The places your faith comes alive

The freshwater sea where Jesus spent much of his ministry. The towns of Capernaum, Magdala, and Tabgha sit along its shores, and the hills where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount look out over its waters.

A short drive from Jerusalem, Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus and home to the Church of the Nativity — one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world.

The childhood home of Jesus, Nazareth is a living city with a vibrant Christian community. The Basilica of the Annunciation marks the traditional site of the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary.

The lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea is a geological wonder. Float effortlessly in its mineral-rich waters and explore the ancient fortress of Masada overlooking it from the west.

The site of Jesus' baptism by John, the Jordan River is one of the most spiritually significant waterways in the world. Many pilgrims choose to be baptized or renew their baptismal vows here.

The rose-red city carved into sandstone cliffs, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom and a wonder of the ancient world. Available as an extension to any Israel itinerary.

Built by Herod the Great, Caesarea was the Roman capital of Judea and a magnificent Mediterranean port city. Its ancient theater, aqueduct, and harbor ruins are extraordinarily well preserved.

Herod's desert fortress palace atop a sheer mesa above the Dead Sea. Masada became the site of the last Jewish revolt against Rome — a story of extraordinary courage and endurance.

Rising above the Kidron Valley east of the Old City, the Mount of Olives offers the most iconic panoramic view of Jerusalem. Ancient Jewish tombs cover its slopes, and its churches mark some of the most significant events in Jesus' final days.

Nestled at the foot of the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane contains ancient olive trees that may date back to the time of Christ. The Basilica of the Agony stands over the rock where Jesus prayed before his arrest.

Considered the world's oldest continuously inhabited city, Jericho sits in the Jordan Valley at more than 250 meters below sea level. Its ancient tel rises over a lush desert oasis, and the Mount of Temptation looms above the city.

The ancient city of Megiddo sits atop a strategic hill overlooking the Jezreel Valley. Its ruins span 6,000 years of history — from Canaanite temples to Israelite stables to a stunning ancient water tunnel carved through solid rock.

A lush mountain range stretching along Israel's Mediterranean coast above modern Haifa. The Muhraka chapel marks the traditional site of Elijah's dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal, with sweeping views over the Jezreel Valley.

The main city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, Tiberias serves as the base for most Galilee itineraries. The warm mineral springs have drawn visitors since Roman times, and the old city retains a layered ancient character.

One of the oldest cities in the world and deeply significant to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, Hebron is home to the Cave of Machpelah — the traditional burial site of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives.

Set against dramatic desert cliffs above the Dead Sea, Qumran is the site where a Bedouin shepherd discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947 — the most significant biblical manuscript find in history. The caves where the scrolls were hidden are visible in the cliffs above.

A stunning desert oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea, En Gedi features freshwater springs, cascading waterfalls, and rich wildlife emerging from the barren Judean wilderness. Ibex graze the cliffs, and hyraxes sun themselves on ancient rocks.

A summit in Jordan overlooking the Promised Land, Mount Nebo offers a sweeping panorama stretching from the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea to Jerusalem and beyond on clear days. The memorial church contains stunning Byzantine mosaics from the 4th–6th centuries.

One of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, Jerash in northern Jordan offers colonnaded streets, triumphal arches, temples, and theaters that have survived remarkably intact for 2,000 years.

Only recently excavated and opened to visitors, Magdala is the hometown of Mary Magdalene on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The site includes a remarkably preserved first-century synagogue and the modern Duc In Altum chapel built around the excavation.