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Hanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights commemorates the 2nd century BC victory of a small group of Jews that rose up against Greek-Syrian oppressors and were victorious. Known as the Maccabean Revolt, after the leaders, the uprising resulted in the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabees found only a small jar of pure oil to light the temple's seven-branch candelabrum. Yet the oil miraculously lasted eight days. In memory of this miracle and the rededication of the temple Jews around the world celebrate Hanukah by lighting an additional candle on the candelabra (menorah) each night of the holiday. In many places in Israel, you can see public menorah-lighting ceremonies held at sundown each night of Hanukah. In Israel, you can experience the holiday through many special Hanukah events. Here is a selection of the top 2019 Hanukah events in Israel.Tel Aviv Independence Park – 22.12.2019 (Gan Ha'atzmaut) Menorah-Lighting Event.In Tel Aviv's Independence Park, the first candle of Hanukah will be lit in a special ceremony and there will be live musical performances, activities for kids and food stalls.Tel Aviv International Synagogue – 23.12.2019, 23 Frishman Street, Tel AvivThe TAIS is organizing a rooftop candle lighting tour in the Old City of Jerusalem followed by a performance of favorite tunes from the Fiddler on the Roof at the Hebrew University. The tour includes transport from the Tel Aviv International Synagogue.Bavli Community Center – 23.12.2019, 6 Toledano Street, Tel Aviv, 16:30-18:00The Bavli neighborhood is hosting a Hanukah parade of lights that will travel from the Yarkon Park through Hanna Zemer to the Bavli Community Center where there will be a candle lighting ceremony, live performances and donuts.Tower of David: Hanukah Menorahs and Christmas Trees Tour of the Old City – 24.12.2019, Old City Jerusalem.This is a guided 3-hour tour starting at 8:30 pm. The Tower of David also offers a lantern-lit tour starting at 16:30 on the Citadel walls and ending with Hanukah songs, candle lighting and donuts. At the Tower of David, there will be family activities including "Escape the Tower", a family escape rooms experience lasting 1.5 hours. Participants must be over 9 years old.HanuChristmas 2019 – 24.12.2019, Habima, Tel Aviv, 21:30-23:30After a candle-lighting ceremony in Habima Square join others on eco-friendly bikes or skates and role or ride to the Christmas tree in Jaffa. Riders are encouraged to come in Christmas or Hanukah-themed fancy-dress.Raanana City Lights – 25-26.12.2019, Ahuza Street, Raanana, 10:00-22:00The small city in the Sharon Area will host, for the first time, a festival of lights along the length of the main street. The festival will include light instillations, art created out of lights; movement performances; street performers; live sculptures; illumination workshops; video installations and food stalls.Ashdod Lantern Tour – 25.12.2019, meeting point West Hotel Lobby, Ashdod, 19:00Pre-registration with Ashdod Tourism is necessary for this lamp-light tour of the city. Take a Hanukah tour of Ashdod's streets, Lachish Park along the creek and past various displays of Hanukah menorahs.Wine on the Vine - 27.12.2019, 3 Elazar Ben Azrya Street, Tel Aviv, 09:00-14:30WIZO and Wine on the Vine is collaborating to deliver a special Hanukah wine experience in the Elah Valley. Get transportation to and from Tel Aviv and a themed tour through the Elah Valley including two winery visits and a stop at the Maccabee battle site.Holiday of Holidays – weekends in December, HaifaOn weekends in December, including Hanukah weekends the communities of all faiths in Haifa will be celebrating the Holiday of Holidays with live performances, lectures, markets, street performers, exhibitions, children's activities and tours.Safed Chanukah Candle Tours – 22-30.12.2019, Safed (not on Friday night)Shvil HaLev and Tzfat Kabbalah Center both offer guided evening tours of the Old Jewish Quarter of Safed where you can see Hanukah menorah candles in every window.Hasmonean Village – Year-round, ShilatThe perfect time to visit Hashmonai Village is during Hanukah when there are special events at the site where a typical ancient Jewish village has been recreated. The whole family can enjoy interactive, fun activities like olive picking, making oil lamps from clay, preparing medicinal herbs and feeding farm animals.Sounds of Music in the Desert Festival - 25-28.12.2019, Kibbutz Sde Boker, Upper NegevThis annual festival is in its 22nd year and brings together some of the country's top musical performers representing a wide range of styles. Enjoy original Israeli music as well as a light show, tours, delicious food and other activities.Street Theatre Festival Eilat – 24-26.12.2019, 15:00-19:00 and 27.12.2019, 10:00-14:00 Eilat Museum and Art Gallery PlazaEnjoy free performances by living statues; street artists; musicians; acrobats and circus performers.Hanukklayim – 24-26.12.2019, 17:00-21:00 (IDF Square to the Western Wall) and 18:00-23:00 (IDF Square to Rockefeller Museum), Old City JerusalemTwo routes through the Old City have been created for families during Hanukah. Along the way they can stop at activity stations, see light installations and performance stages. In addition, it is possible to take a menorah tour to homes in the Jewish Quarter; Hanukah candle lighting at the Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai Synagogue (17:00-20:00 on the hour) and enjoy cantorial performances in Zabekiah's Cave (19:30).Lighting up the Night (Maorim et HaLiyla) – 23-30.12.2019, Jerusalem Center, 17:00-22:00Multiple events are being held in Jerusalem's city center to celebrate Hanukah including a large menorah in Cats' Square (Khatulot Square);"Street of Wishes" on Ben Yehuda Street; performances and activities in Herbert Samuel Plaza; street performances; street parties and video art displays on three large city buildings.

It is important to choose a private tour guide in Israel carefully to make sure you get the most out of your trip. Not all tour guides are created equally! There are many fly-by-nights, self-appointed “guides” that could charge exorbitant fees and ruin your holiday. Your time is valuable and on a trip to Israel, you’ll want to make the most of it. Private guides are generally more expensive than group tours but they are worth every shekel. With a private tour guide you’ll get one-on-one service; a trip tailor-made for you and luxury air-conditioned transportation. Having a private guide means you can make a personal connection with the guide and talk freely, asking any questions you may have without 30 other tourists in the group! Here are a few tips about how to find the best possible private tour guide for your trip to the Holy Land.What Makes a Good Private Tour Guide in Israel?There are some qualities in a private tour guide that you can’t know in advance. Although by choosing a private guide from a reputable tour company and by discussing the trip ahead of time you can get a feel for your guide’s character. An ideal private tour guide should be punctual; organized; have enough energy to get you through the day; have a sense of humor and patience. The best private tour guides are local and have extensive knowledge of the country. Unlike guides on group tours, Israel private tours should be flexible so that you can stay longer at a place if you want to or skip a site if you see something more interesting along the way. A good private tour guide knows when to give you room to look around by your selves (for example in a market, on a beach, while enjoying lunch, or at a religious site). You want a private tour guide that respects your space. Some tour guides never stop talking while others don’t say enough. A good tour guide knows just how much information to give you at each site and when to be quiet and let you soak up the atmosphere.Choose a Professional Private Guide from a Reputable CompanyProfessional tour guides in Israel are trained and issued a tour guide license by the Ministry of Tourism. Israeli tour guides undergo lengthy training, they have to pass an exam and if they intend to guide children or drive a tour vehicle there are additional courses. With a reputable tour company, their credentials should appear prominently on their website. Israel has several well-established tour companies that employ only certified guides and supervise the guides to make sure they keep a high standard of work.A private tour guide from a reputable company will have a whole support team to provide him with all the transportation, marketing, up-dates about attraction, customer service, an accounting department, and more. Your private tour guide will be able to concentrate on giving you the best possible tour without having to worry about accounting, marketing, and logistics which are taken care of by the tour company office. Using a reputable tour company will put your mind at rest as you will always have someone to contact if things go wrong.Choose a Private Tour Guide Who Speaks Your LanguageIsrael is a land of immigrants; when the state was established Jews came from across the globe to settle here. The multi-cultural society means that you will have no problem finding a tour guide that speaks your language. Whether your native tongue is Russian, French, Spanish, English or even Mandarin there are private tour guides in Israel to serve you. If you are English speakers, then make sure your guide speaks a good level of English and will not have to um and ah looking for the right words when explaining things. Having a private guide that speaks good English will make all the difference to your trip. Your guide should also have a good command of Hebrew in order to talk to the locals.Choose a Private Guide that Suits YouYour private guide’s job is to show you the things that interest you as well as a few gems that only a local would know about. Before arriving in Israel you should discuss your preferences with your guide and settle on a basic itinerary. Most private guides that work with larger companies already have recommended itineraries that they can offer you in order to make planning your trip easier. You can discuss the suggested itinerary and adjust it according to your travel style and interests. If you prefer to travel at an easy-going pace and stay longer at each site, then let your guide know in advance. If you are one of those travelers that like to move fast and see as much as possible the guide should be aware of that too. Tell your private guide your specific interests – do you want to see Christian landmarks; natural wonders; Jewish heritage sites; sites from modern history or perhaps a little of everything. Have a good discussion with your private guide and tailor-make your trip before the day of the tour. This will save time and make your tour day run more smoothly.Choose a Private Tour Guide that Will Give You Something ExtraSo when you’ve found a private tour guide that meets all the above criteria there should still be something extra, something special that makes your guide stand-out. Hopefully, your chosen guide will be friendly and excited about showing you his country. Some of the best tour guides will share a few private anecdotes and insights into life in Israel. The benefits of a private tour guide in Israel don’t end when the tour comes to an end as your guide can recommend the best restaurants; local experiences and other sites in Israel that you might want to visit. Hopefully, your time in Israel will be magical and you’ll leave with good memories having been introduced to the Holy Land by an excellent private tour guide.

Israel and Jordan share a border and the two are friendly neighbors with many ties. Both countries are home to incredible historic and cultural sites worth seeing. When the two are so close it seems a pity not to combine Israel and Jordan in a single trip. Even if you only have time to visit Jordan's top attractions, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra which is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Luckily there are many tour options that combine Israel and Jordan no matter how long you plan to spend in the region. For tour packages that include places in Jordan like Jerash, Madaba, and Amman the Sheikh Hussein Border Crossing near Jerusalem is often used. Other tours enter Jordan from the Arava Border Crossing in Eilat which is the closest crossing to Petra.Package Tours that Combine Israel and JordanIf your time is limited then a package tour might be the best option to see Israel and Jordan on one trip as all the logistics are taken care of for you. Some Petra tours from Israelsplit the days evenly covering top destinations in Israel as well as several highlights in Jordan. For example, you can see Israel and Jordan in one tour package over 12 days starting in Israel and spending 8 days in the Holy Land and 4 days in Jordan. Tour places like Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea. Then travel to Jordan and visit Jerash, the capital of Amman, Madaba famed for its Byzantine mosaics, The biblicalMount Nebo, and the spectacular Petra Archeological Park. There are shorter package trips where you spend just one day visiting Petra in Jordan and the rest of your time in Israel. To make this quick trip to Petra possible shorter package trips may include a flight from Tel Aviv to Eilat and from there, it is just 2 hours across the border to Petra. With longer package tours the journey can be made by entering Jordan by bus via the Sheikh Hussein Border Crossing.Petra Tours from Tel AvivIf you're based in central Israel, you don't have to miss out on a trip to Petra. You can travel toPetra from Tel Aviv with a 1-4 day tour. The shortest of these tours starts with an early morning flight from Tel Aviv to Eilat where you are met at the Ramon Airport and taken across the Arava Border Crossing to Petra. At the end of an exhilarating day, the tour ends with a return flight from Eilat to Tel Aviv. There are similar tours that give you an extra day to enjoy Eilat and others that last 3-4 days and include more destinations in Jordan and overnight stays in Amman and Petra. These 1-4 day tours from Tel Aviv are perfect for combining with a longer stay in Israel.Petra Tours from EilatThe Israel-Jordan border crossing closest to Petra is in Eilat, a beach resort city on the edge of the Red Sea. There are a number of tours toIf you're visiting Eilat, Petra Tourscan make your trip much more exciting: just take a Petra Tour from Eilat, see the ancient Petra Treasury and Royal Tombs - then go back for a relaxing stay on the beach of Israel's best resort city.You can take a 1-day tour from Eilat to Petra or opt for a 2-day tour that gives you a guided tour of Petra and a day to explore the ancient city by yourself. One of the most exciting tours to Petra from Eilat is the two-day tour that gives you a tour day in Petra and a day in Wadi Rum, a Jordanian desert wilderness with striking rock formations. On one of these tours, you can take a desert jeep safari through Wadi Rum and even a short panoramic tour of Aqaba, Jordan's Red Sea port city. Tours with overnight stays in Jordan will include accommodations in Wadi Musa - the gateway to the Petra Archeological Park - or in awesome glamping sites in Wadi Rum.

