Holy Land Tour: How to Plan an Unforgettable Journey

Find Out Everything You Need to Go on a Spiritual Trip to the Holy Land

Did you ever dream of walking in Jesus’s footsteps? Witnessing the ancient lands of Scripture, where faith was born, and miracles unfolded, is a profound and transformative experience. A Holy Land tour is the perfect way to do so. 

Going on a Holy Land tour with a local, professional guide who has dedicated her/his life to learning about the Holy Land can be a great way to learn more and make the most out of your visit to Israel. Organize your own private group and embark on a personalized spiritual journey tailored to your community’s needs.

To help you start planning, we’ve made a list of the top 10 tips you must know before visiting.

1. What are the Must See Sites in the Holy Land?

There are so many significant sites to visit during your tour to Israel. With so many options, it can get pretty difficult to choose, but don’t worry – we’ve made a list of 11 sites you must visit.

Holy sites in the Galilee

Nazareth and the Church of Annunciation are important places to Christians from different denominations and should not be missed, as Jesus of Nazareth spent a lot of time in this area.

Cana is famous as it is where the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine took place. Additionally, it is home to the popular “Wedding Church,” where many happy couples renew their vows to this day.

Magdala is where Mary Magdalene was born. It is now possible to visit the remains of the ancient city and feel what it was like to live during Jesus’s time.

Mt. Beatitudes, where Jesus gave the “Sermon on the Mount,” also offers a beautiful view of the area. Look around and enjoy the view Jesus saw with his own eyes when giving the sermon!

Mt. Tabor, on the top of this beautiful mountain, is The Church of Transfiguration. It was built in honor of the transfiguration of Jesus himself, which according to tradition, took place right there.

Holy Sites in Jerusalem

Jericho is perhaps the oldest city in the world, located in the scenic Judean Desert. This is the place where the devil attempted to tempt Jesus Christ. Don’t miss the opportunity to ascend Mt. Temptation and witness it with your own eyes.

Bethlehem is a must. The Church of Nativity located at Manger Square is said to be built right where Jesus was born.

Mt. Olives is a cemetery that once was covered in olive groves. Now, it overlooks the Old City of Jerusalem and offer a breath-taking panoramic view of the city.

The Garden of Gethsemane is the very place where Jesus prayed and his disciples slept the night before his crucifixion.

Via Dolorosa, the Stations of the Cross, is where you will literally walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Make your way past the very places Jesus saw on his way to the cross.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Jesus was crucified, is another site to visit when in Jerusalem.

2. What Hotels are Best Suited for Pilgrims?

No tour can be complete without the right accommodation. Choosing the right hotels is a crucial part of any tour and can add a lot to the experience.

So, what would our team recommend? There are many good accommodation options to choose from. If you would like to stay at traditional hotels, check out our post about hotel classes in Israel. If you would like a more authentic pilgrimage experience, these are our top 3 choices:

Magdala Guesthouse

The Magdala Guesthouse is located in beautiful Magdala and offers a pleasant home to any pilgrim.

Mt. Beatitudes Guesthouse

Clean, calm, and full of kindness – this is a lovely way of experiencing the Galilee.

Notre Dame of Jerusalem

What better way to experience a historical city than to stay in a historical building? Notre Dame of Jerusalem has been welcoming guests since the end of the 19th century. Many pilgrims enjoyed the guesthouse’s hospitality and excellent location, right next to the Old City’s walls and the New Gate.

3. How to Decide on your Group’s Size

We offer both private Holy Land Tours for small groups and individuals, as well as an option to organize a group and visit with your church and community. A private tour option is most recommended for couples and families, as it gives more flexibility when choosing sites to visit and determining a certain pace. Bigger groups, on the other hand, though less flexible, are often very meaningful for the participants. It lets a community unite in a beautiful, mutual experience different from than the regular time together at home.

Once you decide which option is best, contact our team. One of our experts would love to assist you and your loved ones in organizing a tour.

4. Guides and Spiritual Leaders

We recommend the group come with its own Pastor/Leader rather than searching for a local one. This will ensure that you will be accompanied by your own spiritual leader who resonates with you and will make your Holy Land tour a more meaningful experience. Additionally, you will not need to depend on local clergymen in case you would like to have a Mass, baptize in the Jordan River, or renew your vows in Cana.

5. How to Book Masses in the Holy Land

The one crucial factor to booking masses is very simple: book in advance to secure availability at your preferred churches. From our experience, masses are booked many months before arrival, and availability becomes quite scarce as your arrival grows nearer.

The Galilee Sea, Israel

6. Where is the best Baptism Site? 

A “literal” way of walking in the footsteps of Jesus is to baptize in the Jordan River is a great way of reconnecting and having a spiritual moment.  

The most popular baptism site is the Yardenit,  near the Galilee Sea. It is a well-established site that’s been welcoming pilgrims for quite a while now. This site is considered one of the most important sites in the Galilee, and we include this holy site in all our Israel tour packages, which are suitable for all faiths. Another great option is the rising Qasr al-Yahud baptism site, located further South of the Jordan River, near Jericho. If you are not with a group, Private Day tours are an effortless way to travel and be baptized. Embark on a personalized pilgrimage with our private day tours. Ideal for individual travelers. Contact us here to learn more.

If you plan to baptize in any of these sites, a pastor is not always available, so contact us to plan your special day.

7. Couples Activity: Renewal of Vows in Cana

One of the most meaningful moments of our lives is the day we marry a beloved partner. Sometimes, the daily routine may make us forget why we decided to share our lives. A great way to remind ourselves of the reasons is to renew the vows we took all those years ago. And what better time is there to do this than right now, in the Holy Land, where Jesus walked?

We are always thrilled to help our guests renew their vows at the Wedding Church in Cana. If you do not have a pastor traveling with you, we recommend booking in advance to secure availability for a clergyman. Let us know your preference and our team will handle the booking. Contact us now to make your booking. Happy renewal!

8. How to book your Christmas Holy Land Tour

Christmas is one of the most popular times for Christians to visit. Going on a Holy Land tour during this time is an unforgettable experience. Christmas trees are being lit in Nazareth, Jerusalem, and, of course, Bethlehem, Jesus’s birthplace. What better way to celebrate Jesus’s birth than to visit the very place he was born?

Many of our travelers find this a meaningful experience, whether they go on a private tour or join one of our Israel Christmas tour packages – now available for 2024!

9. What to Know when Visiting during “Holy Week”?

Visits during Easter have benefits and drawbacks. Visiting the holy sites during a holiday is undoubtedly a unique experience. A big bonus is that the weather during Spring in Israel is usually perfect for traveling at this time: warm but not too hot.

As Easter usually falls at the same time as Passover, a national Jewish holiday, this Holy Week is a very busy time to visit Israel. Christians and Jews love to visit during this time. Many seize the opportunity to enjoy the nice weather. The holy sites and nature reserves may be crowded, so pack your patience and holiday spirit on this extraordinary journey. 

10. Capturing the Spirit: Photos vs. Presence on a Sacred Pilgrimage

In today’s digital age, capturing moments through photography has become an integral part of our lives. Personal photographs serve as tangible reminders of unique moments shared and experiences lived. They offer a deeper connection to the places you visit and the people you’re with, transforming your Holy Land Trip into a truly unforgettable experience.

11. Don’t Go Home Empty Handed! Pilgrimage Certificates through Noah Tours

We’d love you to take home some great memories from your Holy Land tour. What better way than a souvenir? Noah Tours arranges for a pilgrimage certificate for all of our pilgrim groups.

Any questions? Don’t be shy! Our team would be more than happy to speak with you. Contact us here for further information regarding Holy Land tours.