One of the must-see places in Middle East is Israel, a placed deemed as sacred by the Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. The country has a long and rich history that dates back to biblical times, hence sacred and religious places lure tourists young and old. Needless to say, going for Israel tours is the ultimate adventure and travel for those who are seeking for a deeper connection to their beliefs and faith. So, here are five of the top biblical destinations that tour guides in Israel will take you to:
- Via Dolorosa or the Way of Sorrows is a path that Jesus took that started from his trial up to the place where He was laid to rest. To mark the route, 14 Stations of the Cross were set up to be the place for reflection.
- Situated on the place where the crucifixion took place, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is considered as the holiest Catholic site by Christian pilgrims. It is also one of Via Dolorosa’s station.
- Mount Zion is another place to include in any Israel tours. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, it is the place where the Last Supper was held, and it is also where you will see the Tomb of King David.
- Garden Tomb is considered as the place where Jesus was buried. It has a double chamber that tourists can explore and it is also a great place to reflect and meditate.
- Nazareth located near Mount Tabor is the place where Jesus spent his childhood years. It is a treat for the Christian pilgrims as it is where you will see Mary’s Well, the place where Angel Gabriel visited and announced that she would give birth to Jesus.
Other Places Pilgrims Include in Their Israel Tours
Apart from the five biblical and holy places, other destinations that tourists, Christians or not, should visit when taking tour guides in Israel are Mount Olives and the Sea of Galilee. Mount Olive is a place where Jesus ascended to heaven while the place where many popular miracles happen was the Sea of Galilee. Tourists and pilgrims can even get a taste on how it is like to sail in the Sea of Galilee abroad a replica ship that Jesus and his disciples used in the olden times.
You may also want to include in your Israel tours an afternoon in the Jordan River or specially the Yardenit, a place where Jesus was baptized by his cousin John. Tourists may want to try the baptism in the river, especially that there is a place where they can shower and change after.
Another place tour guides in Israel will get you to visit is the Capernaum, a place near the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The town, still existing today, was even called the Town of Jesus as it is where he performed the miracle on a Centurion’s servant, on a paralytic man, and a healing on the mother-in-law of Simon Peter. Tourists will also have a chance to glimpse the House of Peter.
So, which tour guides in Israel will you take? What is your favorite destination that you want included in your Israel tours?