Text and photos by Robert Scheer
Across the narrow Qidron Valley from the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem is the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Chapel of the Ascension, where Jesus is believed to have ascended to Heaven.
Israel is a small nation, and it is possible to drive from the Sea of Galilee in the northeast to the Negev desert in the southwest in less than one day, but in between you will find so many sacred and historical sites that it would take you years to see them all. Some of the most memorable are near the Dead Sea, about a two hour’s drive from Jerusalem. On the way you will pass by the spot where the Biblical “Good Samaritan” encounter took place. Qumran is an archaeological dig where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Not far away, at Masada you can ride a cable car up to the Roman fort captured by Zealots in 66 c.e. and held until 73 c.e. when the besieged defenders chose death at their own hands rather than surrender to the Romans.
Less than an hour’s drive from Megiddo is Caesarea, a beautiful Roman city on the Mediterranean sea. It was here that the Crusaders landed 900 years ago, on their way to “rescue” Jerusalem. Medieval fortifications can be seen among stonework that dates back to the time of King Herod.
Holy Land Tours
17 Days: Egypt and Holy Land Israel Tour – $4,275.00
from: Viator