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Information, insights, advice, reviews, and recommendations about travel to and around Israel

Religious Sites

The Ultimate Israel Bucket List

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Whether you’re planning a trip to Israel in the near future or just dreaming of going one day, thinking of all the “must do” experiences can be overwhelming. There is so much! If you’re just not sure where to start, though, you’re in luck. Here is the ultimate Israel bucket list for all the essential things you want to see and do.

Hit the Beach in Tel Aviv

How many of the world’s major cities also feature a beach? Not many! Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv has the best of both worlds: A modern, urban city and a picture-perfect ocean. Spend your time catching some sun on the sand, or for the more adventuresome among us, try your hand at surfing, jet skiing, or parasailing.

Explore Caesarea National Park

Speaking of hanging out on the Mediterranean shore, just north of Tel Aviv is Caesarea National Park, known for its Roman aqueduct, Roman theatre, and Herodian hippodrome. In addition to its Roman history, it’s also important to Christians, as Paul was imprisoned here before being sent to trial in Rome.

Float in the Dead Sea

The saying is “sink or swim,” but neither is possible in the Dead Sea. You’ll simply float, since this is some of the saltiest water on planet Earth. It’s also one of the lowest, at 434 meters (1,125 feet) below sea level. Its mineral- and nutrient-rich mud has been known for its healing powers for millennia, and you can soak it all in on your trip to Israel (or Jordan, just on the other side).

Hike Up Masada

Some say you should take the cable car. We say that’s up to you. Either way, the views on the way up and back down are pretty epic. This is an important site in Jewish history, so definitely tour the fortress at the top as well. The hike is just over a mile one-way, and involves 1,000 steps, but it’s something Jewish adolescents and their families do at least once in the lives. (And you can take the cable car down if you like, no judgement here.)

Get the View from the Mount of Olives

Speaking of views, this is the best place for a view of Jerusalem. It’s a holy site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, as is Jerusalem. It’s within walking distance of the Old City of Jerusalem, and has been used as a Jewish cemetery for over 3,000 years, because this is the place where Jews believe the resurrection will begin, and those buried here will be resurrected first.

This site is important to Cheistians because this is where the Bible tells us in Acts 1:11 that Jesus ascended into Heaven. It is important to Muslims for the same reason, and because they believe the Mount of Olives is the site where the holy Kaaba will be reunited with its sister rock Al Haram Ash Sharif, or the Temple Mount. They also believe there will be a bridge of seven arches here that connects the Mount of Olives to the Temple Mount, and the righteous will walk across it to Heaven, while the unrighteous will fall off into Hell.

Hike into the Valley of Elah

The Valley of Elah is almost like a secret spot. It doesn’t make its way on to many Israel itineraries, as there is not a synagogue, church, or mosque here to mark the site. What site, you ask? This is the site of the David and Goliath battlefield. You can take in the view from Tel Azeka (where some tour groups stop for a brief visit), or you can take more time and hike down into the valley itself. You can even see the stream where David selected five smooth stones as his weapons of choice.

Explore Jericho

Known as the oldest city in the world, Jericho is an important archaeological site in the West Bank. It’s also one of the most well-known biblical sites in the Old Testament for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The fall of Jericho happened in Joshua chapter 6, after God had told the Israelites to march around every day for seven days. The biblical account also features Rahab, a prostitute. Because she helped the Israelite spies in Jericho, she and her entire family were saved, and she is one of five women mentioned in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17).

See the Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in Qumran, near the Dead Sea, but several of them are now on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The scrolls are the oldest-known copies of the Old Testament, or Hebrew Bible, with the exception of the book of Esther. They are housed in the Shrine of the Book, which was made to look like a cave, as the scrolls were discovered in a cave.

Visit Jesus’ Baptismal Site

East of Jerusalem, on the Israeli-Jordanian border, deep in the West Bank and surrounded by landmines (not where you’ll be driving or walking–don’t worry) is Qasr al-Yahud. This is the site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. It’s heavily guarded because the Jordan River here is literally the border, but Christians come here every day to see where it happened, and some even choose to be baptized here as Jesus was.

This site pulls double duty, though. This is also the site where the Israelites walked across the Jordan River into the Promised Land after wandering in the desert for 40 years. This makes it a significant site not just for Christians, but for Jews and Muslims as well.

Go to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane

The Mount of Olives is also a sacred site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Jesus went to the Mount of Olives often to pray, and both Judaism and Islam believe the Mount of Olives will be instrumental in the final judgement. As a bonus, it also has the best, most iconic view of the Old City of Jerusalem, so get your camera ready.

