So much

more ..... 1

2

I ndex

Promoting International Collaboration ...... 5

Tel Aviv ...... 6

Jaffa ...... 8

Nazareth ...... 10

Caesarea ...... 12

Haifa ...... 14

Sea of Galilee ...... 16

Dead Sea ...... 18

Jerusalem ...... 20

Suggested Itineraries ...... 27

Classic Israel ...... 29

Catholic Pilgrimage ...... 30

Evangelical Pilgrimage ...... 31

The Exodus ...... 32

Umra Al-Aqsa ...... 33

Communication ...... 34

3

4

Over the decades, tourism has experienced continued growth and deepening diversification to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world. Modern tourism is closely linked to development and encompasses a growing number of new destination. These dynamics have turned tourism into a key driver for socio- economic progress.

Tourism has become one of the major players in international commerce, and represents at the same time one of the main income sources for many developing countries. This growth goes hand in hand with an increasing diversification and competition among destinations.

Promoting International Collaboration ( PIC ) is an international company offering consultancy and technical assistance, helping our partners to obtain a competitive edge in a global market. PIC promotes tourism; offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and business collaboration between partners.

Our services include among others : Long or short-term advisory; filling the performance gap; consultancies; workshops and seminars; formal or informal training; on-the-job training; coaching and mentoring; including organisational development.

PIC is focused at building relations and strengthening the tourism industry in Africa based upon the Israeli experience. PIC generates market knowledge, promotes competitive and sustainable tourism strategies and instruments, fosters tourism education and capacity building, and works towards make tourism an effective tool for development in Africa.

We strive to enhance creativity and innovation, exchanging experiences and ideas in order to find new partners and strategies to raise tourism as one of the main drivers of economic and social ad- vancement on the continent.

The main objectives of PIC in strengthening the Tourism Industry are to: • Promote Africa and Israel as an attractive travel destination • Create a positive image of Israel and Africa • Assist partners to exchange knowledge and work collaboratively • Provide industry partners and other interested parties with access to opportunities on inbound and outbound tourism • Build up a stronger healthier and more efficient tourism industry • Develop innovative management practices • Foster public-private partnership • To create a closer working relationship amongst stakeholders and travel industry representatives • To promote forums for the development, marketing and sales of tourism products • To promote travel industry professionalism and skills through education and training • To assist in the development and promotion of new products and services within Africa and Israel

5

el viv Tel Aviv, often called ‘the city that never stops’, was the first modern Jewish city built in Israel, and is the county’s Teconomic and cultural centre.A It is alive, active city, with entertainment, cultural and art festivals and rich night life.

Situated on a 14-kilometer-long strip on the Mediterranean seacoast, Tel Aviv extends beyond the Yarkon River to the north and the Ayalon River to the east. Hundreds of thousands of workers, visitors, tourists, and partygoers move about the city each day until the early hours of the morning, seeking out the city’s nightclubs, restaurants, and centers of entertainment.

6

Tel Aviv began its history in Jaffa Tel Aviv is Israel’s center for culture (Yafo) - the ancient 3,000-year-old and entertainment. The city has adjoining city that lies to its more than 20 museums, the most southwest. The current Old City of important of which are the Land of Jaffa was built during the Ottoman Israel (HaAretz) Museum and the Empire and its stone houses and Tel Aviv Art Museum. Other Tel narrow alleyways now house the Aviv museums include the Museum picturesque artists’ quarter and of the Diaspora, the Israel Defense tourist center. Forces History Museum, the Etzel Museum, the Haganah Museum, Among the main attractions of Old the Palmach Museum, The Lekhi Jaffa are Gan HaPisga - the Summit Museum, and the Nachum Gutt- Garden with its restaurants, man Museum. galleries, shops with Judaica, and unique atmosphere, the seaside The city hosts the Israel Philhar- promenade and walls of the old monic Orchestra and the Israeli city, the visitors’ center in the old Opera Company, as well as most of courtyard, and the fishing port. the national dance and theater companies. There are also several important Christian sites in Old Jaffa such as Tel Aviv is also the national center the Church of Saint Peter, which for night life and entertainment dates back to the 17th century, the and is filled with night clubs featur- house of Simon the Tanner where ing music of all types, dancing, res- Peter had his vision of the non- taurants, pubs, coffee houses, dis- kosher animals, and the tomb of cotheques, movie theaters, audito- Tabitha, whose righteous deeds riums, and concert halls. enabled Peter to raise her from the dead. Around Jaffa there is the Ot- The beachfront of Tel Aviv has toman clock tower, a vibrant flea bathing beaches and a romantic market that is always worth visit- waterfront promenade. ing, and the Ajami neighborhood.

7

Jaffa If you are planning a visit to Israel, you don’t want to miss this amazing city. You’ll enjoy taking a guided tour through stone-paved alleyways of ancient Jaffa (biblical Joppa), a port city that has been inhabited since about 7,500 BC. In fact, it is the oldest port to have been continuously inhabited in the world !