Jerusalem is held sacred by the three major monotheistic religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Each of these religions has sacred, traditional and ancestral sites within Jerusalem. In ancient times Jerusalem was believed to be the center of the world. Packed tightly together in the Old City of Jerusalem is the holiest religious sites of the three religions and one of the sites, Temple Mount is sacred to all three.Rooftop view of Jerusalem's Old City. Photo byKatie ChenonUnsplashSo Why is Jerusalem a Sacred City for Christians, Muslims, and Jews?Visitors to Israel can take tours to Jerusalem that focus specifically on the Christian, Jewish or Islamic sites, or alternatively, there are day tours of Jerusalem that cover the city in general.Jerusalem as a Sacred Christian CityAll of the New Testament takes place in the Land of Israel and Jerusalem specifically is associated with major events in the life of Jesus. For hundreds of years Jerusalem has attracted Christians from different denominations and many beautiful historic churches and monasteries have been built. Among the most important Christian sites in Jerusalem, there is the Mount of Olives where churches mark various events in Jesus’ life including the site where he taught the Lord’s Prayer marked by the Church of the Pater Noster and the place where he looked out across Jerusalem and wept, marked by the Dominus Flevit Church. At the foot of the mount is the Church of All Nations alongside the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed and was arrested on the eve of his crucifixion. In the Old City of Jerusalem is the Via Dolorosa, a route through the narrow lanes where Jesus walked on his way to Calvary and his crucifixion. At the end of the Via Dolorosa is the holiest site in Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This massive 4th-century church holds many chapels and shrines as well as the final Stations of the Cross, Calvary (Golgotha), and Jesus’ Tomb. Other sites that make Jerusalem a holy city for Christians are the Room of the Last Supper and the Chapel of Ascension where Jesus ascended to heaven.The Church of all Nations, Jerusalem, Israel. Photo byRaimond KlavinsonUnsplashJerusalem as a Sacred Jewish CityJerusalem is the spiritual and ancestral heart of Judaism and has been since the 10th century BC. The city features prominently in the Old Testament which names Jerusalem as the holy city. Jerusalem is mentioned a total of 669 times in the Old Testament and Zion (another name for the city) is mentioned 154 times. The Jewish Torah tells how the First Temple was built on Temple Mount in the 10th century BC and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 587BC. Then the Second Temple was built in its place in the 6th century BC only to be destroyed by the Romans in 70AD. Evidence of this and other events and locations mentioned in the Torah have been uncovered in excavations in Jerusalem.As such Jerusalem has special significance in Jewish law and traditions. For example, Jews around the world pray facing Jerusalem. Today only the Western Wall remains from the Temple structure and is considered the holiest Jewish site in the world. Other Jewish sites in Jerusalem include King David’s Tomb; the City of David (the excavated original biblical city); the Hurva Synagogue and Mt. Zion. Jewish teachings hold that the Messiah will come when the Temple is rebuilt.The Western Wall, Jerusalem. Photo byThomas VogelonUnsplashJerusalem as a Sacred Islamic CityIslamic tradition holds Jerusalem (Al Quds) as sacred together with Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is believed to be “the farthest mosque” visited in 621AD by Prophet Muhammad and recorded as the nocturnal journey in the Koran. Although Jerusalem is not mentioned in the Koran by name its association with the nocturnal journey earned its great significance.Many of the hadith (holy Islamic writings) mention Jerusalem by name. Jerusalem was the Qibla or direction Muslims faced in prayer until 625 when it was changed to Mecca. Prophet Muhammad also made Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque a pilgrimage destination. The most important Islamic sites in Jerusalem are on Temple Mount (the Noble Sanctuary or Haram Ash Sharif) and include the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, a sacred shrine believed to be where Muhammad ascended to heaven. The Islamic association with Jerusalem is also history. Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent was responsible for constructing the present Old City walls and Jerusalem had Muslim rulers during several historic periods.Dome of the Rock, Temple Mount, Jerusalem. Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash

Eilat is Israel’s southernmost city on the edge of the Red Sea. It is a beach resort packed with attractions, idyllic beaches and perfect holiday weather most of the year. Now there is even a new international airport on the outskirts of the city so that visitors can arrive in Eilat directly from overseas. To make Eilat even more appealing it is a tax-free port which means it is the only city in Israel where you don’t pay tax on your purchases! Here is a breakdown of the top Eilat attractions and things to do when you visit Eilat.Eilat BeachesEilat’s Red Sea coastline offers a range of beaches from small, intimate sandy coves to wide popular beaches with all amenities. Many beaches are walking distance from the city center and most hotels while others are further west towards the border with Egypt. Choose your favorite beach from the hip, laid-back Mosh Beach; North Beach, best for swimming, water sports and accessibility from the city center; Princess Beach or Coral Beach Nature Reserve for snorkeling; Dolphin Reef Beach where you swim alongside dolphins or the small Harush Beach where there is a restaurant/bar on the sand and a diving school. At Harush and several other beaches you can rent a snorkel and mask to explore the coral reefs. Some of the beaches are devoted completely to water sports like Hanania Beach.Eilat Water AttractionsWithout a doubt the top attraction in Eilat is the sea whether it is relaxing on the beach, taking a boat excursion or doing water sports. Water sports in Eilat include parasailing, water skiing, jet skis, banana boats, tubing, kayaking, sup, canoeing and wind surfing. These activities are offered at many of the Eilat beaches for a reasonable price and with no need to pre-book. You can even rent a speed-boat and go out on the water by yourself. Another popular water attraction is diving and snorkeling. Even if you’ve never dived before you can take a short introductory course at one of Eilat’s dive schools. If you’d prefer to snorkel then rent a snorkel and mask from one of the beach stalls and explore the Eilat coral reefs that lie beneath the water just meters from the shore. You can literally walk into the water and find yourself facing stunning coral reefs teaming with colorful tropical fish. For a relaxing excursion on the water there are regular cruises that take visitors out in glass-bottom boats or on the water for lunch, a sundown dinner or a party where the cruise boat stops at sea and passengers can jump into the water.Dolphin ReefAt Dolphin Reef you can watch dolphins in their natural habitat; you can swim with the dolphins and watch them eat and play within an ecological site which is open to the sea so that dolphins can choose to come and go. The dolphins return to the site where they are fed and treated well yet they can go back out into the sea whenever they choose. The grounds of Dolphin Reef have lush vegetation, ponds, restaurant, a small cinema where films about the dolphins are shown, a souvenir store and a diving center. You can relax on Dolphin Reef beach, swim, see the dolphins being fed or go diving or snorkeling with the dolphins. Dolphin Reef is a private business and requires an entrance fee.Petra Tours from EilatWhy stay just in Eilat when it is so easy to make a day trip to Petra in Jordan. Petra is a UNESCO-listed archaeological site where a powerful Nabataeanian city once stood. This unique city was created in the Jordanian desert by carving structures out of rose-colored rock. Thanks to the climate and its remote location Petra has been well-preserved, surviving about 2,300 years. Visitors to Petra can see temples, tombs, cavernous chambers and structures from other eras including a Roman amphitheatre and Byzantine church. Day tours to Petra leave daily and include pick-up and drop-off from your Eilat hotel.Underwater Observatory ParkThis marine park displays sea creatures in a number of tanks including sharks and rare fish. There is a glass-bottomed boat that takes visitors out on the water to see the coral reefs up-close and a 4D movie about marine life in the Red Sea. The highlight of a visit to this site is the underwater observatory built off-shore where you can descend beneath sea-level and get a 360° view of the coral reefs and marine life. The marine park also has restaurants (including one in the observatory) and attractions for the whole family.Ice MallEilat has several excellent malls but the most interesting is the Ice Mall. Here a large ice rink lies in the middle of the mall with stores arranged on two levels looking onto the rink. Visitors can rent skates by the hour and enjoy a break from shopping. During the summer there are regular skating performances throughout the day. The mall has several other attractions for kids as well as restaurants and cafes.Desert AttractionsJust a few minutes inland from Eilat are the Red Mountains and the desert. You can take a desert excursion riding a camel, donkey or horse. There are also jeep safaris into the desert; ATV and RZR excursions; hike trails and eco-tours to the most scenic areas of the Negev Desert. If you go further inland you will reach Timna Park, a valley with awesome scenery and geological and archaeological wonders. Take a tour from Eilat to Masada and the Dead Sea located about 2.5hrs north.Other Eilat AttractionsAs if that’s not enough Eilat also offers an adventure rope park; Escape Rooms; IMAX 4D cinema; a skate park; musical fountain; climbing walls; bowling; karaoke; an amusement park and botanical garden.

