Upon Arrival…
Just landed at Tel Aviv airport in Israel…And thus our adventure in the Holy Land begins…



Day 1
Jerusalem ~ We spent the first day investigating the local area and relaxing. Did some shopping around the hotel and enjoyed some local food. Looking forward to going to the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock tomorrow, 2 of the holiest sites across the world’s major religions.

Day 2
Today was a great day as we followed in the footsteps of Jesus in Jerusalem. We retraced His steps and reviewed His last days in mortality. We started at the western wall of the temple. These walls are what remain of the temple that existed at the time of Christ. We watched as observant Jews worshipped at the temple, separated into men’s and women’s sections, wearing symbolic clothing including head coverings, prayer shawls draped over their shoulders, as well as an apron and sash. Some of them even wore phylacteries on their arms and hands to remind them of the scriptural words of prayer. @ הכותל המערבי – Western Wall



From the Temple Mount, we went to an adjoining district and visited an upper room which is symbolic of the room where Christ and His apostles ate the last supper. We learned about Passover rituals and enjoyed a Passover meal very similar to what would have been observed that night. Then we hiked down to the Garden of Gethsemane. @ The Room Of The Last Supper




From Gethsemane, we went to Caiaphas’ Palace where Christ was led by the guards (we walked up the exact same steps that the savior did) and tried at the council of the Sanhedrin, and then to the Antonia Fortress where Pontias Pilate sealed Christ’s fate.




We then traveled to Golgotha, the traditional site where Christ was crucified and next to the garden tomb where his body was laid and from where he was resurrected.
Day 3
Today we visited a number of places, starting in Jerusalem, we went to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is considered by certain Christian Orthodox churches to be the site where Christ was crucified and buried. Six different religions claim ownership and oversight of this site, so it was very interesting to see so many different religions represented and vying within one structure. This church is located in the Christian quarter of the old city of Jerusalem. We also visited the Muslim section of the old city and saw a variety of shops, from butcher shops to textile shops to various food stalls. The old city also includes a church which allegedly is located in the area where John the Baptist’s head was buried (last picture). Obviously we didn’t see the head!





This church is located in the Christian quarter of the old city of Jerusalem, marking the spot traditionally identified as the location where Jesus Christ was crucified and buried. @ Holy sepulchre church Jerusalem

In the old city we also saw certain excavations that went back to 600 B.C.E., including part of the original city wall that dates back to this time. In this area of the city today, you can see Christian churches right next to Jewish synagogues right beside Muslim mosques and prayer towers. We also walked past the stalls of vendors in the Jewish quarter, the Christian quarter and the Muslim quarter, all selling different products and wares. @ Old City Jerusalem, Palestine








From Jerusalem, we traveled to Bet Shemesh, where Samson was born. We saw ancient relics there which had been excavated as well as a three-step altar. None of these relics likely dated back to the time of Samson. It was interesting to read his story in the actual area where it took place.


South of Bet Shemesh is the Valley of Elah which is where the battle between the Philistines and Judah took place with David defeating Goliath with a sling. We each took our turns with a sling similar to the one David would have used. It was fun slinging the stones and reading the story at the same time @ Valley of Elah



We then traveled across the West Bank and into Palestinian controlled Bethlehem. We visited the churchw of the nativity, which is the traditionally accepted birthplace of Jesus, located in a grotto underneath the church. Three separate Christian churches, the Greek orthodox, the Armenian and Catholic churches, each have separate areas of the church that they control and govern. This picture is of the grotto where they believe the manger was laid. @ Bethlehem, Palestina


On the way to Bethlehem… @ حوسان





Day 4
Israelis observe the Sabbath on Saturday, as did we, attending sacrament services with the Jerusalem branch at the BYU center. Beautiful view overlooking the Mount of Olives and the temple. @ BYU Jerusalem Center




After church services, we returned to the old city of Jerusalem and walked around, enjoying lunch, and then trying to find a taxi to return to the hotel. Fortunately some nice Israeli police man helped us with the taxi part. @ كنيسة القيامة







Day 5
On the way to Jericho and the Dead Sea… and Masada.

Today we visited the Dead Sea where we travelled up to the top of Masada, a fortress built by King Herod and later controlled by the zealots, who all died in the final battle against the Romans where the Jews revolted in AD 67.








It was extremely interesting as we’ve visited Qumran, near the Dead Sea. This is an archaeological site where a large religious community of Essenes lived around the 4th century BC. It is also the area where Bedouin Shepherds found the Dead Sea Scrolls which date back to that same time period. These scrolls include a huge number of documents, including the entire book of Isaiah from the old testament, also a war scroll and a scroll which sets forth the community rules. Amazing to see artifacts which date back 2400 years. @ גן לאומי קומראן, Qumran – רשות הטבע והגנים






Bathing and mudding at the Dead Sea! Mineral content in the Dead Sea runs at the 30% level, compared to 3 to 4% in the Mediterranean Sea, which makes it extremely buoyant. And the mineral content apparently has healing qualities. But today it was mostly about having fun, as you can see from the pictures below @ חוף קליה Dead Sea




Day 6
On the way to Capernaum…


This morning we went to Tel-Dan, which is the area where the River Jordan begins as it flows down to the Sea of Gallilee. We then went to the traditional area known for where Peter’s house was, which also included a Roman style synagogue and related relics.





We took a boat ride on the sea of Galilee, also known as the sea of Tiberias. Very scenic and calm. @ Sea of Galilee


Awesome lunch today at the Sea of Galilee, Saint Peter’s fish, bread, hummus, salad, onions, and even french fries! Really great meal in a fantastic location, and our hostess even sang a beautiful song about Jesus being in our midst. @ Tiberias, Israel



We read and discussed the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) right beside the Sea of Galilee in an area maintained by the Franciscan missionary sisters whose church is located there.


Day 7
The view from Nazareth across the valley to Mount Tabor which is where Jesus Christ was transfigured and His father’s voice was heard announcing His divine Sonship to his apostles. Beautiful valley and view!

Coastal city of Haifa on Mediterranean Sea. @ Haifa, Israel



Visited the aqua duct constructed by King Herod to transport fresh water to Caesarea. @ Aquaduct Beach





Town of Caesarea built by King Herod as a bustling trading port on the Mediterranean, taken over later by the Byzantine Empire, Crusaders and Arabs. Quite a storied history. @ National Park Cesarea







We finished the day today with a visit to Jaffa , a town next to Tel Aviv with a history of over 4000 years. Great Port city with lots to see, we had a blast! @ יפו העתיקה מרכז המבקרים אטרקציות Old Jaffa Visitors Center







This is the Saint Peter’s Church in Jaffa, next to Tel Aviv in Israel. This church was dedicated to Saint Peter because it was in Jaffa that Peter raised Tabatha, one of Jesus’ disciples, from the dead, according to Act chapters 9 and 10. It is also located on a hill near the shore and is considered to serve as a beacon to Catholic pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. @ St. Peter’s Church, Jaffa


Day 8
Visited the Temple Mount today, which includes holy sites for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Amazing structures built and destroyed and rebuilt over centuries, including the temple walls, Dome of the Rock, and Al Aksa mosque. Photo credit @kevan.bradshaw @ Jerusalem, Israel





What a fantastic trip to the Holy Land, I would highly recommend it to everyone . Feel free to follow our itinerary or revise as you see fit. Have a great trip!