It is believed Jaffa was “born” right after the Noadic flood. Noah’s son, Japheth, built a settlement here and named it - “From these (the descendants of Japheth) the coastlands of the nations were separated into their lands…” (Gen.10:5)

8

An Egyptian letter from 1440 BC between the Maccabees and the talks about Jaffa’s conquest by Syrians until the Temple was Pharaoh Thutmose II, whose reclaimed in the Maccabean general hid his soldiers in gift Revolt in 165 BC. baskets for the governor of the then Canaanite city. It remained As the power of the Roman Empire under Egyptian rule until approxi- grew, it began moving eastward mately 800 BC. consuming every nation in its way. In 68 AD, Vespasian razed the city The Canaanite and Philistines each to the ground and erected a citadel had a turn at trying to hold on to in its place, installing a Roman this vital port and entry to garrison. Jerusalem until King David reclaimed it. It was through this Visitors to this historically-rich city port that he and his son, King will have the thrill of seeing pieces Solomon, floated in the cedars of of the many cultures that have Lebanon for the Temple. In 701 BC, resided here over the millennia! Assyrian King Sennacherib invaded However, for Christians, Jaffa and took possession of the port (biblical Joppa) holds extra (and all of Judah) from King significance. The prophet Jonah set Hezekiah. sail for Tarshish from the port of Jaffa when he tried to run away After a time of Babylonian from God. Simon Peter healed occupation, Jaffa was governed by Tabitha the seamstress when in the Phoenicians. Alexander the Jaffa. Simon Peter had a vision on Great then conquered it in the late the roof of Simon the Tanner’s fourth century BC. The city house where God commanded him changed hands frequently to eat foods that were “unclean”.

9

azareth Nazareth, or Natsrat as its name is pronounced in Hebrew, is the cradle of Christianity, the city where, according to Ntradition, the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the place where Jesus spent his childhood and youth. Nazareth, in the lower Galilee, is located in the heart of a valley surrounded by mountains that embrace several of the most important Christian sites in the world. This is a city of religion and faith, of spirituality and holiness, but also a city with a rich history, fascinating archeology, modern culture and Mid- dle Eastern charm.

10

Nazareth, which began as a churches and monasteries, as small Jewish village about 2,000 well as mosques and ancient years ago, became a stronghold synagogues. of Christianity in the Byzantine period, just a few hundred years A tour of Nazareth is like reliving later. During that period the its various periods. Every era left name of Nazareth spread far behind it a powerful symbol that and wide, and the yearnings to became a delightful and popular see the place where the Virgin tourism site in the modern era. Mary and Jesus Christ had lived Most of the sites are concen- turned the city into a popular trated in the Old City, built in the pilgrimage site. These visits led mid-19th century in a charming to the building of the city’s first Middle Eastern architectural church - the Church of the An- style. A walk through the nar- nunciation at the traditional site row streets, between the pictur- of Joseph and Mary’s home. esque houses, is an amazing ex- Many more churches have been perience and it is worth walking built throughout the city, and slowly to enjoy their beauty. were destroyed and rebuilt with the changes in Muslim and There are many ancient Christian rule over the centu- churches in the Old City, with ries. In the 19th century Naz- the Church of the Annunciation areth attracted renewed inter- heading the list. The rebuilt est and Christians returned to church retained parts of the pre- live in this city and rebuilt vious churches, from the Cru- churches and monasteries. To- sader and Byzantine periods. day Nazareth is the largest Arab The church also houses an impressive collection of paint- city in Israel and has about 30 ings.

11

aesarea CCaesarea is a city of the past and the future, the new opposite the ancient. While new Caesarea is graced with mag- nificent modern homes, ancient Caesarea offers tourists the ruins of unique, impressive buildings. While golfers enjoy lush fairways, horse races are reenacted in the huge hippodrome in the national park. While modern Caesarea’s neighborhoods are quiet and serene in the glory of contemporary architecture, ancient Caesarea is bus- tling with tourists who come to see the wonders of the past that were built by one of the greatest builders of the ancient world - King Herod.

Caesarea’s antiquities park is one of Israel’s most impressive parks, housing unique buildings from various periods, bearing silent witness to the upheavals that have visited Caesarea over the past 2,300 years. Standing side by side

12

over an area of 500 dunams (125 wandering between the ancient acres), there are architectural buildings one can both sense how remains from the Hellenistic period people lived here thousands of (the 3rd century BCE) to the years ago and enjoy modern, Crusader period (the 12th century), contemporary experiences, such as when Caesarea was a port city and the enthralling musical spent many years as Israel’s performances held in the beautiful capital. Caesarea was given to King Roman Theater. One can walk Herod as a present by Augustus along the city walls and around the Caesar and is named after him. towers, wander through the ruins Herod built a massive port there of the castle and the various alongside entertainment facilities, temples, watch the horse races in bathhouses and temples. In the the hippodrome, visit the ancient Byzantine period, Caesarea was an port and the tiny artists’ square important Christian center. The and view the interactive 3- early fathers of Christianity (Origen dimensional computer simulations and Eusebius) lived there and of the city’s past. The port hosts according to Christian tradition it cultural festivals year round and was here that the first idol offers a wide range of activities: worshiper was converted - the historic riddles, jeep tours, target Roman centurion Cornelius. In the practice with a variety of weapons, Crusader period the city was paintball, Tai Chi on the beach, fortified with walls and gates, toga workshops and treasure which were eventually destroyed hunts. Caesarea’s beach offers the by the Mamluk Conquest in the beauty of nature and diving 13th century. enthusiast can explore the underwater ruins in the A tour of the national park is like archeological park beside the port. walking through a story, and

13

aifa Israel’s third largest city and one of its prettiest, Haifa has a lot to offer visitors. It has the country’s largest port, a Hparticularly active beach and is the home of the World Center of the Bahai Faith. Surrounded by abundant nature sites, the city contains an interesting mix of modern neighborhoods and older districts; churches and mosques; mountain and sea.

