- Visiting Nazareth, while seeing the home of the Virgin Mary, as well as the Basilica of the Annunciation, where her son was announced.
- Yad Vashem, a memorial to remember the Holocaust
- Walking along the Via Dolorosa, the path that Jesus walked on his way to his crucifixion.
- Visiting Bethlehem
- Stopping at the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas betrayed Christ
- Visiting the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes, built to honor the 5000 people that were fed.
- Seeing St. Peter’s church, the place that our Lord appeared after His resurrection.
- Take an excursion to the dead sea, where you can float in the salty water or discover where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found
Best Things to Do in Holy Land
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Things to do in Holy Land - Expert's guide
1. Basilica of the Annunciation
The Basilica of the Annunciation is built above the site of The Virgin Mary’s home, where the Annunciation of the arrival of her soon took place. The bottom level of the church is where the sunken grotto is, which is the home of the Virgin Mary. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered when entering. Shawls and skirts are available at the Pilgrim’s office if you forget. Regular events happening at The Basilica of the Annunciation include:
-The Angelus Prayer: In the Grotto, at noon everyday.
-Marian prayer, which happens every Tuesday at 20:30 (8:30 pm).
2. Mount of Olives
Named after Olive groves that covered the slope, The Mount of Olives is where Jesus encouraged His disciples after the crucifixion, and is where He spent the night before his arrest. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed on the night of His arrest.
3. Via Dolorosa
Follow the Via Dolorosa, also known as the ‘Way of Sorrow,’ the path that Jesus walked on the way to His crucifixion. About 1/3 of a mile long, the path begins at the Antonia Fortress and goes to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. There are 14 stations along the path. Get an early start in the morning before the tour crowds arrive if you would like to have a quieter stroll.
4. The Markets
Jerusalem is full of diversity and culture, and the street markets are evidence of this. The largest Market, Machane Yehuda Market, is known as the “Shuk” filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, cheese, meat and baked goods. The Mamilla Mall, an open-air mall offers shopping and cafes, and is located outside of the Jaffa Gate.
5. Jerusalem Old City
Stroll along the historical streets of Old City Jerusalem. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old City is home of numerous religious sites, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (the end of the Via Dolorosa path, which is also site where Jesus was crucified), and the Dome of the Rock.
6. Jaffa
Jaffa is a port city, where one can see the House of Simon the Tanner, and soak in the hilltop views. Jaffa is reputed to be one of the older ports in the world. Visit Tulip, a winery that employs adults with emotional and developmental difficulties.
7. Sea of Galilee
Actually a lake, the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Kinneret) is the largest freshwater lake in Israel. See where Jesus calmed the stormy waters, and where He walks on water.
8. Tel Aviv
A modern, bustling city on the Mediterranean, featuring a seaside promenade filled with restaurants, and shops.
9. Masada
Masada is located in the Judean Desert. Ascend by cable car to visit the excavation of King Herod’s palace. This also offers view of the Dead Sea and the Roman camps.
10. The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea offers an opportunity to visit the lowest point on earth, and to soak in the salty sea, filled with minerals. Visit the factory that features lotions, scrubs and masks made from the minerals. Note: Do not shave that day or possibly the day before. The high concentrations of salt can make your body aware of all your cuts - it stings! An excursion to the dead sea allows the opportunity to see the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.
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Michael G
May 2022
Noah Tours is AMAZING!
Noah Tours is more than a tour guide company. They are now extended family. First Class treatment of my group from the moment of my initial email requesting informat...
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Roni
Mar 2020
An absolutely wonderful trip to Israel
An absolutely wonderful trip to Israel. While I was somewhat anxious about security I felt very safe wherever we went. Our guide , Dan Ofri, was precise in getting u...
K
Karen
Mar 2020
I am satisfied is an understatement
I never went on a guided tour. As a matter of fact, I was totally against them. I loved researching and doing it all myself. I decided to take a Smartour trip to Isr...
B
Bruce
Mar 2020
Tour was extremely well organized
This’s was our first major tour since we generally like to “do our own thing”. Very glad we did it. Tour was extremely well organized, got to meet some great people ...
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carol
Mar 2020
we had a wonderful Smartours trip
As always, we had a wonderful Smartours trip. This time we went to Israel. Our guide, Dan, was knowledgeable about the Jewish history and religion and, at the same t...
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