Pilgrimages to the Holy Land0

Many thousands of Christians make the pilgrimage to the Holy Land every year to see the ancient sites where Jesus’ life played out. On Christian pilgrimages to Israel visitors can see the Bible come to life as so many of the locations mentioned in the Bible still exist.
The Holy Land is a term which in Judaism refers to the Kingdom of Israel
The term "Holy Land" is also used by Muslims and Christians to refer to the whole area in between the Jordan River and Mediterranean Sea.
Many sites in the Holy Land have been destinations for religious pilgrimages since biblical times, by Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

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http://www.joewalshtours.ie/section/HolyLand
http://www.enchantingireland.com/BeyondIreland/Christmas-Market-Tour-8514-Journey-Through-The-Holy-Land.aspx
http://www.thetraveldepartment.ie/Destinations/Asia/Israel.aspx
http://www.bookaholiday.ie/holiday_detail.php?id=168
http://www.gohop.ie/3648/Cheap-Holidays/Discover-Israel-Tour/holiday.html
http://www.marian.ie/destinationNew.asp?id=Holyland
http://www.maptravel.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=283
http://www.concordetravel.ie/pilgrimages-abroad/holy-land-pilgrimage/
http://www.premiertravel.ie/index.php?pid=holyland
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Itinerary - Starting in Tel Aviv and going clockwise around Israel

Mediterranean Coast
Start your trip in Tel Aviv, this section of the tour takes in the Mediterranean coast and travel to Caesarea with visits to the Roman Amphitheater, Herodian port and the impressive Crusader fortress.
Then travel to the ancient fortified city of Megiddo, regarded as one of the most important biblical sites in Israel.
Journey to Muhraqa and to Haifa, a city with a long history dating back to biblical times, where you visit the Baha'i Shrine, the world center of Baha’i faith (the Bahai Temple). Visit the Carmelite Monastery from where you enjoy a panoramic view over the city and bay.
In Acre, tour the excavated part of the immense underground Crusader city and the crusader fort.

Galilee Mountains
Drive through the Galilee Mountains and the Golan Heights and the Upper Galilee region, including visiting former Syrian fortifications and Druze villages.

Capernaum, Tabgha and the land of miracles.
Tabgha is said to be the location for the miracle of the multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes. Today, there stands a Franciscan Church on the original site.
Located on a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee, stands a Franciscan Church built in the 20th century. This area is now known as the Mount of Beatitudes. According to tradition, this is the location where Jesus delivered His most important sermon, the “Sermon on the Mount.”

Tiberias
Tiberias is the largest city around the Sea of Galilee. Located on its western shore, its location produces a breathtaking view of the entire Sea of Galilee; its shores and mountains surround it. Also enjoy a cruise on the Sea of Galilee.
Sea of Galilee is the site where tradition claims that John baptized Jesus Many Christian pilgrims annually visit this holy site to be baptized. Drive to Yardenit, Baptismal Site on the River Jordan for Open Air Mass and to renew your Baptismal vows in the River Jordan





Cana
North of Nazareth lies the village of Cana of Galilee, the location where Jesus performed His first miracle. This took place at a wedding that Jesus and His disciples were attending. Jesus turned a large quantity of water into wine when the wine ran out at the wedding.

Nazareth

The Basilica of the Annunciation is located in the heart of the city of Nazareth. It is said to be built over the site of the Virgin Mary’s house and where Angel Gabriel told Our Lady that She would give birth to Jesus. The modern structure was built in the 20th century and contains two churches, one on top of the other. The lower level of the church is said to contain Our Lady’s house along with the remains of the Byzantine and Crusader churches. The upper level of the church is the current Parish church of Nazareth. Celebrate Holy Mass at the Church of Annunciation.
The current building of St. Joseph’s church was constructed in 1914. This small church stands over the remains of St. Joseph’s carpentry workshop and the house of the Holy Family. It contains storage pits that may date back from the time of Jesus.

Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea

Continue to the important biblical site Bet She'an with its fine Roman and Byzantine relics.
Continue south via the Jordan Valley for a visit to Jericho and drive through the Judean Wilderness bypassing the Inn of the Good Samaritan to the Dead Sea region to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. At the Dead Sea – the lowest point of Earth, enjoy a swim.
Visit Massada, the mountain fortress which was the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in the war against the Romans. It is situated on the eastern edge of the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea.

Jerusalem
For centuries, the city of Jerusalem, and the Holy Land itself, have been treasured in the hearts of Christians, and sacred in the beliefs of many religions.
To Jews Jerusalem is the place of David’s ancient throne, and the indivisible capital of the modern nation,.
To Muslims the city is a sacred place of worship, centred on the Dome of the Rock at the eastern wall.
To Christians, the city is significant as the place of Christ’s crucifixion, and the pivot of Bible history.
Explore the religious, historical and architectural site in both the Old and New City.
Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view from the Mount of Olives, enjoying the view of the New and Old City of Jerusalem or go to Mount Scopus for a spectacular view of the city.
Visit Pater Noster Church built in the 4th century, stands on the original site where Jesus taught the disciples the Lord’s Prayer. The most important prayer in Christianity is displayed in different languages upon dozens of plaques lining the walls inside the church
Then go to experience the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of the Agony. According to Christian tradition the Garden of Gethsemane is where Jesus spent His last night. Proceed to Mt. Zion and King David’s Tomb and visit the Room of the Last Supper.
You will then be taken to the Israel Museum where the world famous Dead Sea Scrolls are beautifully displayed followed by The Knesset (Israel’s Parliament building). The next part of the tour is very moving because you will be taken to Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Museum).
Perhaps the highlight of any Christian pilgrimage to Israel is a visit to the Old City of Jerusalem, here there is the Church of St. Anne; the pool of Bethesda and Notre Dame De Sion, where the Via Dolorosa begins. There are lots of walking tours of the Old City, visiting markets, oriental street bazaars to the Jaffa Gate, visit the Cardo and Jewish Quarter. There will be a stop at the Western or Wailing Wall before continuing to the Temple and Stations of the Cross. Continue along the Via Dolorosa, along the same cobbled streets that Jesus walked carrying the cross. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre stands on the site where Jesus was crucified and the tomb in which He was buried. Celebrate Holy Mass at the Holy Sepulchre.
At Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist and the Church of the Visitation.

Bethlehem

Located just 5 miles from Jerusalem lies the town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. One of the oldest surviving churches in Bethlehem is the Church of the Nativity. Situated in Manger Square, this Christian church was built in the 4th century under the order of Helena. Built over a grotto, it is believed to be the site where the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus. The grotto is encased in white marble and a star marks the area where the baby Jesus is believed to have been born.
This fortress like building is a much visited place of pilgrimage today. Located 2km from Bethlehem, lies the Shepherds Fields. Traditionally it is said that the Angels of the Lord visited the shepherds in these fields to inform them of baby Jesus birth. Several churches have been built here to commemorate this event.

South Region
South of the country worth visiting includes Ashdod, Beersheva and you can stop off in the Valley of Elah, Latrun, and Jaffa on your way back to Tel Aviv.