OUR TRIPS: CUSTOM-MADE TRIPS
Whether you are an individual, a group of friends, an association, a local government unit or a staff committee, we can design your traveling project together. We can suggest a wide range of visits, themes, specific meetings and itineraries that will meet your expectations and your specific interests to ensure an authentic discovery of Palestine.
Click on the sample trips below to browse through some examples of possible itineraries and contact us so that we may conceive your Palestinian journey together.
CIRCUIT
9 days and 8 nights
SERVICES
Hotels and charming guesthouses
Half-board
Private vehicle
Guide
JOURNEY OF CULTURE AND SOLIDARITY
A journey of solidarity, this itinerary takes us at the heart of Palestinian society.
Along with visits to sacred or secular historical sites, our meetings with locals and active
members of civil society provide the necessary context for understanding the contemporary
realities in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as intense and warm human exchanges.
Day 1 Jerusalem Arrival in Jerusalem and first impressions. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 2 Jerusalem Immersion at the heart of the Old City to discover its sacred and secular heritage: Fortified wall from the Ottoman period, Roman Church of Saint Anne, the Cotton Merchants' Market and its Mamluk heritage, view on the Al-Haram al Sharif (Al Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock), the Western Wall of Herod’s temple (Al Buraq Wall, the Wailing Wall), the Holy Sepulcher, end point of the Stations of the Cross. Outlook on contemporary history through the different quarters of the Old City. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 3 Jerusalem Visit of the Gethsemane church and the Olive Garden – locations emblematic of Christianity. Stunning panoramic view of the Old City from the Mount of Olives, and geopolitical tour of East-Jerusalem. Lunch at a women’s association. Discovery of Nabi Samuel, a village isolated by the Annexation Wall that encircles it, located at the summit of Jerusalem at an altitude of 885m. Visit of the Nabi Samuel mosque and meeting with the women’s association. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 4 Negev (Al Naqab) Departure to the Negev. Meeting with the Regional Council of Unrecognized Villages for an assessment of public services in unrecognized villages. Lunch at a popular restaurant. Farther South, discovery of the Negev desert and visit of the relics of the ancient Nabataean city-state of Subeita, a former trading point on the Incense Route that led to Gaza, the main Mediterranean outlet. Dinner and night in Hebron.
Day 5 Hebron – Dheisheh Camp Visit of Hebron’s Old City and the Al Ibrahimi mosque (Cave of the Patriarchs). Discovery of the urban heritage and assessment of the sociopolitical situation. Lunch in Hebron. Visit of a ceramics and glassblowing workshop. Drive to the urban area of Bethlehem. Meeting with the Popular Committee (administration council for civil affairs) of Dheisheh Refugee Camp. Dinner and night in Bethlehem.
Day 6 Bethlehem – Sabastya Visit of Bethlehem’s Old City and the Church of the Nativity. At the foot of the Wall that imprisons Bethlehem, discovery of a singular and unusual place, The Walled-Off Hotel, an artistic site created by artists Banksy, Sami Musa and Dominique Petrin. Drive to the village of Sabastya in the region of Nablus via the Wadi Nar, a road that bypasses Jerusalem to link the northern and southern parts of the West Bank. The afternoon continues with the discovery of the archeological relics of Sabastya, the ancient city of Samaria-Sebaste – the opportunity to revisit history between myth and reality. Dinner and night in Sabastya.
Day 7 Nablus – Sabastya Discovery of Sabastya’s heritage and the conservation initiatives: Tomb and Mosque of Nabi Yahya (John the Baptist), medieval Church of St. John the Baptist and Al-Kayed fortress. Next, immersion into the popular and lively market of “Little Damascus”. Visit of the traditional soap factory Tuqan, the Khan al Wakale (a caravanserai built in the 17th century) and the Hammam al Shifa, the oldest functioning hammam in Nablus. Dinner and night in Sabastya.
Day 8 Ramallah Drive to Ramallah and visit of its lively city center. Visit of the Yasser Arafat Museum, a permanent exhibition on 100 years of Palestine’s contemporary history. Lunch in Ramallah. Meeting with an organization for Palestinian civil society. Dinner and night in Ramallah.
Day 9 Final discussions and departure from Ramallah.
CIRCUIT
10 days and 9 nights (modifiable upon request)
SERVICES
Hotels and charming guesthouses
Half-board
Private vehicle
Guide
CULTURAL JOURNEY
From Jerusalem – with its wealth of millenary relics, to Nablus – nicknamed “Little Damascus” by Arab
geographer al-Muqaddasi in the 10th century, to Jaffa – the Mediterranean bridge of the Levant, to
Ramallah – a distinctively modern city; every city boasts a strong identity that reveals a surprising and
varied heritage. The same goes for the countryside, with its rural castles inherited from the Ottoman
period, its olive oil mills and its vibrant traditions. Contemporary history and current events, between
occupation and exile, are all brought to light by the numerous testimonies that provide a range of
perspectives.
Day 1 Jerusalem Arrival in Jerusalem and first impressions. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 2 Jerusalem Immersion at the heart of the Old City to discover its sacred and secular heritage: Fortified wall from the Ottoman period, Roman Church of Saint Anne, the Cotton Merchants' Market and its Mamluk heritage, view on the Al-Haram al Sharif Sharif (Al Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock), the Western Wall of Herod’s temple (Al Buraq Wall, the Wailing Wall), the Holy Sepulcher, end point of the Stations of the Cross. Outlook on contemporary history through the different quarters of the Old City. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 3 Jerusalem Free time in the morning to explore Jerusalem. Next, discovery of locations that are emblematic of Christianity on the Mount of Olives (Gethsemane Gardens, Mary’s Tomb) and insight into the geopolitical realities of East-Jerusalem. The day continues with a visit of Nabi Samuel, a village isolated by the Annexation Wall that encircles it, located at the summit of Jerusalem at an altitude of 885m. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 4 Jaffa – Bethlehem Drive to Jaffa, “the bride of the sea”. Visit of the Old City and of Jaffa’s quarters – Ajami, Jabalia, Manshiyeh – for a portrait of the city from its prime years to the Nakba. Insight into the definition and the realities of a “mixed” city. Drive to Bethlehem. Dinner and night in Bethlehem.
Day 5 Bethlehem – Hebron Discovery of Bethlehem and the Wall that imprisons it. Visit of the Church of the Nativity and its sanctuaries. Visit of the al Bad Museum (the Mill) dedicated to the history of Bethlehem. Then, ride to Hebron, visit of the Al Ibrahimi mosque (Cave of the Patriarchs) and assessment of the sociopolitical situation. Visit of a ceramics and glassblowing workshop. Dinner and night in Bethlehem.
Day 6 Jericho Drive to Jericho via the Wadi Nar, a road that bypasses Jerusalem to link the northern and southern parts of the West Bank. On the way, exceptional panorama of Jerusalem’s desert (Judean Desert) and of Mar Saba monastery (Deir al Siq), a living monument of Byzantine monasticism flourishing in Palestine. Visit of Nabi Musa (Prophet Moses), a Mamluk sanctuary that is the site of an annual Muslim pilgrimage – initiated by Saladin. Next, unusual bath in the Dead Sea’s waters saturated with salt. Discovery of the oldest known urban area (site of Tell es-Sultan), and the lowest on earth (270 m below sea level). The day continues with a visit of the Umayyad ruins of Hisham Palace (Khirbet al Mafjar), a stunning synthesis of Byzantine and Sassanian architecture and decorative arts. Dinner and night in Jericho.
Day 7 Jericho – Sabastya Meeting with artisans from the Palestinian Mosaic Center. Then, drive to the village of Sabastya. Visit of the village and the heritage conservation initiatives: Tomb and Mosque of Nabi Yahya (John the Baptist), medieval Church of St. John the Baptist and Al-Kayed fortress. The afternoon continues with the discovery of the archeological relics of Sabastya, the ancient city of Samaria-Sebaste: Roman theater, colonnaded street, Forum of Augustus, remains of the Omride palace (Iron Age) – the opportunity to revisit history between myth and reality. Dinner and night in Sabastya..
Day 8 Nablus – Sabastya Visit of Nusf Jbeil village and an original local development project: production of ceramics inspired by antique and medieval patterns. Next, immersion into the popular and lively market of “Little Damascus”. Visit of the traditional soap factory Tuqan, the Khan al Wakale (a caravanserai built in the 17 th century) and the Hammam al Shifa, the oldest functioning hammam in Nablus. Visit of Mount Gerizim and encounter with a Samarian priest for a singular genealogical presentation. Sampling of Nabulsi delicacies. Dinner and night in Sabastya.