Israel may be a small country but it is packed with some of the most fascinating historical landmarks, natural wonders, holy sites and vibrant modern cities. There is so much to see; delicious foods to try and unique people to meet that you could stay in Israel for years and still not cover it all! To help you plan your time in Israel here are some of the most recommended trips for travelers that want to discover the magic of this magnificent country.The terraces of Bahai Gardens in Haifa, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockMost Recommended Israel Trips for ChristiansWhether you visit Israel as a Christian, Jew, or Muslim; whether you have come to explore the culture, history, or natural wonders there are a few must-see sites that every visitor to Israel should include. Must-see Israel destinations are Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, and the Sea of Galilee. If you have more time, then include Bethlehem, Masada, Jericho, and Eilat in the south plus Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra, and the Golan Heights in the north. Trips to Jerusalem for Christians - Christians traveling to Israel should make a beeline for Jerusalem, a city packed with biblical landmarks. One of the most popular trips in Israel follows in the footsteps of Jesus. On the Mount of Olives see the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations, the Pater Noster, where Jesus taught his followers the Lord's Prayer, and Dominus Flevit, where Jesus looked out across Jerusalem.In the Old City of Jerusalem, you can explore the Armenian Quarter; walk through the Jewish Quarter, home to the Byzantine Cardo and stop at the Western Wall, the most sacred Jewish site in the world. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, a route that Jesus walked with 14 Stations of the Cross as he carried his cross towards his crucifixion at Calvary.Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Aedicule.Photo credit: © ShutterstockToday Calvary, as well as Christ's tomb is within the massive 4th century Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Just outside the walls of the Old City is Mount Zion, the site of the Room of the Last Supper. If you have more time you could visit the modern city of Jerusalem, the Holocaust Museum, the Israel Museum; Mahane Yehuda Market, and Jerusalem's archaeological sites.Trips to Bethlehem for ChristiansOn your trip to Israel, you could consider combining a half-day trip to Jerusalem with a visit to either Bethlehem, Jericho or the Dead Sea. Bethlehem is a town in the West Bank Palestinian Authority Area and so most travelers choose guided tours to Bethlehem for safety and convenience.In Bethlehem, you can stop in Manger Square and spend time in the Church of Nativity, which was built around the Holy Grotto where Jesus was born. In the adjacent St. Catherine's Church, there are underground chambers holding shrines and memorials. While in Bethlehem stop at the Milk Grotto where it is said that Mary nursed baby Jesus.The Church of Saint Catherine, Bethlehem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockTrips to Galilee for ChristiansGalilee is second only to Jerusalem for its concentration of biblical sites. Travel through the verdant countryside of rolling hills, farmlands, and forests to the Sea of Galilee. You can travel around the shores of the sea stopping to see where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount on the Mounts of Beatitudes,Capernaum, where Jesus lived during his ministry, Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine and Tabgha, the site of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish.All of these Christian sites are marked by beautiful churches. Nazareth, the town of Christ's childhood is also in Galilee and today is home to the Church of Annunciation where an angel Gabriel told Mary of her future child. While in Nazareth visit the Church of St. Joseph, built on the site where the Holy family once had their home and Joseph's carpentry. Your Israeltripcould include being baptized in the Jordan River at Yardenit at the foot of the Golan.Most Recommended Trips for Jewish Travelers in IsraelLike Christian travelers, Jews visiting Israel will want to spend time in Jerusalem where so much Jewish history unfolded.A tourist in Masada looking at the Dead Sea, Israel. Photo credit: © ShutterstockTrips to Jerusalem for Jewish TravelersHighlights for Jewish visitors to Jerusalem include the Western Wall and the Tomb of King David on Mount Zion. While in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City you can visit four 17th-18th century Sephardi synagogues. Delve deep into the history of Jerusalem and go underground to the excavated City of David, the original Jerusalem settlement dating back to the Bronze Age and Iron Age.Some trips to Israel combine a day in the Old City with a visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. The museum holds an overwhelming amount of authentic documents, historic photographs, artifacts, and video testimonials from Holocaust survivors.Jewish travelers will no doubt be interested in seeing the Knesset, Israel's parliament building, and the Mount of Olives where there is a 4,000-year-old Jewish cemetery facing the Old City.From the Mount of Olives, you can look out across the Old City to Temple Mount where the holy Jewish Temple once stood, and also see three monolithic ancient Jewish burial tombs in Kidron Valley.The Jewish Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockTrips to Southern Israel for Jewish TravelersJews have an intrinsic connection with Israel; almost every landmark in Israel has some significance for Jews – be it biblical, historical, or modern. Jewish travelers should make a trip to Masada, a rock outcrop rising out of the Judean Desert and overlooking the Dead Sea. Visitors can take a cable car to the summit of Masada where King Herod built a massive palace-fortress in 31-37BC. Much of the complex has survived thanks to the dry climate and remote location. Masada was also the site of a significant event in Jewish history during the First Jewish-Roman War (73-74AD) when Sicarii Jews took refuge on the mount. They remained on Masada, under siege by Roman troops until the standoff ended in a mass suicide as the Jews chose to die rather than submit to the Romans. Visitors can combine a trip to Masada with time at the Dead Sea; a visit to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and perhaps also visit Ein Gedi, a modern kibbutz, a nature reserve, and desert oasis.Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Israel. Photo credit: © Oksana MatsTrips to Northern Israel for Jewish TravelersA top recommended trip to the Galilee and Golan for Jewish travelers focuses on attractions like the Shalom Observatory; Katzrin, where there is an excavated Talmudic-era Jewish village; the Golan Antiquities Museum where you can learn about the ancient Jewish city of Gamla and Mt. Bental, site of abandoned Syrian bunkers and trenches.A Classic Trip Along Israel's Mediterranean CoastA classic trip to Northern Israel includes a drive up the coastal road stretching along the Mediterranean Sea, stopping briefly in Caesarea to see where Herod built his port city 2,000 years ago and a stop in Haifa to marvel at the breathtaking Bahai Gardens which cascade down Mount Carmel on 18 perfectly symmetrical terraces. A little further up the coast is Acre, one of the most interesting and beautiful old cities in the country. The Old City has been built and rebuilt over the years with the Crusaders and Turks leaving a lasting impression. On your trip to Israel be sure to visit the Old City Market and the underground Crusader city in Acre. Continuing up the coast to the most northerly point on the border with Lebanon you can visit Rosh Hanikra, a complex of white limestone sea caves.The Aqueduct Beach, Caesarea.Photo credit: © ShutterstockTrips for Fun and Sun in IsraelIf you're not coming to Israel for the culture, history, or religious sites then you should head for Tel Aviv, a vibrant modern city with a dynamic nightlife and parties that end as the sun comes up. In Tel Aviv, you can party all night and spend the days on the beach, in local sidewalk cafes, bars, art galleries, and markets. Tel Aviv has a thriving LGBT community and the city is extremely inclusive and cosmopolitan. When you've had enough of the "Big Orange" head south to Eilat, Israel's ultimate beach resort city on the edge of the Red Sea. Here there are endless beach attractions, watersports, resort hotels; a Dolphin Reef, and even a mall built around an ice rink. Eilat is also a tax-free port so it's perfect for shopaholics.Recommended Trips for a Pampering Tour of IsraelIf you'd rather not negotiate the public transport system or battle on the highways with Israeli drivers, then spoil yourself with a private guided tour on your trip to Israel. If you take a private tour of Israel, you can pick and choose the destinations that interest you most; you can determine how much time you spend in each place and you will have a driver at your disposal to get you to and from each attraction. Private tours offer a recommended itinerary which you can then adapt to suit your interests and schedule. The same goes for cruise travelers arriving in Haifa or Ashdod where you can take a private guided tour straight from the port to your chosen destination and be back in time to join your ship for departure. If you are interested in Israel Shore Excursions, make sure you choose a trustworthy Israeli tour operator.Tel Aviv coastline and Marina.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Israel is a small country that is packed with attractions and points of interest but with careful planning it is possible to see Israel in 7 Days. You can cover the highlights of Israel either by traveling independently or by joining an organized tour. If you choose to travel independently the best way to see as much as possible is to rent a car. This way you can reach the more remote locations without having to rely on slow or irregular public transport. However if you would rather sit back and relax then join a 7-days Israel tour that takes care of all logistics, accommodation, guide services and all other aspects of your sightseeing. Here is a brief summary of the essential sites to see during a week in Israel. These are also the places you would visit on an organized one week Israel tour.7-Day Israel Tour ItineraryOn an organized week-long tour of Israel you have free time in Tel Aviv at the beginning of the tour and in Jerusalem at the end of the tour. If you are planning your time in Israel independently it is a good idea to also give yourself free time in these stunning cities. In Tel Aviv you can enjoy the beaches, museums, markets and great shopping. In Jerusalem there is the dynamic new city and the magical Old City.Travel north through the Galilee and visit Nazareth, Jesus’ childhood home and site of the annunciation. Continue to the Sea of Galilee and stop in Capernaum, where Jesus based himself during his ministry; Tiberias and at churches on the water’s edge. Here you can see the Mount of Beatitudes and take a boat excursion out onto the beautiful inland sea. Tour the coastal cities of Caesarea where you can tour the remains of an ancient Roman port city; Acre, site of an underground Crusader city and Haifa, home to the Baha’i Gardens that cascade down 18 terraces on Mt. Carmel. Also travel to the northernmost point of the coast and walk through the Rosh HaNikra sea caves.7-day Israel tour packages take you to the Golan Heights, a range of mountains covered with lush forests, farmlands and vineyards. Here you can visit ancient remains of a Jewish Talmudic-era village and synagogue in Katzrin; the remains of Syrian fortifications and bunkers as well as the Shalom Observatory where you can look down on the Sea of Galilee. No week in Israel would be complete without time in Jerusalem. On a tour (or independently) visit the Mount of Olives for Christian sites or Mt. Scopus for a panoramic view of the city. Take a walk through the Old City stopping at the Western Wall, the most sacred Jewish site in the world; walk the Via Dolorosa, retracing Jesus’ footsteps on his way to Calvary and spend time in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which encompasses Jesus’ tomb and Calvary. There are many interesting excavation sites in and around the Old City as well as ancient churches and synagogues. Some tours include a visit to King David’s Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper on Mt. Zion while others take you to Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum.Spend a day traveling south to Masada, an incredible mesa, with a plateau summit. You can take a cable car to the summit and tour a fortress complex built on the mount almost 2,000 years ago. Not far from Masada is the Dead Sea, one of Israel’s top attractions and the lowest point on the planet. Here you can relax on the shore of the sea; enjoy the natural health and beauty benefits of the mineral-rich water and even indulge in spa treatments at Dead Sea hotels. Masada and the Dead Sea are not easy to reach by public transport and the drive through the desert can be daunting; for this reason, many travelers prefer to take a guided day tour or package tour that includes a visit to the Dead Sea and Masada.Other 7-Day Israel Tour OptionsIf you are visiting Israel specifically to see Christian Biblical landmarks or Jewish heritage sites you can plan your week in the Holy Land to focus on those destinations. There are also organized 7-day Israel tours that are tailor-made for Christians or Jewish travelers. Israel package tours for Christians include highlights like Jerusalem; Bethlehem; Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. Many include an opportunity to get baptized in the River Jordan. Jewish package tours in Israel visit sites in Jerusalem and across the country. Most week-long tours of Israel include must-see places like the Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem.

The Judean Desert lies in between the Judean Mountains and the Dead Seain Southeastern Israel and is sometimes referred to as the Judean Wilderness. The desert is about 85km long and 25km wide stretching from just below Jerusalem at about 1,000m above sea level past the Dead Sea at about 421m below sea level. The desert holds a wealth of incredible natural wonders; diverse, dramatic landscapes, a rich history and ancient landmarks.The Judean Desert, Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThe Judean Desert landscape has dry river beds (wadis), canyons, rocky mountains, and barren plains as well as many waterfalls and streams that create a stunning green oasis. Much of the Judean Desert is in the Palestinian territories of Judea and along the western shore of the Dead Sea.Judean Desert Jeep SafarisAs driving off-road into the desert by yourself is not advisable the best way to discover the Judean Desert is to take a desert jeep safari. You can join a Judean Desert Jeep Tour from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem so that you don’t even have to find your own way to the desert. The tour starts when you are picked up in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv and drive south descending below sea level to the Dead Sea region. At this point, you change to an off-road vehicle and enter the desert. The safari takes you by jeep across rocky hills, through dry river beds (wadis), and stops at various points of interest like the Murbaat Caves and Cliffs of Dragot. Jeep safari tours into the Judean Desertare led by experts who can tell you all about the desert flora and fauna. Tours return to the Dead Sea where you can cool off before making the return journey to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.Camel near the Dead Sea, Judean Desert, Israel. Photo byAmit LahavonUnsplashHiking, Sports, and Activities in the Judean DesertThe Judean Desert is a popular destination for hiking, extreme sports, and bird watching. All these activities should only be undertaken with a guide. Popular activities in the Judean Desert include snapping, climbing, off-road jeeping, and bird watching. The weather has a huge impact on visitors to the Judean Desert – both the extreme heat of summer and flash floods in the winter.Highlights of the Judean DesertSt. George’s Monastery – This beautiful Greek Orthodox monastery in Wadi Qelt clings to vertical cliffs and is reached by a pedestrian bridge across the valley. Originally built in the Byzantine era and rebuilt in the 12th century the site is associated with Elijah and other biblical protagonists.Wadi Qelt – Kelt Oasis or Nahal Prat lies between Jerichoand Mitzpe Jericho. Here you can see unique flora and fauna, the stunning St. George’s Monastery, and the ancient Wadi Qelt Synagogue.Qumran – Qumran lies on the shore of the Dead Sea and is the closest community to the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. Visitors can see the caves and also the excavation site of ancient remains dating back to the Hellenistic Period (134-104BC) when a community of Essenes Jews lived here isolated from the rest of society and devoted themselves to biblical study.Qumran caves, Israel. Photo credit: © ShutterstockCaves of Murbaat – These historic caves have interesting square entrances and once held ancient treasures left by Jews who hid here during the Bar Kochba Revolt against the Romans in 132AD. Today the caves are still of interest but the findings are now on display in the Israel Museum.Metsuke Dragot– Situated on the northern shore of the Dead Sea, Metsuke Dragot or the Dragot Cliffs offer a breathtaking view across Murabat Wadi and the Dead Sea. An eco-friendly community is located on the cliffs and offers accommodation and hospitality for visitors.Ein Gedi – Ein Gedi is a kibbutz (with a hotel) as well as a natural desert oasis on the edge of the Dead Sea. Here you can follow paths to picturesque waterfalls and alongside streams flanked by lush vegetation. Arad – Arad is a modern city lying between the Negev and Judean Deserts. Arad attractions include a market and Tel Arad, an archaeological site where ancient Arad once stood.Bird's eye view of the Dead Sea, Israel.Photo byDave HerringonUnsplashJericho – A biblical city considered to be one of the oldest in the world. Tours to Jericho stop at biblical sites like the Zacchaeus sycamore tree and at the archeological site of Tel Jericho.Ma’ale Adumim – This quiet Israeli West Bank city is home to hidden lush natural springs and the ruins of the Byzantine Monastery of Martyrius.Masada – This massive mesa, or rock outcrop has a flat plateau summit where you can tour the remains of Herod’s ancient fortress. There is a cable car that takes visitors to the top and the ruins are well preserved. There is also a visitor’s center and food court at the base of Masada. As this is a hard location to reach many travelers opt to take an organized tour to Masada that includes a stop at the Dead Sea.The Dead Sea – The number one attraction in the region is the sea at the lowest point on Earth. There are beaches along the shore of the hyper-saline Dead Sea (some free and others with an entrance fee) where you can soak up the sun and float in the mineral-rich water which has proven health and beauty benefits.Winding road in the Judean Desert.Photo byRobert ByeonUnsplash

The best way to get to know Jerusalem is to spend several days exploring both independently and with an organized Jerusalem tour. Some of the sites and attractions you can discover for yourself while others are better seen with a knowledgeable guide on one of the many Jerusalem day tours. Here are a few ideas on how you can get to Jerusalem.Statue of King David at the entrance to King David's Tomb, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockSee the Highlights of JerusalemBefore you start delving into the unusual and unique attractions of Jerusalem it is worth seeing the top 10 Jerusalem attractions that all visitors to the city should see. Among the top 10, there are the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Olives, and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Although there are some Jerusalem attractions that all travelers will want to see, your personal top 10 will depend on your interests. If you are a Christian traveler you will probably be drawn towards the churches on the Mount of Olives; the Room of the Last Supper and Via Dolorosa among other biblical sites. Jewish travelers will want to include other landmarks in their top 10 Jerusalem attractions, for example, the City of David; Knesset, and theSephardi synagogues of the Old City.Mount of Olives with ancient tombs. Photo credit: © ShutterstockJerusalem Old City GuideIf your time is short and you can only go to one place in Jerusalem then it has to be the Old City. Within the 16th century stone walls, the 1km² city holds Jerusalem’s top attractions. The Old City is also home to the most important Christian, Jewish and Muslim landmarks – the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; the Western Wall and Temple Mount, home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock. Spend your time exploring the narrow lanes of the Old City. In the Armenian Quarter see the exquisitely painted ceramics; in the Christian Quarter follow the Via Dolorosa and see where Jesus was crucified; in the Muslim Quarter shop in the traditional market and in the Jewish Quarter see ancient synagogues, museums and beneath the Temple Mount walls.Temple Mount, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockAttractions in New Jerusalem Don’t miss out on the attractions in New Jerusalem. Many tourists, especially those short on time concentrate all their sightseeing in the Old City but New Jerusalem has much to offer. Visit the ultra-religious neighborhood of Mea Shearim; the colorful Mahane Yehuda Market; the Knesset; the Chagall windows; the Bridge of Strings; the Israel Supreme Court and the Jerusalem Israel Museum. New Jerusalem has some incredible malls and the lively Ben Yehuda pedestrian street with outdoor cafes. There are plenty of art galleries, parks like the Wohl Rose Park and the Haas Promenade where you can get an overview of the city. Visit the 130-year restored First Jerusalem Train Station that is now a hip cultural and culinary hub and spend some time in a local café people-watching.Church of all Nations, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockJerusalem Machane Yehuda MarketIf you really want to experience the lively atmosphere of local Jerusalemites then head for the Mahane Yehuda Market. You’ll find stalls selling fresh produce, baked goods, pickles, spices, fish, meat, eggs, and about every other type of food you can imagine. Not only that but the market, which has both outdoor and covered sections is home to excellent restaurants. Some of the market eateries are run by top Israeli chefs and others serve up traditional dishes from around the world. Try Ethiopian pita bread; a Georgian pastry; British fish and chips or Spanish tapas. In addition to food, the market sells household goods, fashion items, and more. Be sure to visit the “doctor” who serves up freshly squeezed fruit drinks made with unusual ingredients that are said to have therapeutic properties whether you want to treat a sore back or a broken heart!Gethsemane Garden, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockGet to Know Jerusalem NeighborhoodsAlthough most travelers limit themselves to the Old City there are several wonderful Jerusalem neighborhoods worth visiting. Stop in downtown West Jerusalem for excellent food and a vibrant nightlife scene. Near Mahane Yehuda Market see interesting street art and one-off bars and restaurants. In the Nachlaot neighborhood see where a former ultra-orthodox traditional neighborhood has transformed into a hip, cosmopolitan hang-out for artists and musicians. The neighborhood has narrow lanes, historic homes with hidden courtyards, and a bohemian atmosphere.Musrara is a picturesque neighborhood with many art galleries and museums including Museum on the Seam that focuses on socio-politically inspired contemporary art. The German Colony is where you’ll find up-market boutiques, charming cafes, and restaurants housed in historic buildings with Bauhaus, Ottoman, and Templar-style architecture. The Germany Colony’s Emek Refaim Street is the place to people-watch and visit the neighborhood’s best stores and restaurants. Ein Kerem is arguably the most beautiful of the Jerusalem neighborhoods. Ein Kerem has a village-feel with charming stone houses, window boxes, craft stores, excellent restaurants, and several attractions including Mary’s Well and John the Baptist Church.Dominus Flevit Church, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

