Day 1 – To Jerusalem: Fly from London
Heathrow to Tel Aviv with British Airways. On
arrival, transfer to Jerusalem and stay 3 nights at
Mount Zion Hotel or similar. (D)
Day 2 – Jerusalem: Morning walking tour of
the old city, including visits to the the Cardo
Maximus, previously the main thoroughfare
of Roman and Byzantine Jerusalem, and the
Church of St Anne, believed by the crusaders
to be the birthplace of the mother of Mary.
After lunch, visit the Church of the Holy
Sepulchre, the proclaimed site of Jesus’ death and
resurrection, which has, since the second century,
been a major Christian pilgrimage site. Special
access to the roof has been granted by the Greek
Orthodox Patriarchate. (B, D)
Day 3 – Jerusalem: This morning, take a
walking tour of Temple Mount. Visit the Western (Wailing) Wall, the most sacred site of
Jewish prayer, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third
most holy site in Islam where Mohammed
was believed to have been transported during
his Night Journey. Continue to the Dome of
the Rock, the holiest site in Judaism where the
foundation stone is believed to be a junction
between heaven and earth. This afternoon, see
the rooms of the Last Supper on Mount Zion
before continuing to the Mount of Olives,
home to the Church of Ascension and scenic
views over the city. Finally, see the Tomb of the
Virgin Mary and, time permitting, the Church
of the Nativity in Bethlehem. (B, D)
Day 4 – To Galilee: Travel by coach via the
crusader castle of Arsuf and to Caesarea, a
recently excavated crusader port, before heading
inland to the Horns of Hattin, where the
crusader army was destroyed by Saladin. Finish
the day at Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. Stay
overnight at the Scots Hotel. (B, D)
Day 5 – To Acre: Today, journey westward to
Mount Tabor, the site of numerous historic
battles and skirmishes from the sixth century
BC to the 20th century. It is also the reputed
place of Christ’s Trans. guration and two Christian monasteries erected on the hill are
well frequented pilgrimage destinations. This
afternoon, visit Nazareth to see the Church
of the Annunciation, honoured as the spot
where the Angel Gabriel visited Mary. Inside
the church, the Franciscan Museum holds
important archaeological remains from the
crusader and Byzantine eras. Continue to Acre
and stay 3 nights at the Akkotel Hotel. (B)
Day 6 – Montfort Castle: This morning,
travel to the Nahal Kziv nature reserve to visit
Montfort Castle, one of the most impressive
crusader castles in Israel. Here, a special lecture
has been arranged with an archaeologist from
the University of Haifa, which is conducting
ongoing excavations of the fortress. Proceed to
the nearby Yehi’am Fortress with its panoramic
views over to western Galilee before returning
to the hotel. (B)
Day 7 – Acre: Full-day walking tour in Acre
where the crusaders suffered defeat by Muslim
forces in 1291. This battle was to mark the
end of crusader activity in the Holy Land.
Visit the Hospitaller Knights’ complex with
archaeological excavations, including six
semi-joined halls, a dungeon, dining room
and remains of an ancient gothic church. This
afternoon, enjoy a private boat cruise to view
the walls and harbour, which remain largely
untouched since the late 18th century. (B, L)
Day 8 – To London: Drive south to Jaffa, the first port captured by the crusaders and today a
thriving hub of commerce with artists’ studios,
restaurants, and cafes as well as spectacular
views along the coast. Continue to Tel Aviv
for an early evening return flight to London
Heathrow with British Airways. (B)
Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals
