Israel/Palestinian Territories
On this Israel and Palestinian Territories home page, you’ll find all of my guides from an unforgettable Holy Land trip focused on history, faith, and practical travel tips. I share what it was like to visit Jerusalem’s Old City in a single day, including its major holy sites, and how I joined organized day trips to places like Bethlehem, Jericho, and the traditional baptism site of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River. You can explore my experiences in Nazareth, at the Yardenit Baptism Site near the Sea of Galilee, and see how these locations fit together into a meaningful itinerary.
I also cover more classic Israel highlights, including a Masada day trip combined with floating in the Dead Sea, plus an easy coastal walk from the Tel Aviv beaches to Old Jaffa. Throughout these articles, I talk honestly about safety in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Jericho, what it felt like crossing into the Palestinian Territories, and why I often chose guided tours instead of traveling completely on my own.
Use this page as a starting point to plan your own Israel and West Bank itinerary, decide which biblical and historical sites you want to prioritize, and get real-world tips based on my personal experience in the region.
Israel and the Palestinian Territories Pages by Map
Israel Map
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Israel Itinerary
This detailed 9 day Israel itinerary is designed for travelers who want to see Israel’s major holy sites without feeling rushed. Using Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as base cities, this Israel travel guide walks you through day trips to Masada, the Dead Sea, Nazareth, Capernaum, and the Sea of Galilee. You’ll explore the Old City of Jerusalem, including the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and spend time at the powerful Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Guided tours take you to Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Jordan River baptism sites, including Qasr al-Yahud, the traditional Baptism Site of Jesus.
The itinerary also includes a long but unforgettable day trip to Petra in neighboring Jordan, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. With practical notes on trains, tours, and safety, this Israel tour itinerary is a ready-made blueprint for planning your own nine-day trip.
Join me on a 9-day adventure through Israel, a country rich with history, culture, and stunning landscapes. From the modern beaches of Tel Aviv to the ancient streets of Jerusalem, this video covers everything you need to plan your perfect trip. You’ll explore iconic sites like Masada, the Dead Sea, Nazareth, Bethlehem, and even venture to Petra in Jordan! I share personal experiences, travel tips, and highlights from guided tours, ensuring you get the most out of your journey.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual traveler, or simply curious about Israel, this itinerary has something for everyone. Watch the full video to discover how to make the most of nine incredible days in this fascinating country!
Dead Sea & Masada
Wondering if it’s worth visiting the Dead Sea on your trip to Israel? In this guide, I share my honest experience floating in the Dead Sea at Kalia Beach, the northernmost beach on the Israeli side of this unique salt lake. You’ll learn how to plan a Dead Sea day trip from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, what to expect from the extreme summer temperatures, and why this still belongs on your Dead Sea bucket list. I walk through the facilities in this mini Kalia Beach review, the long walk past receding water levels, and what floating in the Dead Sea really feels like in bath-warm water that’s about ten times saltier than the Mediterranean.
You’ll also find practical tips for visiting the Dead Sea in summer, including what to wear at the Dead Sea and how long you’ll realistically want to stay in the water. If you’re debating whether to book a Dead Sea and Masada tour, this Dead Sea Israel travel guide will help you decide and make the most of even a short 90-minute visit.
I visited the Dead Sea’s Kalia Beach on a tour. While the tour covered entry costs, those not on a tour should expect to pay $15. The walk to the beach was long, with signs highlighting the shrinking Dead Sea. Forget soft sand – the reality was scorching hot, jagged rocks!
The water itself surprised me – more like a hot tub than refreshing. But the high salt content? Pure floating bliss! Despite the heat, I had a great time at Kalia Beach.
Planning a Masada day trip from Tel Aviv or a Masada tour from Jerusalem is easier than you might think, and this guide walks you through every step. I explain the main ways of visiting Masada National Park—renting a car, joining an organized tour, or taking public buses—plus why many travelers combine it with a Masada and Dead Sea tour.
Once you arrive, you’ll see what it’s like to ride the Masada cable car (or hike the Snake Path in cooler weather), stop at the Sea Level Marker, and look out over the shimmering Dead Sea and salt flats. On top of the plateau, I walk through the key highlights of the Masada ruins, including Herod’s palace complex, the Commander’s Residence, the four-room bathhouse, ancient mosaics, massive cisterns, and one of the oldest synagogues ever found in Israel.
