43 activitati in Tel Aviv, ISRAEL

We leave Tel-Aviv and travel up the Mediterranean coast, on the way we pass Herzilya and Natanya before reaching our first point of interest Caesarea. The city of Caesarea was constructed under Herod and named after the Roman Emperor, Caesar. From what remains of the ancient city we can see that it was a prosperous and luxurious city. Among the archaeological excavations we can see gateways, a moat and well preserved walls and rooms. There is a perfectly preserved Roman amphitheater which is still used today for performances by Israeli and international artists. The Roman remains were preserved for centuries by the sea sand which covered and protected the stones. Next to the amphitheatre is part of what was once a hippodrome. We can see the remains of a Roman Temple which stood above the port overlooking the busy commercial ships which carried treasures from the east and the Nabatean caravans which were on route to Rome. Following the Romans the city stood neglected for centuries until the Crusaders arrived but in the years after the Crusaders the city once again sank into oblivion. We continue driving north passing through Haifa where we stop to see the breathtaking Baha'i Shrine and gardens. The terraced gardens cascade down the mountain towards the city below, each of the 19 terraces bursts with colorful flowers and landscaped designs. Our next stop is at Rosh HaNikra, the most northerly point along Israel's Mediterranean coast. We descend by cable car into the network of limestone grottoes created by the constant bombardment of waves against the rocks. On our return journey south we stop at Acre (Akko), the largest Crusader city in the country. The city is extremely well preserved and you can't help being impressed by the incredible architecture and how it has survived. Part of the city is alive with markets and people still living in the ancient buildings. We see the walls and moat which was reconstructed and repaired by El Jazzar at the end of the 1900s. The mighty walls prevented even Napoleon conquering the city. We can see the Crusader remains, the prison used under Turkish rule and the gallows which were used under the British Mandate to hang Jews who broke the British law limiting Jewish immigration to Palestine following World War II. Languages English guide will be available on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday Spanish guide will be available on Tuesday German and French guide will be available on Friday and Sunday

Our day begins at the Mount of Olives with a breathtaking panoramic view over Jerusalem then we continue on to the Byzantine Cardo, an ancient main road which runs through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. We take a look at the Wailing Wall (Kotel) and then follow the sacred route Jesus took carrying his cross along the Way of Sorrows (Via Dolorosa). We stop as several of the Stations of the Cross and reach the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was crucified and where his burial tomb is located. We take a stroll through the bazaars of the Christian and Moslem Quarters and then depart Jerusalem and make our way to Bethlehem. In Bethlehem, our main focus is the Church of the Nativity where Jesus was born. Our journey begins at the Mount of Olives overlooking the ancient Jewish cemetery where it is believed that the resurrection will begin when the Messiah comes (Zech 14:4). From this elevated location we can see across the Old City and down to Temple Mount where the Holy Jewish Temple once stood. We continue on towards the Zion Gate by driving passed the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations and the Kidron Valley where we see the Jewish burial tombs of Absalom, King David's son; Jehoshaphat and the Hezir family (benei Hazir). At the Zion Gate we enter Jerusalem's Old City and make our way through the Armenian Quarter. Then we follow the 1500 year old excavated Byzantine Cardo which has been restored and is now home to modern shops which line a section of the ancient road. We carry on through the Jewish Quarter and on to the Western Wall which was part of the outer walls of the Holy Jewish Temple that stood on Temple Mount almost 2,000 years ago. We then walk where Jesus once walked the Way of Sorrows along the Via Dolorosa, as thousands of pilgrims do each year. We stop at several of the Stations of the Cross where Jesus stopped briefly as he carried his cross to Golgotha (Calvary). The final station on the Way of Sorrows is at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher marking the site where Christ was crucified and where his burial tomb is located. The Basilica was constructed during the Byzantine Era and underwent renovations and reconstruction over the years. Before we leave the Old City we meander through the typically Middle Eastern markets and then set off for Bethlehem, the city of Christ's birth. We arrive in the City of Bread, Bethlehem, which was home to Jesse, King David's father as well as being Christ's birthplace (Matthew 2:1). From Manger Square we enter the 4th century Church of the Nativity which is the oldest church in Israel still in use. Beneath the church is the Grotto of the Nativity where a star indicates the place where Jesus was born. Also in the Orthodox Church is an alter dedicated to the Three Wise Men. This is the place where the well-known story of Christmas night took place and a visit here is a moving experience for all Christians. The Church of the Nativity was neglected for centuries following the expulsion of the Crusaders and was also damaged by an earthquake and fire. However during the British Mandate and more recently under Israeli authority the church has been restored and repaired. On the way out of the church we see the Armenian Chapel of the Kings or Magi and we visit the Crusader Church. From the Church of St. Catherine we go down into a two room cave which connects with the Grotto of the Nativity. It was here that Saint Jerome spent 30 years translating the Hebrew Bible into the Latin version called The Vulgate. This is the perfect place for us to take a moment and sing some Christmas carols.

