For Christians worldwide, Israel is a place of unmatched religious importance. Christians have a powerful, faith-based affinity for Jerusalem, Galilee, Bethlehem, and the Mount of Olives - and many dream of the opportunity to witness, first-hand, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. They also make their way to Israel for a chance to immerse themselves in the waters of the Dead Sea and to see, touch and smell the origin of the beliefs they hold so close. Needless to say, Christian tours in Israel are popular among those who practice one of the world's largest and oldest religions.
Often, a seven-day guided tour is just long enough to see some of the most important places and we found it ideal for what we wanted to see.
We arrived on a Sunday and felt completely welcomed to Israel the moment we set foot on the ground at Ben Gurion Airport. After a quick drive to our hotel in Tel Aviv for check-in, we decided to walk and explore the ocean promenade, followed by a relaxing dinner in the hotel.
Following breakfast the next morning, the second day of our tour, we departed Tel Aviv and made our way along the Plain of Sharon, the road that linked Egypt and Babylon to Caesarea. We were able to see, first-hand, the Roman theatre and Judea where Paul began his journey to Tarsus (Acts 9:30) and where Cornelius lived. From there, the Books of Daniel and Revelation took on a far deeper meaning as we learned about the final Battle of Armageddon with a view of the Plains of Jezreel.
Then it was back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest and an exchange of experiences, and a restful night. By now, we were getting into the routine, and after a tasty and filling breakfast the following morning (Tuesday), it was back on the road to the Sea of Galilee, where we embarked on a boat cruise and cruised to Capernaum, the heart of Jesus' Galilean ministry and the place of many of His miracles. We saw the remains of the 2nd century synagogue before continuing on to Tabgha where we were able to experience the site of the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes (John 6:1-14), with its 4th century mosaic floor.
We spent this night in Galilee. Such beauty - timeless, in fact. We could almost feel the history sail through the night air.
Day 4... Wednesday, and after a delicious breakfast, we left upper Galilee to drive southeast toward Cana of Galilee where we stood upon the site where Jesus performed his first miracle: turning water into wine (John 2:1). Leaving the area, we made our way to the scenic Jordan Valley and the city of Beit Shean where we wandered the excavated city. We learned, interestingly, that it's among the largest archaeological sites in Israel. Continuing south, we reached the mountains to rest and reflect on the day's activities and their significance both culturally and historically. And of course, no night in Jerusalem would be complete without an authentic meal from a local restaurant - which is exactly what we enjoyed.
The next day, Thursday, we were off to visit Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem. The day was brought to a close with a visit to the Garden Tomb, which is believed by many Christians to be the site of Golgotha; where Jesus was crucified and where He resurrected. With our spirits and souls soaring, we returned to our hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure and enjoy dinner at our hotel in Jerusalem where we spent the night.
Then it was off to the New City Bethlehem; after breakfast on the Friday, we made the drive to Ein Kerem, named after the Virgin Mary, who used to visit John the Baptist's parents' summer house quite often. Ein Kerem is also the birthplace of John the Baptist. We chose to walk along the Street of the Righteous Gentiles, dedicated to the non-Jews who risked their lives in order to save their Jewish neighbours from persecution before making our way to Manger Square to see the Church of the Nativity.
Once again, we spent the night in Jerusalem with a newfound admiration for the history of this rich, cultural icon.
So now, we reached the last day of our tour, Saturday, Day 7, and headed for what must be one of the most iconic sites anywhere in the world, and very much a must-see - Masada. Our tour also took in the Dead Sea area.
We drove toward the Dead Sea area where we visited Qumran - the place where a young shepherd boy discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls. From there, our journey took us to the top of Masada, where the outlines of the Roman encampments are still visible below.
Masada is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the organisation describes Masada as "a rugged natural fortress, of majestic beauty, in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. It is a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction and the last stand of Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army, in 73 A.D. It was built as a palace complex, in the classic style of the early Roman Empire, by Herod the Great, King of Judaea, (reigned 37 - 4 B.C.). The camps, fortifications and attack ramp that encircle the monument constitute the most complete Roman siege works surviving to the present day." Read more about Masada here.
Visiting Israel and not taking the time to visit Masada makes about as much sense as going to Paris and not visiting the Eiffel Tower. It's a must!
While the day seemed to go by quickly, it was filled with plenty of memories that will last a lifetime. Once again, we made our way back to our hotel in Jerusalem for a feast and some much-needed rest.
And so to our last day...Sunday, Day 8. After breakfast at our hotel in Jerusalem the final leg of our journey took us to Ben Gurion Airport for the return flight home with everlasting memories of Israel.
Seven days may not seem like a long time to explore the depths on one's Christian faith in the region where it all began, but for us it was a good amount of time for to take in the most important sites in and to enjoy our Christian pilgrimage to Israel. We planned well in advance so that it would be a very spiritual journey - rewarding us with memories that we will hold close to our heart and share with friends and family who may be interested in a similar journey like ours.
As to the cost of the tour, you're looking at around US$1,330 per person. A little advice... take along a hat, wear comfortable walking shoes, and go mad with the sunscreen; you'll be doing some walking during your tour and depending on the time of the year you decide to take your tour, it can be hot.
More about the author
David Ben-Sira knows every trail and every stone in Israel. A passionate traveller, full time tour guide at Kenes Tours and part-time history teacher. Favourite hero - Indiana Jones.
