Worldwide 2024-25

ISRAEL & PALESTINE • MIDDLE EAST
Discover Israel & the Palestinian Territories
Stretching along the eastern Mediterranean
coastline and pushing down to touch the
tip of the Red Sea, Israel and the Palestinian
territories pack many layers of history into
a relatively small area. It’s a land full of
powerful stories, which are brought to life
in the ancient remains and Biblical sites
scattered throughout.
From the dynamic modern city of Tel Aviv
with its vibrant nightlife, street cafes and
Mediterranean beaches, venture north to
the Biblical sites around the Sea of Galilee,
the old Crusader stronghold of Acre and
the terraced gardens of the Baha’i Shrine
in Haifa. To the south lies the Dead Sea,
the desert fortress of Masada, and the
beach resort of Eilat on the Red Sea coast.
However, the jewel in the crown has to be
the ancient city of Jerusalem, with a history
stretching back more than 3,000 years.
Jerusalem
Tower of David, Jerusalem
Temples, churches & historical sites •
Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial
Situated in the Judean Hills, the strategic
importance of this city has made it a muchfought-over
prize. Many rulers have left
their mark in the form of synagogues,
churches, mosques, minarets and shrines.
With monuments sacred to all three major
monotheistic religions, the city is of significant
importance for Christians, Jews and Muslims
alike. Outside the walls of the old city, the Yad
Vashem centre is Israel's offcial memorial to
the victims of the Holocaust.
Bethlehem
Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
Church of the Nativity, supposed birthplace
of Jesus
Just south of Jerusalem lies the Palestinian
city of Bethlehem, home to one of the oldest
continuously operating churches in the world,
the Church of the Nativity. Inside, the Grotto
of the Nativity is thought to be the actual cave
where Jesus was born, the spot indicated by
a 14-point star. The church itself is the focal
point of Manger Square, a major gathering
place for worshippers at Christmas, and just
outside Bethlehem the Shepherds’ Fields can
be visited.
Ancient port and marina of Acre
The North Coast
& the Sea of Galilee
Crusader fortifications in Acre • Baha’i
terraced gardens in Haifa
The Mediterranean city of Haifa is home to the
resplendent gold-domed Baha’i Shrine and
Persian Gardens. Further north, the walled city
of Acre has 12th-century Crusader remains. In
the town of Nazareth, where Mary learned from
the angel Gabriel that she was to have a child,
visit the Church of Joseph and the Basilica of the
Annunciation. Biblical sites around the Sea of
Galilee include Tabgha, site of the miracle of the
loaves and fishes; and the Mount of Beatitudes.
For more information or to book, contact us on 020 3930 5211 or speak to your travel agent
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