The Dead Sea is a must-see attraction for any trip to Israel. This natural wonder is a salt lake at the lowest point on Earth 418m below sea level in southern Israel’s Negev Desert. The Dead Sea is not centrally located; it is 170km from Tel Aviv and 100km from Jerusalem. Once there you can enjoy one of the many Dead Sea beaches, the Dead Sea spas and hotels. The high concentration of minerals in the saline water and Dead Sea mud has health and beauty benefits. Even the sunshine and air in the Dead Sea region are known to have properties beneficial to our health.View of the Dead Sea from the top of Masada Fortress.Photo credit: © ShutterstockPublic Transport to the Dead SeaThere are no trains that reach the Dead Seaalthough you could catch a train to Be’er Sheva and from there a bus to the Dead Sea. Alternatively, take the bus from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. The buses stop at Ein Gedi and Ein Bokek, both places where there are things to do near the Dead Sea. The journey takes about 1.5hr-2hrs. Buses leave from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station and from Tel Aviv’s Arlozorov Bus Station. It is advisable to leave early so that you can maximize your time at the Dead Sea. The last bus from the Dead Sea back to central Israel leaves in the late afternoon so be careful not to miss the bus! There are no buses to the Dead Sea on Shabbat or public holidays.Road Sign on the way to the Dead Sea, Israel. Photo by Amit Lahav on UnsplashDead Sea ToursThe easiest way to visit the Dead Sea is to join a Dead Sea day tour. There are several to choose from including tours that include stops at other popular sites like Masada, Jerusalem, Jericho, Ein Gedi, or Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Some day tours stop at several sites while others give you a full day at the Dead Sea and can offer the option of Dead Sea spa visits or lunch at one of the Dead Sea spa hotels. The Dead Sea is usually included in multi-day package tours that cover attractions across the country.Renting a Car to Drive to the Dead SeaYou could rent a car from anywhere in the country and make the trip south independently. Use a navigation app or GPS device to help you reach the Dead Sea. The steep winding roads through the desert hills are notoriously dangerous and you will need to drive very carefully.The Dead Sea Shore from above. Photo by Artem Belinski on UnsplashVisit the Dead Sea by TaxiIf you are nervous about traveling alone by car to the Dead Sea then it is possible to go by taxi although this is quite an expensive option. Taxis to the Dead Sea should be arranged in advance and can include hotel pick-up. A slightly cheaper option is a shared taxi (mini-bus) run by a private taxi company which departs from major cities. You will then have to find an available taxi to make the return journey or preferably arrange it ahead of time.Take a Private Tour to the Dead SeaOn a private tour to the Dead Sea, you can tailor-make your trip by including other sites along the way. Popular destinations often included on a private day tour to the Dead Sea are Jerusalem, Jericho, Qumran, or Masada. On a private tour, you will have the driver, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a guide who will devote all of his time to you.A man reading a book in the Dead Sea, Israel.Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Many Israel package tours include some free time in Tel Aviv, a magical city with a unique blend of attractions both historic and ultra-modern. You’ll have no problem finding things to do if you have a day at leisure in Tel Aviv.Explore Tel Aviv NeighborhoodsTel Aviv has some diverse neighborhoods each with their own unique character. Among the most interesting Tel Aviv neighborhoods there is Florentin, a hipster hangout with a bo-ho feel in Southern Tel Aviv. The former commercial area has transformed into a trendy destination with quirky bars and ethnic restaurants. The place has a shabby-chic feel with many independent small stores selling everything from art and tie-dye clothing to designer sweets and hand-made jewelry. This is the neighborhood where you can sit for hours in a café people-watching. Another top Tel Aviv neighborhood is Neve Tzedek, originally the first Jewish neighborhood built outside of Jaffa. Today the small homes, courtyards and narrow lanes have been restored and converted into boutique stores, art galleries, chic cafes, eateries and one-off stores. The neighborhood has a small village feel and most buildings are dripping with gorgeous bougainvillea or flower boxes.Visit Old Jaffa and Jaffa PortJaffa is now a part of the city of Tel Aviv-Jaffa; it is the oldest part of the city at the southern end of Tel Aviv’s beachfront promenade. The ancient city of Jaffa is built on a cliff overlooking the Old Port of Jaffa and the sea beyond. Jaffa is associated with the Biblical characters of Jonah and St. Peter. As you enter Jaffa the first sight that meets you is the Jaffa Clock Tower that dates back to the early 20th-century Ottoman era. On the inland side of the main road, you’ll find a labyrinth of market lanes and trendy restaurants and bars. On the right-hand side is the Old Port. Narrow lanes, each named after the signs of the zodiac lead down to the water. The lanes of Old Jaffa are lined with art galleries, small stores, and eateries. You can visit the Jaffa Museum to learn more about the city’s history.Tel Aviv MuseumsYou could spend several days visiting the wonderful museums of Tel Aviv. If you are an art-lover then your best choice would be the Tel Aviv Museum of Art where contemporary and modern art is displayed in a spectacular venue that includes a unique modern building, the main building and the Helena Rubinstein Pavilion. Here you can see works by some of the greatest artists of all time including Chagall, Reuven Rubin, Klimt, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Miro, Roy Lichtenstein and work by Israeli artists such as Nahum Gutman. Other Tel Aviv museums worth checking out include the Eretz Israel Museum focused on Israel’s heritage, land and culture and the Museum of Jewish People focused on Jewish communities around the world and their traditions.Tel Aviv Free AttractionsYou won’t have to spend much money on your free day in Tel Aviv; just wandering the streets can be enough to keep you busy for hours. On a walk, through Tel Aviv you can enjoy the Bauhaus architecture which has earned Tel Aviv UNESCO statue as the “White City.” You can easily walk to the best Tel Aviv beaches which are located minutes from the city center. The wide sandy beaches line the beachfront promenade the length of Tel Aviv. Another great way to spend your time is at the Tel Aviv Port. This former port has been gentrified and converted to a wonderful outdoor attraction for the whole family. The many markets in the city include Carmen Market and the markets of Jaffa where you could wend away hours taking in the sights and sounds. Take a walk through any of Tel Aviv’s neighborhoods to see Tel Aviv street art by local and international artists. Many of the street artists in Tel Aviv use their art to bring attention to social issues or the human condition.

Since the 1960s excavations in the area of the south-west side of Temple Mount in Jerusalem have uncovered remarkable remains from the Second Temple (516 BC-70 AD) which stood on Temple Mount. Part of these excavations included what would have been the southern retaining wall of Temple Mount. The Southern Wall Excavation Site is accessed from the Dung Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City. Just past the gate is an archaeological park which includes the Southern Wall, the Southern Wall Museum and a Visitors Center.The Second Temple was originally built in 516 BC but was drastically altered and expanded under Herod the Great from 37 BC to 4 BC. It was during this reconstruction that the southern side of Temple Mount was fortified. The southern retaining wall of Temple Mount would have risen 32 meters above street level and run for a length of 281 m. The Temple and almost all of the Temple Mount structures were destroyed by the Romans during the Jewish Revolt of 66 AD-70 AD.Herodian StreetRunning the length of the wall would have been a paved street lined with stores. Along the wall remains were uncovered of an 8 meter wide street now known as the Herodian Street. When the Herodian Street was discovered it was cleared of a mountain of rubble that had accumulated over the almost 2,000 years since the temple’s destruction. On one side of the ancient Herodian Street the massive Temple Mount Southern Wall rises 32 meters and on the other side of the street a wall was uncovered with openings where there would have been stores. Here pilgrims could buy offerings to sacrifice in the temple and also visit the money changes. It may have been here in these stores that Jesus “cleared the temple courts of people selling cattle, sheep, doves and people sitting at tables exchanging money” (John 2:1322). As the Roman’s set about destroying the temple in 70 AD they would have toppled down massive stones onto this street. Above the stores we can see the remains of the base of a staircase.Robinson ArchHalfway up the side of the Southern Wall are the remains of the Robinson Arch (named after the researcher who discovered the arch in 1838). The arch was part of a large bridge structure which allowed access from the lower city to the Temple Mount. The arch was part of a 13 m wide and 19 m high walkway giving pilgrims access from the Herodian Street up a wide flight of stairs to the south-western Temple Mount entrance. This would have been one of three such bridge walkways into the temple. Only the small section of the arch attached to the Southern Wall and the base of the staircase have survived.Trumpeting PlaceOn the southwest corner of the Southern Wall a large slab of stone was found inscribed with the Hebrew words meaning: to the trumpeting place to proclaim. This could refer to the place where a priest would stand on the walls and blow a trumpet to announce the approaching Shabbat. The stone may have been thrown down from the temple walls during the destruction.Ritual BathsWhile excavating the Southern Wall many ritual baths (mikvah) were found. The baths are located close to the walls and were built according to Jewish laws. The baths would have been used by thousands of pilgrims to purify themselves before they entered the temple.Later Structures at the Southern WallThe Al-Aqsa Mosque was built in 705 AD and stands along the inside of the Southern Wall; you can see the mosque’s distinctive silver dome above the wall. Along the Southern Wall it is possible to see the remains of several structures from the later Arab Period including a number of Umayyad Palaces.

Herzliya is a coastal city about 30 minutes north of Tel Aviv. It is a popular beach destination as well as having several excellent shopping malls, a large marina and beautiful parks. Many travelers to Israel base themselves in Herzliya at one of the beachfront hotels so that they can get maximum use of Israel’s stunning beaches. From Herzliya it is possible to take excursions across the country, returning to your Herzliya hotel in the evening. In fact you don’t even have to travel into Tel Aviv to join Israel day tours as there are pick-up points at Herzliya hotels. You can go straight from your hotel to the tour bus and have a day of guided sightseeing then be returned to your Herzliya hotel doorstep in the evening.Israel Tours from Herzliya HotelsIsrael is a small country and you can take day tours from Herzliya to almost all destinations across the country. Among top destinations for day tours from Herzliya, there is the Dead Sea, Jerusalem and the Galilee. The tours to various locations leave daily and are offered in several languages (depending on the tour).Jerusalem Tours from Herzliya HotelsAfter your Herzliya pick-up travel to the City of Gold and tour the new and Old City. See where Jesus walked the Via Dolorosa and place a prayer note between the huge stones of the Western Wall. Some Jerusalem tours also include a stop at the Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum; some take you to the places where Jesus once stood and other tours explore the underground City of David. There are half-day Jerusalem tours and tours that combine Jerusalem and other destinations in one day. Visit Jerusalem and the Dead Sea in one day or Jerusalem and Bethlehem in one day from Herzliya.Masada and Dead Sea Tours from Herzliya HotelsThe most southerly point day tours from Herzliya reach is Masada and the Dead Sea. On these tours, you will get to travel through the Judean Desert descending below sea level. Take a cable car to the flat summit of Masada and have a guided tour of the remains of Herod’s ancient fortress. The afternoon is spent on one of the top Dead Sea beaches before returning to Herzliya. Some of the tours south stop at the ancient Biblical city of Jericho and at a baptismal site on the Jordan River. For something really special take a Judean Desert jeep tour from Herzliya.Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Tours from Herzliya HotelsThe most northerly point day tours from Herzliya reach is Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. These tours are perfect for Christians who can see numerous Biblical sites but the tour also suits non-Christians that just want to see the northern landscape. Visit the Church of the Annunciation and St. Joseph’s Church in Nazareth and see Biblical locations along the edge of the Sea of Galilee.Caesarea, Acre and Rosh HaNikra Tours from HerzliyaTravel up the Mediterranean coast from Herzliya and stop in several remarkable locations. Tour the excavated Roman port city of Caesarea; drive through Haifa to see the Baha’i Gardens; see the Crusader’s underground city in Acre and enter the sea caves at Rosh HaNikra.Bethlehem Tours from Herzliya HotelsChristian travelers staying in Herzliya can get a day tour from their Herzliya hotel to Bethlehem. This tour stops at several fascinating Biblical locations and ancient churches including the Church of the Nativity which encompasses the Holy Grotto where Jesus was born. There are also tours from Herzliya that combine a visit to Jerusalem and Bethlehem in one day.

