Many are always looking for something different. There are those who would appreciate a unique and different type of holiday or vacation from what they may have been used to, and they may not wish to risk what is suggested here. There can be various reasons for considering it a risk. Let me deal with these.It has been a longing in my heart to lead a small group to what is called the Holy Land; to Israel. In a few minds thoughts of it being all religious arise. Such thoughts can be dispelled immediately.
Over the years it has been my privilege to lead groups of around thirty people to Israel, and I have led a Leader's party where those travelling were being introduced to the land, to lead their own tours and pilgrimages.
If you, and a few of your friends, have always wanted to visit Jerusalem and Galilee then perhaps this is the right time.
What is involved and what might be the itinerary?
We fly to Tel Aviv and would be met by a coach, or people carrier, suitable for the size of the party, and having come through the airport formalities and collecting our luggage the party would be driven up to Jerusalem. Normally, I have stopped just outside the city to give people the time to reflect upon where they are going. One ought not to rush into Jerusalem.
The hotel to which we would be going is central, situated, opposite the Damascus Gate, and convenient for visiting significant sites in the heart of Jerusalem. The Old City walls are right across the road from the hotel lounge. The rooms are comfortable and the food is good and the staff so welcoming and friendly.
By the way, the hotel is right next to Golgotha and Calvary and The Garden Tomb is adjacent.
There are certain places one has to and should visit. Our driver would take us around the walls of the Old City on the first morning to familiarise everyone with the geographical lay-out, before driving to the summit of the Mount of Olives overlooking the old and new city.
If I may be allowed a personal comment, I think it is the best sight I have seen in the whole world. When I have mentioned this previously to larger parties no-one has challenged or disagreed. The view seems to imprint itself on one's memory.
Walking down the slopes of the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane evokes various emotions, because this is the identical routed down which Jesus Christ rode on Palm Sunday. There is no other path!
Then it is off to Bethlehem, which lies six miles to the south of Jerusalem, and to the Shepherd's Fields, and later, to explore the compact streets of the Old City itself and to visit perhaps on more than one occasion the Wailing or Western Wall. Of course, not all this on the first day!
The Memorial to the Holocaust at Yad Vashem is a must, and then to view the model of the Temple adds to the rich tapestry of our adventure.
Jericho, Qumran at the north end of the Dead Sea, the ascent of Masada by cable car and a swim in the Dead Sea can be easily done in one day. That has invariably been a highlight of the visit for many.
Following a week in bustling Jerusalem it is up north some 80 miles to Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee, and the more than comfortable Ron Beach Hotel with its superb cuisine is right on the shoreline.
From there we visit the Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, the majestic Mount Hermon in the north of Israel, and the River Jordan.
Our route north can include a visit to a diamond factory, where there is always someone who buys!
The picturesque Caesarea, by the Mediterranean Sea, with its ancient and so well preserved theatre can also be part of our plans.
No, it is not all go! I usually have two rest days if that is what people wish, but should they want to visit another salient site I will take them.
Relaxing evenings are filled with walks to the King David Hotel for coffee, or for ice cream at bustling Ben Yehuda Street, and that is when so many questions just tumble out from people.
If you been on the cruises, or if you have been to many other countries, and perhaps have even returned a little disappointed, let me whet you appetite for Jerusalem and Galilee, and everywhere in between and beyond. Contact me in Nairn, Scotland, if you are even slightly interested, or at Studylight below, and click on Contact the Author, and I will seek to answer any questions you may have.
I have never met anyone yet who has been disappointed with a guided flexible visit to Israel. Most have said that it was much much more than they expected or anticipated.
He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled "Word from Scotland" on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.
By Sandy Shaw
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