Journey down from Jerusalem descending below sea level through the Biblical wilderness towards the Dead Sea. On the way we can see the Inn of the Good Samaritan and stop on route to look out across the desert as we pass the point marking "sea level". The ancient city of Jericho can be seen in the distance where Joshua's troops caused the walls to fall (Joshua 6) and where Jesus healed the blind (Mark 10:46-52). We reach the shores of the Dead Sea encrusted with white salt and follow the shoreline towards Masada. Although it's possible to climb the ancient Snake Path up Masada as the Romans did 2000 years ago, we take the convenient cable car up to the mountain top plateau. It was here that King Herod built a fortified palace complete with every convenience, a swimming pool, water cisterns, two palaces, store rooms and even a synagogue. Following Herod's death, the mountain top was the last outpost of Jewish zealots when the Romans tried to rid the land of Jews in the First Jewish-Roman War of 66-73AD. It was on Masada that the first parchment from this era was discovered in an Israeli archaeological excavation. On the parchment was the prophesy of Ezekiel "…I will take the children of Israeli from among the nations…and bring them into their own land…" (Ezekiel 37). Heading back to the Dead Sea we pass the desert oasis of Ein Gedi where there is lush foliage and gorgeous waterfalls and where David hid from angry King Saul. We also pass by Qumran were the 2,000 year old Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in a number of hillside caves. To end off a perfect day we stop at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth and a contender for the title of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. People come from across the globe to enjoy the therapeutic mineral rich waters. And don't worry if you don't know how to swim, the high salt content will keep you afloat. Others Please note that the start and end times are approximate, and are subject to change

Our day begins at the Mount of Olives with a breath-taking panoramic view over Jerusalem then we continue on to the Byzantine Cardo, an ancient main road which runs through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. We take a look at the Wailing Wall (Kotel) and then follow the sacred route Jesus took carrying his cross along the Way of Sorrows (Via Dolorosa). We stop as several of the Stations of the Cross and reach the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was crucified and where his burial tomb is located. We take a stroll through the bazaars of the Christian and Moslem Quarters and then depart Jerusalem and make our way to Bethlehem. In Bethlehem, our main focus is the Church of the Nativity where Jesus was born. From Manger Square we enter the 4th century Church of the Nativity which is the oldest church in Israel still in use. Beneath the church is the Grotto of the Nativity where a star indicates the place where Jesus was born. Also in the Orthodox Church is an alter dedicated to the Three Wise Men. This is the place where the well-known story of Christmas night took place and a visit here is a moving experience for all Christians. The Church of the Nativity was neglected for centuries following the expulsion of the Crusaders and was also damaged by an earthquake and fire. However during the British Mandate and more recently under Israeli authority the church has been restored and repaired. On the way out of the church we see the Armenian Chapel of the Kings or Magi and we visit the Crusader Church. From the Church of St. Catherine we go down into a two-room cave which connects with the Grotto of the Nativity. It was here that Saint Jerome spent 30 years translating the Hebrew Bible into the Latin version called The Vulgate. We stop to see Shepherds Field, and the contemporary Church of the Angels designed by Antonio Berluzzi with panels retelling the story of Jesus' early life. On our way back towards Jerusalem we pass the Field of Ruth.