If you were to choose just one place to visit while in Israel it should be the Old City of Jerusalem. Packed within the 450 year old city walls is 1km² holding some of the country’s top attractions.The Old City is an exciting, exotic, spiritual and fascinating world of narrow cobbled alleys, mosques, churches, eateries, markets and more. The Old City remains as it was thousands of years ago and people still live and work here in the ancient buildings. Among the wonders of the Old City are the most important Jewish, Muslim and Christian religious sites in the country.Brief History of JerusalemJerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world and getting an overall understanding of the history is extremely useful for anyone visiting the City of Gold. As you tour the various sites you’ll hear names of historic periods, leaders, and events so this brief history of Jerusalem will help you get some perspective. It was here in Jerusalem that the ancient Jewish temples were built and where Jesus often visited and eventually was crucified. Golgotha, the site of Jesus's crucifixion is within the Old City marked by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. King David conquered Jerusalem from the Jebusites in the 11th century BC and established his kingdom. Muslims took the city in 637AD and in 1099AD the first Christian Crusaders arrived. The city changed hands several times and saw pilgrims arriving to various religious sites. The Old City walls we see today were built under Ottoman leader Suleiman the Magnificent in the 1500s. Up until 1860 all of Jerusalem was within the Old City walls, then the first neighborhood beyond the walls was established and the new city grew into the modern metropolis we see today. But within the Old City walls, time seemed to stand still. From 1848 to 1867 the Old City was ruled by Jordan and no Jews were allowed to visit or live in the Old City until it was retaken by Israel in the Six-Day War. Jews returned to the city and it was repopulated with people in all four of the Old City’s quarters. The city has remained a tourist attraction and a pilgrimage site for Muslims visiting Temple Mount, Christians visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Jews visiting the Western Wall.Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThe Timeline of Major Events in the History of Jerusalem3500 BC – First signs of human settlers.c.1800 BC – Jerusalem mentioned in Egyptian texts.1010-970 BC – Reign of King David, during this time he declares Jerusalem Capital of United Israel.970-931 BC – Reign of King Solomon, during this time the First Temple was constructed in Jerusalem (957BC) on Temple Mount, and the county was divided into Israel and Judah.837-800 BC – Reign of Hezekiah, King of Judah, during this time the underground waterways from Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam were dug to bring water to the city.597 BC – Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar II captured Jerusalem.586 BC – Due to rebellion Nebuchadnezzar II destroyed the city, including the First Temple, and exiled many inhabitants including Jews who were sent to Babylon.537 BC-332 BC – The Persian Period. Persians ruled under Cyrus who encouraged Jews to return to Israel and begin work on rebuilding the Temple. 521 BC-516 BC – The Second Temple was completed. 445 BC – City walls are rebuilt. 332 BC-167 BC – Hellenistic Period. Alexander the Great conquers Palestine, taking it from the Persians.167 BC-63 BC – Hasmonean Period. With the Maccabean Revolt led by Mattathias, the Maccabean War is started and Jewish Priest Judah Maccabee takes over Jerusalem and restores the Temple which had been profaned under the earlier non-Jewish leaders. 63 BC -324 AD – Roman Period. Romans capture Jerusalem but the Hasmoneans continue to rule under Roman protection. 40 BC – Herod is appointed King of Judea and reigns as Herod the Great. Under Herod, they began rebuilding the Temple.Sculpture of King David playing the harp, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Shutterstock1 AD – Jesus of Nazareth born in Bethlehem.26 AD – Pontius Pilate appointed as Roman procurator of Judea.c.33 AD – Jesus is tried and crucified in Jerusalem.41 AD-44 AD – Agrippa King of Judea rebuilds the city walls. 63 AD – The Second Temple is completed. 66 AD-73 AD – Jewish Revolt against the Romans, during this time the Temple was destroyed (70 AD) by Titus. 132 AD-135 AD – Following the Bar Kochba War Jerusalem became the Jewish capital once again. 135 AD – Roman Emperor Hadrian captured and destroyed the city, built new city walls, and expelled Jews from the capital.324 AD-638 AD – Queen Helena, mother of Roman Emperor Constantine comes to Jerusalem and sets about identifying the locations of famous biblical events. She initiated the construction of several churches on holy sites including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, constructed in 335 AD. The Jews are permitted to return to Jerusalem (438); the city is captured by the Persians and the Jews are expelled (614) and then the Byzantines recapture the capital (629).638 AD-1099 AD – Muslim Period. During this time the Caliph Omar comes to the city and the Jews are allowed to return. The Dome of the Rock is completed (691) and the al-Aqsa Mosque is completed (701). Under Caliph al-Hakim many synagogues and churches were destroyed.1099 AD-1244 AD – Crusader Period. Godfrey de Bouillon captures Jerusalem, and Baldwin I is declared King of Jerusalem. 1187AD – Saladin, a Kurdish General, takes Jerusalem from the Crusaders and allows Jews and Muslims to return to the city. 1192 AD – Richard the Lion Heart attempts to capture Jerusalem but having failed makes a treaty with Saladin allowing Christians to pray at the holy sites.Dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Shutterstock1219 AD – Sultan Malik-al-Muattam has the city walls destroyed.1244 AD – The Turks capture Jerusalem from the Crusaders once and for all.1260 AD-1517 AD – Mamluk Period. During this period the Mamluks capture Jerusalem; Nahmanides the great Jewish thinker arrives from Spain and established Jewish learning centers (1267AD); Marco Polo passes through and the Black Death plagues the city.1517 AD-1917 AD – Ottoman Period. The Turkish Ottomans peacefully take over the city and Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent rebuilds the city walls which have not stood for over 300 years. The walls include the city gates and Tower of David which remains today.1700 AD – Under Rabbi Yehuda HaHassid the Hurva Synagogue was built. 1860 AD – First Jewish settlements outside the city walls to escape overcrowding and disease. 1917-1948 British Mandate Period. The British led by General Allenby enter the city and lay their claim to the land. The construction of the Hebrew University on Mt. Scopus begins.1947 –1949 – With the announcement of the UN resolution to partition Israel into an Arab State, Jewish State and Special International Regime for the City of Jerusalem civil war breaks out. This resulted at the end of the British Mandate and the Israeli War of Independence. Egypt, Syria, and Jordan fight against the Jewish State which is just coming into shape. The Israel-Transjordan Armistice Agreement (April 1949) gives Transjordan control of East Jerusalem. 1949 – Establishment of the State of Israel. 1967 – Six-Day War between Israel and Jordan, Israel captures the Old City which had been under Jordanian rule since 1949, and the Old City is united.Old City market, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinOverview of the Old CityThe Old City is surrounded by fortified walls and it is possible to walk along the ramparts. Visitors enter the Old City through the wall’s seven gates (there are actually eight gates but one is closed). The Old City is divided into four uneven quarters – the Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian quarters. The division is not with walls but rather the quarters flow one onto the other.In each quarter there is a distinct character; you’ll see people in traditional dress in each of the quarters – Hasidic Jews in their black coats and black hats in the Jewish Quarter, nuns, monks, and friars in their habits in the Armenian and Christian Quarters and in the Muslim Quarter the traditional keffiyeh headdress and long kaftan-type jellabiyah. In each of the quarters, you can buy souvenirs, taste ethnic food and see art and architecture unique to that quarter’s culture, religion, and history.Christian QuarterThe Christian Quarter in the northwestern of the Old City has the New Gate, Jaffa Gate, Damascus Gate, and the junction of David Street and Souk Khan el-Zeit at its corners. This quarter is home to approximately 40 holy sites but the star of the quarter is without question the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The church is a beautifully ornate and cavernous structure with many small chapels and intricate artwork. Muristan fountain in the Christian Quarter; Old City of Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe church dates back to at least the 4th century and houses the site where Jesus was crucified at Calvary, the tomb where he was buried and resurrected, and the last four Stations of the Cross. The church is shared by the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Armenian Orthodox churches as well as the Syriacs, Ethiopians, and Egyptian Copts to a lesser extent.Jewish QuarterJews have inhabited the Jewish Quarter almost continuously since the 8th century BC. Parts of the Jewish Quarter have been excavated to reveal ancient Roman remains including the Cardo, which would have been the colonnaded main street during Jesus’ lifetime. The star of this quarter is the Western Wall; the last remaining part of the Second Temple which was destroyed in 70AD.The Western Wall (Kotel) opens up to a large plaza and Jews come from across the globe to worship here. Local Jews worship at the Western Wall as they would at a synagogue. You can place a prayer note with your personal message to God between the large stones of the Western Wall.Jewish Quarter, Jerusalem. Photo credit:Photo credit: © ShutterstockMuslim QuarterThe largest quarter of the Old City is home to the Muslim population (and a few Jewish families). It has narrow cobbled lanes that are a bustle of activity. Within this quarter there is the Temple Mount, this is where the ancient 1st century Jewish Temple stood, and today it is the site of the beautiful Dome of the Rock which covers the Foundation Stone from where Muhammad is believed to have ascended to Heaven.The Dome of the Rock has a distinctive golden dome which is a symbol of the city. Also on Temple Mount is the al-Aqsa Mosque, Muhammad’s destination in the Night Journey, and the Dome of the Chain a free-standing dome and the oldest structure on Temple Mount. The Western Wall Tunnels run beneath the Muslim Quarters and the Muslim Quarter has several Roman and Crusader remains. The Muslim Quarter has a lively market or “shuk” where you can find a huge range of goods. The Via Dolorosa runs through the Muslim Quarter and is home to the first seven Stations of the Cross.Armenian QuarterThis is the smallest quarter of the Old City. It is home to Christian Armenians who arrived in Jerusalem in the 4th century AD when Armenia adopted Christianity and Armenian pilgrims came to visit the holy sites and settled here. The Armenian Quarter centers on St. James Monastery and the 4th-century Cathedral of St. James which houses the Jerusalem Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Armenian Quarter, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin(Pop trivia: This is where Kanye West and Kim Kardashian held their daughter, North’s christening in 2015). The Armenians have their own distinct culture, religious traditions, and language. The Jerusalem Armenians are famed for their distinctive hand-painted tiles, tile murals, and handmade ceramics. You can buy ceramics in several stores in the Armenian Quarter and see street signs made from the brightly painted Armenian tiles.And Now for Something Special in the Old City….Dei res-Sultan Ethiopian Monastery accessed via the 9th Station of the Cross on the roof of a medieval annex in the Christian Quarter.Shopping in the Old City Market.Walking the Ramparts of the Old City walls.The Tower of David (Jerusalem Citadel) at Jaffa Gate, a museum, archaeological site, and sound and light show.Mamilla luxury shopping street – Northwest of Jaffa Gate.Follow the Via Dolorosa retracing Jesus’ route as he carried his cross towards Calvary.Join today our wonderfulJerusalem Old City TourСapers growing on the wall of a house in Jerusalem. Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin

Museum on the Seam is one of the most fascinating museums in Jerusalem. Its name reflects the museum’s location on the “seam” between East and West Jerusalem and between secular and ultra-orthodox Jewish neighborhoods. The museum displays socio-political contemporary art related to the region. This unique museum aims to raise awareness of social issues, encourage dialogue between people that hold different views, and promote social responsibility. Visitors should leave the museum focused on what we have in common, and not what keeps us apart.The museum exhibits change regularly and range from gender violence, animal rights, and technology, to human rights, religion, coexistence, and conflict in the Middle East. The museum examines the issues within the complex reality of Jews and Arabs in Israel/Palestine. But it also looks at the tension that arises between different groups within Jewish society. The Museum on the Seam is housed in a neoclassical building from the 1930s, designed by Christian Palestinian architect, Andoni Baramki. From 1948 to 1967, an Israeli army outpost occupied the building located on the line that cut Jerusalem in half, dividing it between Israel and Jordan. Alongside the building was the Mandelbaum Gate where East and West Jerusalem. connected. Here, the Israel-Jordan Armistice Committee would meet under the watchful eye of the UN. Later the building (also known as the Tourjeman Post) became a museum dedicated to the divided city of Jerusalem. And in 2005, the Museum on the Seam was born, focused on understanding, and coexistence, and dedicated to promoting equality, human rights, and diversity.Don’t let the historic building deceive you, inside you’ll find exhibits that use the latest museum technology and state-of-the-art displays. Listen to the views of people from all levels of Israeli society; see digitally drawn graffiti by Israeli soldiers at their posts, and read quotes from Nobel Peace Prize winners. Before leaving, don’t miss the view across Jerusalem, from the museum’s rooftop cafe. NOTE: The Museum on the Seam is temporarily closed.Interested in the timeline of major events in the history of Jerusalem? Then feel free to read this articleand join one of our Jerusalem tours!