I also share the story of the Roman siege, the Sicarii rebels, and how Masada became a powerful modern symbol summed up in the phrase “Masada Shall Not Fall Again.” To help you visualize the experience, there’s a video that starts as I enter the site and explore the main viewpoints and ruins at the top.
At the end of the page, you’ll find hand-picked Masada tours and packages with my affiliate links, so you can choose a trip that fits your schedule and travel style at no extra cost to you.
The scorching July heat in Israel didn’t stop me from exploring the historic Jewish fortress of Masada. This ancient stone marvel sits high above the Dead Sea and boasts a fascinating past.
Built by King Herod the Great, Masada served as one of his palaces. But its most significant role came during the First Jewish-Roman War. Facing a Roman siege in 74 AD, a group of Jewish rebels chose a defiant end over capture. The story of the 960 Sicari rebels and their mass suicide is a powerful one.
Today, Masada stands as a symbol of Jewish resilience. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place where Israeli soldiers take their oath of service. The powerful motto “Masada Shall Not Fall Again!” echoes the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.
Nazareth & Capernaum
Nazareth, the traditional hometown of Jesus Christ, is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in Israel and is easy to visit on a Nazareth day trip from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.
On this page, I explain how to get to Nazareth from Tel Aviv, compare tours, car rental, and public transportation, and share my experience joining a guided Nazareth and Sea of Galilee tour. I take you inside the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Israel, where Catholic tradition remembers the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary, and show the Grotto of the Annunciation, the dramatic main mural, and the international Mary mosaics that decorate the church.
I also visit the nearby Church of St. Joseph Nazareth, built over a traditional site associated with the home of the Holy Family and Joseph’s workshop, and step down into the Grotto of St. Joseph. Along the way, I stop at the ruins of a Byzantine village in Nazareth, which help tell the story of how the town developed after the time of Jesus.
As a Global Studies teacher, I reflect on how these sites connect to what I teach about world religions in the classroom. If you’re planning a Nazareth tour from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, this guide will help you decide how to get there, what to see, and why visiting Nazareth is such a meaningful experience.
Capernaum, often called the Town of Jesus, is one of the most important Bible sites I visited in northern Israel. On this page, I share how I got to Capernaum from Tel Aviv on a guided day trip that also included Nazareth and the Yardenit Baptism Site. I take you through the ruins of ancient Capernaum, including the 4th-century synagogue built over an earlier synagogue from the time of Jesus. I also describe the Memorial Church of St. Peter, which stands above ruins that may have been the home of the Apostle Peter, and what it was like to look down at the grotto through the glass floor.
You’ll find practical tips for planning your own visit, including opening hours, transportation options, and what to expect at the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee. Finally, I share my honest thoughts on whether Capernaum is worth visiting and suggest tour options if you’d rather not rent a car.
My trip to Israel included a fascinating tour of Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus. For a little over $100, the tour is packed with all the important sights.
We started with the Basilica of the Annunciation, a beautiful church built right above the Grotto of the Annunciation. This location is supposedly the very spot where the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she would have Jesus.
Right next door was the Church of St. Joseph. This church sits on top of the Grotto of St. Joseph, traditionally considered the home of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The tour guide even pointed out the spot where Joseph’s workshop might have been!
Nazareth was a great starting point, and the tour continued to other biblical locations like the Church of the Multiplication and Capernaum. It was a fantastic way to explore the history and religion of the region.
Tel Aviv & Jaffa
If you’ve ever wondered how far it is to walk from the Tel Aviv beaches to Jaffa, this guide walks you through the route step by step. I start near Jerusalem Beach and follow the Tel Aviv Promenade past a string of city beaches and Sir Charles Clore Park, enjoying constant views of the Mediterranean Sea on this easy one-hour Tel Aviv to Jaffa promenade walk.
From Jaffa Beach, I continue into Old Jaffa, following a relaxed Old Jaffa walking route past the Mahmoudiya Mosque, the Jaffa Clock Tower, and the narrow alleyways lined with boutiques and art galleries. I also stop at unique landmarks like the Suspended Orange Tree, St. Peter’s Church, the Zodiac Fountain, and the historic Old Port of Jaffa.