Journey down from Jerusalem descending below sea level through the Biblical wilderness towards the Dead Sea. On the way we can see the Inn of the Good Samaritan and stop on route to look out across the desert as we pass the point marking "sea level". The ancient city of Jericho can be seen in the distance where Joshua's troops caused the walls to fall (Joshua 6) and where Jesus healed the blind (Mark 10:46-52). We reach the shores of the Dead Sea encrusted with white salt and follow the shoreline towards Masada. Although it's possible to climb the ancient Snake Path up Masada as the Romans did 2000 years ago, we take the convenient cable car up to the mountain top plateau. It was here that King Herod built a fortified palace complete with every convenience, a swimming pool, water cisterns, two palaces, store rooms and even a synagogue. Following Herod's death, the mountain top was the last outpost of Jewish zealots when the Romans tried to rid the land of Jews in the First Jewish-Roman War of 66-73AD. It was on Masada that the first parchment from this era was discovered in an Israeli archaeological excavation. On the parchment was the prophesy of Ezekiel "…I will take the children of Israeli from among the nations…and bring them into their own land…" (Ezekiel 37). Heading back to the Dead Sea we pass the desert oasis of Ein Gedi where there is lush foliage and gorgeous waterfalls and where David hid from angry King Saul. We also pass by Qumran were the 2,000 year old Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in a number of hillside caves. To end off a perfect day we stop at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth and a contender for the title of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. People come from across the globe to enjoy the therapeutic mineral rich waters. And don't worry if you don't know how to swim, the high salt content will keep you afloat. Others Please note that the start and end times are approximate, and are subject to change

This tour begins with a drive through the hills of the Judean Desert descending south from Jerusalem down winding mountain roads until we are below sea level. On route we will see the Inn of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus set his famous parable. You will also get to stop at the sign indicating Sea Level. From here there are stunning views across the desert. The tour takes you to the ancient city of Jericho located at the northern end of the Dead Sea. This desert oasis city is the lowest city in the world and said to be the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. The Old Testament tells us of the walls of Jericho which fell when Joshua’s troops marched around the walls for seven days. Jericho also features in the Book of Mark when Jesus healed a blind man as he left the city. Entering Jericho the tour takes you to the site of another Biblical event. We see the famous sycamore tree which Zacchaeus climbed to get a better view of Jesus as he entered the city surrounded by followers. Leaving Jericho the tour takes you to the Mount of Temptation which overlooks Jericho. This is said to be where Jesus retreated to meditate in the wilderness. While here the Devil tried to tempt Jesus to forsake God (Matthew 4:8). Halfway up the side of this 366 meter high peak the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation clings to the cliffs. A cable car takes you up to the top of the mount where you can tour the monastery and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the desert and Dead Sea. The next stop is at the authentic site of Jesus’ baptism. Qar el Yahud or the Castle of the Jews is on the River Jordan not far from Jericho. This is also thought to have been the place where the Israelites crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land and where the Prophet Elijah ascended to heaven. Here you may have the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River. The last stop on this tour is at the Dead Sea. You are taken to one of the best Dead Sea beaches where you can relax and enjoy the benefits of the Dead Sea’s natural minerals. With the Dead Sea’s high saline content you can float on the water. Also try smothering your skin with the black Dead Sea mud for a natural health and beauty treatment. At the end of the day, after seeing and experiencing once-in-a-lifetime sites the tour returns you to the pick-up point. Languages English

