Embark on a transformative 4-day journey through the Holy Land, exploring the sacred sites of Israel through the lens of the Latter-day Saints’ perspective. Led by a private expert guide, you will unfold holy destinations and immerse in the stories of biblical Kings, prophets and saints. The below itinerary combines a variety of exciting destinations and engaging activities, ensuring an unforgettable tour experience for all ages and participants.
Begin your excursion with a warm welcome from your guide, who will then drive you to Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown. Explore the city center, where the Basilica of the Annunciation and the adjoining St. Joseph church commemorate Jesus’ childhood. Continue your journey to Cana, where the Wedding Church marks the biblical miracle of water transforming into wine (John 2). Following a lunch featuring Middle Eastern flavors, venture to the ancient ruins of Capernaum. Delve into the history of its ancient synagogue and church, gaining insights into Jesus’ miracles and teachings. Conclude the day in Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, or take a serene boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, absorbing its breathtaking views.
Touring Jerusalem as a Mormon is a deeply spiritual and enriching experience. Start at the Mount of Olives for a stunning panoramic view of Jerusalem. Proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before his arrest, and the adjacent Orson Hyde Park. Continue your pilgrimage to Mount Zion where you can visit the Room of the Last Supper where Jesus predicted his crucifixion. Enter the Jewish Quarter for a light lunch break, overlooking the biblical-era walls that resonate the narrative of Nephi sneaking into the city (1 Nephi 1:104). Head on the Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple, and join the Via Dolorosa, the historic route that marks by Catholic tradition the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion. Conclude the day at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which commemorates the place of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
Saturday / Sabbath will start with morning prayers at the Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center campus on Mount Scopus. Next, a Palestinian guide will lead you onto a tour of Bethlehem. Your first stop will be Church of the Nativity, maintaining a centuries-old tradition of the birthplace of Jesus. Reach the Grotto of the Nativity and admire the medieval art and architecture. Next, make your way to the Shepherd’s field, associated with the angel’s announcement to the shepherds. Following a lunch break, visit the tent-shaped chapel and the adjacent caves once used as dens for livestock. Conclude the day with a visit to the Garden Tomb. A local guide will lead you through the site and reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus. The peaceful surroundings of the garden are also ideal to end the day with prayer and contemplation.
Depart Jerusalem and traverse the picturesque landscapes of the Judean Desert, passing by Jericho and the Baptism site. Next to the Dead Sea, your guide will point to the caves where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Possibly visit Qumran, a mysterious archaeological site that may have been the headquarters of the group behind the Scrolls. Next, drive through the Ein-Gedi Nature Reserve and observe its unique wildlife. Reach Masada and enjoy its visitor center and the comfortable cable car ride to the top. Here, embark on an immersive archeological expedition, tracing King Herod’s grand palaces and the ingenious water system. Along its western flank you’ll encounter the Roman ramp and the synagogue where the poignant decision of the last Jewish defenders may have been made. After a lunch break, conclude the day with the unique sensation of floating in the hyper-saline waters of the Dead Sea.