With residents from the three largest religions as well as from various minority faiths, Haifa is also a symbol of out- standing co-existence and tolerance. Nine percent of the population consists of Arabs (Moslems and Christians) who reside mostly in three neighborhoods: Khalisa, Abas and the famous Wadi Nisnas whose charming alleyways have turned it into a tourist spot.

14

The annual Holiday of Holidays This does not complete the city’s marking the city’s special lifestyle is religious mosaic. Israel’s only held there. Ahmadi Muslim community is based in Haifa’s Kababir The Christian presence in Haifa, neighborhood. The Ahmadiyya is with its many churches, also an Indian sect of Islam, founded in contributes to the city’s image. A the late nineteenth century, which Maronite church is located next to promotes peace among nations Kikar Paris (Paris Square); adjacent and opposes religious coercion. to that is the Carmelite church Their large mosque houses a dedicated to the Prophet Elijah; prayer hall and a first-floor exhibit and not far from there is Saint of their history and significant Mary’s Greek Orthodox Parish contributions. Church. The Sacre Coeur Catholic School on Allenby Street has a well Haifa’s reputation for tolerance -tended garden and building, in extends to the Bahai Faith whose front of which are impressive World Center is located in the city. statues of Saint Mary. Atop the The Bahais originated in the Bab Carmel, holy to Christians, is the sect which separated from Iran’s Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery. Shi’ite Islam in 1844. The Bahai In the monastery’s Baroque-style World Center, an expansive and church is a cave considered by well-designed complex on the Christian tradition to be the grave slope of the Carmel, is famous for of the Prophet Elijah, and in the its magnificent gardens. It includes monastery is a small museum the exquisitely landscaped dedicated to his life. On site is also “Hanging Gardens” which run a hostel which serves the many about a kilometer along the Louis pilgrims who visit the city. Promenade until Ha-Gefen Street.

15

S ea of G alilee All winter long, the most important part of the news report for Israelis is not the dollar-shekel exchange rate or the level of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange index, but rather the water level in Lake Kineret, which often reflects the na- tional spirit. The Kineret, or Sea of Galilee, is Israel’s largest fresh water reservoir, and is also the country’s largest and most important source and reservoir of drinking water. For this and other reasons, the Kineret has become an important national symbol and is also a first class tourism center.

The beaches that surround the entire lake are similar but different. The width of the beaches varies in keeping with the local geography, creating different landscapes in every location. Above the eastern and western shores, for

16

example, rise the Galilee moun- plenty of restaurants and grocery tains and the foothills of the Golan, stores along the way, and most of while to the north there is the Beit all one can enjoy the calm and Tsida valley, a wide area with plen- tranquility. tiful water that drains from the Jor- dan River and the Golan streams, The beaches surrounding the Ki- and to the south is the Jordan estu- neret are also a perfect starting ary, which flows south toward the point for wonderful nature tours of desert regions. the area. Some of the most popu- lar and beautiful nature sites are For this reason, some of the the Jordan Park, the Beit Tsida Na- Kineret’s beaches have soft sand, ture Reserve, Khamat Gader, Na- while others are rocky; some harayim. There is also the lower beaches are narrow while others Golan Heights region, which bor- are very wide. Either way, the ders on the Kineret and is full of beaches are fun and offer many swift flowing streams, historic sites tourist attractions for every age and nature reserves. group. Most of the beaches allow nature-loving visitors to sleep in The Kineret played an important camping areas on the sand, and role in the early years of Christian- there are also hostels, guest ity and has now become a pilgrim- houses and beachfront hotels. age site for many Christians. Ac- Most of the beaches also offer cording to Christian tradition, Jesus various types of water sports and lived, preached and performed water activities, such as boating in miracles in the Kineret and the sur- inflatable rubber dinghies, canoes, rounding region. It was here that etc.; children can enjoy the giant he walked on the water and the slides at the water parks (Luna Gal, miracle of the loaves and the fishes Tsemakh or Gai Beach). There are happened in nearby Kfar Nakhum (Capernaum).

17

D ead S ea How far does one have to descend to reach the Dead Sea? About 400 meters below sea level. How deep is this salty lake? Almost the same (in the northern section). Fascinating? Absolutely! Every detail about the Dead Sea is fascinating .

Here are a few more facts: The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth in any land mass (417 meters below sea level, to be exact). The quantity of water that evaporates from it is greater than that which flows into it, such that this body of water has the highest concentration of salt in the world (340 grams per liter of water).