We begin with a panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee then we ascend the Golan Heights passing Hamat Gader. We stop at the Shalom Observation point and the Katzrin Museum then we visit the remains of an ancient Talmudic village. We continue on to Mount Bental opposite Kuneitra and see what a Syrian base was once. Our tour begins as we leave Tel-Aviv traveling north on the coastal road along the Mediterranean Sea and passing the cities of Hertzilya and Natanya. We turn inland and travel through the plain of Armageddon as mentioned in Revelations. From here we can see Megiddo site of an ancient Biblical city. When we reach the southernmost point of the Sea of Galilee we stop to look down on the sea from above and take in the gorgeous pastoral vista. The panoramic view which lies before us has the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) in the foreground and the undulating Golan Heights forming a dramatic backdrop. We cross the Jordan River at the foot of the Golan Heights and begin our ascent passing through Hamat Gader. Today Hamat Gader is a popular spa destination just as it was for the Romans almost 2000 years ago. We continue on through the lush green countryside until we reach the Shalom Observatory. From here we have a stunning view looking back at the Sea of Galilee beneath us. It is easy to understand the strategic importance of the Heights as we see the Israeli city of Tiberias in the distance on the edge of the Sea of Galilee. We travel on to Katzrin where excavations have uncovered a village from the Mishnah and Talmud periods. The village has been partially restored and we can see the archaeological findings which include a synagogue, houses and an oil press. Here we can also see evidence of former volcanic activity in the Golan Heights as black basalt rock forms part of the landscape. We continue on to Katzrin, a city sometimes referred to as the Capital of the Golan. As far back as the Middle Bronze Age this location has been occupied, and later the Romans, Mamluks, Ottomans and even French have ruled this picturesque city. Here we visit the Golan Antiquities Museum where we see findings from the region and the nearby archeological site. The museum displays artifacts and has audiovisual presentations about the city of Gamla. We learn of Gamla, the historic Second Temple Era Jewish city which has been excavated nearby. We continue to Mount Bental to see what remains of Syrian fortifications. The Syrian bunkers, base and trenches were captured by the Israeli's in the Six Day War of 1967. From here we can see how close Syria is as we look down on the Syrian city of Kuneitra just beyond the Canadian UN forces which have protected this peaceful border since the cease fire in 1974. Languages English.

From the top of the Mount of Olives we get a panoramic view of the Old City which we will later explore, we can see the Dome of the Rock and the many roof tops, steeples and minarets of the city. On our way down the mountain we pass the Garden of Gethsemane and drive through Kidron Valley passed several ancient Jewish tombs. We enter the Armenian Quarter of the Old City and head towards the restored Cardo, once a busy Byzantine thoroughfare. In the Jewish Quarter we visit the Wailing Wall and see the holiest Jewish site in the world. Following the Via Dolorosa along the route Jesus took to his crucifixion at Golgotha we pass the Stations of the Cross. The Via Dolorosa leads us to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the holiest Christian site in the Old City. Our tour of the Old City ends with a visit to the Christian and Muslim Quarter markets before driving south through the Judean Desert. On our way we pass the city of Jericho and arrive at the Dead Sea where we can swim, relax and benefit from the rejuvenating natural minerals in the water, air and black Dead Sea mud. Our first stop in Jerusalem is at the Mount of Olives where we can look out across the ancient city. We are able to peer down over the walls of Jerusalem's Old City and on to the many famous sites like the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount with its iconic gold colored dome. As we descend the Mount of Olives we can see the Garden of Gethsemane; the Church of All Nations with its colorful mosaic pediment and the Jewish burial tombs of Zechariah, Absalom and Benei Hazir. We pass through the Kidron Valley and follow the walls of the Old City until we reach the Zion Gate and the entrance to the Armenian Quarter. We walk along the Cardo, the restored main Byzantine street which ran through the Old City. The stone openings lining the Cardo once housed Crusader shops and today they hold up-market modern stores. The restoration and excavation of the Cardo is not yet complete and we can see the various stages of this process. We arrive in the Jewish Quarter at the Western Wall (Kotel or Wailing Wall) it is the last remaining retaining wall of the Jewish Temple which was destroyed in 70AD. Here Jews gather at all hours of the night and day to pray. You can place a prayer note in the cracks between the huge stones of the wall. Our next site is the Via Dolorosa or Way of the Cross; this was the route Jesus took, carrying his cross towards his crucifixion. The Via Dolorosa wends its way through the Old City lanes and markets. Each of the 14 Stations of the Cross where Jesus paused are marked with an explanation of the events. We reach the last point on this holy route at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, constructed on the site where Jesus was crucified at Golgotha. The huge church has several beautifully adorned chapels and within the church are five of the Stations of the Cross – the 10th where Jesus was stripped of his clothes; The Chapel of the Nailing on the Cross (11th station); The Rock of Calvary (12th station); the 13th station where Jesus' body was removed from the cross and the place where Jesus was laid to rest in his tomb (14th station). On our way out of the Old City we pass through the Christian Quarter and Muslim Quarter markets where you can buy souvenirs, bargain over your purchase and taste delicious freshly squeezed orange juice. We leave Jerusalem and head south towards the Judean Desert.