Just down the mountain, toward Jerusalem, is the Garden of Gethsemane. This is a particularly important site to Christians because it was here that Jesus prayed that God would find another way to save humanity without His death. This is also the place where he was betrayed by Judas and arrested. While you’re in the Garden of Gethsemane, it may also be meaningful to read Matthew 26:36-46 and/or Mark 14:32-42 for full context and imagine what it must have been like for Him.

Take a Boat Out on the Sea of Galilee

One of the most well-known miracles in Jesus life was the time he walked on the water. That happened on the Sea of Galilee, so for many Christians, going out on the water is an important bucket list item. Whether you’re here with a big group on one of the larger ships, going as authentic as possible in one of the wooden boats, or going it solo in a zodiac (with a local sailor, of course), being on the water where Jesus walked will be an experience you won’t want to miss.

Bonus: Don’t miss the “Jesus Boat” at the Yigal Allon Center while you’re out there–while it’s likely not Jesus’ actual boat, it is a first century fishing boat, just like one he would have used in real life.

Experience Shabbat

Shabbat is the day of rest for Jews all over the world, but it’s observed nation-wide in Israel. Everything from restaurants to museums shut down for the day. This could be an inconvenience for visitors, or it could be an opportunity to experience a unique aspect of Israel. Some restaurants offer Shabbat meals to visitors who want to learn more about it. Or, if you prefer, you can take time to reflect on your trip and rest up, maybe at the beach in Tel Aviv or at the Dead Sea.

If you want more, check out our Israel Travel Podcast all about How to Create Your Perfect Israel Itinerary on Apple Podcast and Spotify!

How to Visit Jesus’ (Real) Baptismal Site

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There’s a controversy in Israel. Well, there are several controversies in Israel. But there is one very important site for Christians that holds a bit of controversy: Where was Jesus baptized? The interesting thing is that we do know where it happened, but for years, Christians were told it was somewhere else. Curious? Keep reading.

Wait, there’s more than one baptismal site?

Well, yes there is. For many years (and sometimes still), Christian tourists were directed to a place called Yardenit at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee. That’s because the actual site in the West Bank, Qasr El-Yahud, was an inaccessible Jordanian military zone. It was literally in the middle of a mine field, making it completely unsafe for tourists.

The misdirection wasn’t intended to be deceptive so much as protective. Christians wanted to see where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, but it was far too dangerous. So they came up with the site in the Galilee region, where Christians were already visiting anyway, because Jesus lived and did so many of his miracles there. It made sense, and it kept the tourists safe.

Today, however, the landmines near the site have been cleared enough that is it perfectly safe to visit. In fact, it’s a great site to include with a day trip that includes Jericho, Masada, the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, etc.

How can I get to Qasr El-Yahud?

This site is in the West Bank, but it is accessible by car (not Israel-licensed rental car). Many tour buses make the trip out here as well. Public buses (961, 966, and 967) all come within 3.5 miles of the site, but you’ll still need transportation to get to the actual Qasr El-Yahud site. It’s best to go with a tour guide who is also a driver so you don’t need to deal with the logistics.

Can I get baptized there?

Yes, you can. Many Christians choose to be baptized, or even re-baptized here. Those who choose to can rent white baptismal clothes from the gift shop and visitor center at the site.

Is this site only for Christians?

Actually, this site just so happens to be an important one in Jewish history as well. According to Joshua 3, this is the site where the Israelites crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land of Israel after wandering in the desert for 40 years. Many see Jesus’ baptism here as symbolic for that reason.

Can I cross over to the Jordanian side?

Well, yes, but you can’t get there from here. There are three designated crossing points for the Israeli-Jordanian border, none of which is here. You’ll have to cross by land or air (from TLV to AMM), as crossing the Jordan River is prohibited the entire length of the border.

Is Qasr El-Yahud on your must-see list of places to go on your trip to Israel?

What is Masada, and Why Do I Need to Visit?

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While it didn’t necessarily play a role in the life of Jesus or the Jewish history he learned growing up, the mountain-top fortress that is Masada is an important place in Jewish history. It may not be on the top of your list of places to go in Israel (yet), but perhaps it should be. Here is what you need to know about Masada and why you’ll want to see it for yourself.

What is Masada?