Day 9 Ramallah Drive to Ramallah and visit of its lively city center. Visit of the Yasser Arafat Museum, a permanent exhibition on 100 years of Palestine’s contemporary history. Lunch in Ramallah. Meeting with an organization for Palestinian civil society. Dinner and night in Ramallah.
Day 10 Final discussions and departure from Ramallah.
CIRCUIT
9 days and 8 nights
SERVICES
Hotels and charming guesthouses
Half-board
Private vehicle
Guide
JOURNEY OF CULTURE AND SOLIDARITY
The olive tree – quintessential symbol of Palestinian identity – constitutes most of the orchards and is a characteristic feature of the landscape. A farming practice both millenary and astonishingly modern, farmers and olive oil cooperatives pass on precious knowledge about the challenges of the sector and cultivation methods. “From the tree to the stone”, so a popular saying goes.
Day 1 Jerusalem Arrival in Jerusalem and first impressions. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 2 Jerusalem Immersion at the heart of the Old City to discover its sacred and secular heritage: Fortified wall from the Ottoman period, Roman Church of Saint Anne, the Cotton Merchants' Market and its Mamluk heritage, view on the Al-Haram al Sharif (Al Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock), the Western Wall of Herod’s temple (Al Buraq Wall, the Wailing Wall), the Holy Sepulcher, end point of the Stations of the Cross. Outlook on contemporary history through the different quarters of the Old City. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 3 Jerusalem – Bethlehem Stunning panoramic view from the Mount of Olives, and striking geopolitical outlook. Discovery of sites that are emblematic of Christianity: Gethsemane church and its centenarian olive trees, Mary’s Tomb. Drive to Bethlehem. Lunch in a popular restaurant. Discovery of the urban area of Bethlehem and the Wall that imprisons it. Then, visit of the al Bad Museum (the Mill) dedicated to the history of Bethlehem. Visit of the Church of the Nativity and its sanctuaries. Dinner and night in Bethlehem.
Day 4 Husan – Hebron – Bethlehem Encounter with a farmers’ organization in Husan, a town to the west of Bethlehem and surrounded by the Wall. Then, ride to Hebron and visit of the Al Ibrahimi mosque (Cave of the Patriarchs). Discovery of the urban heritage and assessment of the sociopolitical situation. Dinner and night in Bethlehem.
Day 5 Deir Istya – Nablus – Sabastya On the way to Nablus, visit of the fortified village of Deir Istya to discover a piece of Palestine’s Ottoman rural history. At the center of an impressive olive terroir, one can measure the threats that weigh on these lands. Next, immersion into the popular and lively market of “Little Damascus”. Visit of the traditional soap factory Tuqan, the Khan al Wakale (a caravanserai built in the 17 th century) and the Hammam al Shifa, the oldest functioning hammam in Nablus. Stay at the village of Sabastya. Dinner and night in Sabastya.
Day 6 Sabastya – Burqin Discovery of the archeological relics of Sabastya, the ancient city of Samaria-Sebaste – the opportunity to revisit history between myth and reality. Visit of the village and the heritage conservation initiatives: Tomb and Mosque of Nabi Yahya (John the Baptist), medieval Church of St. John the Baptist and Al-Kayed fortress. Drive to the town of Burqin and visit of the fair trade company Canaan Fair Trade, for a presentation on the transformation processes of agricultural products (olives, almonds, wheat), which are exported in no less than 18 countries. Visit of the olive oil mill, the warehouses and the production lines. Dinner and night in Sabastya.
Day 7 Jabal Nablus – Ramallah Solidarity harvest with members of a farmers’ organization in the region of Nablus. Lunch under the olive trees. Drive to Ramallah. Dinner and night in Ramallah.
Day 8 Ramallah Discovery of Ramallah’s lively city center and meeting with the Palestine Trade Center (Paltrade) for a look at the support framework of the olive oil sector and the exportation strategies. Lunch in Ramallah. Visit of the Yasser Arafat Museum, a permanent exhibition on 100 years of Palestine’s contemporary history. Dinner and night in Ramallah.
