When one mentions the “Holy Land,” the first thing that comes to mind for most Christians is the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, which is situated ten kilometers from Jerusalem. While this is indeed true, the scope of a traditional Holy Land journey encompasses three countries: Egypt, Jordan, and Israel. This route includes stops at a few historic locations in addition to retracing the footsteps of Christ, Moses, John the Baptist, and Mother Mary. Here are a few locations to inspire your own travel to the Holy Land.
Holy Land Travel Guide: Places You Will See When You Go to Israel, Jordan & Egypt
Jordan
Mount Nebo
After arriving in the capital city of Amman for a day of sightseeing, we began our Holy Land itinerary at Mount Nebo, a 2,330-foot-high plateau mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the spot where Moses saw the Promised Land. No strenuous hiking is required at this destination, as the access road leading here is already highly elevated.
On our route down Mount Nebo, we traveled through the village of Madaba, which is home to the Byzantine church of Saint George. Inside, you will find the famous sixth-century Madaba Mosaic Map embedded directly into the floor of the church structure. This map stands as the oldest remaining cartographic depiction of the Holy Land.
Wadi Rum
Described as "vast, echoing, and God-like" by Lawrence of Arabia, Wadi Rum summons the unearthly setting of an entirely different planet.
It is no wonder that the cinematic production of "The Martian" was filmed across these valleys. One stares in awe at the vast, breathtaking terrain of Wadi Rum, which is dotted with camel footprints and filled with carved red canyons and rolling dunes of fine sand. Indeed, it is easily described as the most quintessential desert landscape on Earth.
Petra
The scholar and poet John William Burgon famously described the remnants of the Lost City of Petra as "a rose-red city half as ancient as time." Founded in 312 BC by the Arab Nabataeans, the remains of the ancient city showcase the wonderful architectural and engineering skills of its historical builders.
Monolithic structures carved directly into massive canyon walls surround this ancient trading hub. The path leading to the Treasury—Petra’s most iconic sculpted facade—is a narrow gorge hewn between gigantic golden rock cliffs called the Siq, which is an incredible attraction in its own right.
Egypt
Mount Sinai
Crossing the border from Israel into Egypt takes you to the Sinai Peninsula, where the biblical heights of Mount Sinai tower over a picturesque, rugged mountain range. A three-hour trek accompanied by local Bedouin guides starting at three o'clock AM will place you firmly at the summit in time for a dramatic sunrise view.
Make sure to savor the moment on the peak, as this is the traditional site where foundational values of scriptural piety were established when the Ten Commandments were handed down to Moses. Near the base of the trail lies Saint Catherine’s Monastery, where the historical site of the burning bush is carefully preserved.
Pyramids of Giza
Despite having no direct theological relation to the conventional Holy Land pilgrimage trail, the Pyramids of Giza make for an absolutely perfect side trip due to their historical significance and the simple fact that they comprise one of the ancient wonders of the world.
Before flying out of Cairo, make sure to visit the majestic Giza plateau and examine the ancient structures and the Sphinx up close. Booking a peaceful evening dinner cruise along the Nile River will round out the day beautifully.
Israel and Palestine
The Dead Sea
Float your worries away as you drift effortlessly across waters featuring a dense salinity of 342 grams per kilogram, which positions the Dead Sea as one of the most hyper-saline bodies of water on Earth. Because of these extreme mineral levels, no macroorganisms can survive in these waters—hence the historical name.
One thing is certain: you will enjoy absolute buoyancy here without any physical effort. Along the travel route, your caravan can also pass by the historic city of Jericho—the lowest established city in the world at 274.02 meters below sea level.
The Wailing Wall
The Western Wall, most popularly known as the Wailing Wall, stands as the holiest site of prayer for the Jewish people. The first seven exposed layers, constructed from massive meleke limestone blocks, date directly back to the architectural reign of Herod the Great, forming the exact walls that Jesus observed during his time in Jerusalem.
Recognized globally as a profound sanctuary of focus and reflection, it was historically termed the Wailing Wall due to the centuries-old practice of gathering near this remaining section of the Second Temple complex to weep over the destruction of their sacred sanctuaries during the Byzantine era.
City of Nazareth
Often described as the Arab capital of Israel, Nazareth is detailed extensively in the New Testament as the historical hometown of Mary and the setting where Jesus Christ spent his foundational childhood years.
While exploring the city, you will visit the majestic Basilica of the Annunciation—the site where tradition holds that the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce her upcoming role. Near the outskirts of Nazareth sits Mount Tabor, where you can explore the Church of the Transfiguration perched cleanly at the mountain’s peak.
Tower of Cana
Moving into the town of Cana, you will have the opportunity to stand inside the Wedding Church. This sanctuary commemorates the initial miracle attributed to Jesus Christ in gospel accounts: the transformation of water into fine wine during a local wedding celebration.
A short distance from this town lies the Mount of Beatitudes, where pilgrims can quietly trace the hillside trails where the historical Sermon on the Mount was delivered.
Sea of Galilee
Following an immersive day of tracking regional sanctuaries, you can experience the tranquil natural environment on a morning boat cruise across the calm waters of the Sea of Galilee. Scriptural accounts indicate this specific body of water was the setting where Jesus walked across the waves.
Other notable miracles tied to this lake environment include the recording of the miraculous catch of fish and the immediate calming of the storm. Afterward, a brief excursion into the archaeological footprint of ancient Capernaum leads directly to the preserved ruins of the House of Saint Peter and the historical Synagogue of Jesus. You can round out this inspiring day with a renewal of baptismal promises along the nearby banks of the Jordan River.
Caesarea Archaeological Park
The stunning marine aqueduct ruins of Caesarea Maritima frame an expansive port city originally founded by Herod the Great in twenty-five BCE. It functioned as a major maritime gateway during the peak eras of the Roman Empire, experiencing a complex series of shifts before witnessing a dynamic resurgence during the Byzantine period.
During the Middle Ages, Caesarea fell under the administration of the Rashidun Caliphate until Christian Crusaders reclaimed the coastal stronghold in the eleventh century. Today, extensive stone ruins still border the old archaeological site, sitting right next to the modern residential community.
Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel is situated inside the northern limits of Haifa, offering an expansive panoramic view looking down upon the Mediterranean Sea.
This mountain marks the location of the Cave of Elijah and the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery. The meticulously terraced, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bahá'í Hanging Gardens are located a short distance away.
Bethlehem
Saving two of the most deeply meaningful locations for the conclusion of the guide, the itinerary turns to the settings marking the birth and crucifixion of Jesus. In Bethlehem, the scriptural birthplace of Christ, visitors can step down into the grotto inside the ancient Church of the Nativity.
Other fundamental sites around Bethlehem and the Mount of Olives include the historic Shepherds' Field and the Church of Pater Noster, which marks the area where scriptural prayers were shared with the twelve disciples. Nearby lie the Dominus Flevit Church and the ancient olive groves of the Garden of Gethsemane.
Old City of Jerusalem
The undisputed emotional peak of any Holy Land pilgrimage is walking along the Via Dolorosa, tracing the traditional Way of the Cross inside the massive stone walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.
Pilgrims typically begin tracking the path near the historical station of the Antonia Fortress, carefully following the fourteen Stations of the Cross through the bustling ancient markets. The route finishes directly inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which houses the traditional locations of the crucifixion, tomb burial, and resurrection. Navigating the stone corridors of the Via Dolorosa leaves a lasting reflective impression that accompanies a traveler forever.