Masada is a massive stone fortress on top of a Mesa, overlooking the Dead Sea. It was built by Herod the Great in the first century B.C. During the Great Jewish Revolt (also called the First Jewish-Roman War) in the early 70s A.D., a group of nearly 1,000 Jews took refuge here during the Siege of Masada. When they realized their capture was imminent, the men of the group made the choice to commit a mass murder-suicide, instead of allow themselves to be captured, imprisoned, tortured, and murdered by the Romans.

Only seven people survived (two women and five children) by hiding in a cistern. Josephus Flavius, the first century writer, recorded their story, which is how we know what happened there. It has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.

In a way, we keep Masada for the same reasons we keep Concentration Camps, as a reminder of tragedies in an effort not to repeat them, and to honor those who died. It’s a sad part of history, but it’s also significant in Jewish history because this was one of the last hold-outs while Jews were fleeing Judea (modern-day Israel) and settling in other places all over the world.

How can I get there?

The best way to get to Masada is with a driver and guide. Once there, you can choose to hike the Snake Trail or take the cable car up to the top. Many Jewish families hike the Snake Trail together at sunrise to celebrate coming-of-age birthdays.

Do I have to hike up?

No, you do not have to hike! The Snake Trail is about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers), but is very steep and takes about 45 minutes one-way to hike up. It’s a popular activity for some to hike up in time to see the sunrise. The cable car is certainly faster and easier for a casual visit.

What else is there?

Masada is an easy day trip on its own from Jerusalem. While you’re there, you can also take a float in the Dead Sea, stop at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, and visit Qumran (the Dead Sea Scroll Caves). You’ll be passing by both Jericho and Qasr El-Yahud (Jesus’ Baptismal Site) on the way as well, so you can include those as well if you like.

Is Masada on your list of places to visit in Israel?

The Best Day Trips from Jerusalem

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If you’re visiting Israel, odds are good that you’ll be based in Jerusalem, even if only for a few days. It’s the epicenter of holy sites for the world’s three main religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. But it’s also a great place to base yourself for several day trips (or half-day trips, as time allows). Here are the top destinations to consider when planning your trip, several of which can be combined into one day to truly maximize your time!

Best Day Trips from Jerusalem

The Valley of Elah

Lots of tour groups and individuals skip the Valley of Elah, but once they find out what it is, they’re disappointed that they missed it. No, there are no historic churches, mosques, or synagogues here to mark the spot. No, it’s not at the top of any “must do in Israel” list (except this one). So why bother?

Well, this is where David fought Goliath! Just under an hour from Jerusalem, this is a great half-day excursion any time of year. Start at Tel Azeka, where you can get a full view of the valley and the positioning of the Philistine and Hebrew troops as described in the Bible.

If you want to make this a more active excursion, plan to hike down into the valley and take in the view from below. Take the Tel Azeka Loop (1.4 miles total), and bring your Bible to read 1 Samuel 17 while you’re at it for reference.

A trip to the Valley of Elah can easily be combined with a trip to Tel Aviv-Jaffa.

Tel Aviv-Jaffa

While Tel Aviv is a destination in itself, you can definitely hit the highlights in a day if you’re pressed for time, especially if you’re planning to base yourself in Jerusalem for your trip. 

Start in Jaffa, and take a walking tour if you can. This was Israel’s main port city in ancient times, so it’s worth a look if you’re here for the history. Take a walking tour to see where Jonah set out to sea while avoiding God’s plan for Nineveh (Book of Jonah), see where Tabitha was raised from the dead (Acts 9:36-43), and stand in the place where Peter had a vision that meant Christianity was for all, not just the Jews (Acts 10:9-16).

Tel Aviv, on the other hand, is much more modern and progressive. As much as Jerusalem is conservative and pious, Tel Aviv is liberal and vibrant. Come for the beaches and boardwalks, check out the water sports, explore the museums, and indulge in diverse the international food scene. Plan to stay for the night? This is also the headquarters of Israel’s nightlife scene.

A trip to Tel-Aviv-Jaffa can easily be combined with a stop at the Valley of Elah.

Bethlehem

You already have this one on your “must go” list, right? It’s Jesus’ birthplace (Luke 2), so if you’re a Christian traveling to Israel, it’s basically the whole reason you’re coming! But even if you’re not religious, this is still such a famous and momentous place that you’ll still want to include it on your itinerary. You can see everything you want to see here in half a day, but if you have a full day to spend, you won’t get bored. 

