Things to do and see in the Holy Land

A trip to the Holy Land is an extraordinary, once in a lifetime experience. Steeped in history and culture, and shaped by different faiths and communities, the Holy Land is not only the oldest pilgrimage destination in the world but also a truly fascinating corner of the world, and an absolute must-see.

Our Holy Land tours include a 9-day programme of activities, if you are planning or getting ready for your trip with us, these are some of the things to do and see in the Holy Land:

Explore Jerusalem’s Old Town

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and destination for pilgrims and visitors for many centuries, Jerusalem is a holy city for many faiths, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

The city has an impressive 220 historic monuments so while you probably won’t get to see them all these are some of the places you shouldn’t miss:

The 7th century iconic Dome of the Rock, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and recognised by all three religions as the site of Abraham’s sacrifice;

The Wailing Wall or Western Wall, an important place for reflection and Judaism’s most important place of prayer which is the heart of the Old Town and delimits the different quarters and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Christ’s tomb is found.

Take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee

Also known by the name of Lake Tiberias, the Sea of Galilee is an important spot for Christians, for its association with biblical passages related to the life of Jesus and the place where the Apostles lived. It is also here where the first Jewish kibbutz was established in the early 1900s.

Travel back in time in the Old City of Acre

The UNESCO-listed port of Acre, or Akko, is an exceptional historic city shaped by many cultures over the centuries. The remains of the medieval Crusader town date back to the 12th century and can be admired today nearly intact both above and below street level, taking us right back to the time of the Crusades.

Over this medieval layer sits the walled city, a perfect example of a Muslim fortified town of the Ottoman era; with its citadel, mosques, khans and baths.

Bethlehem: place of the Nativity

The Palestinian town of Bethlehem located in the West Bank is, according to the Bible, the birthplace of Jesus and therefore the origin of Christianity. The 6th century Church of the Nativity sits on this very place which has been attracting pilgrims for centuries.

Take the cable car to Masada Fortress

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Masada Fortress was originally built by King Herod the Great as a palace around 37 BCE. From this ancient fortress and National Park you will admire the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Judean desert and the Dead Sea.

It is one of Israel’s most popular tourist attractions and a place of great importance to the Jewish community as it was the location of the ‘Siege of Masada’, during the first Jewish-Roman War in the year 70 CE.

Float in the waters of the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is in fact a salt water lake, and the lowest point on Earth. Its waters are rich in minerals, making it a popular natural spa and bathing location. This extremely high salt concentration makes the density of water here more than that of the human body.

As a result, a person can stay afloat on the water of the Dead Sea and will never sink because of its natural buoyancy.

Wander the promenade of cosmopolitan Tel Aviv to the ancient port of Jaffa

Tel Aviv is a modern and vibrant city sun kissed by the Mediterranean where beach and urban life mix beautifully. Not to be missed is the ‘white city’, which has the highest concentration of Bauhaus buildings in the world, more than 4000!, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural heritage and value.

Along the promenade, enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine as you walk south to the ancient port of Jaffa to explore its quaint narrow alleys and lively markets. Did you know this is where Jaffa oranges come from?

Savour the flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine

Street food vendors, fabulous restaurants and lively markets are all fantastic places where to sample the rich flavours and delights of Middle Eastern cuisine.

If you’d like to experience the Holy Land and Jerusalem, at Joe Walsh Tours we have a schedule of escorted tours led by local guides including Holy Land pilgrimages. We can also organise a private group trip to suit your requirements.

See our upcoming Holy Land departures here: TOURS TO THE HOLY LAND.

Contact our experienced travel team for advice and to book.