Day 9 Final discussions and departure from Ramallah.
CIRCUIT
9 days and 8 nights
SERVICES
Hotels and charming guesthouses
Half-board
Private vehicle
Guide
JOURNEY OF CULTURE & ECOTOURISM
“In this beginning of spring, in Palestine, the olive trees were snowy, the pomegranate trees bloody, the plowed earth was spreading out its bright ocher gashes under the sun.”
Landscapes awaken; the time is ripe to discover the intimate and bruised beauty of this land. The itinerary passes through urban and rural spaces, for a discovery of sites full of history and beliefs, where friendships and encounters are especially meaningful.
Day 1 Jerusalem Arrival in Jerusalem and first impressions. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 2 Jerusalem Immersion at the heart of the Old City to discover its sacred and secular heritage: Fortified wall from the Ottoman period, Roman Church of Saint Anne, the Cotton Merchants' Market and its Mamluk heritage, view on the Al-Haram al Sharif (Al Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock), the Western Wall of Herod’s temple (Al Buraq Wall, the Wailing Wall), the Holy Sepulcher, end point of the Stations of the Cross. Outlook on contemporary history through the different quarters of the Old City. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 3 Jerusalem – Bethlehem Stunning panoramic view from the Mount of Olives, and striking geopolitical outlook. Discovery of sites that are emblematic of Christianity: Church of the Agony and the centenarian olive trees of Gethsemane, Mary’s Tomb. Visit of Nabi Samuel, a village isolated by the Annexation Wall that encircles it, and meeting with a women’s association. Drive to Bethlehem. Dinner and night in Bethlehem.
Day 4 Bethlehem – Hebron Discovery of Bethlehem and the Wall that imprisons it. Visit of the Church of the Nativity and its sanctuaries. Then, ride to Hebron, visit of the Old City and the Al Ibrahimi mosque (Cave of the Patriarchs). Discovery of the urban heritage and assessment of the sociopolitical situation. Dinner and night in Bethlehem.
Day 5 Bethlehem – Nablus – Sabastya Visit of the Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and the Palestine Museum of Natural History. Drive to Nablus, immersion into the popular and lively market of “Little Damascus”. Visit of the traditional soap factory Tuqan, the Khan al Wakale (a caravanserai built in the 17 th century) and the Hammam al Shifa, the oldest functioning hammam in Nablus. Stay at the village of Sabastya. Dinner and night in Sabastya.
Day 6 Jaba’ – Sabastya Drive to the village of Jaba’, which marks the beginning of a Mediterranean hike to Sabastya (moderate, 4h30m), crossing Mount Bayzeed (734m), which offers a view that goes all the way to the Mediterranean. Picnic during the hike. Discovery of the archeological relics of Sabastya, the ancient city of Samaria-Sebaste – the opportunity to revisit history between myth and reality. Visit of the village and the heritage conservation initiatives: Tomb and Mosque of Nabi Yahya (John the Baptist), medieval Church of St. John the Baptist and Al-Kayed fortress. Dinner and night in Sabastya.
Day 7 Tulkarem – Ramallah Drive to Tulkarem. Visit of an organic farm, whose cropland was partially severed by the Wall. Then, drive to Ramallah and visit of the museum dedicated to the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. Dinner and night in Ramallah.
Day 8 Ramallah Discovery of Ramallah’s lively city center and visit of the Yasser Arafat Museum, a permanent exhibition on 100 years of Palestine’s contemporary history. Lunch in Ramallah. Meeting with an organization for Palestinian civil society. Dinner and night in Ramallah.
Day 9 Final discussions and departure from Ramallah.
CIRCUIT
9 days and 8 nights
SERVICES
Hotels and charming guesthouses
Half-board
Private vehicle
Guide
ECO-TOURISM & HIKING
This itinerary is part of an initiative for territorial and touristic development in Palestinian rural zones – the Masar Ibrahim al Khalil (literally meaning the path of Abraham “the beloved”) – that retraces a mythical journey following in the prophet’s footsteps. Alternating hikes through landscapes as varied as they are majestic, with visits of Palestinian cities and towns, this trip takes us from the mountains of Nablus all the way to the Jordan Valley, below sea level, and finally into Jerusalem’s desert (Judean Desert).