We begin with a panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee then we ascend the Golan Heights passing Hamat Gader. We stop at the Shalom Observation point and the Katzrin Museum then we visit the remains of an ancient Talmudic village. We continue on to Mount Bental opposite Kuneitra and see what a Syrian base was once. Our tour begins as we leave Tel-Aviv traveling north on the coastal road along the Mediterranean Sea and passing the cities of Hertzilya and Natanya. We turn inland and travel through the plain of Armageddon as mentioned in Revelations. From here we can see Megiddo site of an ancient Biblical city. When we reach the southernmost point of the Sea of Galilee we stop to look down on the sea from above and take in the gorgeous pastoral vista. The panoramic view which lies before us has the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) in the foreground and the undulating Golan Heights forming a dramatic backdrop. We cross the Jordan River at the foot of the Golan Heights and begin our ascent passing through Hamat Gader. Today Hamat Gader is a popular spa destination just as it was for the Romans almost 2000 years ago. We continue on through the lush green countryside until we reach the Shalom Observatory. From here we have a stunning view looking back at the Sea of Galilee beneath us. It is easy to understand the strategic importance of the Heights as we see the Israeli city of Tiberias in the distance on the edge of the Sea of Galilee. We travel on to Katzrin where excavations have uncovered a village from the Mishnah and Talmud periods. The village has been partially restored and we can see the archaeological findings which include a synagogue, houses and an oil press. Here we can also see evidence of former volcanic activity in the Golan Heights as black basalt rock forms part of the landscape. We continue on to Katzrin, a city sometimes referred to as the Capital of the Golan. As far back as the Middle Bronze Age this location has been occupied, and later the Romans, Mamluks, Ottomans and even French have ruled this picturesque city. Here we visit the Golan Antiquities Museum where we see findings from the region and the nearby archeological site. The museum displays artifacts and has audiovisual presentations about the city of Gamla. We learn of Gamla, the historic Second Temple Era Jewish city which has been excavated nearby. We continue to Mount Bental to see what remains of Syrian fortifications. The Syrian bunkers, base and trenches were captured by the Israeli's in the Six Day War of 1967. From here we can see how close Syria is as we look down on the Syrian city of Kuneitra just beyond the Canadian UN forces which have protected this peaceful border since the cease fire in 1974. Languages English.

The unique tour takes you to the Biblical city of Jericho where you’ll learn of the Battle of Jericho when the city walls fell. Also see the sycamore tree mentioned in the Biblical tale of Zacchaeus. Stop at Elisha’s Spring that supplied Jericho with fresh water for centuries. At Tel Jericho see where the city was first established and learn how 23 previous settlements have been excavated dating back to c.9000BC. Ride a cable car to the top of the Mount of Temptation and see the mount’s Greek Orthodox monastery. Visit Qaser el Yahud on the Jordan River where John baptized Jesus. Today visitors can also be baptized here. End the day at the Dead Sea where you can relax and enjoy the natural health and beauty benefits of the salt and mineral-rich sea. Languages English

