing that she was chosen as the mother of the Son of God.  

Your next stop is The Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the famous Sermon on the Mount speech. You’ll also visit Mount Tabor, believed to be the site of Jesus’ Transfiguration. Today there are churches and a monastery as well as beautiful views of the Jezreel Valley.

Today, you’ll visit Qasr el Yahud (Castle of the Jews) in the Jordan River Valley, known as the site of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. St. George’s Monastery, dating to 500 A.D. is situated within a cliff in the Wadi Qelt region. It features a chapel and gardens. The bridge leading to it is believed to be the “valley of the shadow of death” from the 23rd Psalm. 

On your last full day in this magical land, you’ll head to an ancient fortress in the southern Judean Desert of Israel. The fortress was built around 30 B.C. and overlooks the Dead Sea. You’ll journey to the top by cable car while taking in stunning views of the land and seascape. Visit the rock terraces of King Herod’s Palace, a Roman bathhouse with mosaic tiles and archaeological exhibits at the Masada Museum.

Before departing home, you’ll be able to spend some time strolling around the Old City, shopping at spice markets and fruit and vegetable stalls, and taking in views of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the golden Islamic Dome of the Rock and the 11th-century Church of Saint John the Baptist.