Just be aware that Bethlehem is in the West Bank, which is a Palestinian Territory. That means you’ll need to bring your passport and arrange for a Palestinian guide and driver for the day. Also plan to either leave your rental car in the parking lot outside the checkpoint, plan to take the bus, or arrange for a driver to get you there and pick you up after. 

Tons of people do this, so don’t be intimidated by the logistics. This is one place in Israel, however, where it pays to go with a reputable company that can configure the logistics for you. 

A trip to Bethlehem can be combined with Jericho and/or Qasr El-yahud.

Jericho

It’s kind of ironic that you can take a day trip to the oldest city in the world, isn’t it? Dating back to around 9,000 B.C., it’s also the longest continuously-occupied city in the world. It’s also in the West Bank, like Bethlehem, so you will want to arrange for a Palestinian or Arab guide and driver for the day.

Jericho is famous for Jews and Christians as the city whose walls were miraculously crumbled in Joshua chapter 6. But Jesus was also familiar with the city thousands of years later. He met Zacchaeus, the short and hated tax collector, here in a Sycamore tree (Luke 19:1-10). Your guide may even be able to point out what is believed to be this same tree when you come.

A trip to Jericho can be combined with excursions to Bethlehem and/or Qasr El-yahud.

Qasr El-Yahud (Jesus’ Baptismal Site)

Another West Bank site (though easier for Israeli guides to bring you to) is the place on the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:13-17). It’s not far from Jericho, so it’s an easy site to add on to a day trip there as well. Just pay attention to its closing time in the afternoon.

The site is called Qasr El-yahud, which means “Tower” or “Castle of the Jews.” John the Baptist and Jesus’ disciples baptized many people here, making it an important place for Christians to visit. However, it’s also believed to be the site where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land after the Exodus from Egypt and 40 years of wandering in the desert. That makes it an important place in Jewish history as well. 

A trip to Qasr El-yahud can be combined with Qumran, Jericho and/or Bethlehem.

Qumran (Dead Sea Scroll Caves)

You can actually see some of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, which you should definitely do. But if you want to see the caves where they were found, you’ll need to plan a day trip to Qumran, about 45 minutes southeast of Jerusalem.

Here, you’ll learn about when and how the scrolls were discovered, then head outside to see some of the caves themselves. Make sure you can do this one early in the day in the summer months. The desert location far below sea level grows far too hot by afternoon.

A trip to Qumran can easily be combined with trips to Jericho, Qasr El-yahud, Ein Gedi, Masada, and/or the Dead Sea.

Ein Gedi

This site is notable for being the largest oasis in Israel, complete with palm groves and even an epic waterfall. The freshwater source here means it’s been inhabited for millennia, almost continuously. Presently, the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is one of the most popular sites in Israel, so it very well may already be on your list of places to go on your trip. 

Aside from the draw of natural beauty, Ein Gedi also has Biblical history attached. Joshua 15 mentions Ein Gedi as one of the wilderness cities that belonged to the Tribe of Judah. King David hid at Ein Gedi in 1 Samuel 23:29. And King Solomon wrote about vineyards of Ein Gedi in Song of Solomon 1:14. 

A trip to Ein Gedi can easily be combined with trips to Jericho, Qasr El-yahud, Qumran, Masada, and/or the Dead Sea.

Masada

Speaking of hot places, this one is popular at sunrise for a reason! Situated on a plateau overlooking the desert on three sides and the Dead Sea on the fourth, Masada has a long, difficult, important history for the Jewish people. 

Masada was originally built as a fortress by King Herod the Great around 37 B.C. In 73 A.D., a group of nearly 1,000 Jewish men, women, and children lived here while under siege by the Roman army. When defeat was imminent, a group of Jewish men killed everyone there, including each other, with the last man standing committing suicide. Only two women and five children survived to tell the historian and writer, Josephus, what happened, which is how we know about it today.

It’s an active archaeological site now, complete with fortress ruins and a state-of-the-art steam room once used by King Herod. Many Jewish families have a tradition of doing the hike up to Masada at sunrise for a child’s 12th birthday, but you’ll also find tourists doing this sunrise hike as well. You can hike (about 45-60 minutes each way) or take the cable car to the top and back down, or a combination of the two. Either way, don’t forget to take in the views along the way.

A trip to Masada can easily be combined with trips to Jericho, Qasr El-yahud, Qumran, Ein Gedi, and/or the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea

This is a bucket list item for many, and it’s an easy day trip to pair with several others on this list (Qasr El-Yahud, Qumran, Masada, Ein Gedi). It’s one of the lowest and saltiest places in the world, coming in at over 1,300 feet below sea level and over 34% salinity. What else makes it unique? The salinity allows visitors not to swim, but to float!