There are two sites near the Sea of Galilee called the “Church of the Apostles”. One is an archaeological ruin in Bethsaida dating back to the 5th-6th century AD. The other Church of the Apostles in Galilee is in Capernaum and is easily recognizable for its whitewashed walls and red domes. Church of the Apostles at CapernaumThe Greek Orthodox Church of the Seven Apostles was built in 1931 and is dedicated to the disciples Simon (Peter), Thomas (Didymus), Nathanael, James, John, and two other disciples. Jesus appeared to these seven disciples after his resurrection (John 21). This church is also known as the Church of the Twelve Apostles from the biblical account of Jesus choosing his twelve disciples in Galilee (Luke 6). It stands close to the water of the Sea of Galilee, within a Greek Orthodox monastery, on the site of the ancient village of Capernaum where Jesus based himself during his ministry. Following an earthquake in 749, Capernaum was relocated to this site.The whitewashed church has a cross-shaped design with two central red domes and six smaller domes each topped by a cross. Inside the church, the walls and ceiling are covered with frescoes depicting biblical scenes. The frescoes are part of the restoration that took place from 1995 to 2000. A Greek iconographer adored the walls with the eclectic display of Byzantine-style paintings. The church has been closed to visitors due to COVID, but it is open to the public on liturgy days.Ruins of the Church of the Apostles at BethsaidaRecently archaeologists have uncovered a floor mosaic in what is thought to have been the Church of Apostles in the biblical village of Bethsaida. If experts are correct this could have been a basilica built on the site of Apostles Peter and Andrew’s house. The mosaic bears inscriptions typical of a Byzantine church.One inscription describes renovations that were done to the building. The church is most likely the one described by Willibald, an 8th-century pilgrim. In his travel journal, the pilgrim recalls the biblical verse where Jesus spends the night at the residence of Peter and Andrew before traveling to Kursi to heal the demoniacs and cast demons into a herd of swine.At the time of its construction, in the 5th-6th-century AD, the church would have been elaborately decorated. The floor mosaic had beautiful gilded tesserae tiles and covered 27x16 meters. The excavated building has a preserved outer wall about a meter high, but the entrance to the church was not uncovered. During excavation, they found many shards of ancient vessels used to hold the sugar. This has led some experts to believe the site was used as a sugar factory sometime in the Middle Ages. In addition to the remains of the church, archaeologists are working on excavating other structures in the biblical village of Bethsaida. To visit the Church of the Apostles, feel free to book one of our Galilee Private Tours.

Akeldama (Aramaic for Field of Blood) is the traditional site where Judas Iscariot died. It is located in the Valley of Hinnom, near Jerusalem. This pretty valley has been identified with the biblical site of child sacrifices to the pagan god Moloch. It is mentioned in numerous historic writings as a place of brimstone and fire, hell, and damnation. Because of its association with these abominable activities, the name of the valley is found in the Hebrew word for hell - Gei-Hinnom. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Gehenna as a place of unquenchable fire where both the body and soul are destroyed. The association with hell is long gone, and this picturesque valley is a popular spot for picnics, hiking, and rock climbing.Monastery of Saint Onuphrius in AkeldamaThe Greek Orthodox Monastery of Saint Onuphrius stands where Judas Iscariot is believed to have hung himself. It is built on the southern slope of Hinnom Valley and faces Mount Zion and Jerusalem’s Old City. In Matthew, we read how Iscariot was so riddled with shame after betraying Jesus, that he took his payment from the priests and threw the silver coins back to the priests in the Temple. They said they could not take it because it was blood money. So the money was used to buy a potter’s field to make a cemetery for strangers and non-Jews. The monastery, on the site of the biblical potter’s field, at Akeldama is surrounded by ancient burial tombs and caves. Many hold the bones of visiting pilgrims from foreign lands who never made it home. The caves may have been occupied by hermits before the monastery was constructed. The monastery was built in 1874 on the remains of an earlier church and burial caves. It is dedicated to the 3rd-4th-century monk and hermit, Onuphrius. He traveled to the Holy Land from Egypt and spent time in solitary prayer in one of the caves near the monastery. The saintly monk was famed for wearing only a loincloth of leaves, and for having an extravagant beard that reached his feet. His food was brought to him by birds and angels every Sunday. Burial Caves at St. Onuphrius MonasteryOn the grounds of the monastery are numerous burial tombs where bodies were laid until they had decomposed. Then the bones were collected and placed in an ossuary. The Crusaders added a Charnel house, an underground vault where human bones are stored. Here they placed thousands of bones from over 50 patients who died each day in the Knights of St. John’s Hospital in Jerusalem’s Old City. One of the highlights of the monastery is the chapel, housed in a Second Temple period burial cave. The chapel has existed since the early 4th century. You can still see the openings carved in the cave walls, where bodies would have been placed. There is also a cave that is believed to be where the apostles hid from the Romans after Jesus’ arrest. On the same site as the monastery is the Tomb of Saint Juvenalius, the first Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem.Two silver scrolls dating back to 600BC were found in an excavated tomb near the monastery. The scrolls were inscribed with blessings from the Book of Numbers and are the earliest known texts from the First Testament. Today the monastery is run by a group of Greek Orthodox nuns. The feast of St. Onuphrius is celebrated at the monastery each year on June 25.If you are interested in visiting Akeldama, feel free to join one of our Jerusalem private tours.

In the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City is the Terra Sancta Museum (Museum of Holy Land) which preserves the archaeological heritage of Christianity in the Holy Land. The museum treasures have been protected by the Franciscans for over 800 years. The museum’s multimedia and archaeological sections can be found in the Monastery of the Flagellation along the Via Dolorosa. In 2023, a third section is planned which will be housed in the Monastery of St. Savior. This section will exhibit pieces donated to the church by European royal families over the years.Archaeological Section of the Terra Sancta MuseumSince their arrival in the Holy Land in the 14th-century, the Franciscans have developed various Christian sites. They have also been involved in a number of archaeological digs that have produced a collection of antiquities. Their collection presented in the Terra Sancta Museum takes visitors through Christian history using the archaeological findings. The artifacts are displayed in six ancient rooms which themselves have been excavated. The museum is housed in authentic archaeological surroundings including a Byzantine cistern, Herodian rooms, Mamluk structures, and Crusader remains. On display in these ancient rooms are frescoes, ceramics, sarcophagi, lamps, coins, and mosaics. A second wing of the museum takes visitors through the important events in Jesus’ life. The displays tell the story of daily life in the New Testament era. In addition, there is a collection of artifacts from Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Jordan. Visitors to the museums can see a 15-minute audio-visual presentation covering the history of Jerusalem from the biblical era, through the reign of Herod, the first pilgrims to Jerusalem, and the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent to the present day. The presentation uses creative digital animation and has a lively narration available in nine languages.

Jerash - commonly known as Pompeii of the Middle East - is one of the top attractions in Jordan, second only to Petra and Wadi Rum in the south. It is located in northern Jordan, about 48 km north of Amman. Fabulous views and intriguing stories await every visitor, with plenty of photo ops.History of Jerash RuinsThere is archaeological evidence at Jerash dating back to the Neolithic period when the site was called Tal Abu Sowan. And human remains have been found here from 7500 BC. Jerash was a thriving city throughout the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods but most of it was destroyed by an earthquake in 749 AD. The structures that have survived mostly date back to the Roman era when the city was constructed by Emperor Hadrian. The Roman city was known as Gerasa and was one of the ten Roman cities of the Decapolis League. The Turks built a fort on the ruined city walls in 1120, and Jerash was captured by Baldwin II, King of Jerusalem in 1121 and completely destroyed. The city was ruined and forgotten until the 16th century when a small Muslim settlement was established.Excavations that began in 1925 have revealed several structures and pottery from the Middle Islamic and Mamluk periods and remains from other periods in history. Today, Jerash is considered one of the finest examples of a Greco-Roman city and a must-see for every archeology fan.Major Structures ofJerashJerash is vast, and holds many points of interest, but here are the most important structures – without them your visit won't be complete.Hadrian’s Arch ofJerashLocated at the entrance to the site, this 21-meter-tall gateway is a triumphal arch built in 129 AD to commemorate the arrival of Emperor Hadrian. The gateway bears intricate carvings and decorations.JerashHippodromeThe ancient sports field was built in the 1st-3rd century and could seat 15,000 spectators. JerashOval ForumThe Oval Forum or Oval Plaza is the only Roman forum with this shape. It is well-preserved and many of the original eight-meter-high columns have survived or been reconstructed. The impressive Oval Forum is featured in most brochures advertising tours of Jordan. Pro Tip: To the left, behind the Oval Forum is the ruined Sanctuary of Zeus. The ruins are not very impressive but from there you have an excellent view of the Oval Forum.South Theater of JerashNo Roman city would be complete without a theater. The theater at Jerash has been heavily restored and today is quite impressive. It was constructed in 90 AD and could seat 3,000 spectators.Cardo Maximus ofJerashYou can walk along the colonnaded Roman street that cuts through the city. It stretches for 800 meters from the North Gate to the Oval Forum.JerashByzantine CathedralBy the 4th century, Jerash had become predominantly Christian and they needed a place of worship. The cathedral was constructed in the early 5th century on the ruins of the Roman Temple of Dionysus. There are a number of additional early churches nearby but the cathedral is the most important of these sites.JerashNymphaeumThis large ornate public fountain was built at the end of the 2nd century.Artemis Sanctuary ofJerashThis 2nd-century structure is thought to have been the largest temple in Jerash. Part of the temple has been beautifully reconstructed and you can enter through the gateway, climb the stairs, and reach the inner temple where the altar terrace is situated. The temple has 11 of the original columns that surrounded the sanctuary platform.North Theater of JerashThis theater is considerably smaller than the main Jerash theater, and it could seat 1,500 spectators when it was renovated in the 3rd century. The semi-circular theater was destroyed by an earthquake in 749 AD but has been reconstructed.Pro Tip: Get a view across Jerash from the top tier of the North Theater.What to See in Jerash?Start exploring Jerash from the main entrance and follow the Cardo Maximus to reach all of the essential archeological structures.Alongside the Ruins of Jerash is an archaeological museum where findings from the site are displayed. Your entrance ticket to the ruins includes a free entrance to the museum.Plan Your VisitOpening Hours: Winter (November through April) 08:00-16:00; summer 08:00-18:30; April and May 08:00-17:30; holy month 08:30-18:00.Prices: Entrance is 10 dinars, but free with the Jordan Pass which also gives you free admission or discounts for over 40 other sites like Petra Archaeological Park, Wadi Rum, and the Madaba Mosaic Map site. The entrance ticket to Jerash includes the adjacent Archeological Museum.Average Visit Duration: Plan to spend 2-3 Hours at the Ruins of Jerash.Popular Times: Friday is the busiest day to visit Jerash.Special Events: Jerash hosts the annual Jerash Arts and Culture Festival, usually from July 28th to August 6th.Jerash Tours: Visit the Jerash Ruins independently as a day trip from Amman or with a guided tour. You can also combine a trip to Israel and Jordan and include a visit to Jerash. There are also multi-day Jordan tours that include other destinations like the Dead Sea, Aqaba, Petra, and Amman.

Everybody knows Petra is one of those travel destinations that will take your breath away: The ancient Nabataeans people carved the Red City out of massive sandstone cliffs in the Jordanian desert over 2,400 years ago. Today the Petra Archaeological Park includes hundreds of monuments from different periods in history including the marvelous Monastery also known as Al Dayr. Apart from the Petra Treasury, Al Dayr is the most visited monument in Petra.The Petra MonasteryThe Monastery stands on a hill in the northwestern part of Petra apart from the other, more popular Petra sites. This means you’ll be able to get awesome shots of it without millions of tourists standing in your way.History of the Monastery at PetraAl Dayr probably dates back to the middle of the 1st century AD and would have been built as a tomb or place of worship for the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab civilization that can be traced back to the 6th century BC. The Nabataeans were skilled engineers and merchants who controlled the ancient trade routes that passed through Petra from the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean. In the Byzantine era, the Monastery was probably used as a church.In more recent history the Monastery at Petra was featured in the 2009 movie Transformers.How to Get to the Petra MonasteryThe Best way is to take the Shuttle to the Village of Little Petra, north of the Petra Archeological Park. There, you can take a 4X4 ride to the mountain range leading to the Monetary.Next is a walk on the ridge, as you take in the amazing views; the path is easy and takes about an hour. There are plenty of refreshment stops and Bedouin tent stands on the way. After several stone steps, you'll reach the iconic Petra Monetary.The path leading to the Petra Monastery Then you can take the long stairway down – 850 steps carved into the rock, and go back to the main Petra road. Here you can just go from one attraction to another:The more challenging wayis to go through the road East to West by foot, then Climb the 850 stairs of Ad Dayr Monastery and go back. Note that this one is only for hiking enthusiasts, who enjoy an 8-mile trek and a steep climb.Pro Tip: If you really think you won’t make it, you can hire a local to take you up on his donkey. Oh, and if you’re walking look out for the donkey turds along the steps!What to See in the Monastery of PetraYes, the Petra Monastery is definitely one of the best places for a birds-eye view across the Wadi Araba valley around Petra! But when you reach the Monastery you’ll see several signs saying “this way for the best view” so you’ll have to decide which one is more worthy.The flat area in front of the Monastery was probably leveled out by man to make space for social gatherings or religious events. The Monastery itself consists of an intricately carved rock-cut facade that soars 47 meters high above those standing in the open area below. The facade is 48 meters wide and features typical Greco-Roman elements like a pediment, and a conical roof topped with an urn. All of these features were carved directly out of the rock face. But it is not just a beautiful facade, you can actually go inside the Monastery deep into the rock.photos8.com (CC BY 2.0)The interior is a square chamber and in the wall, at the far end, you can see a niche cut into the rock framed by pillars. When the Monastery was in use, the walls would have been plastered and painted but none of the ancient interior decors has survived.You might wonder why the Monastery has such a mish-mash of architectural styles (mainly Hellenistic and Mesopotamian-western Asia). Well, this is typical of Nabatean architecture because so many travelers and merchants passed through the ancient city bringing with them ideas and knowledge from other cultures. You’ll see that the Monastery’s facade looks like structures you’d see in Athens. But the tall tower-like structures on both sides of the facade; the single square chamber inside, and the 8-meter wide entrance are reminiscent of Mesopotamian architecture.How to Prepare For the Petra MonasteryYou’ll need at least 2 liters of water as a visit to the Monastery will take you about 2-2.5 hours (including hiking there, visiting, and hiking back). Try to visit Petra in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, and if possible, don’t travel to Petra at the height of summer. Not only is it scorching hot but the crowds come in droves during the summer.The Trail from the site to the Siq (by Alexey Komarov, CC BY 3.0)Pro Tip: Give yourself plenty of time to see the Monastery at Petra. It is about a 1.5-hour walk from the Visitor Center to the start of the Monastery hike, then you have the climb, the sightseeing, and the return hike back down. To do it justice, the Monastery can’t really be squeezed into a rushed trip to Petra. Rather take a 2-day tour where you stay overnight somewhere nearby like in Wadi Musa, and then continue exploring the Petra Archaeological Park the next day. Note that the site isn't wheelchair accessible, and includes climbing rocky stairs.Plan Your VisitOpening Times: Summer 06:00-18:00; Winter 06:00-16:00Prices: 90 JOD, but if you are part of a Petra tour from Israel the entrance will be included in the tour price.Average Visit Duration: The average time spent at the Petra Monastery is 30-40 minutes.Popular Times: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the sun. A tour of Petra probably won’t include the Monastery because of the time it takes to get there. So you will have to visit the Monastery on your own or with a private guide.Special Events: Petra By Night is a spectacular show with 1,800 candles. It takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 20:30.Relevant Tours: One-day Petra tours usually don’t include Al Dayr, due to its distance from other attractions. But you can get there and back by yourself when your group has free time to look around if you take a two-day Petra tour. More and more people tend to take a Petra tour from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, to cover both Israel and Jordan countries in one trip.

