Even though Israel is a very small country, there are so many options of what to do.
The extent of her history goes way back! And what makes Israel so unique is that it is the land of the Bible. This ancient manuscript takes takes center stage here. Experiencing the culture, viewing the landscapes, tasting the food, brings the Bible to life in more ways than one!
This 7 Day tour Guide around Israel highlights many of the most popular Biblical sites that cannot be missed. I wish I could include so much more in this. And in case you do have more time, I will include some extra suggestions down below.
BASIC OVERVIEW:
Day 1
Jaffa
Caesarea
Overnight in Tel Aviv or Netanya
Day 2
Nazareth
Magdala
Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee
Overnight in the Galilee
Day 3
Church of Multiplication
Capernaum
Mount of Beatitudes
Caesarea Phillipi/Banias
Overnight in the Galilee
Day 4
Yardenit Jordan River Baptismal site
Beit Shean
Mount of Olives
Garden of Gethsemane
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 5
City of David
Western Wall
Western Wall Tunnel
Old City
Garden Tomb
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 6
Israel Museum - Dead Sea Scrolls
Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum
Ben Yehuda Street
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 7
Bethlehem
Ein Gedi
Massada
Dead Sea Float
Overnight in Jerusalem
INDEPTH ITINERARY:
Lets get more detailed please:
Day 1 - Coast of Israel
Breath in the salty mediterrain sea as you explore the ancient port city of Jaffa. This location is mentioned twice in the Bible. Another name for this place was Joppa, which may ring a bell. This is the location where Jonah jumped on a boat to try to avoid the calling God had on his life. The second time Jaffa is mentioned in the Bible is when Peter was having a nap on a roof top. He had a vision from heaven of a blanket full of unclean animals coming down, and God told him to get up and eat. From Jaffa he went with some Roman soldiers to another port city called Caesarea. Caesarea was influenced by Rome, it had a beautiful amphitheater, a horse track, a harbor along the Mediterranean, plus more. This was the first time Peter, one of the disciples of Jesus (Yeshua), went into a Gentile home.
Overnight in Tel Aviv or Netanya or Caesarea
Day 2 - Galilee
Visit the place where Mary received the visitation from an angel, and where Jesus grew up, in the town of Nazareth. Nazareth has changed a lot since the time of Jesus, however, there is a place called the Nazareth Village that brings to life the era of the Bible, called the Nazareth Village. Continue towards the Sea of Galilee where Jesus spent most of His time and ministry. Visit a recent archaeological discovery called Magdala, where Mary Magdalene would have come from.
Overnight in the Galilee
Day 3 - Galilee and Golan
There are several key locations along the Sea of Galilee where Jesus would have ministered and are mentioned in the Bible. You can visit Capernaum, the place where Peter's mother in law was healed and there is a synagogue that Jesus would have preached in. Visit a traditional location where the sermon on the mount may have taken place, the Mount of Beatitudes. There is a beautiful garden and a church to commemorate this special sermon that Jesus gave. Continue up north to the Golan Heights to Caesarea Philipi, now called Banias. This is a very interesting place, where Jesus and his disciples were visiting. And it was this place where Peter confessed that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah.
Overnight in the Galilee
Day 4 - Jordan Valley and Jerusalem
The Sea of Galilee is the largest fresh water lake in Israel, and at the bottom of the lake, the Jordan River runs all the way down into the Dead Sea which is located in the desert of Israel. And it was in the Jordan River where Jesus met John the Baptist to be baptized. In the Galilee area there is a special location called Yardenit where many people from around the world come to be baptized. Yardenit provides white robes, showers and changing rooms for those wishing to be baptized. Travel south down the Jordan Valley and stop at the an ancient Roman city called Beit Shean. The roman ruins provide a glimpse into what life was like back in the Roman period in Israel. Continue further south to Jerusalem, the City of Gold! Did you know that Jerusalem is mentioned in the Bible 806 times and Zion, Jerusalem's synonym, 165 times? Journey to the top of the Mount of Olives for a breathtaking view of the Old City of Jerusalem, which is surrounded by ancient stone walls. Then you can walk down the Palm Sunday path to the Garden of Gethsemane. It was in this garden where Jesus prayed before He was betrayed and delivered into the hands of his accusers. Take a moment to reflect in the garden and visit the church there.