Day 1 Jerusalem Arrival in Jerusalem and first impressions. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 2 Jerusalem Immersion at the heart of the Old City to discover its sacred and secular heritage: Fortified wall from the Ottoman period, Roman Church of Saint Anne, the Cotton Merchants' Market and its Mamluk heritage, view on the Al-Haram al Sharif (Al Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock), the Western Wall of Herod’s temple (Al Buraq Wall, the Wailing Wall), the Holy Sepulcher, end point of the Stations of the Cross. Outlook on contemporary history through the different quarters of the Old City. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 3 Jerusalem – Ramallah Free time to explore Jerusalem, then stunning panoramic view from the Mount of Olives, and striking geopolitical outlook. On the way to Ramallah, visit of Nabi Samuel, a village isolated by the Annexation Wall that encircles it. Dinner and night in Ramallah.
Day 4 Ramallah – Nablus – Sabastya Discovery of Ramallah’s lively city center and visit of the Yasser Arafat Museum, a permanent exhibition on 100 years of Palestine’s contemporary history. Next, drive to Nablus and immersion into the popular and lively market of “Little Damascus”. Visit of the Khan al Wakale (a caravanserai built in the 17th century and currently a UNESCO renovation project) and the traditional soap factory Tuqan. Stay at the village of Sabastya. Dinner and night in Sabastya.
Day 5 Jaba’ – Sabastya Drive to the village of Jaba’, which marks the beginning of a Mediterranean hike to Sabastya (moderate, 4h30m), crossing Mount Bayzeed (734m), which offers a view that goes all the way to the Mediterranean. Then, visit of the village and the conservation initiatives for Sabastya’s heritage: Tomb and Mosque of Nabi Yahya (John the Baptist), medieval Church of St. John the Baptist. The afternoon continues with the discovery of the archeological relics of Sabastya, the ancient city of Samaria-Sebaste: Roman theater, colonnaded street, Forum of Augustus, remains of the Omride palace (Iron Age) – the opportunity to revisit history between myth and reality. Dinner and night in Sabastya.
Day 6 Ein Samia – Wadi Auja – Jericho Early morning departure to the place known as Ein Samia, whose spring currently supplies water to the urban area of Ramallah. Discovery of astonishing tombs built in Canaanite shafts and hike in the gorges of the Wadi Auja that leads us to the Jordan Valley (hard, 5 hours). After a rest at the spring of the Wadi Auja, ride by minibus to Jericho. On the way, unusual bath in the Dead Sea’s waters saturated with salt. Settling in at the guesthouse. Dinner and night in Jericho.
Day 7 Jericho – Mar Saba – Tell al Qamar Discovery of the oldest known urban area (site of Tell es-Sultan), and the lowest on earth (270 m below sea level). The day continues with a visit of the Umayyad ruins of Hisham Palace (Khirbet al Mafjar), a stunning synthesis of Byzantine and Sassanian architecture and decorative arts. Then, drive to the Mamluk sanctuary of Nabi Musa (Prophet Moses), which marks the departure point of a hike through Jerusalem’s desert (Judean Desert) leading to the camp of Tell al Qamar (moderate, around 5 hours). On the way, we pass by the Hyrcanion (Khirbet al Bird), a Hasmonean and Herodian fortress, before reaching the monastery of Mar Saba (Deir al Siq) that overhangs the high cliffs of Wadi Kidron. Dinner and night in the desert.
Day 8 Hebron – Bethlehem Drive to Hebron. Visit of the Old City and the Al Ibrahimi mosque (Cave of the Patriarchs) for an assessment of the sociopolitical situation. Visit of a ceramics and glassblowing workshop. Then, discovery of Bethlehem and the Wall that imprisons it. Visit of the Church of the Nativity and its sanctuaries. Dinner and night in Bethlehem.
Day 9 Departure from Bethlehem.
CIRCUIT
11 days and 10 nights
SERVICES
Hotels and charming guesthouses
Half-board
Private vehicle
Guide
SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL JOURNEY
Land of the prophecies and home to the three monotheistic religions, Palestine is for many the evocation of names both familiar and suffused with mystery. Jerusalem is the core of this land, and attracts – since the origins of Christianity – the faithful on pilgrimage routes. This itinerary beckons its travelers to a spiritual quest, a journey that is also a quest for justice, truth and human dignity, attentive to the past and present alike.