18

It is called the Dead Sea because its enterprises that offer a wide range salinity prevents the existence of of challenging activities (jeep and any life forms in the lake. That bicycle tours, camel tours and same salt, on the other hand, Bedouin hospitality, rappelling and provides tremendous relief to the more), alongside art and cultural many ailing visitors who come here activities (galleries and artists’ stu- on a regular basis to benefit from dios), and of course the unique ag- its healing properties. All these and riculture, adapted to the local cli- more make the Dead Sea so mate. fascinating, so different and so Interesting. The Dead Sea is on the edge of the Judean Desert, a hot, barren region It is a truly priceless national at the foot of Ha-He’etekim cliff, treasure. The western shore (inside which has also become an Israel’s borders) is dotted with important center of desert organized beaches and bathing tourism. The coastline is dotted areas that provide convenient with many springs, surrounded by access to the water. Beside two of wild plant life. The special the therapeutic beaches (Neve combination that has formed in Zohar and Ein Bokek) large tourism this place, between desert centers have been established, landscapes and oasies with providing the most pampering plentiful water, plants and animals, tourism services. attracts both the eye and the heart and draws many tourists to sites You will find dozens of hotels, such as Mt. Sdom, Nakhal Darga, hostels and guest houses, the Ein Gedi nature reserve and the restaurants and shopping centers, Einot Tsukim (Ein Fashkha) reserve. as well as surprising tourism

19

erusalem JWhat has not already been said about the holiest city in the world, the city that has been united, the eternal city first built thousands of years ago, whose history can be heard in the whispering of the wind along the walls, where every stone tells a wondrous story of a city that has drawn millions of faithful pilgrims for thousands of years. Such is Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, the only city in the world that has 70 names of love and yearning, the city that in old maps appears at the center of the world and is still adored like a young bride.

Jerusalem is a city of overwhelming emotions, a city that promises a religious and spiritual experience, excitement and pleasure, interesting tours and entertaining adventures. Here, alongside Jerusalem’s fascinating historic and archeological sites, there are amazingly modern tourist attractions for all lovers of culture, the arts, theater and music, architecture and gastronomic delights. 20

The Old City Christianity, as Jesus Christ lived At Jerusalem’s heart is the Old City, and died here. The Christian quar- which is surrounded by a wall and ter alone houses some 40 religious divided into four quarters - Jewish, buildings (churches, monasteries Armenian, Christian, and Muslim. and pilgrims’ hostels). One of the Inside the walls are the important most prominent and important holy sites of the three major relig- sites in the Christian quarter is the ions: the Western Wall, which is Via Dolorosa, the “Way of Sor- holy to the Jews, the Church of the rows,” Jesus’ final path, which ac- Holy Sepulcher, and the Dome of cording to Christian tradition led the Rock on the Temple Mount. from the courthouse to Golgotha The Western Wall plaza is visited by Hill, where he was crucified and millions of worshipers. Here, at the buried. Many pilgrims come to Je- base of the massive wall that is a rusalem to follow Jesus’ footsteps remnant of the Holy Temple, along a route that starts in the prayers are offered and notes con- Muslim Quarter, at Lions’ Gate, and taining heartfelt wishes are passes the 14 stations of the cross, wedged between the crevices. ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Several of the most im- Surrounding the Western Wall are portant Christian relics are housed other important Jewish sites - the in this church, including the anoint- Western Wall Tunnels, the unique ing stone (on which Jesus’ body Davidson Center, the Jewish quar- was laid before his burial) and Je- ter with its magnificent Cardo and sus’ grave. The Church of the Holy David’s Citadel, towering proudly Sepulcher is a pilgrimage site for in its beauty. South of the Old City millions of Christians from all over is the City of David, from which the the world. ancient Can’anite and Israelite Je- rusalem grew. This is a fascinating Southwest of the Old City is Mt. site with amazing findings that pro- Zion, where the Dormition Abbey vide an unforgettable experience. was built on the site Christian tra- Jerusalem is also very important to diion believes Mary spent her last

21

night. The abbey was built about over the Old City and the New City. 100 years ago and in the basement Tours along the walls are a won- there is a statue of the sleeping derful night-time activity, too, Mary. Beside the abbey is the when the city’s lights sparkle mak- Room of the Last Supper, where ing the sights even more unforget- Jesus ate his last meal. table. The Armenian Quarter has its own unique charm and is well East of the Old City is the Mount of worth visiting. Olives, where there are other im- portant Christian sites, and several The New City churches: The Ascension, Pater The construction of the new city’s Noster, Dominus Flevit, Mary Mag- Jewish neighborhoods began in dalene, Gethsemane, Lazarus and the late 19th century. Some of the Abraham’s Monastery. According neighborhoods have retained their to Christian tradition, Mary’s tomb original picturesque charm, and is in the Kidron Valley, below the wandering among the houses is a Mt. of Olives. real pleasure. Some of these neighborhoods are Even Yisrael, Apart from the holy places the German Colony, Yemin Moshe, throughout the Old City, there are Me’a She’arim, Makhane Yisra’el, several charming sites that are well Nakhla’ot, Nakhalat Shiv’a, Ein Ka- worth visiting. There is the wonder- rem, Komemi’ut, Rekhavia, the ful market, which is one big sensual Bukharian Quarter and the Ethio- celebration. Here you can buy Ar- pian Quarter. There are many other menian-style decorated ceramics, interesting and unique sites from beautiful strings of beads, authen- different periods throughout the tic clothing, embroidered cushions, city, such as Armon HaNatsiv and colorful wool carpets, candles and the Promenade, Ammunition Hill, amazing glassware, and countless Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial different souvenirs. From the Museum, Mishkenot Sha’ananim , promenade along the tops of the the Monastery of the Cross, Elias Old City walls you can look out Monastery and the YMCA building.

