SanghaToday Blog

People delay in going to the Holy Land for a variety of reasons. Some are fearful of visiting a new country and all of the details that are new and unknown to them. Others worry about having enough money or wonder rather or not they should spend their money and time to embark on Israel travel. However, those who finally do decide to go on Holy Land tours are usually surprised to find that it is well worth the time, money and effort. These trips have been taken by hundreds of people and are well organized, safe and educational. Many people who decide to visit Israel are especially interested in the spiritual aspect of the country. The spiritual culture and history of Christianity and other major religions began in this part of the world. To actually walk in the same places where Biblical patriarchs and forefathers lived, worked, and worshiped is almost more than one can fathom.

If you are considering Jewish tours, and decide to do a search on the internet, you will quickly be overcome with the many options that are available to you. It seems that there are tours available to suit the needs of everyone. Therefore, you need to decide what type of tour you want to take. Some tours last only a few days while others can be a couple of weeks. It is truly dependent upon your own preferences as to how much money and time you want to spend in the Holy Land and also what itinerary best suits you.

On the day you arrive in the Holy Land, you will generally check into your hotel, eat a delicious meal, attend a meeting with your group and leader and enjoy the scenery and culture of the area. Within walking distance are other interesting city attractions also. Usually, the actual sightseeing does not begin until your third day of your tour.

On around the third day of your tour, you will eat an early breakfast and then begin your sightseeing travels. Depending on your specific tour, you may make a trip to the Sea of Galilee and then go on to Caesarea where the Gentiles first heard the Gospel from Peter and were then baptized. Nearby is the Roman Amphitheater which leads to Mt. Carmel. This is the place where Elijah gave the challenge to the false prophets of Baal and King Ahab. This area holds many other interesting attractions, which will make your first day of sightseeing exciting and fulfilling.

The area near Galilee is especially calm and peaceful and a sailing voyage across the Sea of Galilee reminds one of the Bibilical stories of Jesus being here, 2000 years ago, with his disciples. Other Biblical places in this area include Caesarea Phillipi, the Golan Heights and Yardenit which includes the area of the Jordan River where people were baptized. Also, you will want to visit the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered by Jesus. The feeding of the 5,000 took place near this area and also present is the synagogue where Jesus spoke to the people. The Dead Sea is not very far from this area as well, and no one will want to pass up the opportunity to float in the unusual salty waters of the sea.

Masada is another place you won’t want to miss. This stronghold was built by King Herod and is known to be the last stronghold for the Jews who were rebelling against the Romans. The fortress is at the top of a mountain and must be reached by cable car. At the top of the mountain is Herod’s bathhouse and other historic sites, such as Ein Gedi, where David hid from King Saul. Several of the psalms were also written in this area of the country.

Other interesting places you will want to visit are the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Pool of Bethesda, Via Delarosa, and of course, the Christian quarter of Old Jerusalem. The places you will visit will all be detailed in your trip itinerary. There are so many sites to see that you will begin to plan your next visit to the Holy Land so you can see even more of this amazing land and embark on another spiritual adventure.