Day 1 Jerusalem Arrival in Jerusalem and first impressions. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 2 Jerusalem Discovery of the sacred and secular historical heritage of Jerusalem. Visit of the Western Wall of Herod’s temple (Al Buraq Wall, the Wailing Wall). View on the Al-Haram al Sharif : Al Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock. Then, panoramic view over Jerusalem and visit of the sanctuaries of the Mount of Olives: mosque of the Ascension, Eleona Church and Pater Noster grotto, Dominus Flevit Church, Gethsemane and Olive Garden, Mary’s Tomb. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 3 Jerusalem Visit of the Church of St. Anne, a masterpiece of Roman architecture, and the Pool of Bethesda. Walk along the Stations of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) that lead us to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site of the Crucifixion on Golgotha and the Resurrection of Christ. Evocation at each Station. Lunch at the heart of the Old City. On Mount Zion, visit of the Cenacle (Upper Room) and the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu, the site of St Peter’s Denial. Visit of the Armenian Cathedral of Saint James, which houses the tomb of James the Greater, the first martyred apostle and brother of John the Apostle. Then, meeting at the French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem for an insightful reading of history – as rich as it is fascinating. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 4 Jerusalem (Al Quds) Meeting with a Palestinian Christian ecumenical organization, The Sabeel Center, for a discussion on faith and contemporary realities. Lunch in Jerusalem. Visit of the village of Ein Karem, the birthplace of Saint John the Baptist and the site of the Visitation – Mary’s visit with Elizabeth. Visit to the Benedictine monastery in Abu Ghosh, the Crusaders’ Emmaus. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 5 Bethlehem Visit of the Church of the Nativity and its sanctuaries: the grotto of Nativity, Chapel of the Innocents, Grotto of St. Jerome and the Milk Grotto. Next, meeting at the Al-Liqa' Center, a center for the study of religion and cultural heritage in the Holy Land. Lunch in Bethlehem. At the foot of the Wall that imprisons Bethlehem, discovery of a singular and unusual place, The Walled-Off Hotel, an artistic site created by artists Banksy, Sami Musa and Dominique Petrin. Then, visit of Shepherds’ Field and the Angels’ Church, place of the Annunciation of the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. Dinner and night in Bethlehem.
Day 6 Al Azzariya – Jericho On the road to Jericho, visit of Church of Bethany and the Tomb of Lazarus. Then, unusual bath in the Dead Sea’s waters saturated with salt. Lunch in Jericho. Discovery of Jericho, the oldest and lowest city on earth (270 m below sea level): view on the Mount of Temptation and the Quarantal Monastery, Tell es-Sultan, Zacchaeus’ tree. Meeting with artisans from the Palestinian Mosaic Center. Dinner and night in Jericho.
Day 7 Jordan Valley – Tiberias – Nazareth Drive along the Jordan Valley. On the way to Lake Tiberias, visit of the Baptismal site on the Jordan River. Lunch on the banks of Jericho’s lake. Visit of emblematic sites on the banks of Lake Tiberias: Mount of Beatitudes, the location of the Sermon; Tabgha (the Church of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes and the Church of St Peter's Primacy); Capernaum, Jesus' adopted hometown where he preached and gathered his first disciples. Drive to Nazareth. Dinner and night in Nazareth.
Day 8 Nazareth – Galilee Visit of the Mary of Nazareth international Centre run by the Chemin Neuf community: archeological relics from the 1 st century AD and multimedia course on Mary through the Scriptures. Visit of the Basilica of the Annunciation, Church of Saint Joseph’s workshop, Church of St Gabriel and Mary’s Well. Lunch in Nazareth. Visit of the Church of the Marriage at Cana, the site of the first miracle. Then, visit of Mount Tabor, the site of the Mystery of the Transfiguration, and panoramic view of the incredibly fertile plain of Marj Ibn Amer (Plain of Esdraelon). Dinner and night in Nazareth.