22

Among the more modern sites are Children will enjoy the Time the Supreme Court, the Israel Mu- Elevator (an interactive, three- seum, the Biblical Zoo, the Knesset, dimensional presentation on the Mt. Herzl, Makhane Yehuda mar- history of Jerusalem), the spacious ket, with its unparalleled variety of Biblical Zoo, Ein Ya’el - which offers exciting sounds, colors, flavors and workshops in Biblical arts and aromas. crafts, the Armon HaNatsiv tun- nels, the beautiful botanical gar- Young people who like to go out in dens and the hands-on interactive the evenings will love Jerusalem’s exhibits at the Bloomfield Science Museum. main night life regions: the German

Colony, the Ben Yehuda pedestrian Since Jerusalem is a city that has mall, Nakhalat Shiv’a, Shlomtsiyon become home to people from HaMalka Street, and the Russian many different faiths, traditions Compound. and ethnic groups, the city’s culi- nary culture offers something for Museum lovers will be delighted to everyone. Alongside Bohemian discover that Jerusalem is dotted gourmet restaurants you will find with dozens of museums full of eateries where the food is cooked rich exhibits, such as the Israel Mu- slowly over ancient stoves, coffee seum, the Natural History Museum, shops with style, ethnic restau- the Bloomfield Science Museum, rants, fast food stands and bars Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial that come to life in the evening Museum, the Rockefeller Museum, hours. In addition to an abundant the Bible Lands Museum, the Is- variety of dining opportunities, Je- lamic Art Museum, the Old Yishuv rusalem also has many different Court Museum, the Armenian types of tourist accommodations, Museum and the Museum of Italian from luxury hotels to inexpensive

Jewish Art. youth hostels.

23

Jerusalem is like no other city, peo- time. You want to be here to walk dors still vie for your attention, and ple often say. But what makes it down the Mount of Olives and hear the air is filled with the aromas of so? Could it be your feeling, as you the echoes of crowds shouting cinnamon and myrrh, coriander, walk these ancient streets, that “Hosannah!” Youwant to be able cumin and sage. And that is when you are walking a tightrope be- to sense the strengthening of your you realize what “sacred space” is tween heaven and earth? faith as you pray under the ancient all about. olive trees at the Garden of Geth- Jerusalem had two natures, it has semane. You want to stand at Gol- Because this is what you seek, this long been said: the “heavenly” and gotha, and behold an empty tomb. is what leads you to Jerusalem, the “earthly.” Sometimes it may You want to walk up the steps you’ll find when you are here that seem to visitors that its “earthly” leading to the Temple that Jesus you can move easily between the elements are just like those of any also must have climbed, and where realms of the earthly and the heav- other city – perhaps even more so; Peter healed a beggar. You want to enly, and make the Holy City your as you navigate the Old City restore your vision, like the beggar own. streets, and even at its holy places, of old at the Pool of Siloam, where seeking the spiritual moments you every day, under the skilled hands imagined you’d always have, you of the archaeologists, the earth might occasionally find yourself yields up the stones that Jesus jostled by the crowds, who seem knew. You want to celebrate here to have not the slightest bit of re- with the Jewish people on the bib- spect for your space! lical holidays of ascent to the Holy City – Tabernacles, Passover and Yet Jerusalem may be where Pentecost. “respect for space” was invented. After all, God said of it: “My Name You will come because you want to shall be there” (I Kings 8:29). And learn what true “sacred space” is. you want to come here because It is here that you can relive like you want be on that spot – where nowhere else the moments when tradition says Abraham stood a Jesus walked through streets like moment before the angel stopped these, carrying the cross. It dawns him from sacrificing his son Isaac. on you here how 2,000 years later You want to come to Jerusalem the crowds still jostle for space, because at the Mount of Olives you still ignore the needs of others – or can behold the city spread out be- offer to help out a stranger with fore you, floating like a vision of all overflowing compassion; the ven- 24