From the top of the Mount of Olives we get a panoramic view of the Old City which we will later explore, we can see the Dome of the Rock and the many roof tops, steeples and minarets of the city. On our way down the mountain we pass the Garden of Gethsemane and drive through Kidron Valley passed several ancient Jewish tombs. We enter the Armenian Quarter of the Old City and head towards the restored Cardo, once a busy Byzantine thoroughfare. In the Jewish Quarter we visit the Wailing Wall and see the holiest Jewish site in the world. Following the Via Dolorosa along the route Jesus took to his crucifixion at Golgotha we pass the Stations of the Cross. The Via Dolorosa leads us to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the holiest Christian site in the Old City. Our tour of the Old City ends with a visit to the Christian and Muslim Quarter markets before driving south through the Judean Desert. On our way we pass the city of Jericho and arrive at the Dead Sea where we can swim, relax and benefit from the rejuvenating natural minerals in the water, air and black Dead Sea mud. Our first stop in Jerusalem is at the Mount of Olives where we can look out across the ancient city. We are able to peer down over the walls of Jerusalem's Old City and on to the many famous sites like the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount with its iconic gold colored dome. As we descend the Mount of Olives we can see the Garden of Gethsemane; the Church of All Nations with its colorful mosaic pediment and the Jewish burial tombs of Zechariah, Absalom and Benei Hazir. We pass through the Kidron Valley and follow the walls of the Old City until we reach the Zion Gate and the entrance to the Armenian Quarter. We walk along the Cardo, the restored main Byzantine street which ran through the Old City. The stone openings lining the Cardo once housed Crusader shops and today they hold up-market modern stores. The restoration and excavation of the Cardo is not yet complete and we can see the various stages of this process. We arrive in the Jewish Quarter at the Western Wall (Kotel or Wailing Wall) it is the last remaining retaining wall of the Jewish Temple which was destroyed in 70AD. Here Jews gather at all hours of the night and day to pray. You can place a prayer note in the cracks between the huge stones of the wall. Our next site is the Via Dolorosa or Way of the Cross; this was the route Jesus took, carrying his cross towards his crucifixion. The Via Dolorosa wends its way through the Old City lanes and markets. Each of the 14 Stations of the Cross where Jesus paused are marked with an explanation of the events. We reach the last point on this holy route at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, constructed on the site where Jesus was crucified at Golgotha. The huge church has several beautifully adorned chapels and within the church are five of the Stations of the Cross – the 10th where Jesus was stripped of his clothes; The Chapel of the Nailing on the Cross (11th station); The Rock of Calvary (12th station); the 13th station where Jesus' body was removed from the cross and the place where Jesus was laid to rest in his tomb (14th station). On our way out of the Old City we pass through the Christian Quarter and Muslim Quarter markets where you can buy souvenirs, bargain over your purchase and taste delicious freshly squeezed orange juice. We leave Jerusalem and head south towards the Judean Desert.

Take this Bethlehem and Jericho tour past the Inn of the Good Samaritan and descend beneath sea level to the ancient city of Jericho. In Jericho see the sycamore tree climbed by Zachaeus when he tried to get a better look at Jesus. Recall the Biblical tale of Joshua marching his troops around Jericho’s city walls until they fell. The tour leaves Jericho passing the Mount of Temptation and continues to Bethlehem where Jesus was born just over 2,000 years ago. The Bethlehem tour stops in Manger Square and we enter the Church of the Nativity. In this 4th century church we see the Holy Grotto where the nativity took place. The tour visits the adjacent Church of St. Catherine and its subterranean caves holding ancient tombs and shrine. While in Bethlehem we visit the Milk Grotto where Mary nursed baby Jesus. From here the tour passes Shepherds Field and returns to Jerusalem. Languages Please note that in Jericho the guiding language is in English only. Others The tour is subject to Palestinian authority regulations. Visit to Bethlehem: due to the high number of visitors, entrance to the Nativity Cave may be limited.

