Regarded as the holy ground for the three great monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the state of Israel is naturally home to some of the world’s most significant pilgrimage sites. But other than searching for faith in ancient cities such as Nazareth, Bethlehem and Jerusalem, there’s also immense natural beauty in the form of the storied Sea of Galilee and the multi-hued desert sands of the Negev waiting to be discovered. And when it is time to just kick back and relax, cosmopolitan Tel Aviv’s and Jaffa’s relaxed Mediterranean outlook await to usher all eager comers into their versions of the good life. Set foot on the world’s most spiritual place today with a customised Israel tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours, and welcome to the “The Holy Land”.
A journey of faiths
Sacred throughout history to the three great faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the mystical city of Jerusalem packs a spectacular array of religious sites in its arsenal. Head to The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, and connect with the centuries of tears and prayers that Jews shed towards their faith. Adjourn to Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christianity’s holiest place, and relive the scenes where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. Ascend to the Temple Mount courtyard and admire the gold-tiled Dome of the Rock, Islam’s holy sanctuary where Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. Then round up your spiritual quest in Bethlehem and Nazareth to visit other important biblical sites such as Church of the Nativity and Basilica of the Annunciation.
Land of creation
As much as Israel is a country full of religious sights, it is also regarded by these same faiths as the place where God first envisioned how diverse the world should look like. At the stunning Sea of Galilee region, reimagine the story of Jesus delivering the famous Sermon on the Mount while overlooking the azure lake and verdant valley below atop the Mount of Beatitudes. Dive and immerse into the ancient hot springs of Tiberias, as popular now as it was since Roman times. Next, pack your sense of adventure and head to the Negev Desert to marvel at the erosion crater of Makhtesh Ramon painted with dusty sands of purple, black, red and gold all at once.
A modern escape
After having your fill of the quintessential religious and nature highlights of Israel, it is time for an entirely different take on the country in the cosmopolitan capital of Tel Aviv. Defined by its international residents and a taste for the good life, the capital city is modern, vibrant and constantly on the move. Put away your faith for the moment and immerse in the city’s main religion of hedonism in which fine beaches, hip restaurants, bustling bars and groundbreaking art compete for your attention. When you feel like taking the pace down a notch slower, hop over to nearby honey-coloured Jaffa where an easy Mediterranean lifestyle lures you with exotic bazaars, artisan boutiques and al fresco dining in charming alleys.
For other destinations in the Middle East, try:
Journey into the history of faith today with a customised Israel tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Holy ground
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Jerusalem. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel in Jerusalem.
Today, proceed to Mt of Olives and take in the panoramic view of the old city from the mountain top. Next, continue to Mt Zion to visit King David’s Tomb and see the room of The Last Supper. Next, proceed through the Old City. Thereafter, proceed to Jewish Quarter to explore its rich history. Walk along Cardo, the ancient Roman road, and see the 4 synagogues. Then, tour Hurva Synagogue, Old City’s largest temple. Next, take a brief stop at Western Wall and visit the holiest site for Jewish people. Continue to Via Dolorosa and follow the footsteps of Jesus to Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where the crucifixion occurred.
Western Wall
This morning, head over to Yad Vasham, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The museum aims to honour the dead and research the phenomenon of genocides with the aim of avoiding such events in the future. Next, proceed to Mt Herzl National Cemetery, Israel’s national military cemetery named after Theodor Herzl, the father of political Zionism. Thereafter, proceed to Bethlehem and visit Rachel’s tomb and the birthplace of Jesus inside Church of the Nativity. Next, head over to Manger Square, a religious site and gathering place for thousands of worshippers at Christmas.
Church Of The Nativity
Today, enjoy a scenic drive up north, passing by Jericho, the oldest city in the world. Traverse through Jordan Valley and arrive at Beit She’an, where you will visit excavations of this beautifully preserved Roman City. Thereafter, proceed to Nazareth to visit Church of the Annunciation. Stay overnight in Galilee.
Church of the Annunciation
Today, enjoy a scenic drive to Golan Heights to visit former Syrian fortifications and Druze villages. Pass by Banias, the source of Jordan River and arrive at Mt of Beatitudes. Proceed to the ancient synagogue and Peter’s house at Capernaum. Next, visit Church of the Beatitudes before continuing to Tiberias for a short tour.
Church of the Beatitudes
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Acre and visit the famous Crusader Fortress and its medieval fortifications. Next, proceed to Haifa for sightseeing. You will visit Baha’i Gardens and Mt Carmel on this sightseeing tour. Thereafter, head south to Caesarea to visit Roman Theatre and Hippodrome.
Bahai Gardens
After a hearty Israeli breakfast, explore Caesarea’s ancient buildings and learn about its history with your guide. You will be able to see archaeological ruins including Roman aqueducts and an amphitheatre. Next, proceed to Megiddo, an ancient settlement that has been occupied by many cultures and peoples over the millennia. Thereafter, head over to Daliat el Carmel, a Druze village situated on the slopes of Mt Carmel. End the day in the city of Haifa and tour the world-famous 19th-century Carmelite monastery building.
Carmelite monastery
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.