25

26

uggested tineraries S 27I

28

lassic srael CDay 1. Arrival at Ben Gurion’s In- the AnnunciationI and the near by Nativity, St. Jerome’s grotto and ternational Airport. Reception and St. Joseph’s carpentry. Visit Mount St. Catherine chapel. assistance. A panoramic city tour Tabor, site of the Transfiguration of Tel Aviv towards Jaffa, an an- of Jesus. Back to Tiberias, over- Day 6. In the morning visit Mount cient port, now a renowned Artists night. Zion. Cenaculum, site of the Last Quarter. Arrival to hotel in Tiberias, Supper of Jesus, King David’s tomb overnight. Day 4. Depart from Tiberias. and the Dormition Abbey. Continue Through the Jordan Valley to Jeri- to the Western Wall and up to the Day 2. In the morning along the cho the world’s oldest city, and Temple Mount tour of the Western shores of the Sea of Galilee. The Qumran. Then the Dead Sea, with a and new section of the city. Visit tour starts at Capernaum, visiting possibility of a dip in its salty wa- the Holocaust Memorial. Continue the remnants of the old Synagogue ters. Ascend to JERUSALEM to the Knesset (the Israel Parlia- where Jesus preached and taught. through the Judean desert, via the ment) to visit the Menorah Return On to the Mount of Beatitudes, the Good Samaritan Inn. Triumphal en- to the hotel. place of the Sermon of the Mount. trance to Jerusalem facing the an- Drive on to Tabgha, where the cient walls of the Old City. Over- Day 7. In the morning our tour in miracle of the Multiplication of the night Jerusalem. Jerusalem reaches its end entering Fish and Bread took place, close to through the Sheep Gate, to visit the church of Peter’s Primacy and Day 5. The visit of Jerusalem the pool of Bethesda, St. Anne’s the Miraculous Fishing. Boat trip starts with a drive, via Mount Sco- Church, the Chapel of the Flagella- on the waters of the Sea, as done pus, towards Mount of Olives to tion and walk along the VIA DOLO- in the times of Jesus. After lunch the place of the Ascension. The ROSA´s 14 th Stations of the Cross Jordan River and Baptismal site. grotto of Pater Noster and the up to the Golgotha Hill and the Ba- Back to the hotel in Tiberias. most beautiful panoramic view of silica of the Holy Sepulcher. After- the city. Descent by foot all the noon free. Return to the hotel. Day 3. After breakfast driving by way down reaching the garden of the Galilee hills toward Cana of the Gethsemane, the Basilica of the Day 8. Depart to Ben Gurion In- Galilee, site of the first miracle of Agony, the Betrayal Grotto and ternational Airport. Personal assis- Jesus. Nazareth, where Jesus Mary’s tomb. Depart to Bethle- tance in embarking formalities. End passed most of his childhood and hem, Jesus birthplace. Visit to the of our services. Shalom and see adolescence. Visit to the Basilica of Basilica with the cave of the you again soon.

29

atholic ilgrimage CDay 1 - Arrival at Ben Gurion’s St. Joseph’sP carpentry. Visit Mount Day 6 - In the morning visit Mount International Airport. Reception Tabor, site of the Transfiguration Zion. Cenaculum, site of the Last and assistance. A panoramic city of Jesus. Back to Tiberias, Supper of Jesus, King David’s tomb tour of Tel Aviv towards Jaffa, an overnight. and the Dormition Abbey. Continue ancient port, now a renowned Artists Quarter. Arrival to hotel in Day 4 - Depart from Tiberias. to the Western Wall and up to the Tiberias, overnight. Through the Jordan Valley to Temple Mount tour of the Western Jericho the world’s oldest city, and and new section of the city. Visit Day 2 - In the morning along the Qumran. Then the Dead Sea, with a the Holocaust Memorial and the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The possibility of a dip in its salty Shrine of the Book where the Dead tour starts at Capernaum, visiting waters. Ascend to JERUSALEM Sea Manuscripts are on exhibit. the remnants of the old Synagogue through the Judean desert, via the Continue to the Knesset (the Israel where Jesus preached and taught. Good Samaritan Inn. Triumphal Parliament) to visit the Menorah On to the Mount of Beatitudes, the entrance to Jerusalem facing the Return to the hotel. place of the Sermon of the Mount. ancient walls of the Old City. Drive on to Tabgha, where the Overnight Jerusalem. miracle of the Multiplication of the Day 7 - In the morning our tour in Fish and Bread took place, close to Day 5 - The visit of Jerusalem Jerusalem reaches its end entering the church of Peter’s Primacy and starts with a drive, via Mount through the Lion’s Gate, to visit the the Miraculous Fishing. Boat trip Scopus, towards Mount of Olives pool of Bethesda, St. Anne’s on the waters of the Sea, as done to the place of the Ascension. The Church, the Chapel of the in the times of Jesus. After lunch grotto of Pater Noster and the Flagellation and walk along the VIA Jordan River and Baptismal site. most beautiful panoramic view of DOLOROSA´s 14 th Stations of the Back to the hotel in Tiberias. the city. Descent by foot all the Cross up to the Golgotha Hill and way down reaching the garden of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher. Day 3 - After breakfast driving by Gethsemane, the Basilica of the the Galilee hills toward Cana of the Agony, the Betrayal Grotto and Afternoon free. Return to the Galilee, site of the first miracle of Mary’s tomb. Depart to hotel. Jesus. Nazareth, where Jesus Bethlehem, Jesus birthplace. Visit passed most of his childhood and to the Basilica with the cave of the Day 8 - Depart to Ben Gurion adolescence. Visit to the Basilica of Nativity, St. Jerome’s grotto and International Airport. Personal the Annunciation and the near by St. Catherine chapel. assistance in embarking formalities. End of our services. Shalom and see you again soon.