Day 9 Burqin – Sabastya Drive to the West Bank, visit of the village of Burqin and one of the oldest churches in Palestine, St. George’s Church – also referred to as “The Church of the Ten Lepers”). Visit of the fair trade company Canaan Fair Trade, for a presentation on the transformation processes of agricultural products (olives, almonds, wheat), which are exported in no less than 18 countries. Visit of the olive oil mill, the warehouses and the production lines. Next, drive to Sabastya. Lunch in a popular restaurant at the foot of the site. Visit of the archeological relics of Sabastya, the ancient city of Samaria-Sebaste: Roman theater, colonnaded street, Forum of Augustus. Then, visit of the village and the heritage conservation initiatives: Tomb and Mosque of Nabi Yahya (John the Baptist), medieval Church of St. John the Baptist and Al-Kayed fortress. Dinner and night in Sabastya.
Day 10 Taybeh – Ramallah Drive to the village of Taybeh, the ancient biblical Ephraim, for a meeting with the priest of the Latin parish. Visit of the relics of the Byzantine church of St. George, then the Parable House with the Sisters of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem. Lunch at the Latin parish of Taybeh. Then, drive to Ramallah. Discovery of Ramallah’s lively city center and visit of the Yasser Arafat Museum, a permanent exhibition on 100 years of Palestine’s contemporary history. Dinner and night in Ramallah.
Day 11 Departure from Ramallah.
CIRCUIT
8 days and 7 nights
SERVICES
Hotels and charming guesthouses
Half-board
Private vehicle
Guide
The program can be adjusted depending on the dates
SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL JOURNEY
The itinerary “Following in the Footsteps of the Prophets” invites you to a visit (Ziyara) of Palestine’s Muslim sanctuaries. Traditionally, the visit of Jerusalem – that was encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad – enhanced the ritual of the pilgrimage to Mecca. Many traveler's tales have sung the praises of Jerusalem in a genre of religious literature called “The merits of Jerusalem” (Fada'il al-Quds), an apologetic description of Palestine’s holy places (‘Ard al Muqqaddes – Holy Land). Both a spiritual and a cultural journey, this itinerary is enriched with every encounter, and at its heart, are people as well as the understanding of current events.
Day 1 Jerusalem Arrival in Jerusalem and first impressions. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 2 Jerusalem Immersion at the heart of the Old City. Visit of the Al-Haram al Sharif and its jewels: Al Aqsa Mosque (Palestine’s Qilba), Dome of the Rock, Sabil al Kaitbey, Al Buraq Wall (Western Wall of Herod’s temple, the Wailing Wall). The wealth of the Mamluk heritage is revealed throughout the itinerary: centers of knowledge and religious sciences, sites devoted to pilgrims, and markets. Visit of Omar’s mosque from the Ayyubid period, and the Holy Sepulcher. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 3 Jerusalem – Nabi Samuel Free time in the souks of the Old City in the morning and Friday prayer at Al Aqsa Mosque.After lunch, exceptional panoramic view of the Old City from the Mount of Olives, and striking geopolitical outlook. Next, discovery of Nabi Samuel, a village isolated by the Annexation Wall that encircles it, located at the summit of Jerusalem at an altitude of 885m. Visit of the Nabi Samuel mosque and encounter with residents. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 4 Bethlehem – Hebron – Jerusalem Visit of Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. Overview of the city and the Dheisheh Refugee Camp, then drive to Hebron. Lunch in Hebron. Visit of the Old City of Hebron and prayer at the Haram al Ibrahimi (Tomb of the Patriarchs). Insight into the urban heritage and the sociopolitical situation. Visit of a ceramics and glassblowing workshop. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 5 Jericho On the way to Jericho, stop at Wadi Qelt for an astonishing panoramic view of Jerusalem’s desert. Next, visit of the Mamluk complex of Nabi Musa – site of a mawsim initiated by Salah al Din al Ayyubi. Unusual bath in the Dead Sea’s waters saturated with salt. Lunch in Jericho. Discovery of Jericho, the lowest city on earth (270 m below sea level) and the oldest urban area: view on the Mount of Temptation and visit of the Umayyad ruins of Hisham Palace (Khirbet al Mafjar), a stunning synthesis of Byzantine and Sassanian architecture and decorative arts. Dinner and night in Jericho
Day 6 Nablus – Sabastya Drive to Nablus and immersion into the popular and lively market of “Little Damascus”. Visit of the traditional soap factory Tuqan, the Khan al Wakale (a caravanserai built in the 17 th century to receive merchant caravans and pilgrims on the road to Hajj), the Al Khadra mosque (maqam Sittna al Khadra, daughter of Jacob) and the Hammam al Shifa. Sampling of Nabulsi delicacies. Stay at the village of Sabastya – the ancient city of Samaria-Sebaste, discovery of the historical heritage and the numerous conservation initiatives: Tomb and Mosque of Nabi Yahya (John the Baptist), medieval Church of St. John the Baptist, Al-Kayed fortress, Roman theater. Dinner and night in Sabastya
Day 7 Sabastya – Ramallah Drive to Ramallah. Discovery of its lively city center and visit of the Yasser Arafat Museum, a permanent exhibition on 100 years of Palestine’s contemporary history. Lunch in Ramallah. Meeting with an organization for Palestinian civil society. Dinner and night in Ramallah.
