A journey through the Holy Land is way more than just a pilgrimage. Entrenched in the ancient but emphatically modern in outlook, nominally Jewish but with lots of Muslim and Christian influence, the complexities of Israel and the Palestinian Territories keeps even the most seasoned history buff intrigued. Eat Israeli street food in Tel Aviv, check out the terraced Bahai Gardens in Haifa, run your hands over the Western Wall, stroll around Manger Square and head out graffiti-spotting in Bethlehem, take a dip in the salty Dead Sea and journey into the Negev Desert to spend a night under the stars. Israel and the Palestinian Territories have more than a bit of history, they are brimming with life.

Highlights

Explore the Negev Desert, spotting constellations unimpeded by light pollution, and spending a night under the stars.

Walk the Way of Sorrows – the path Jesus took to the crucifixion, according to the Bible, and see the empty tomb he is said to have risen from.

Stop by a social organisation and enjoy a drink of their local drop at responsible boutique winery that employs adults with disabilities.

Wash off the dust of the desert with a float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea – a surreal experience that has to be felt to be believed.

Devour classic Israeli staples like hummus and falafel in the bustling metropolis of Tel Aviv or in the lively Machane Yedhua markets in Jerusalem.

Holy Land Highlights