30

vangelic ilgrimage EDay 1 - Arrival at Ben Gurion Day 4 - Today,P at last, we begin our Jerusalem through the Jewish International Airport where you journey to Jerusalem. Driving south Quarter and walk up to the will receive assistance and along the Jordan Valley through Western Wall and Temple Mount, reception. Welcome to the Land of the desert in Samaria and Judea, where the Moslem mosques stand the Bible. Accommodation and passing Jericho where we recall today. This is MOUNT MORIAH of Orientation; dinner and overnight the conquest of the city by Joshua the Bible where Abraham offered in Tiberias. and where Jesus stayed on his way up Isaac long ago. We continue by to Jerusalem. Starting our ascent foot to the Pretorius site, where Day 2 - Our pilgrimage starts at to Jerusalem we will follow the Pontius Pilate condemned Jesus to BANIAS (CAESARIA FILIPPOS), one rout of the triumphant entry into the cross, and from there along the of the main sources of the River the City with a special prayer time. Via Dolorosa in the footsteps of Jordan in the Golan Heights, and "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Jesus towards the garden of will continue to the ruins of Peace be within thy walls, and Golgotha, site of the Crucifixion CAPERNAUM, where Peter's prosperity within thy palaces." and of the Empty tomb. Time for mother-in-law's house once stood Overnight rest in our Jerusalem prayer and communion. In the and where Jesus stayed as a guest hotel. afternoon, we continue on to and worked many of his miracles. explore the New Jerusalem with a Continue to Tabgha, the site of the Day 5 - We start with a visit to visit to the scale model of the city, miracle of the Bread and Fish, we BETHLEHEM, south of Jerusalem the Holocaust Memorial and the will enjoy prayer together at the and visit the Church of the Nativity, Shrine of the Book where the Dead very site of the Sermon of the the traditional site where Jesus Sea Manuscripts are on exhibit. Mount. We will finish the day with was born. Returning to Jerusalem a boat ride across the lake of and to the MOUNT OF OLIVES, we Day 7 - Driving south to the Dead Galilee then return to Tiberias for will recall the Ascension of Jesus Sea desert we will visit the site of dinner and overnight rest. and enjoy a beautiful panoramic Qumran where the ancient Essene view of the city for which Jesus community lived, which Day 3 - Morning g drive from wept. Arrival at the Garden Of bequeathed to us in their Tiberias to the shores of the River Gethsemane, where we will have parchments the oldest copies of Jordan for prayer and baptism. We time for prayer and worship among Biblical texts. Free time to dip in will continue through River Jordan, the ancient olive trees of Kidron the salty waters of the Dead Sea, passing by Mount Gilboa,where Kin valley. Continue on to MOUNT and return to Jerusalem for a fare- Saul led a charge against the ZION we will explore the CENACLE, well dinner. Philistines. We will arrive at The the site of the Last Supper of Jesus Harod Spring bubbles in a cave on and King David's Tomb. To Day 8 - Free Morning for personal the slopes of Mount Gilboa. The conclude this special day, we will activities. Transfer to Ben Gurion cave is called Gideon`s Cave, based visit the BIBLICAL GARDEN at the International Airport for departure. on a story in Judges. Gideon tested Evangelical Institute, and share a Personal assistance in embarking his soldiers by asking them to drink Paschal Supper together. formalities to your International the water from Harod Spring. flight back home. Shalom and see Return for dinner and overnight in Day 6 - Today we will enter, for the you again soon . Tiberias. first time, within the walls of Old

31

he xodus TDay 01 : - APTO / Cairo - ArrivalE at of the Dead Sea We will travel to Prophet Jonah. Proceed to Jerusa- Cairo International Airport. Transfer Qumeran, where they found the lem. Dinner and overnight at the to hotel. Dinner & overnight. famous Dead Sea Scrolls. Continuing hotel. to Passing through Jericho, the old- Day 02 : Cairo - Breakfast at the ho- est city in the World. Continued un- Day 08: - Jerusalem - Breakfast. We tel. Full day visit to the City of Mem- til we reached the capital of Galilee, start our day doing the “via sacra”, phis. Then visit to three Pyramids of Nazareth. Lodging and Dining. ending at Calvary and the Holy Sep- Giza, Cheops, Kephren and Myceri- ulchre. We also visit the Church of nos, the Sphinx and the Valley tem- Day 06 : - Nazareth / Galilee / Santa Ana, the Chapel of the Flagel- ple of Kephren. After that, we will Capernaum/ Yardenit- Breakfast. lation and Pool Probatica. In the af- visit a Perfume Factory. Lunch in Departure for visit to Tabgha, where ternoon, we will climb the Mount of local restaurant. Continue to the the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Olives, recalling the Ascension of Egyptian Museum and Ben Ezra and the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus and where we will have a Synagogue. Back to hotel. Dinner & we will celebrate the Mass. Then beautiful view of Jerusalem. Visit to overnight. we'll take a boat ride through the the Church of Our Father, the Gar- waters of the Sea of Galilee, visiting den of Gethsemane, Dominus Flevit Day 03 : - Cairo /St. Catherine - Capernaum, very significant place in and Tomb of the Virgin Mary. Lodg- Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the life of Jesus, after all there he ing and Dining. St. Catherine. Transfer to hotel. Din- performed several miracles and ner & overnight. preaching. Renewal of baptism at Day 09: - Jerusalem – Bethlehem / the Jordan River. Lodging and Din- Jerusalem - Breakfast. Today we Day 04 : - St. Catherine / Taba - At ing. will visit Bethlehem and the Church dawn, ascent of Sinai Mountain and of the Nativity, the birthplace of Je- down. Return to hotel for break and Day 07: - Mt. Tabor / Haifa/ sus. Then visit the Shepherds' Field breakfast. Transfer to cross Taba Caesarea / Tel Aviv / Jerusalem – and the Milk Grotto. We will go back border. Following to the region of Breakfast and ascent by taxi the to Jerusalem to Visit the Upper the Dead Sea. Dinner and overnight Mount Tabor. Continue to Haifa for Room where Jesus instituted the at the hotel. Mass at the Carmelite Monastery. Eucharist, the Church of the Dor- Departure by road through the an- mition of Mary and the Wailing Day 05 : - Dead Sea / Jericho / Naz- cient Via Maris to get to Caesarea Wall. Free time for shopping in the areth - Breakfast. We will Star our Maritima. Visit the Roman Theatre Arab market in the Old City. Dinner trip through the roads of the de- and amphitheatre. Continue for a and overnight at the hotel. sert, skirting the Red Sea and then city tour of Tel Aviv towards Jaffa, the Dead Sea. Then we'll have time the ancient port city that marks the Day 10: - Breakfast and transfer to to bathe in extremely salty waters presence of St. Peter and the the international airport for depar- ture flight.