The Siq is an interesting geological phenomenon: an earthquake tear that formed a long, colorful path confined by soaring cliffs. It feels like being in a mountain's pocket - and most visitors are so amazed by its beauty, they almost forget what incredible ancient attractions await them further down the path.Welcome to the SiqThe Siq is the main way to see the Petra Archeological Park; it connects many of the site's most popular structures and is your easiest way in and out. Let's make sure you won't miss anything on the way.History of the SiqIt was created by tectonic forces eons ago, as a geological fault, later to be smoothed by water flowing down from the ridges and the nearby valley, Wadi Musa. In that, it's different than standard canyon channels which are shaped initially by water drainage. The result is a long and constricted path – in several parts, not wider than 3 meters – engulfed by towering cliffs, 90 to 180 meters high. The Siq itself is about 1.2km long.You can either walk or rideIn ancient times, the Siq was used as a caravan route entering the Lost City of Petra – the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. Its narrow, serpentine form helped limit access and hold enemies at bay; the geography helped the Nabatean city grow and flourish. Many of Petra's most significant structures were carved into the red cliffs, and the Siq is the path that helps us go between them.How Long is the Siq in Petra?1.2km, and its deepest, darkest part which looks otherworldly, is about 160 meters long. The oath takes about 20 minutes to walk through, but you will want to stop and appreciate the view, take loads of pics, and enjoy the cool breeze.What to See and Do in the SiqThe Siq itself is gorgeous; you can walk or take a Donkey/Gulf Cart ride that will take you deep between the cliffs until you'll reach the bottom of the gulch and stand in front of the huge, red passage. As the cliffs become as high as skyscrapers, you'll know you've reached the Siq.The Walls are marvelous! Pro Tip: Some of the main Petra points of interest will appear behind the curves, and you can use the Siq to frame your pictures.The Treasury of PetraThis is the most popular spot in the Petra Archaeological Park and probably Jordan. Its gorgeous facade was carved into the rosy cliffs over two millennia ago, to serve as a mausoleum for King Aretas IV in the 1st century AD. Its name was derived from an old Bedouin tale, about a lost treasure hidden within its caverns.The Petra TreasuryThe Royal TombsThe lost Nabatean City had many distinguished rulers, all given impressive palace-like burial structures carved into the stone. Don't miss the huge Urn Tomb which offers some fantastic views of the lost city, the colorful Silk Tomb, and the majestic Palace Tomb. These spots are perfect for everybody who loves ancient architecture, archeology, and Indiana Jones movies; if you see levers on the walls - don't pull them!Left to Right: The Palace Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, the Silk Tomb (by David Stanley CC BY 2.0)The Colonnaded StreetThis lovely walkway was a part of the old city and was renovated under Roman occupation in 106 BC. In Nabatean times, this was the main Petra Street, going through markets and a civic courtyard. The street leads to the beautiful Qasr Al-Bint Temple and offers plenty of photo ops along the way.The Colonnaded StreetPlan Your VisitOpening Times:Summer 06:00-18:00; Winter 06:00-16:00Prices:90 DOJ, but travelers who join a Petra tour from Israel will have the entrance price included in their tour. Pro Tip: If you’re not visiting Petra with a guided tour, buy the Jordan Pass for a discount to the Petra Archaeological Park.Average Visit Duration:The Siq is a path you walk through, and it takes about 20 minutes.Popular Times:The best time to visit Petra is in the early morning or late afternoon.Special Events: A magnificent candlelight spectacle takes place in front of the Treasury on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 20:30. The path leading towards the Treasury and the Treasury itself is lit up with over 1,500 candles. The show features bedouin music, a light show, and tea.Relevant Tours:Every tour of Petra will go through the Siq, as this is the main route to take if you want to see most of the site's attractions. But note that a one-day tour of Petrawon't be enough and you'll miss the most special spots; If you take atwo-day Petra touryou could see MUCH more, such as the amazingPetra Monastery,Qasr Al-Binttemple,The Colonnaded Street, and include the Petra by Night show. With a Petra tour from Tel Aviv, you’ll see two countries on one trip.

The Treasury of Petra is the most photographed structure in the Petra Archaeological Park in Jordan. This incredible facade was carved from red cliffs by the Nabataean people about 2,000 years ago. The Treasury was not a treasury - but a mausoleum for the 1st century AD Nabatean King Aretas IV, later used as a place of worship. But it got its name from the Bedouins who lived in the area in the 19th century and thought the structure holds a hidden treasure.The Petra TreasuryIt is an iconic structure, one that you will never forget. And if it looks familiar, it could be from the movie Indiana Jones and the Lost Crusade.Pro Tip:One of the best photo angles of the Treasury can be found just before you exit the main path, by framing the structure by the cliffs; Keep reading and see how it's done.History of Al Khazneh - The Treasury of PetraThe city of Petra was built as early as the 4th century BC by the Nabataean people, a nomadic and mysterious Arab tribe. Petra was an essential stop along the ancient trade routes through Arabia and at its peak, Petra was home to about 20,000 inhabitants. The Roman Empire reached the region, and Petra was eventually annexed by the Romans in about 106 AD. The Treasury is believed to have been built in the 1st century AD when the city would have already been exposed to Greek and Roman architectural styles.A view from the neighboring ridgeOf all the structures that the Nabataeans carved out of the cliffs in Petra, the Treasury is perhaps the most impressive and a feat of ancient engineering. After the decline of the Nabataean city, it was forgotten until being rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Burckhardt. By the 1920s Petra was already a popular tourist attraction for Europeans.What to See at The Petra TreasuryThe Treasury has a mix of several architectural styles which was typical of Nabataean architecture in the 1st century. You can spot elements of Egyptian, Roman, Greek, and Syrian architecture in the Treasury. Pro Tip: Spot the reliefs of the Egyptian goddess Isis, the Greek goddess Nike, and Dioscuri from Greco-Roman mythology.The exterior view of the Treasury is the best-known part of the structure. It is two stories high and measured 39m tall and 25.3m-wide. The facade features Corinthian capitals, intricate carvings, and friezes of mythical figures. Bedouin tradition holds that the stone urn above the entrance contained great treasures of a pharaoh. You can spot bullet holes in the stone urn from past attempts to shoot down the urn to get the legendary treasure.Use the cliffs in your compositionUnfortunately, you can’t go inside the treasury at petra. In the past, it was possible to enter the Treasury but to protect it from the hordes of tourists it is now off-limits. But don’t worry, the facade is the best bit. Inside the Treasury is the tomb of Nabataean King Aretas IV and a plain main chamber, flanked by two smaller chambers and an antechamber.The Best Way to See the Treasury at PetraAs mentioned, get there as early as you can. If you’re on a tour from Israel you’ll probably arrive at a reasonable time. The Treasury is about 1.2km from the Petra Visitor Center at the end of the narrow gorge called the Siq. It is the first structure you see as you emerge from the Siq.Pro Tip: you can get the perfect Instagram shot from above by following one of the two paths up to the cliffs above. Treasury Viewpoint #1 (the official path) is a 1.5hrs hike and starts at the Royal Tombs. Treasury Viewpoint #2 is the shorter, but a more precarious path. The path starts to the left of the Treasury. It is a 20-30 minute walk to the top. This can be a dangerous route so be warned!Plan Your VisitOpening Times: Summer 06:00-18:00; Winter 06:00-16:00Prices: 90 DOJ, but travelers who join a Petra tour from Israel will have the entrance price included in their tour. Pro Tip: If you’re not visiting Petra with a guided tour, buy the Jordan Pass for a discount to the Petra Archaeological Park.Average Visit Duration: Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the Petra Treasury.Popular Times: The best time to visit Petra is in the early morning or late afternoon.Special Events: A magnificent candlelight spectacle takes place in front of the Treasury on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 20:30. The path leading towards the Treasury and the Treasury itself is lit up with over 1,500 candles. The show features bedouin music, a light show, and tea.Petra TreasuryTours: On a one-day tour of Petra you will see the Treasury, but not much else; If you take a two-day Petra tour you could see MUCH more, such as the amazing Petra Monastery, Qasr Al-Binttemple, The Colonnaded Street, and include the Petra by Night show. With a Petra tour from Tel Aviv, you’ll see two countries on one trip.

The Street of Facades leads into the main center of the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. As the name suggests, the street is flanked by several outstanding facades carved into the rock cliffs about 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. The Nabataean monuments along the Street of Facades are believed to have been the tombs of senior Nabataean officials in Petra dating back to the end of the 1st century BC and the beginning of the 1st century AD.The Street of FacadesWhere is the Street of Facades?When you enter the Petra Archaeological Park you walk through a narrow gorge called the Siq. After about 1 km the Siq opens onto a clearing where you are faced by the famous Petra Treasury (Al-Khazneh), one of the most photographed structures in the Middle East. When you pass the Treasury, the Siq gradually widens into the Street of Facades. Follow the Street of Facades, stopping to see the various monumental structures on the way until you reach the Tomb Anesho at the far end of the street.The Street of Facades at dawnWhat to See on and Do in the Street of FacadesThe tombs that flank the Street of Facades are carved out of the rock high up on the cliffs like a row of doorways. There are more than 40 tombs and homes carved into the rock.ProTip: The tombs are accessible to tourists, unlike many of the other structures in Petra, so you can go inside and explore.The street of FacadesThe facades have suffered weather damage over the years but if you look carefully there are some fascinating details worth noting. The facades were probably originally covered with stucco and painted in bright colors (there are traces of the paint on one of the facades).Tombs not to miss on the Street of Facades:Tomb 67. It has a funeral chamber high up on the cliff. Legend has it that a thief once hid in this chamber so it has been given the name “Thief's Tomb”.Tower Tomb. This tomb is over 15 meters high and it is carved on three sides. The tomb has 17 graves with some interesting carved details on the door frame.Uneishu Tomb. The last tomb is the Tomb of Anesho, it was the tomb of Queen Nabatiyeh Shaqilh II who held the throne for her son Rabil II from 70 to 76 AD.The tombs above the Street of FacadesPlan Your VisitOpen Times: The Street of Facades is in the Petra Archaeological Park that is open in summer from 06:00-18:00 and in winter from 06:00-16:00Prices: Entrance is 90 JOD, but on a Petra tour from Israel the entrance is included in the tour price.Average Visit Duration: You have to walk down the Street of Facades to get to the rest of the Petra structures. So you could walk straight through without entering any of the tombs or you could explore the structures and take more time. The average time spent on the Street of Facades is 40-60 min.ProTip: The Street of Facades is not the most impressive part of Petra. From a distance, the tombs don’t look very interesting but you should enter at least one to get an idea of the tombs. Popular Times: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the sun. Special Events: Petra By Night is an evening show that takes place outside the Treasury on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 20:30.Relevant Petra Tours: All visits to Petra will include a walk down the Street of Facades. Tours probably won’t stop at any of the tombs. If you take a two-day Petra tour you will have an extra day to explore the tombs along the Street of Facades independently. Consider taking a Petra tour from Tel Aviv so you can cover two countries in one trip.

