Situated in the geographical middle zone of Israel, some 55 miles from Jerusalem and 62 miles from Tel Aviv, Beersheba, also known as Be'er Sheva is distinguished as the capital of the Negev. It is the region’s largest city with some 200,000 residents and the gateway to the southern part of Israel. While Beersheba is usually not on a normal Christian tour of Israel itinerary it is none the less an interesting area to learn about.

A holy land travel trip to Israel is not complete unless you visit Jerusalem, known as the city chosen by God, and by the Israeli’s as the Golden City. Enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the city from the Mount of Olives, where the Lord ascended into heaven. Walk the stations of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa, Visit the Holy Sepulchre, learn about the Israeli government in the Knesset, and experience the Memorial to the Holocaust.

The archeological site of Caesarea Philippi is situated in Banias, today a Natural Reserve in Northern Israel. At the time of Jesus it was a city of Greek-Roman culture known for worship of false gods. The city had been known as Banias, the name honoring the Greek god Pan — a half-man, half-goat deity depicted most of the time playing a flute. Here in this Holy Land destination is where Jesus proclaimed he would establish his church giving authority to the apostle Simon.

Today Eilat, the southernmost city in Israel, is famous for beaches, five star resorts, and the preferred beach destination and holiday paradise town of Israeli’s and many European’s in and around Europe. Eilat lives by the rhythm of the sun, in the desert, the sea and the nature around the Red Sea, and is also recommended for a tour extension for time of leisure when traveling on a holy land tour.