Stories and photos by Roxie LaFever
Israel is a country that all should visit and not just because it is considered holy to three major religions of Abrahamic lineage: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Walk the streets of Jerusalem, talk to the locals at the City Market, explore the historic sites, and get the feel for all that took place in a country that is less than 9,000 square miles and yet houses almost 10 million people. The over 2,000 year history of the biblical “promised land” will shed light not just historically but also on many of the modern issues the world still faces today.
If this is your first trip to the Holy Lands, it might be easiest to go with a fully guided tour. Please note that the tour company chosen (commercial or religious-based) will impact the sites seen, the version of history told, and the overall impression obtained. However, a tour company is still highly recommended since it isn’t easy to navigate a land where rules dictate entrance into Palestine via the West Bank or where some buildings may have religious restrictions like the Temple Rock or Western Wall. Holidays and Days of the Sabbath can also impact hours or days of operation. Please also know to dress conservatively. Wearing shorts (male or female) or having exposed arms or heads can get you escorted out of cathedrals, synagogues, and the Temple Rock.
If you don’t choose a tour company that is offering an “all-inclusive group tour,” upon arrival you may find yourself only being offered “day tours as part of an ever-changing group,” and needing to fend for yourself at additional costs to accommodate hotel pickups or tour meeting or drop-off areas. If going on your own, and you only take day tours, that is great – just so you are not surprised. Read your itineraries carefully. I do not recommend choosing the lowest cost tour…. this trip may truly be “once in a lifetime!”
Highlights of places to see…
Jerusalem: In Old Jerusalem, spend time in each of the Quarters: Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Armenian as well as the Temple Rock (Mosque Al-Aqsa) and Western Wall. It will be a long day as you also visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which includes the Altar of Golgotha (where Christ was Crucified), the Stone where Mary anointed Jesus, and the Tomb which now houses Christ’s remains. Many will also choose to walk in Christ’s footsteps along the Via Dolorosa or Stations of the Cross. Walking outside the Walls and down the hill through the Mount of Olives, you will arrive at the Garden of Gethsemane, where they recently opened the underground tunnels to tours. Excavations are still underway as archeologists continue to discover relics and passages dating back to the time of Christ. Two days recommended.
In Modern Day Jerusalem, two sites I highly recommend. Yad Vashim, is the excellent holocaust museum, which should be a half-day minimum – but a full day is better. The history of the Jews and their persecution is well documented, and we must never forget. Spend a few hours also at the Mahane Yehuda Market, where stalls of fresh produce, fruits, and baked goods are mixed in with shopping and restaurants. This is a great place to mingle with the locals and get a feel for the various communities within this city. Feel free to fill your suitcases with gifts to take home.
Bethlehem: Heading over to Palestine, the first place to visit is always the Church of the Nativity, which is built over the birthplace of Christ. There is no longer a manger, but an altar and star mark the historic spot. Also take time to shop, have a meal, and learn a bit about how Palestinian life differs from those living just a few miles away.
Sea of Galilee: Whether it’s Tiberius, Cana, or Nazareth, this area of Israel is fascinating for its history. Some of the historical sites include the underground grotto of the Holy Family, which is protected by the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. There is also a museum and church in Cana, which documents where the first miracle was performed, and Capharnaum, a small fishing village where Jesus lived when he first met his apostles. See the underground home of Saint Peter, and close by is his Temple, just down the hill from where the Sermon on the Mount was given. For some Roman history, stop by Caesarea to see ruins of the city that King Herod the Great built, including the aqueduct when he ruled over Judea. Stop in the modern cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv to get a feel for today’s Israel.
Masada and the Dead Sea: Another wonderful day adventure is a tour of the Masada, where the Jews built a fortress to protect themselves from the Romans. In the end they committed a mass suicide rather than be taken captive. A museum at street level and videos explain the historic significance of this siege. By taking a tram or climbing to the top of the mesa, the ruins of the village await your exploration. Afterwards, head over to the Dead Sea for a swim (more of a float) and to benefit from the mineral-rich mud and its therapeutic offerings.
This is the land where parts of the Bible, Torah, and Quran come to life. It is impossible to select only 20 photos to represent all the awe-inspiring sites and towns in Israel. The photos attached are some of my favorites to merely tempt you – so that you schedule your trip soon.
Even though I have taken over 35 international trips and visited all seven continents, this is the trip I mention when asked “which one was your favorite?”
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