Pilgrimage Study Tour • 10 Days / 9 Nights 

Day 1 - Arrival (Saturday)

Meet the group at the Jerusalem Hotel.

7:00pm - Meet with the guide in the lobby for orientation and a briefing.

The guide will give a detailed briefing illustrated with maps, covering years of history from the late Ottoman period to the present day. This includes an introduction to Israeli occupation and the development of the region.

Dinner & overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 2 - Jerusalem Old City (Sunday)

Breakfast.

9:00am - Meet at Jerusalem Hotel lobby.

The day begins in Old City Jerusalem. You will visit the Muslim, Christian and Jewish Quarters and explore:

Via Dolorosa - walk along part of the route that is the place believed to be where Jesus carried the cross to Calvary.

Room of the Last Supper - where The Eucharist is said to have been instituted by Christ.

Western Wall - where Jews have prayed for millennia.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre - the site that is said to be the hill of Calvary, and contains the cave (the sepulchre) where Jesus was buried and rose again.

During the walk around the Old city, your guide will integrate information from the briefing yesterday evening, including the displacement of Jerusalem’s Christians and Muslims, and the development of the Jewish and Palestinian neighborhoods. 

Dinner & overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 3 - East Jerusalem & Hebron (Monday)
 
Breakfast.

9:00am - Pick up from hotel in Jerusalem.

The second day of the tour starts off with a drive through East Jerusalem including a variety of religious sites and an overview of Israel’s expansion into settlement neighborhoods and the lack of development in Palestinian areas of the city. Travel to Mount of Olives, a spot to witness a magnificent view of the Old City and explore the historical and religious sites in the area including:

Church of the Ascension - thought to be the spot where Jesus ascended into Heaven after resurrection.

Bethpage - mentioned in the New Testament where Jesus sent his disciples.

Church of Pater Noster - the site in which “The Lord’s Prayer” was taught by Jesus.

Dominus Flevit - the site at which Jesus wept over the fate of the city of Jerusalem.

Garden of Gethsemane - at the foot of Mount of Olive where, according to the Bible, Jesus and his disciples are said to have prayed the night before Jesus’ crucifixion. 

Once in Hebron, there will be a discussion about the divisions of this ancient city and history of the conflict in Hebron in particular. 

Cave of the Patriarchs - where Abraham and Sarah are buried. This is a holy site for Christians, Muslims and Jews.

Hebron Old City - here you will see where Israeli settlers have commandeered much of the area.

Glass & Ceramic Workshop - see glass being blown in the traditional fashion, and ceramic being hand painted. 

 Dinner & overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 4 - Bethlehem (Tuesday)

Breakfast.

9:00am - Pick up from hotel in Jerusalem with luggage.

Transfer to meet guide. 

This day brings you to Mar Saba, where there are magnificent views of the Judean Desert. The Mar Saba Monastery is considered one of the oldest inhabited monasteries in the world and prohibits the entry of women. 

The tour continues in Bethlehem where you will walk through many historical sites including:

Shepherds’ Field - where the Angel of the Lord visited the shepherds and informed them of Jesus’ birth.

Church of the Nativity - where Jesus was born and one of the most sacred Christian sites in the world.

Milk Grotto - where it is believed that a drop of Virgin Mary’s milk dropped and turned it white, and also where Mary and baby Jesus hid.

Aida Refugee Camp - an area with descendents of Palestinian refugees of 1948; you will also have the opportunity to have a discussion with one of the youth leaders there.

Separation Wall - walk the 8-meter high wall which divides Bethlehem from Jerusalem where Palestinians need permits to enter Jerusalem, and few are granted.

 
The day ends with an optional visit to The Walled Off Hotel or time at the cafe near the wall.

Check into hotel.

Dinner & overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 5 - Nablus & Sebastia (Wednesday)
 
Breakfast.

8:00am - Early pick up from hotel in Bethlehem.

On this day of the tour, you will head to Nablus which is the largest city in the West Bank. En-route, there will be a visit to the ancient Israelite settlement of Shilo, passing Beth-El and Ofra, which were also mentioned in the Old Testament. You’ll see the modern Israeli communities at these sites, built on confiscated land, displacing local Palestinians.

While in Nablus, there will be a visit to:

Old City - a beautiful labyrinth of buildings dating back to the Ottoman period will be seen, as well as an ancient Turkish bath and an opportunity to stop by an olive oil soap factory.

Jacob’s Well - this is where Jesus once asked a Samaritan woman for a drink.

Samaritan Village - you will take a trip up Mount Gerizim to the Samaritan Village to see the ruins of the Samaritan Temple and visit the Samaritan Museum.

Then onto Sebastia which is home to a number of important archaeological sites. The ancient site of Samaria-Sebaste is located just above the built up area of the modern day village on the eastern slope of the hill. The ruins dominate the hillside and comprise remains from six successive cultures dating back 10,000 years. You’ll see one of the most northern Israeli settlements of Shavei Shomron.
There will also be a visit to:

Burqin Church - also known as St. George's church, it is considered the fifth oldest sacred Christian place in the world, and the third oldest church. According to Christian tradition, Jesus passed through Burqin on his way to Jerusalem from Nazareth in the early days of Christianity. Excavations show that the church passed through 4 different historical periods. 

Dinner & overnight in Bethlehem.

