ISRAEL ✡︎ THE PROMISED LAND

Israel, located in the Middle East on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, has a history that spans thousands of years, dating back to biblical times when it was known as the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah. Over the centuries, the land of Israel has been conquered and ruled by various empires, including the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans.

Today, one of the great privileges of our time is the opportunity to visit Israel. It is the one place where believers can immerse themselves in the life of Jesus Christ and the remarkable biblical story of redemption. At Nahal Tours, we feel deeply privileged to help you fulfill your desire to make this meaningful journey.

We encourage you to embark on your very own pilgrimage and profoundly encounter the rich heritage we have in Jesus Christ. Experience the vibrant culture, the breathtaking sites, and the timeless stories beautifully preserved in God’s Word.

Tour Itinerary «

YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITS

This sample 11-day schedule provides a summary view of the travel schedule. Nahal Tours is blessed to share a partnership with our teams in Israel and can customize tour schedules to suit the vision of our tour leaders.

DAY 1: DEPART FOR ISRAEL
Meet at the airport and depart from the US on an overnight flight to Tel Aviv, Israel

DAY 2: ARRIVE IN TEL AVIV
Upon arrival in Tel Aviv, you will settle into your comfortable accommodations at a coastal hotel

DAY 3: ALONG THE COAST
Visit the ancient Roman city of Caesarea. Then continue to Mount Carmel, the valley of Meggido, Nazareth and Cana

DAY 4: GALILEE
Visit the Ancient Boat museum then take a serene open air wooden boat ride on Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum, the beautiful Mt. of Beatitudes and enjoy a St. Peter’s fish lunch

DAY 5: THE NORTH
Travel north to visit Caesarea Philippi, Tel Dan, and the Headwaters of the Jordan River and Yardenit Baptismal site

DAY 6: THE JORDAN VALLEY
Tour Beit Shean, Gideon’s Spring. Stop at Qasr El Yahud, the site of John the Baptist’s ministry, as you make your way up to Jerusalem to oversee the city from Mt. Scopus

DAY 7: JERUSALEM
Retrace the steps of Jesus as you visit the Mount of Olives, Palm Sunday Road, and the Garden of Gethsemane. Then visit Caiaphas House before venturing into Bethlehem

DAY 8: JERUSALEM
Temple Mount, Pool of Bethesda, Via Delarosa. Church of the Holy Sepulchre, City of David, Pool of Siloam

DAY 9: JUDEAN DESERT
Qumran, Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Swim

DAY 10: JERUSALEM
Jewish Quarter, Roman Cardo, Hezekiah’s Wall, Western Wall, Western Wall Tunnel, Temple Southern Steps, Garden Tomb

DAY 11: DEPART FOR USA

Explore the Land «

Discover the rich biblical heritage of Israel with our interactive clickable map, designed to inspire and inform your journey. Explore iconic locations tied to Scripture, from the Sea of Galilee to Jerusalem, and uncover the deep spiritual significance they hold.

OUR FAVORITE LOCATIONS

JERUSALEM «

Jerusalem is a city located in the heart of Israel, and is considered one of the most historic and religiously significant cities in the world. It is home to many important religious sites, including the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The city is divided into four quarters: the Jewish Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, and the Armenian Quarter. Each quarter has its own distinct character and cultural heritage, and visitors can explore the narrow streets, markets, and ancient buildings that have been part of the city for thousands of years. Jerusalem is also known for its rich history, from the time of King David and Solomon to the era of the Crusades and beyond. Today, the city is a vibrant and bustling metropolis, with a diverse population and a mix of modern and ancient architecture. Whether you’re interested in history, religion, culture, or just exploring a fascinating and beautiful city, Jerusalem has something to offer for everyone.

THE OLD CITY GATES «

The Old City of Jerusalem, a place of immense historical, religious, and cultural significance, is a walled area within the modern city of Jerusalem. This ancient part of the city is home to some of the most sacred sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. One of its most fascinating features is its eight gates, each with its own unique history and significance.  Use the scroll feature below to see the locations of each of the 8 gates.

GALILEE «

Galilee refers to all of the area that is north of the Mount Carmel-Mount Gilboa ridge and south of the east–west section of the Litani River. It extends from the Israeli coastal plain and the shores of the Mediterranean Sea with Acre in the west, to the Jordan Rift Valley to the east; and from the Litani in the north plus a piece bordering on the Golan Heights all the way to Dan at the base of Mount Hermon in the northeast, to Mount Carmel and Mount Gilboa in the south. This definition includes the plains of the Jezreel Valley north of Jenin and the Beth Shean Valley, the valley containing the Sea of Galilee, and the Hula Valley. (source: wiki) It is in this storied region where Jesus lived most of his life and performed most of his earthly ministry.

DEAD SEA «

The Dead Sea, a unique and extraordinary destination, is an essential stop for the Christian pilgrim visiting Israel. Located in the Jordan Rift Valley, this remarkable body of water is known for its extremely high salt content, allowing visitors to effortlessly float on its surface. The Dead Sea region holds significant biblical history, being near the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. As you explore this area, you will not only witness the natural wonder of the lowest point on Earth but also connect deeply with the rich spiritual heritage that surrounds it.

TEL AVIV | JOPPA

Tel Aviv, a vibrant and modern city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, offers a captivating blend of ancient and contemporary experiences for the Christian pilgrim. Adjacent to Tel Aviv is Joppa (now known as Jaffa), one of the oldest ports in the world, rich in biblical history. It was here that the prophet Jonah set sail before his encounter with the great fish, and where Peter had his vision that led to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian church. As you walk through the charming, narrow streets of Jaffa, you will find yourself stepping into the pages of the Bible, bridging the past and present in this remarkable coastal region.

Culinary Adventures Await «

ISRAELI AND ARABIC CUISINE

Israeli and Arabic cuisine are two distinct culinary traditions with unique histories and cultural influences. While there are similarities between the two, each has its own flavor profile, ingredients, and cooking techniques that make them stand out.

Israeli cuisine is a fusion of Jewish, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cooking traditions. The country’s diverse population, which includes immigrants from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, has contributed to the evolution of Israeli cuisine over time. Some of the most popular Israeli dishes include falafel, hummus, shakshuka, and sabich, which are all influenced by Arab cuisine. However, Israeli cuisine also incorporates traditional Jewish dishes such as challah bread, gefilte fish, and matzo ball soup.

One of the defining features of Israeli cuisine is its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Mediterranean climate and fertile soil of Israel make it an ideal place for growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Israeli chefs also place a heavy emphasis on seasonality and sustainability, which has led to the rise of farm-to-table restaurants and a focus on reducing food waste.

Arabic cuisine, on the other hand, is a broad term that encompasses the culinary traditions of many countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Arab cuisine is characterized by its use of spices and herbs, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and sumac, as well as ingredients like lamb, chicken, and chickpeas. Some of the most popular Arabic dishes include tabbouleh, kibbeh, baba ghanoush, and stuffed grape leaves.

One of the most important aspects of Arabic cuisine is hospitality. In Arab culture, it is customary to serve guests a variety of dishes and to make sure that they are well-fed and satisfied. This has led to the creation of elaborate feasts, known as mezze, which feature a variety of small dishes that are meant to be shared and enjoyed.

Despite their differences, Israeli and Arabic cuisine share many commonalities. Both rely heavily on vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as hummus, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves, as well as grilled meats and fresh salads. Both cuisines also place a high value on hospitality and sharing food with family and friends.

Israeli and Arabic cuisine are two rich and diverse culinary traditions that have influenced each other over time. While they have their own unique characteristics, they also share many similarities and are both beloved for their delicious flavors and emphasis on hospitality. Whether you prefer hummus and falafel or tabbouleh and baba ghanoush, both Israeli and Arabic cuisine offer a rich and satisfying culinary experience.