32

mra l - qsa UDay 1 : Welcome to Ben Gurion cityA in the world where we can Asee Egyptian Army and the Mamme- Airport or the Jordan River Bridge impressive examples of early Is- lusks under Sultan Baibars took border crossing. Transfer to El- lamic Art and Architecture well pre- place (1280 A.C.) . We then proceed Quds for check-in. Dinner and over- served from the Umayyad period. to the Lower Galilee to Nazareth night, not before driving around We visit Hisham’s Palace - Khirbat al the biggest Arabic city in the Israel. the Ancient Muslim Wall of El- -Mafjar and the Spring of Ain-El- On the way to we pass by the Quds. Dinner and over night in Sultan. Transfer to Tiberias for Horns of Hitten, site of the famous Bethlehem. diner and over night battle where the Muslims under Salah-Eddyn defeated the Crusad- Day 2 : Respecting the Holy Myraj Day 4 : Travel to the North along ers in 1187. We finish the day with a of the Prophet Muhammad by visit- the Mediterranean Ocean to the wonderful panoramic view of the ing Masqed El Aqsa and Kubbat-Al- beautiful city of Akka (Acre) for city of Haifa, from Mount Carmel. Sakhra (Dome of the Rock) on the prays at the Masque-Jazzar named Dinner and over night in Tel-Aviv hill of Haram-El-Sharyf for morning after Achmed Pasha El-Jazzar that prayers. Then we proceed to Jabel famous Muslim governor who for- Day 6 : Visit to the Masque Hassan Zeitun (Mount of Olives) for a tified Akka against Napoleon. In Bek in the Old City of Jaffa. Contin- panoramic view of the El-Quds – the old city we visit Han El Umdan, ued to Bethlehem to see the Jerusalem. On Mount Zion we visit the Fisherman’s Port and the site Church of the Nativity. The Cave of the tomb of the Prophet Daoud where the Mammel Uks defeated the birth of Prophet Esa. Proceed- and the room of the last supper of the last Crusader’s army in 1291 and ing to Ziyara, at the Tomb of Mala- the Prophet Esa. Later we visit the established the Muslim Kingdom tune Raahil – beloved wife of the Khan of Quds and the Tomb of the Dar-es-Islam all over the country. A Prophet Yaacoub and Mother of Prophet Esa (Church of the Holy boat tour around the Akka Walls is Prophet Youssuf. Travel to El-Quds Sepulchre) At the end of the day – optional (Not in the Winter). Then to visit the site of the Prophet Sam- Evening prays in the Masque Al- we proceed to Maque Umar Ibn El uel. Later we have Ziyara of the Aqsa Diner and over night in Beth- -Khalab in the Arabic town of Prophet Samuel inside the Al-Aqsa lehem. Saknin including traditional hospi- at the end of the day. Evening tality (Diafa) – at the Arabic Mu- prays in Masque Al-Aqsa Dinner Day 3 : Driving to the South to visit seum of Arab Culture. Diner and and over night in Bethlehem the Dead Sea – the lowest place on over night in Tiberias. Earth – being able to float easily on Day 7 : Free day in El-Quds. Dinner its very salty waters. On the way, Day 5 : We visit Tiberias and the and over night in Bethlehem we have a visit to Zyara at the Sea of Galilee. From this area we Prophet Musa Tomb. Then con- can view the Izreel Valley in which Day 8 : Transfer to Ben Gurion In- tinue to Arycha (Jericho) the oldest the famous battle between the ternational Airport. inhabited

33

C ontacts Mr. Mark Street Founder and Executive Secretary Promoting International Collaboration ISRAEL Tel: +972 4 9532497 direct Mobile: +972-528 711 613 Skype: mark.street.pic Email: [email protected] Web site: www.promoting-intl-collaboration.com

Ms. Suzana Gassner Managing Director Promoting International Collaboration ISRAEL Tel: +972 4 6254287 direct Mobile: +972-522 415 030 Skype: suzana.gassner1 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.promoting-intl-collaboration.com

All pictures and information in this brochure are curtsey of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism: www.goisrael.com

34