 Day 6 - Jericho & Dead Sea (Thursday)

Breakfast.

9:00am - Pick up from hotel in Bethlehem.

First, you will visit a Bedouin community in the Judean Desert and learn about the displacement of the Bedouin from their lands where Israel is expanding the settlements.

While in the excavated city of Jericho, you will ascend via cable car for a panoramic view of the city while heading up to Mount of Temptation - where Jesus was tempted by the devil.

Then onto:

Hisham’s Palace - see the amazing mosaics and ancient architecture.

Zacchaeus’ Sycamore Tree - where Zacchaeus climbed to see Jesus pass by.

Tel Es Sultan - see the ancient excavated city, also known as Ancient Jericho.

Qasr al Yahud - a baptismal site located on the Jordan River, which is believed to be where Jesus was baptized.

The next stop is the Dead Sea, one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. You will have a chance to take a dip in the healing waters at one of the nearby beaches to experience it for yourself. 

Dinner & overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 7 - Nazareth & Galilee (Friday)

Breakfast.

7:00am - Early pick up from hotel in Bethlehem with luggage.

The day begins in Nazareth which is the largest Palestinian town in Israel with a Muslim majority population and is overlooked by the huge new Jewish suburb of Upper Nazareth on the hill.

While in Nazareth, you will visit Basilica of Annunciation and other churches as well as:  

Old City of Nazareth - a brief visit and description of the city.
The guide will discuss the changing demographics of the city, and Israel’s impact on the Christian and Muslim residents.

You will then explore the Galilee region and have a chance to see many impressive archeological and religious sites including:

Capernaum - home of many apostles. Where Jesus preached in the synagogue and conducted miracles.

Mount of Beatitudes - the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

Tabgha - the site of the miracle of loaves and fishes.

There will be an opportunity to view the Sea of Galilee and also see Golan Heights from afar. Israel conquered the territory from Syria in 1967 and has occupied it ever since.

Check into hotel.

Dinner & overnight in Tiberias. Enjoy a Kibbutz experience.

Day 8 -  Mediterranean Coast (Saturday)

Breakfast.

9:00am - Pick up from hotel in Tiberias with luggage.

The following day will bring you to the Mediterranean Coast where spectacular sites will be explored, which include:

Caesarea -known for Caesarea National Park, including a large Roman amphitheatre and the historic port. On the site is an archaeological park with pillars and sculptures, and the remains of a hippodrome, with frescoes and stone seating. 

Head to Haifa for a visit to the Bahá'i Gardens and the Golden Dome and take a short excursion through the Carmel Mountains where you will see:

Druze Village - you will reach this enchanting village and learn about the unique culture and visit the Druze Heritage Center.

On the way towards Acre (Akko), see the Mediterranean Sea, a port city in northwest Israel on the Mediterranean coast.

See the city’s fascinating historical heritage - a rare blend of East and West with authentic glimpses from Akko's walls, fortresses, castles, churches, mosques, synagogues and more.

Check into hotel.

Dinner & overnight in Tel Aviv.

Day 9 - Tel Aviv & Jaffa (Sunday)
 
Breakfast.

9:00am - Pick up from hotel in Tel Aviv.

The morning begins with a walking tour of Jaffa to learn about its history, both ancient and modern. Your guide will discuss the contemporary efforts to continue the removal of the remnants of the town’s Arab population. You will then have a brief view of the Palestinian Arab neighborhood of Ajami. Next, you will visit the famous Jaffa Clock Tower and take a walk along the Jaffa Port and see communities filled with Muslims, Christians and Jews.

Then, the Jaffa street market is visited and a walk-through of the old American Colony area, also known as the German Colony.

Continue into today’s Tel Aviv, you will explore the neighborhoods of Tel Aviv, many of which were built on top of the ruins of Palestinian villages. You will see:

Neve Tzedek neighborhood - Jaffa's first Jewish neighborhood

Rothschild Boulevard -the street that became an icon of the Zionists efforts to establish Tel Aviv as a European-style city with International Style and Bauhaus buildings. 

To end the tour, you will walk along the Promenade shore …

Dinner & overnight in Tel Aviv.

Day 10 - Departure (Monday)

Breakfast.

After check out, onto your next destination. 

If you require assistance or additional services, please contact the office directly. 

• Extra services offered at an additional fee

7:00pm - Saturday - Briefing and orientation with guide.

9:00am - Sunday - Meet guide at Jerusalem Hotel lobby. 

The tour ends on Monday morning in Tel Aviv.

Additional services available upon request. 

Passport

Cash

Comfortable Shoes

• Pick up and drop off at hotel
• 3-star hotel accommodation in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tiberias & Tel Aviv
• Breakfast and dinner
• All transport per itinerary
• Entrance fees for sites on itinerary
• Daily guiding with English-speaking tour guide

• Lunch
• Gratuities for drivers and guides
• Airfare
• Airport pickup and dropoff
• Airport taxes
• Travel Insurance

Priced based on double occupany. 

The remaining balance will be due 30 days before the tour starts, you will receive a notificiation to make the payment. If the tour is cancelled due to an insufficient number of participants, your deposit will be fully refunded. 

Optional Extras:

Single supplement available.

Airport Transfers.

Transportation to pickup point.

See Cancellation Policy in our Terms of Service

Please note: this tour may be cancelled if the minimum numbers of participants is not met.