After exploring a bit more of the coastline, I retrace my steps along the promenade and walk back from Jaffa to the Tel Aviv beaches. This page is perfect if you’re planning a Tel Aviv Jaffa itinerary and want a free, scenic way to connect beach time in Tel Aviv with the historic streets of Old Jaffa.
My trip to Tel Aviv included a fantastic walking discovery! I found it surprisingly easy to walk the 3.5 kilometers from the Tel Aviv Beaches all the way to Jaffa’s Old Port. This delightful one-hour stroll hugged the Mediterranean coastline, offering stunning beach views.
The walk started with Tel Aviv’s vibrant beaches before leading me through Sir Charles Clore Park. Reaching Jaffa, I explored the iconic landmarks like the Mahmoudiya Mosque and the Clock Tower. The charming narrow streets of Old Jaffa captivated me, leading me to the Old Port and St. Peter’s Church. The weather was perfect, so instead of a taxi, I retraced my steps back to the hotel near Tel Aviv Beaches, enjoying the beautiful scenery all over again.
Yardenit & The Jordan River
Visiting Yardenit – Baptism Site on the Jordan River is a powerful addition to any Holy Land itinerary, especially if you’re exploring the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, and Capernaum. In this guide, I explain what Yardenit is, how it became a modern Jordan River baptism site, and how to reach it from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Nazareth by tour, rental car, or public bus. I walk through my own experience visiting Yardenit on a guided day trip, including arrival in the late afternoon when the site was peaceful and not very crowded.
You’ll learn how baptism at Yardenit works—robe rental, finding local clergy, and where visitors can safely enter the water—as well as what non-baptized visitors can do, like wading into the Jordan River or watching pilgrim groups. I also clarify the important distinction between Yardenit and the traditional baptism site of Jesus farther south near Jericho, so you understand the history as well as the modern pilgrimage experience.
Beyond the religious aspects, I share honest impressions about the site’s commercial side, from the large gift shop to paid facilities, and why it still felt meaningful to visit. Finally, you’ll find a video of my visit and curated Yardenit tour options so you can easily decide if this Jordan River baptism site deserves a spot on your Israel travel plans.
My tour of Nazareth included a stop at Yardenit, a baptism site on the Jordan River. It’s important to note that while significant, this isn’t the location where Jesus was baptized according to tradition (that site is further south near Jericho).
Despite the historical debate, Yardenit offers visitors a chance to connect with the Jordan River. Multiple access points allow you to touch the water, and for those seeking a baptism experience, white gowns are available for rent or purchase.
Jerusalem
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to see Jerusalem’s holy sites in one day, this page walks you step-by-step through my guided tour of the Old City of Jerusalem.
Starting with sweeping views from the Mount Scopus viewpoint, I follow my Bein Harim guide through the Jaffa Gate, past the Tower of David, and into the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter to visit the Hurva Synagogue, the Mount of Olives Cemetery overlook, and the Western Wall. From there, we cross into the Muslim Quarter, pass ritual fountains and markets, and trace part of the Stations of the Cross toward the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Inside this sacred church, you’ll see where tradition places Calvary, the Stone of Anointing, and the tomb of Jesus Christ, and get a sense of what it’s like to visit when the church is crowded with pilgrims.
I also explain why I chose to join a Jerusalem and Yad Vashem day tour, what it’s like to navigate the Old City with a guide, and how much you can realistically see in a single day. Whether you’re planning a Jerusalem day trip or simply curious about these sacred sites, this guide offers a detailed, on-the-ground look at one of the world’s most meaningful cities
Spend one day walking through Jerusalem’s Old City with this short highlight video that focuses entirely on the sights themselves. Instead of narration, simple on-screen captions identify each location as the camera moves through narrow streets, historic courtyards, and some of the Old City’s most important holy places.
The video stitches together clips from a full day in Jerusalem into a quick visual overview, giving you a feel for the atmosphere, architecture, and crowds without any commentary. It’s perfect if you want to see what a one-day visit to Jerusalem’s Old City actually looks like before planning your own trip.
