Holy Land Destinations and Tour Highlights

Embark on an unforgettable, inspiring, and life-changing journey through the Holy Land. Discover some of the most sacred and historical sites as part of our Signature 10-Day Footsteps of Christ Holy Land Tour to the Land of the Bible.

Tel Aviv, Western Coast to Megiddo Region:

Tel Aviv, a city situated on the Mediterranean coast, is a unique cosmopolitan metropolis where new meets old with contemporary architecture, promenades, stunning beaches, restaurants and street cafes. Minutes from Tel Aviv, Jaffa is where the Apostle Peter made the miracle of raising Tabitha from the dead (Acts 9:36-43), and a short 45-minute drive up the Western Coast are the ruins at the Caesarea National Park—an ancient port city built by King Herod the Great that once rivaled Carthage and Alexandria and was the center of early Christianity (Acts 9:30, Acts 10:24-48).

About 35 minutes farther up the coast is Haifa with Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:16-24), and 37 km southeast inland is Megiddo. The New Testament’s Book of Revelation foretells the ultimate reckoning at this very location. Scripture (Revelation 16) describes seven bowls of God’s wrath—death in the seas, plagues, rivers of blood—and a final gathering of the armies on the hill of Megiddo, called Har Megiddo in Hebrew, giving us the word ‘Armageddon’.

• Tel Aviv ('Hill of Spring' in Hebrew) in biblical times the area was known as Joppa, where Jonah flees from the Lord and was later swallowed by a huge fish (Jonah 1). It is not until the prophetic return to Zion in the late 19th century the nearby area of Joppa is settled and the city of Tel Aviv is founded.
• Old Jaffa (Joppa) where cedars from Lebanon arrived to build Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 2:16). Where Peter came from Lydda to raise Tabitha from the dead (Acts 9:36-42), and where the apostle stayed at the house of Simon the Tanner.
• St. Peter's Church situated in Old Jaffa, marks the traditional site of Peter’s vision of the Great Sheet (Acts 10:9-16).
• Caesarea (Acts 9:30 Acts 10:24-48) the center of early Christians, and today an impressive archeological site. Built by King Herod, this is where Paul made his defense before Festus before his final journey to Rome (Acts 25-26).
• Mount Carmel where Elijah issued his challenge of the False Prophets (1 Kings 18:16-24).
• Meggido (Joshua 12:21, 1 Kings 9:15, 2 Kings 23:29 & Revelation 16:16) the site of Armageddon (Revelation 16).

Galilee Region:

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” (Matthew 4:23)

The importance of the Galilee in the life and ministry of Jesus is immeasurable. In fact, 83% of His recorded miracles took place in this region. From the dramatic miracle of walking on water (Mark 6:47–52) to the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (John 6:1–14; Matthew 14:13–21), Galilee is central to the Gospel narrative.

Nazareth, located in the Galilee area, is where Jesus spent His childhood. It is also near the Jordan River, where He was baptized by John the Baptist and where the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove (Matthew 3:13–17)—the same river that flows into the Sea of Galilee.

• Nazareth (Luke 1:26, Luke 4:16, Luke 4:29 & Matthew 2:23) the childhood home of Jesus.
• Mt. Precipice believed to be the site of the rejection of Jesus (Luke 4:29 Luke 4:30).
• Church of Annunciation the church and site that celebrates the news from Gabriel that Mary would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1).
• If time permits see Cana of Galilee where Jesus performed his first public miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding feast (John 2:1 John 2:11).
• Magdala, known as the home of Mary Magdalene. Here we’ll explore the ruins of a first century Jewish town where a synagogue from the time of Jesus’ ministry was found.
• Sea of Galilee where the Lord calmed the storm (Luke 8:22–25), and where the dramatic miracle of walking on water (Mark 6:47–52) took place.
• Tiberias, today the capital of Galilee, was established around 20 CE by the Romans and named after the second emperor of the Roman Empire, Tiberius. Tradition holds that the city is built on the site of the biblical city of Rakkath (Joshua 19:35).
• See the Ancient Jesus Boat, remains of a 2,000-year-old boat that was used at the time of Jesus and His disciples, located at Kibbutz Nof Ginosar.
• Banias, by ancient Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13, Mark 8:27), where the Lord said, “On this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18).
• Yardenit on the Jordan River, where believers celebrate and some take the opportunity to submerge themselves in the same waters where the Holy Spirit descended like a dove when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13–17).
• Mount of Beatitudes (Matthew 5–7) where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount. Also see the Church of the Beatitudes chapel.
• Tabgha, the site of the Feeding of the 5,000 and Primacy of Peter (Matthew 13, Mark 6, John 21). Also visit the Church of the Multiplication.
• Capernaum (Matthew 4:13, 13:54; Matthew 17:24; Luke 7; Mark 1:2; John 4:46, 54), the center of the Lord’s ministry where He performed many miracles. It’s also where Peter’s mother-in-law lived and was healed (Luke 4:38–40).
• Beit She'an (Mark 5:20, Mark 7:31), a stunning archeological site. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa, the Philistines hung their bodies on the walls of Beit She'an (2 Samuel 21:12–14).