Head south from Jerusalem in the direction of the Dead Sea on the way we pass the Inn of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) and continue on through the Biblical wilderness of the Judean Desert. We pass Wadi Kelt and can see the 5th century Monastery of Saint George. We pause at the mark which indicates that we have reached "sea level" and from there we continue on to Jericho 258 meters below sea level. This ancient city features in both the New and Old Testament. Joshua led his troops around the city walls until they fell (Joshua 6) and Jesus entered Jericho after his sojourn in the wilderness (Luke 19:1-10). When Jesus entered Jericho, The City of Palms, the tax collector Zachaeus climbed a sycamore tree to see him better and we stop to take a look at this ancient tree. Jesus spent forty days and forty nights on the nearby Mount Temptation, here the devil tried to turn Jesus away from God but Jesus responded "Man shall not live by bread alone." (Mathew 4:1-4). Our journey takes us back towards Jerusalem and the Judean Mountains where we visit Bethlehem, both the home of Jesse, King David's father and the place where Jesus was born (Mathew 2:1). From Manger Square we enter through a small door into the Church of the Nativity. The church was built in the 4th century over the grotto where Jesus was born and later in the 6th century the church was reconstructed. In recent times the church has been restored and renovated. Within the church is the Grotto of the Nativity where a star marks the spot where Jesus was born and an altar to the three Wise Men. Next we visit the Crusader Church of Saint Catherine and see the underground grotto where Saint Jerome painstakingly translated the Bible from Hebrew to Latin, creating the Vulgate. We make another stop in Bethlehem at the Shepherds Field where an Angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds on Christmas night to tell them of the imminent birth of the savior. Languages Please note that in Jericho the guiding language is in English only. The tour is subject to Palestinian authority regulations.

We begin by driving through the Judean Desert south towards the Dead Sea, on the way we pass the Inn of the Good Samaritan and the caves of Qumran where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. We change to a desert vehicle (4X4) and enter the desert, driving to Dragot Cliffs and the Wadi Murbaat. To finish off our adventurous day we relax with a swim in the Dead Sea. We drive south of Jerusalem descending through the Biblical wilderness. On the way we pass the Inn of the Good Samaritan, site of the Biblical parable. We continue our descent passing the point indicating that we are now descending beneath "sea level". From here we can see the Biblical city of Jericho in the distance. Jericho is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and most known it as the city conquered by Joshua (Joshua 6) when his troops circled the city walls causing them to fall. As we reach Qumran we can see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. The scrolls (which are now kept in the Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem) were kept in good condition for 2,000 years due to the lack of humidity in the Dead Sea region. The scrolls contain invaluable insights into the ancient Essenes sect and include the oldest copy of the First Testament. At this point we transfer to a 4X4 jeep which is suitable to the rough desert terrain. We take an exciting ride through the desert up steep inclines, down ravines and over sand and rock. With our adrenaline pumping we reach the Cliffs of Dragot where we can look down on the Dragot River. This river only flows where there are winter flash floods. We also see the Murbaat Caves with their fascinating square entrances. The Murbaat Caves were explored in the 50s and artifacts from the Chalcolithic era and Bronze era were found. Also discovered in the caves were documents dating back to the 2nd century. The writings gave details of the second Jewish revolt (132 – 135CE). One of the texts was penned by the revered Rabbi Shimon Bar Kochba who led the revolt. One of the most important discoveries was a set of tefilin (phylactery). This confirmed that the Jewish traditional tefilin prayer ritual dates back thousands of years. We end our adventure by washing away the dust of the desert and cooling off in the Dead Sea. We change into our bathing suits and float in the mineral rich water which is 35% salt. We can also use nature's natural face mask, the Dead Sea black mud, and lather it on our faces and bodies to benefit from the mud's therapeutic qualities.

At the Beit Guvrin National Park in the Judean Lowlands we explore an underground world of chalkstone caves which were used by settlers throughout history. We descend into the Bell Cave 18 meters below the ground and marvel at the Sidon Burial Caves and network of interconnecting caves which bear signs of early civilizations. We also take a look at the Roman Theatre.

On your private tour of Jerusalem, you will visit a number of holy and significant sites to both Christianity and Judaism. Start atop the Mount of Olives before descending to the Church of Agony and the Gardens of Gethsemane. Enter the Old City through the Dung Gate and stop at the Western Wall, the most sacred place to Jews today. Next visit the Crusader Church of St. Anne and the Pools of Bethesda. Walk the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site of Jesus’s crucifixion. Enjoy some time in the markets and along the Byzantine Cardo before leaving the Old City via the Zion Gate. Tour around Mount Zion and the tomb of King David as well as the Room of the Last Supper. Time permitting on your custom tour, you can visit the Church of Peter Gallicantu and the Garden Tomb. Others Please note that the itinerary provided is only a proposal and the tour can be customised according to your requirements.