The Dead Sea is mentioned by a few different names in the Bible (the “Salt Sea,” “Sea of Arabah,” and the “Eastern Sea,” to name a few), but most importantly it’s referred to as the eastern border of Israel (Numbers 34:12). Also interestingly, biblical Sodom and Gomorrah, along with the supposed remains of Lot’s wife (Genesis 19), are located on the southeastern side of the Dead Sea, in Jordan. 

While you’re here, be sure to take a float and try the healing, exfoliating, skin-softening mud, too. Not into a mud bath? You can purchase products made from the minerals (and mud) of the Dead Sea to take home with you instead.

A trip to the Dead Sea can easily be combined with trips to Jericho, Qasr El-yahud, Qumran, Ein Gedi, and/or Masada.

Day Trips Not Recommended from Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a great place to base yourself for several day trips (or half-day trips), but it’s not perfect for exploring all of Israel. If you plan to visit Haifa, Caesarea, or Akko (aka Acre), Tel Aviv is a better base for that. If you’re interested in visiting Nazareth, Galilee, Capernaum, Migdal, or the Golan Heights, Tiberias in the Galilee region is a better place to stay for a night or two to see all of those places at a more leisurely pace.

All the Reasons You Want to Visit the Mount of Olives in Israel

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You’ve heard about it in countless sermons and sung many hymns in reference to it, so of course you want to visit the Mount of Olives for yourself. The same goes for the Garden of Gethsemane. But… Why? What really happened here, and why are these places still significant to us now? Here are all the good reasons to visit The Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane!

It has one of the best views of Jerusalem.

This seems like a superficial reason to visit at first. It really is a great place for photos of the Jerusalem cityscape, but it’s always been a great place for a view, even in Jesus’ time. He went to the Mount of Olives many times in his life, including in Luke 19:41-44 on his way to Jerusalem when he wept for the city: 

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

It’s part of a yet-unfulfilled Jewish prophecy. 

The Mount of Olives is home to a massive Jewish cemetery. Why? Because they believe this is where the Messiah will come. When that happens, the Mount of Olives will split in two, and the dead will rise from there first. So, if you’re Jewish and you’re buried on the Mount of Olives, you’ll ascend into Heaven first.

They believe this because in Tanakh (the Christians call this the Old Testament), Zechariah 14:3-4 says, “Then the Lord will go out and fight against all those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half the mountain moving south.”

Fun fact: The Mount of Olives Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in the world, and it’s active still today!

It’s part of a fulfilled prophesy for Christians. 

For Christians, the prophesy that the Messiah will come happened when Jesus came. Psalm 118:26 reads, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” And in Luke 19:37-38, Jesus fulfills this verse. Luke writes, “When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.” 

Zechariah 9:9 reads, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout Daughter of Jerusalem! See your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, on a foal of a donkey.” And in Luke 19:28-44, we read that Jesus did, in fact, ride from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem, which we often call the “Triumphal Entry,” on a donkey. 

Jesus was also sitting on the Mount of Olives in Mark 13, within sight of Jerusalem and the Temple there, when his disciples Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him to tell them when the end of days would come. Read Mark 13:1-37 for his complete response, but essentially, this is the passage where Jesus says that there would be wars, nation against nation, earthquakes, famines, and that the disciples should be on their guard because no one knows the date or time of Jesus’ second coming. 

Jesus prayed for God’s will to be done in the Garden of Gethsemane, on the Mount of Olives.

Luke 22:39 says that after the Last Supper, “Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.” He asked God to take the cup from him, meaning he was asking for his blood not to be shed in the way he knew was coming, but in the same breath he expressed his desire for God’s ultimate will to be done. 

In verses 43 and 44, Luke writes that “An angel from Heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”

This is where Judas betrayed Jesus.

It was on the Mount of Olives, in Mark 14:42-50 that Judas kissed Jesus to let the guards know whom to arrest. After praying for God to take the cup from him, Jesus was talking to his disciples and said to them in verse 42, “Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer.” He saw Judas coming. Judas gave the signal, a kiss, and Jesus was arrested and taken for his trial in Jerusalem. 

This is the place where Jesus ascended into Heaven after the resurrection.

For Christians, this is certainly the most important reason to want to visit the Mount of Olives. We can read about that in Luke 24:50-53. The town of Bethany is on the east side of the Mount of Olives, which is where Jesus led the disciples to bless them after the resurrection, before his ascension into Heaven. Afterward, “Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.”

