Expedition Details
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Holy Land on a special expedition inspired by the peacebuilding efforts of National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah. Explore the City of David and Masada, glide across the Sea of Galilee, and discover Jerusalem through the eyes of Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Hear a broad spectrum of narratives on this expedition designed in true partnership by Israelis and Palestinians, Arabs and Jews.
Trip Highlights
- Meet artists and politicians, settlers and refugees, imams and rabbis.
- Explore the archaeological wonders of Caesarea Maritima with National Geographic Emerging Explorer Beverly Goodman.
- Enjoy a unique dual narrative provided by the Israeli and Palestinian peacebuilders who accompany you throughout the expedition.
- Visit the Holocaust memorial Yad Vashem with a Holocaust survivor.
Itinerary - 12 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Tel Aviv, Israel/Jerusalem
Take an overnight flight to Tel Aviv, and meet your fellow travelers for the transfer to Jerusalem. Relax at the hotel before our welcome dinner tonight.
American Colony Hotel (D)
Day 3 — Jerusalem
Begin the day atop the Mount of Olives, taking in a panoramic view of the domes, spires, and golden stones of Jerusalem’s Old City. Meet a rabbi at the Western Wall, touch the ancient stones, and learn about the significance of this sacred place. Ascend the Temple Mount, capped by the shining cupola of the Dome of the Rock. Here, an imam from the Al-Aqsa Mosque will explain the importance of the holy site to Muslims. Then explore the Byzantine Roman Cardo and the first-century baths in the old Jewish Quarter. Finally, a local pastor leads us through the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, home to six Christian sects and, according to tradition, the tomb of Jesus.
American Colony Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Jerusalem
Just outside the Old City walls lies the City of David, thought to be the original capital city established by King David some 3,000 years ago. Venture into the archaeological site, and meet with its Israeli administrators, and later with residents of the nearby Palestinian neighborhood who oppose the excavations. Go behind closed doors to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with an Israeli politician. Then travel to Ramallah, the administrative headquarters of the Palestinian Authority. Here, we have rare access to their offices, and a chance to hear the Palestinian perspective from a high-ranking politician.
American Colony Hotel (B,L)
Day 5 — Jerusalem
Today, trace the turbulent history of the birth of Israel. At Yad Vashem, Israel’s moving memorial to the Holocaust, meet with a Holocaust survivor for a personal glimpse into one of history’s darkest moments. Then travel to Ein Kerem, where Christian tradition says John the Baptist was born. An Israeli and a Palestinian guide will each tell their divergent narrative of the village’s role in Israel’s 1948 War of Independence. At Ammunition Hill, the site of one of the most brutal battles of the Six Day War in 1967, soldiers from both sides tell their stories from the war. Tonight, gather for a panel discussion with Israeli and Palestinian peace activists from the Bereaved Families Forum.
American Colony Hotel (B,D)
Day 6 — Bethlehem and the West Bank
Travel to Bethlehem and meet with the mayor to learn about the city’s shrinking Christian population. Stop by Manger Square and, at the Church of the Nativity, descend into the cave revered by many as the birthplace of Jesus. Walk through a nearby Palestinian refugee camp, and speak with its residents about their lives. Continue to the Gush Etzion settlement bloc to hear the viewpoints of Israeli settlers. Our final stop is Herodion, a volcano-shaped hill and fortress built by Herod the Great. After dinner, take in a music performance by a group of Israeli and Palestinian musicians.
American Colony Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Jerusalem/Jericho/Dead Sea
This morning, visit the Israel Museum, where the collections include the Dead Sea Scrolls. Drive down through the Judean Desert to Jericho for a tour of the Old City. Meet with environmentalists from Friends of the Earth Middle East, and learn about efforts to foster Arab-Jewish cooperation and protect the Dead Sea. Then check into a hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea, and treat yourself to a rejuvenating float in its mineral-rich waters.
Daniel Dead Sea Hotel (B,L)
Day 8 — The Jordan River Valley/Tiberias
Soar up the flank of Masada in a gondola and explore King Herod’s 2,000-year-old mountaintop refuge, site of a legendary siege by the Romans. Follow the Jordan Valley north to the Roman city of Bet She’an to see its remarkably preserved amphitheater, baths, and column-lined streets. Stop to dip your feet in the Jordan River where thousands of Christian pilgrims are baptized each year. Visit a kibbutz in Galilee to learn about early Jewish communities in Israel, then check into our hotel in Tiberias which overlooks the Sea of Galilee.
The Scots Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Galilee
Sail across the Sea of Galilee on a boat ride from Tiberias to Capernaum, where Jesus lived and preached, and which was home to many apostles, including Peter. Continue north to Caesarea Philippi, a center of worship from the Hellenic age to the early Christian era. Explore this area as you wish this afternoon: follow a scenic trail to the Banias waterfall, kayak the Hasbani River, or hike to the ancient city of Dan. As the sun begins to set, take a drive through the Golan Heights.
The Scots Hotel (B,L)
Day 10 — Nazareth/Caesarea Maritima/Tel Aviv
Join an Israeli Arab Christian for a visit to Nazareth’s Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East. On an excursion to the mountaintop village of Beit Jann, discover the secretive traditions of the Druze, and enjoy lunch with a Druze family in their home. Continue south to Caesarea Maritima, Herod’s harbor city, and explore the site with geo-archaeologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Beverly Goodman. The bustling city of Tel Aviv is our home tonight.
The Dan Tel Aviv Hotel (B,L)
Day 11 — Jaffa/Tel Aviv/U.S.
Historians meet us for a tour of Jaffa, a strategic port town dating back to the Bronze Age. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore before a farewell dinner with Israeli and Palestinian peacemakers. After breakfast the next morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
The Dan Tel Aviv Hotel (B,D)
Day 12 — Tel Aviv/U.S.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
(B)
Optional Extension
- Petra, Jordan - Post-Trip Extension, 4 Days
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Aziz Abu Sarah
Named a 2011 National Geographic Emerging Explorer for his groundbreaking work as a cultural educator, Aziz Abu Sarah has dedicated his life to bringing Israelis and Palestinians together to find common ground, build mutual understanding, and forge lasting relationships. He has spoken in hundreds of churches, synagogues, and mosques, before both the European Parliament and the United Nations, and at many universities on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, peace, reconciliation, and interfaith dialogue. He is co-executive director of George Mason University’s Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution.
Aziz will join the following departures:
Oct 12 - 23, 2012 • Nov 02 - 13, 2012Apr 12 - 23, 2013 • Apr 26 - May 07, 2013
Expedition Costs
Please note: A State Department travel warning for Israel is currently in effect (click here to view the State Department's information page on Israel and the West Bank). We expect to operate this trip as planned, but will continue to closely monitor events in the region, and will alter the itinerary if necessary.