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 5 - Jerusalem
Jerusalem has had a very long history. There are many Bible events that took place in this city. King David was one of the first Bible characters to make this city his home. Thus a must visit would be the City of David an incredible site that provides insight into what the city of Jerusalem would have been like back when David was King. Next you can continue into the Old City of Jerusalem, you can visit the Western Wall, a 24/7 prayer location along one of the remaining walls of the ancient Temple where the ark of the covenant was held. Many people go and take a moment to pray at the wall, and you can even leave a written note or prayer in the cracks of the walls. Next visit the Western Wall Tunnels, to further explore the walls of the ancient Temple. Then wander through the ancient cobble stoned streets of the Old City of Jerusalem, which is a maze of corridors between the Christian, Jewish, Arab and Armenian quarters. Then not to far away outside the Damascus Gate of the Old City, you can visit one of the traditional sites of the Garden Tomb, which is beautiful garden to reflect on the resurrection of Jesus.
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 6- Jerusalem
There are some fascinating museums in Jerusalem with incredible artifacts. For one, the Israel Museum holds the ancient Dead Sea scrolls, which are some of the oldest discoveries of the Bible. It has many interesting ancient discoveries from long ago. Another recommendation would be to visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum. It tells the horrific story of how the Jewish people were targeted in Europe out of baseless hatred, and the tales of those that survived. It's a very sobering place to visit and hard to believe that that humanity could be so cruel. Then if you want to enjoy some shops, cafes, restaurants and some street performers, Ben Yehuda street is a fun place to explore. Also there is the Machne Yehuda market that has also become a popular location for food and shopping.
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 7 - Negev and Dead Sea
Now to explore the desert. This is where Jesus fasted and prayed 40 days. There are also many other Biblical and historical events that took place. And not to mention the Dead Sea, which is called such because of the high content of salt in the water that makes it impossible for marine life to survive. On the way, you can stop in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. Bethlehem is under the Palestinian Authority's jurisdiction, so there will be a check point to get in. And inside Bethlehem, you can visit the ornate Church of the Nativity. Then continue south to a little oasis with water falls and tunnels called Ein Gedi. When David was a fugitive, running for his life from King Saul, it was at this location that he confronted King Saul after cutting off the corner of his robe. So at Ein Gedi you can enjoy a hike up to the waterfalls. Then continue to Massada, an ancient fortress built by King Herod the Great. After hiking and exploring, time to relax! Visit the Kalia beach and experience floating on the Dead Sea! (just be careful not to get any water in your eyes!)
Overnight in Jerusalem
A few things you should know when planning a trip to Israel:
Saturday is a day of rest in Israel, so most public transportation (besides taxis) run on this day. Plus hours may differ etc.
At some of the holy sites such as Capernaum, the Western Wall and the churches, they require that shoulders and knees to be covered. I recommend bringing a scarf on hand.
Some extra places to visit if you have time:
Coast of Israel
Mount Carmel - where Elijah slew the prophets and view of the Valley of Armageddon
Meggido - explore some tunnels and where Solomon's chariots were once kept
Galilee
Tabgtha Church of Multiplication
Peter's Primacy - a church and beach to remember when Jesus met Peter and his disciples after His resurrection
Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee
Jerusalem
Tel Shilo - this is north of Jerusalem and is the location where the Tabernacle stood before the Temple was built. Also the place where Hannah prayed for a son.
Friends of Zion Museum - history of many Christians who have helped and supported Israel through the years
Christ Church - which is located in the Old City by Jaffa Gate. Request a tour of their little museum.
Tower of David - also located in the Old City and they have ia light show in the evenings.
Negev/Dead Sea
Qumran - where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered
Ein Bokek Dead Sea beach which is located further south of the Dead Sea
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