Dead Sea Region:

The Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth at 431 meters below sea level, offers breathtaking natural beauty, a rich biblical history, and unique therapeutic experiences. Known in the Bible as the “Salt Sea,” its cobalt-blue waters allow you to float effortlessly and rejuvenate with its famous mineral-rich mud.

Nearby, Masada stands as a dramatic mountain fortress and a symbol of Jewish heroism. Qumran, another nearby site, is where the remarkable Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered—ancient biblical texts that provide deep insight into early Judaism and Christianity.

Though the Dead Sea region is not as central in Scripture as the Galilee, it is still mentioned. One example is when armies of the Ammonites and Moabites crossed the shallow Dead Sea to attack King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20).

• Dead Sea – where you’ll have an opportunity to swim and float on the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth.
• Masada – the 1,500 feet mountaintop fortress famous for being the last stronghold of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans.
• Ein Gedi – an oasis in Israel where David hid in a cave when running from Saul (1 Samuel 23).
• Qumran – where a cache of ancient biblical texts, the Dead Sea Scrolls, were discovered.

Jerusalem Region:

Jerusalem holds immense significance for Christians. It is the city where Jesus was brought as a child to be presented at the Temple (Luke 2:22-40) and where He attended the Festival of the Passover every year (Luke 2:41).

In Jerusalem, Jesus healed on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6) and cleansed the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17). It is also the site of the Last Supper (Luke 22), where He was judged and condemned before Pilate (John 18:28-38), and where He was crucified (Matthew 27:32-56, John 19, Luke 23:26-43).

Jerusalem is where Jesus rose on the third day from His tomb, in fulfillment of the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15), and it is also where the Lord ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1).

• Jerusalem – the city chosen by God.
• Mount of Olives – where the Lord ascended into heaven (Acts 1).
• Dominus Flevit – where “The Lord wept” as He beheld the holy city (Luke 19:41–44).
• Gethsemane – where Jesus prayed before His arrest (Mark 14:32, John 18:1, Matthew 26:36).
• Western Wall – the holiest site in Judaism and one of the original walls that retained the Temple.
• St. Anne Church and the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the paralytic (John 5).
• The Via Dolorosa, where we'll walk the Stations of the Cross including the Judgment Hall of Pilate (John 18:33), located at the Church of the Flagellation and Church of the Condemnation and Imposition of the Cross.
• Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Matthew 27, Matthew 33:57, Matthew 28:10), the final Station 14 of the cross, marking the crucifixion and burial of Jesus.
• Mount Zion, visit the Upper Room (Last Supper room) (Luke 22), Lord’s Supper, visit King David's Tomb, and walk through the Jewish Quarter.
• Church of the Visitation, which commemorates Mary's visit to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1:39-56).
• Bethlehem, where Joseph and Mary traveled (Luke 2:1-7), and Jesus was born (Matthew 2:1-5). Visit the Church of the Nativity.
• The Garden Tomb, to celebrate the resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15, Luke 24:6–7, Mark 16:5–7) with time for prayer and reflection.

Egypt to Jordan:

Egypt, famous for the Nile River and the Pyramids, holds deep religious significance in Bible history. The nation of Israel emerged from Egypt during the Exodus (Book of Exodus), with Moses, born and educated in Egypt, traditionally credited with writing the Five Books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Many key events took place in Egypt.

Mt. Sinai is revered by Jews, Muslims, and Christians, all of whom believe Moses received the Ten Commandments from God at its summit (Exodus 20:1-17). The mountain is stunning and not difficult to climb for most pilgrims, offering a magnificent view of the surrounding area.

Petra (Isaiah 2:10), one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites, and Mt. Nebo, from where Moses viewed the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:4), are located in Jordan.