Is the Mount of Olives on your “must-go” list while in Israel? Take your Bible with you, and read the passages above while you’re there, and see if it changes your understanding of what happened here, and how it affects your faith. 

Biblical Sites in the West Bank

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The West Bank covers a huge portion of the area currently controlled by the State of Israel. But because the West Bank is one of the two Palestinian Territories (the other is Gaza, where you definitely should not go, nor would you be allowed to!) , people are sometimes nervous about visiting sites in the West Bank, or they plan to visit them on their own and then find out they can’t take their rental car across the border between Israel and the West Bank. But there are many sites worth seeing in the West Bank, especially for Christians. Here are the must-see Biblical sites in the West Bank!

Jericho 

Every kid who ever went to Sunday school knows about Jericho. The Israelites marched around and around the city every day for a whole week, they blew their horns, and the “walls came tumbling down!” As a little kid, hearing about that happening was epic.

And when we got older, we all learned about the scandalous harlot Rahab—who, let’s not forget, ended up in the lineage of Jesus. The account of Jericho appeals to a broad audience, and it’s one of the places you know you want to see on your trip to Israel.

But let’s not forget about the Jericho that Jesus knew, and another beloved Bible story from Sunday school. He was just passing through Jericho, and one of the most unlikely people showed an interest in him. Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector and probably least popular person in town, was too short to see Jesus over the crowd, so he climbed up in a sycamore tree to see. (Luke 19:1-10) And you can see where it happened when you visit Jericho for yourself.

Hebron

About an hour south of Jerusalem is a West Bank town called Hebron. It may seem vaguely familiar, but also maybe not, so no worries if it doesn’t. Abraham and Sarah lived and are buried here, making Hebron an important site for Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. Muslims call this the Sanctuary of Abraham, and Jews and Christians both know it as the Cave of the Patriarchs. (Genesis chapters 13, 23, 25, 47, and 49) 

Later in the Old Testament, in Joshua 14:13, Joshua gave Hebron to Caleb as an inheritance. In fact, King David ruled from Hebron for seven and a half years until he moved into Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 2:8-11)

Qasr El-Yahud 

This site is actually important for both Jews and Christians. This is the crossing point of the Jordan River where the Israelites were finally able to enter the Promised Land after wandering in the desert for 40 years. It’s still the present-day border between Jordan and Israel or the West Bank. (Joshua 3)

But Christians have another reason to want to visit Qasr El-Yahud. This is the place where John the Baptist baptized many people, including Jesus. Many people choose to be baptized here, so the gift shop offers white robes and towels (for a fee) for those who want to be baptized in the same place as Jesus. (Matthew 3:15 and Mark 1:9)

Qumran Caves

You won’t find an exact mention of Qumran or the caves in the Bible, but they are very important to Biblical history. In the 1940s, local shepherds found the first of nearly 1,000 scrolls that would become known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. They are the earliest copies we have of the books of the Old Testament, with the exception of the book of Esther. 

The dry climate at the Dead Sea – and inside these caves – is perfect for preserving manuscripts like these. The scrolls themselves are on display in a handful of museums around the world, including several at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. 

Dead Sea

Part of the Dead Sea lies within the borders of the West Bank, part of it lies within the Israeli border, and of course the eastern side belongs to the country of Jordan. The same is true in the Bible: The Dead Sea, the Salt Sea, and the Valley of Siddim are all terms used to describe this unique lake in the Bible as the eastern border of Israel. (Numbers 34:12)

Bethlehem

This is the birthplace of Jesus, so there are several important sites visitors want to see here. You can visit the Shepherds’ Field, birthplace, and caves where the family stayed while they were in Bethlehem. If you’re a Christian, you may want to tour the sites with a Palestinian Christian guide for a truly local perspective – their home church will be one of the churches built over the sites you came to see. How cool would it be to know that the place where you worship every Sunday is the same place where Jesus was born? (Luke 2)

Also interesting is that this isn’t just Jesus’ first hometown. It was also King David’s hometown. Before he knocked out Goliath and became King of all Israel, David was the youngest son of a local family and a shepherd in the fields you came to see. (1 Samuel 16:1-13) Going back even further in Jewish history, this is also the hometown of Ruth and Boaz. (Book of Ruth) These people—among others—were all from Bethlehem and mentioned in the lineage of Jesus. (Luke 3:23-38)