Use this video as a visual companion to my detailed Jerusalem day trip guide, or just enjoy it as a peaceful walk through one of the most significant cities in the world.
Palestinian Territories
Visiting Bethlehem in the West Bank left me with one big question before I went: Is Bethlehem safe to visit as a tourist? On this page, I share my honest experience joining a Bethlehem day trip from Jerusalem with Elijah Tours, including what it was like to cross into the Palestinian Territories, go through security checks, and navigate the checkpoints.
You’ll follow my route from the Shepherds’ Fields in Beit Sahour to the Church of the Nativity and its grotto marking the traditional birthplace of Jesus, then on to the Catholic Church of St. Catherine and the Milk Grotto Church, where many pilgrims come to pray for children. Along the way, I also highlight everyday life in Bethlehem—from rooftop water tanks and the West Bank barrier to street art by Banksy, quirky cafés like Stars and Bucks, and local shopping streets. I explain why I personally felt that visiting Bethlehem on a guided tour was the safest and easiest option and share a few practical Bethlehem safety tips and passport reminders for crossing between Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
If you’re planning a Holy Land pilgrimage or simply curious about biblical sites in Bethlehem, this guide walks you step by step through my day so you can decide if a visit to Bethlehem fits your own itinerary and comfort level.
In the heart of the Holy Land, I embarked on a tour to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Located in the West Bank, we started the journey from Jerusalem. My exploration focused on three key sites: the Shepherds’ Fields, the Church of the Nativity, and the Milk Grotto Church.
The Shepherds’ Fields held a special significance, marking the spot where angels announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds. Next, we ventured to the Church of the Nativity, the revered site of Jesus’ birth. Here, entering through the humble “Door of Humility” added a symbolic touch to the experience. Our final stop was the Milk Grotto Church, where Christian tradition tells the story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus seeking refuge, with a drop of Mary’s milk turning the floor white. It was a truly enriching journey through history and faith.
Walk with me to Qasr al-Yahud, the Jordan River baptism site of Jesus Christ, opposite Bethany beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) in Jordan. On this page, I explain what the Bible says about Bethany beyond the Jordan, why many churches consider it the most likely historical location of Jesus’ baptism, and how Qasr al-Yahud fits into that tradition on the western bank.
You’ll see what it’s like to stand on the edge of the Jordan River, look across to the churches in Jordan, and watch modern pilgrims dressed in white robes being baptized in the Jordan River. I share practical tips on how to visit Qasr al-Yahud from Jerusalem, including my own day tour that combined Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ.
The article also describes how the river has changed over time, with today’s narrow, heavily used Jordan looking very different from what it would have been in the time of Jesus. If you’re planning a Holy Land pilgrimage or are simply curious about where Jesus may have been baptized, this guide gives you an on-the-ground look at both the tradition and the experience of visiting Qasr al-Yahud.
This video takes you to Qasr al-Yahud, the traditional baptism site of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River, directly across from Bethany beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) in Jordan. In one short visit, you’ll see pilgrims in white robes stepping into the river, views across to the churches on the opposite bank, and what it’s like to stand at one of the most important Christian holy sites in the region. It’s a quick visual overview of the modern Jordan River baptism experience for anyone planning a Holy Land pilgrimage.
Is Jericho safe to visit? In this article, I share my honest experience visiting Jericho in the West Bank, including what it felt like crossing into the Palestinian Territories and whether I felt safe as a tourist. You’ll see how I joined a guided Jericho day trip from Jerusalem, met my local guide Elias, and visited key sites like the Zacchaeus Sycamore Tree and the Mount of Temptation by riding the Jericho Cable Car. I also explore the ruins of the Old City of Jericho (Tell es-Sultan), which date back to around 9,000 BCE, helping explain why Jericho is often called the oldest city in the world. The article finishes at the Elisha Spring Fountain (Ein es-Sultan), a spring tied by tradition to the prophet Elisha in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Throughout the page, you’ll find practical tips on how to get to Jericho from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, why a guided tour of Jericho is often the easiest and safest option, and reminders to check current West Bank travel advisories before you go. This is a helpful starting point if you’re planning a Holy Land itinerary and want to decide for yourself whether Jericho is safe for tourists today.