Day 8 Final discussions and departure from Ramallah.
CIRCUIT IN JORDAN
3 days minimum
(modifiable upon request)
SERVICES
Hotels & bivouac
Half-board
Private vehicle
With driver or self-tour with a rental vehicle
CULTURAL JOURNEY & HIKING
Both a gateway region and a land on the fringes of the many civilizations that have dominated Transjordan, Jordan harbors archaeological and historical treasures all the more astonishing as they reveal themselves within fascinating natural environments.
Day 1 Jerash – Amman Arrival in Jerusalem and first impressions. Dinner and night in Jerusalem.
Day 2 Umm Rasas – Shoubak – Petra On the road to Petra, visit of the archeological site of Umm al Rasas, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An ancient fortified Roman camp and a hotspot for monasticism during the Byzantine and Umayyad periods, this small town counted no less than 16 churches with rich mosaic tilings. It was also an important site for the spread of Islam in the Umayyad period. Then, visit of the fortified castle of Shoubak, the “Krak of Montreal”, a medieval and Mamluk fortress. Dinner and night in Wadi Musa (Petra).
Day 3 and 4 Petra Discovery of the site of Petra (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ancient capital city of Nabataea. Incense trade was the main source of the Nabateans’ affluence. Petra is a creation of both man and nature. A constant experience of awe and wonderment. No less than 800 monuments have been listed and archeologists never cease to discover new ones. Two days are necessary to discover the most astonishing monuments, on a site that stretches over no less than 100 km²(!): from the Khazneh, the most majestic of the tombs, to the splendid relics of the city’s lower parts (Roman theater, royal tombs); from the High Place of Sacrifice to the Ad Deir tomb that dominates the valley of Arabah. Dinner and night in Wadi Musa (Petra).
Day 5 Wadi Rum Drive to the Wadi Rum. Discovery with an all-terrain vehicle and by foot, in a breathtaking natural mineral setting: a sea of sand that gives rise to multicolor sandstone cliffs with strange shapes resting on their granite bedrock, as well as mountains eroded by winds and temperature variations. Ascent of the Jebel Burdah for a unique view on the Wadi Rum. The climb culminates with a walk on a natural arch, the largest of the Wadi Rum reserve. The ascent of the Jebel is easy but can be impressive because of the vertical height in some areas. Your guide will advise you and facilitate this climb for you (duration of the ascent: around 1 hour and 30 minutes). Dinner and bivouac in the Wadi Rum desert.
Day 6 Aqaba On the way to Jericho, stop at Wadi Qelt for an astonishing panoramic view of Jerusalem’s desert. Next, visit of the Mamluk Drive to the seaside site of Aqaba. Swim in the Red Sea and diving options. Dinner and night in Aqaba.
Day 7 Wadi Araba – Dead Sea Drive to the Dead Sea along the Wadi Araba, crossing the Wadi Mujib, one of the most spectacular wadis of Jordan. Then, unusual bath in the Dead Sea’s waters saturated with salt, at the lowest point on earth – about 400 meters below sea level. Transfer in the afternoon (several options).
Combined Trip PALESTINE - JORDAN For a wider panorama, the discovery of a grandiose natural and cultural heritage, of mythical locations, from Jerusalem to Petra. Contact us so that together, we can design your custom-made trip.