• Cairo – the capital of Egypt and birthplace of one of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world. It is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramids of Giza.
• Pyramids of Giza – experience one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a monumental architectural feat that continues to awe visitors.
• Great Sphinx – the world’s largest monolithic statue and the oldest known monumental sculpture, believed to have been built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafra.
• Egyptian Museum – home to the world's most extensive collection of pharaonic antiquities. A must-visit for any trip to Egypt.
• Old Cairo – explore cultural landmarks that span three millennia of Egyptian history. Old Cairo is the heart of Cairo’s Coptic Christian community, which traces its roots to Saint Mark the Apostle in 42 AD.
• Coptic Cairo – part of Old Cairo, encompassing the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St. George, and many other important Coptic churches and historical sites.
• Hanging Church – one of the oldest churches in Egypt, named for its location above a gatehouse of the Babylon Fortress.
• Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church – traditionally believed to be built on the spot where the Holy Family rested after their journey into Egypt.
• Mt. Sinai – the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God and where the golden calf was forged (Exodus 32).
• St. Catherine Monastery – located at the foot of Mt. Sinai, it's the oldest working Christian monastery and the believed site of the burning bush (Exodus 3).
• Aqaba – Jordan's gateway to the Red Sea. In biblical times, the Israelites passed through here during their wilderness journey (Numbers 33–35). Today, it offers a relaxed seaside atmosphere and is a key transit stop between Egypt, Israel, and Jordan.
• Petra – a 2,000-year-old city carved into red rock, Petra was the capital of the Nabatean kingdom and remains one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures.
• Amman – Jordan’s capital and largest city, rich in both ancient and modern heritage. Notable sites include the Roman Temple of Hercules and the 8th-century Umayyad Palace.
• Madaba – an ancient town famous for its 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, found in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George.
• Mt. Nebo – the site where Moses viewed the Promised Land and is believed to be his burial place.

• Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, is the most complete and well-preserved Greco-Roman city in the Middle East. It is mentioned in the Bible as the “region of the Garasenes” (Mark 5:1; Luke 8:26), located some distance from the Sea of Galilee.
• Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan, serving as the country's political, cultural, and commercial center. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, it features landmarks such as the 8th-century Umayyad Palace and the Roman Temple of Hercules atop Jabal al-Qala’a hill, as well as a 2nd-century Roman Theater in the heart of the city.
• Petra, one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures, is the ancient Nabataean capital carved from red rock. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, Petra’s monumental structures have earned it a place among the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Madaba, a historic town famous for its 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, located inside the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George.
• Mt. Nebo, the biblical mountain from which Moses is believed to have viewed the Promised Land and where his tomb may be located.

• Rome – the capital of Italy, is an expansive and cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of art, architecture, and culture. Iconic ruins like the Forum and the Colosseum reflect the ancient Roman Empire’s grandeur. The Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, features St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, home to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.
• Vatican Museum – A collection of Christian and art museums within Vatican City, housing works amassed by Popes over centuries. Among its 70,000 works (20,000 on display) are some of the most important classical sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces in the world.
• Sistine Chapel – Located in the Apostolic Palace, this chapel is renowned for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and *The Last Judgment*. It serves as the official residence of the Pope.
• St. Peter's Basilica – The largest church in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It is often called “the greatest of all churches of Christendom.”
• Colosseum – Believed to be a site where early Christian martyrs were executed, this amphitheater opened in A.D. 80 and was used for Roman entertainment, including gladiator battles, for over 400 years.
• Arch of Constantine – A triumphal arch situated between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, built by the Roman Senate to honor Constantine I’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312.
• Palatine Hill – The oldest part of Rome, continuously inhabited since 1000 BC and a center of early Roman civilization.
• Via Sacra – The main street of ancient Rome, stretching from the Capitoline Hill through the Forum to the Colosseum, lined with sacred sites and temples.

• Istanbul embraces Asia on the one hand, Europe on the other, and was formerly known as the ancient Christian city of Constantinople with immense wealth and magnificent architecture. The unique city of Istanbul has been capital to many civilizations from past to present, and continues to be home to residents from all over the world.
• Topkapi Palace - This enormous palace, and now a museum, was the Imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years.
• The Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Camii, known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design.
• Hagia Sophia — a must-see former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal basilica, later an Ottoman imperial mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul.
• Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops.
• The Spice Market — one of the most colorful bazaars of Istanbul that offers countless spices, Turkish delights, caviar, dried nuts, and more.
• Bosporus — the narrow waterway strait that forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia with magnificent sights to behold.

• Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a recorded history spanning more than 3,400 years.
• The Panathenaic Stadium — one of the main attractions of Athens, it is the only historic stadium in the world built entirely of marble.
• The Acropolis — an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance (Propylae, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens), the most famous being the Parthenon.
• Acropolis Museum, an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.
• Delphi — where the oracle lived in ancient times, you can admire the Temple of Apollo, as well as parts of the stadium and Treasury of Athenians.
• Delphi Archaeological Museum — containing such masterpieces of Ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias.