Learn firsthand the culture and history of Palestine and its people through an 8-day, 7-night tour of Jerusalem and cities of the West Bank. This program is designed to be an introductory journey to those seeking to learn more about the past, present and future of Palestine through a combination of guided tours, meetings and encounters with local people, and homestays with Bethlehem-area Palestinian families.
Day 1: Arrival. Arrival at Tel Aviv International Airport. Transfer to hotel in Bethlehem. Introduction and welcome by Angels Tours & Travel representative. Dinner and Overnight in Bethlehem .
Day 2: Bethlehem. General orientation to Bethlehem and the neighboring cities of Beit Sahour and Beit Jala. Begin tour in Beit Sahour, “the place of the Shepherds,” and the largest Christian village in the West Bank. Visit the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square, the Milk grotto, and Baytuna El-Talhami Museum. Visit Aida Refugee Camp, a community comprised of refugees and their descendants who were expelled from historic Palestine. Visit Solomon’s Pools and the village of Artas, and the Artas Folklore Museum for an evening of Palestinian folk music. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem
Day 3: Jerusalem. Begin day at the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the Old City and the Kidron Valley. Walk down to the Old City of Jerusalem. Walking tour of Old City streets and souq (traditional Oriental market) of the Four Quarters. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and (if possible), the Haram al-Sharif and Dome of the Rock. Meet with local Old City community organizations and Israeli human rights activists. Overnight in Bethlehem for homestay with local families.
Day 4: Hebron. Begin tour of Hebron with a meeting at the municipality and to hear from the mayor and municipality representatives to discuss the contemporary political situation in the city. Meet with the Christian Peacemaker Team (CPT) to learn about their role within the H-1 and H-2 sectors of the city. Walking tour of the Old City and interact with local shopkeepers and residents. Meet with the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee (HRC) to learn about their development work, local leaders of the Islamic community and then visit the Ibrahimi Mosque (also known as the Tombs of the Patriarchs) and a Hebronite glass and ceramic handicraft factory. Overnight in Bethlehem for homestay with local families.
Day 5: Jericho. Begin day with stop at Wadi Qelt (the Valley of the Shadow of Death) and St. George Khozeba Monastery. Tour of Hisham’s Palace, the Mount of Temptation via cable car, the Palestinian archaeological and antiquities museum funded by the Russian government and see the Tree of Zaccheus. Afternoon visit to the Dead Sea. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Day 6: Ramallah & Nablus. Visit to Ramallah cultural centers, including Riwaq Center for Cultural Preservation, and the tomb complex of Yasser Arafat. Meeting with Palestinian officials at the Palestinian Legislative Council. Continue on to Nablus and Mt. Gerizim to meet the Samaritan community. Visit the Old City of Nablus; walking tour of the Old City souq, Breik Spice Mill, Nablus soap factories, and historic mosques. Traditional Arabic dinner, evening visit to a Nablus hamam, a traditional Turkish steam bathhouse, (availability permitting) and a visit to a kanafeh (Palestinian cheese-based dessert) shop. Overnight in Nablus and prepare for departure.
Day 8: Sebastia & Departure. Morning visit to archaeological site of Sebastia. Transfer to Tel Aviv international airport for departure.