Not so far from the jaw-dropping beauty of El-Khazneh - the treasury of Petra, and the Nabatean lost city's Royal Tombs, sits the Petra Theater. in the 1st century it was a place of captivating performances, and you can still feel the magic in the air. No wonder so many visitors to the Petra Archeological Park say it's such a recommended stop.History of The Petra TheaterThe Theater, sometimes called the Petra Roman Theater, was built under the rule of Aretas IV, one of the most significant Nabatean kings. He was influenced by the trends of his times; when Herod the Great, king of Judea start building theaters on the other side of the river Jordan - Aretas decided to do the same.The Petra Theater But his theater had a local twist: It was carved in Nabatean fashion, with decorative elements of native tradition. The size and general outline were Roman, yet the Petra Theater was more Nabatean than foreign.Pro Tip:It was said that the carved theater had awesome acoustics, even superior to the roman designs. So if you've brought a Guitar on your trip, you just have to play there.How do you get to the Petra Theater?You can reach the theater through the Street of Facades; it's about 400 meters Northwest of the famous Petra Treasury, and 600 meters Southeast of the Great Temple.The Theater, towering over the main stagePlan Your VisitOpening Times: Summer 06:00-18:00; Winter 06:00-16:00.Prices: 90 JOD, but travelers who join a Petra tour from Israel will have the entrance price included in their price. Pro Tip: If you’re not visiting Petra with a guided tour, buy the Jordan Pass for a discount to the Petra Archaeological Park.Average Visit Duration: 20-30 minutes,Popular Times: The best time to visit Petra is in the early morning or late afternoon.Special Events: A magnificent candlelight spectacle takes place in front of the Treasury on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 20:30. The path leading towards the Treasury and the Treasury itself is lit up with over 1,500 candles. The show features bedouin music, a light show, and tea.Relevant Tours: Every Petra 1-Day Tourwill give you enough time to get from the Royal Tombs to the Petra Theater. But note that the Petra Archeological Park holds many marvelous attractions, you just won't reach unless you plan a 2-day Petra tour. That way you could see MUCH more, such as the amazing Petra Monastery, andQasr Al-Bint temple. With a Petra tour from Tel Aviv, you’ll see two countries on one trip.

The Urn Tomb is one of the most popular spots in the Petra Archeological Park. Like the other Royal Tombs right next to it, the Urn Tombholds ancient Nabatean nobility, whose exact identity is still a matter of academic argument; most scientists think this one belongs to King Malchus II or King Aretas IV. What makes this tomb special?History of the Urn Tomb in PetraThe Urn Tomb was carved into the rock around 70 AD, long after the Nabateans were influenced by Hellenistic culture. Most of this site's archeology is from the second half of the 1st century, including the most famous piece - The Treasury of Petra (Al-Khazneh).The Urn Tomb in Petra (by Bernard Gagnon CC BY-SA 3.0)This tomb is a good example of the combination of local and Greek designs: The tomb has an impressive 26 by 16.49-meter facade, and you'll have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the entrance. Inside you'll find a row of columns and a square, leading to the primary chamberThis square is known by the bedouins as Al-Mahkamah - the courtyard - and it is believed the place was used for trials in ancient times. The name Urn Tomb comes from a Jar crowning its pediment. The court's rear wall exposes another page in the tomb's history: an inscription etched in stone around 447 AD declares the place as a Byzantinechurch. During these times, the Urn Tombs were expanded with round niches.Pro Tip:The Urn Tomb courtyard is a great spot for taking photos of Petra itself.(by Dosseman CC BY-SA 4.0)Plan Your VisitOpening Times: the Petra Archaeological Park is open from 06:00-18:00 in summer and until 16:00 in winter.Prices: There is a 90 JOD admission fee to the Petra Archaeological Park. For visitors on a Petra tour from Israel, admission is included. Pro Tip: If you’re visiting Petra independently, buy the Jordan Pass for a discounted admission ticket to Petra Archaeological Park.Average Visit Duration: The average time spent at the Royal tombs is 60-120 minutes, this might vary if you are on a Petra tour. The Urn Tomb can be covered in 30 minutes.Popular Times: Try to get to the site early to avoid crowds and to cover all the essential Petra structures.Special Events: Petra at Night is a dazzling candlelight spectacle that takes place in the Petra Archaeological Park on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 20:30 in front of the Treasury.Relevant Tours: If you took a one-day tour of Petra you will be able to include a stop at the Royal Tombs. But to explore them in depth and see much more, it's better to choose a two-day Petra tour. This way you won't miss the amazing Petra Monastery, Qasr Al-Bint temple, The Colonnaded Street, and include the Petra by Night show. With a Petra tour from Tel Aviv, you’ll see both countries on one trip.

No trip to Jordan is complete without visiting Petra, a city carved out of red-hued desert cliffs by the Nabataean people over 2,000 years ago. When you’re there you’ll see many stunning rock-cut structures including a series of Royal Tombs. The Royal Tombs are really special and shouldn’t be missed! One of the most exceptional is the Silk Tomb, also known as the Streaked Tomb because of the dazzling shades of the eroded sandstone facade.The amusing colors of the Silk Tomb in Petra (by Ahron de Leeuw CC BY 2.0)Pro Tip: To see the colors of the Silk Tomb facade at their best, visit in the late afternoon when the sun sets and casts light on the stone. The tomb was named the Silk Tomb because of the rich colors of the facade which appears like an iridescent piece of silk draped on the rock. It is uncertain who was buried in the Silk Tomb, but like the other Royal Tombs it dates back to the first half of the 1st century.Where is the Silk Tomb?If you follow the main route through Petra after you go past the Siq along the Street of Facades you will reach a path that takes you to the right, just after you pass the Petra Theater on your left. Follow this path to reach all the Royal Tombs.The Silk Tomb on the left, next to the Corinthian Tomb(by Guillaume Baviere CC BY 2.0) The series of tombs starts with the Urn Tomb, followed by the Silk Tomb. If you continue on this route you will reach the Corinthian Tomb, Palace Tomb, and the Tomb of Sextius Florentinus.What to See and Do at the Silk TombSilk Tomb FacadeThe facade is 10.8 meters wide and 19 meters high. It features a central opening flanked by two columns on each side. (actually, they are pilasters, columns carved into the rockface, not free-standing). The colors are truly remarkable with horizontal stripes of red, pink, white, brown, black, yellow, and orange.The beautiful colors of the surrounding rocks make for a lovely photo-opAbove the first level of the facade is a second story with another opening directly above the main entrance. Further up a third level features a freeze of two sets of steps carved into the facade. If you look closely you can see carved niches in the facade holding weather-worn relief figures. Pro Tip: Even harder to spot is the tiny sword deity high up on the facade opposite the left set of steps. Ironically, the damage from environmental conditions has exposed the underlying colors of the sandstone.Inside the Silk TombOnce through the entrance, the tomb opens up to a 90m² chamber. Pro Tip: This is one of the few Petra structures where you can go inside. The space would have been used for religious ceremonies and rituals to honor the dead.Plan Your VisitOpen Times: 06:00-18:00; and until 16:00 in winter.Prices: Entrance to the Petra Archaeological Park is 90 JD unless you are on a Petra tour in which case the entrance is included in the tour price. Pro Tip: The Jordan Pass provides a discount to the Petra Archaeological Park. Average Visit Duration: The average time spent at the Silk Tomb is 40 min.Popular Times: The Silk Tomb’s facade looks best when the sun is shining on the iridescent rock and highlighting the brilliant colors. Special Events: Although there is no special event at the Silk Tomb, there is a nighttime show in Petra that takes place on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 20:30 in front of the Treasury; the whole area is lit with thousands of candles, and it's highly recommended. Relevant Tours: The Silk Tomb is usually included in guided Petra tours. And if you join a 2-day Petra tour you will definitely have time to explore the Silk Tomb. With a Petra tour from Tel Aviv or Petra tour from Jerusalem, you’ll see Jordan and Israel in one trip!

body can stay indifferent in front of the great Palace Tomb of Petra: This ancient relic of the Nabatean kingdom is one of the most beautiful spots of the Petra Archeological Park and a must-see for visitors. History of the Palace Tomb, PetraLike the other Royal Tombs in Petra, the Palace Tomb was built in the latter half of the 1st century AD, to serve as the last resting place for the most significant Nabatean kings. Just like the impressive Petra Treasury - the most famous structure of the park - This tomb was also carved into the cliffs and was influenced by Hellenistic designs - but here starts the difference: Not all of this tomb was carved, and researchers don't know why.The Palace Tomb in Petra(By xorge CC BY-SA 2.0)The first thing you'll notice about the Palace Tomb is the huge façade is 49 meters tall and 46 meters wide, which makes it one of the largest in Petra. It was constructed in three stories, and the top one reach over the cliff; it was built over the carvings, maybe to resemblea Hellenistic or roman castle.While preserved brilliantly, the sands of time did grind the top of the structure, and several blocks fell from the top in the winter of 1988. UNESCO helped the Jordanian government in financing the building's conservation, for future generations to enjoy.As you walk into the lower story, note its four shrines and paths of decorated columns leading into the tomb's four burial halls. The second story looks identical at first glance, but its columns are different, and you'll note the large square graves, carved into the walls like Petra's structures. Note that the light falls differently there, giving you a chance for some creative photography.The entrance to the Palace Tomb in Petra (By Bernard Gagnon CC BY-SA 3.0)Plan Your VisitOpening Times: Summer 06:00-18:00; Winter 06:00-16:00.Prices: 90 JOD, but travelers who join a Petra tour from Israel will have the entrance price included in their tour. Pro Tip: If you’re not visiting Petra with a guided tour, buy the Jordan Pass for a discount to the Petra Archaeological Park.Average Visit Duration: 20-30 minutes, Popular Times: The best time to visit Petra is in the early morning or late afternoon. Special Events: A magnificent candlelight spectacle takes place in front of the Treasury on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 20:30. The path leading towards the Treasury and the Treasury itself is lit up with over 1,500 candles. The show features bedouin music, a light show, and tea.Relevant Tours: Every tour of the park goes through the Royal Tombs area, but you might not have enough time to explore and take all the pics you want if you're on a one-day tour of Petra; If you take a two-day Petra tour you could see MUCH more, such as the amazing Petra Monastery, Qasr Al-Bint temple, and include the Petra by Night show. With a Petra tour from Tel Aviv, you’ll see two countries on one trip.

The Tomb of Sextius Florentinus is one of a series of tombs in the Petra Archaeological Park in Jordan. Like the rest of Petra, the tomb was hewn out of massive red cliffs in the desert over 2,000 years ago.The Tomb of Sextus Florentinus(by Dosseman CC BY-SA 4.0)The work was probably done by Nabataeans but this tomb was for a Roman official. When Rome annexed the Nabataean city of Petra in 106AD they sent officials to run the province - and Sextius Florentinus served the empire as one of those governors.Who Was Sextius Florentinus?Sextius Florentinus was a senator in ancient Rome who died between 127 and 130 AD. During his lifetime he held several important positions in the Roman government under Emperor Trajan and Emperor Hadrian. While serving in the Province of Arabia as governor, he died of unknown causes. Florentius had asked to be buried in Petra and so his son had a tomb prepared for him in the famous Nabataean city.Where is the Sextius FlorentinusTomb?The tomb is within the Petra Archaeological Park, a few hundred meters northeast of the Palace Tomb (the Palace Tomb is the Royal Tomb furthest from the Street of Facades) in the direction of Wadi al-Mataha. Pro Tip: You may wonder why it is so far from Petra’s city center; Under Roman rule, burials were not allowed in the city.What to See and Do at the Sextius Florentinus TombTomb FacadeThe tomb facade is one of the most interesting parts of this structure although it has suffered from being exposed to the weather for thousands of years. The facade is carved out of rock and consists of two floors. It is 37.10 meters wide and stretches to a height of 9.16 meters. On the first floor are four columns and a gateway. The upper floor of the facade shows the remains of columns and above the entrance is a triangle and an urn carved into the rock. Statues stand above and on the side of the arched entranceway.The Arch above the tomb facadeThick half-columns flank the central entrance. A semi-circular arch with tympanum relief of a woman surrounded by vines tops the entranceway. She is thought to be a goddess of vegetation. Pro Tip: See if you can identify the same goddess in the pediment of the Treasury. The center pediment is topped with a carved urn similar to the one at the Urn Tomb. The horned column capitals are a distinctive feature of Nabataean architecture. Above the entrance is an inscription that glorifies the governor’s accomplishments. A narrow slit on the right side of the facade allows light to enter the interior chamber.Interior of the Sextius FlorentinusTombStep into the tomb and see the five loculi or burial niches carved into the back wall and three carved into one of the side walls. Pro Tip: One of the reasons worth including this tomb on your Petra visit is that it is one of the few structures in the park that can be entered. The interior’s exposed rock has beautiful bands of red, gold, and brown colors in the sandstone.Inside the Tomb of Sextus Florentinus (by Dosseman CC BY-SA 4.0)Plan Your VisitOpening Times: Petra is open in summer from 06:00-18:00 and in winter from 06:00-16:00.Prices: It costs 90 JOD to enter Petra Archaeological Park. But if you are part of a Petra tour from Israel the entrance price is included.Average Visit Duration: The average time spent at the Tomb of Sextius Florentinus is 30 min. Take into account the time it takes to walk to the tomb.Popular Times: Petra group tours usually don’t go as far as the Tomb of Sextius Florentinus, so it is one of the less crowded structures in the park. Pro Tip: Visit the tomb in the late afternoon when the lateral sunlight highlights the facade to its best advantage. Special Events: The tomb has no special events but the Petra Archaeological Park holds a nighttime cultural show on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 20:30.Relevant Tours:Many Israel and Jordan tours are relevant here; you can join a 2-day Petra tour where you have a guided tour on the first day and the opportunity to explore independently on the second day when you can visit the Tomb of Sextius Florentinus.