It can feel overwhelming to select which places to visit in Israel. The country is bursting with vibrant religious history, as Israeli landmarks have long been recognized as sites where the events of the Bible took place. 

As an experienced Israel tour company, Immanuel Tours has the expertise to guide you through the area’s best destinations. Connect with your faith by traveling to the places described within the Bible’s pages, and enjoy the many inspiring things to see in Israel. Ranging from the exciting city of Tel Aviv, to locations teeming with religious history, and the impressive Masada National Park which looks out over the Dead Sea, we have selected six of the best places to visit in Israel.

Tel Aviv

As the location of Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv is always bustling with activity and many spend at least one night upon arrival there. The name of the city roughly translates to “Old New Land”, and represents this modern city in the ancient land. While there aren’t a number of Biblical sites here, there are wonderful restaurants, shopping and museums. Visit Beit Hatfutsot: The Museum of the Jewish People. Here you can learn about the long history of the Jewish people both in and out of Israel and their heroes and culture. After a long flight, many enjoy an ocean side stroll along the Tayelet walkway which stretches along the coast between Tel Aviv, and the older city of Jaffa.

Tel Aviv

Jaffa

The city was named for Noah’s son Japhet, who many consider the city’s founder. Jaffa is one of the world’s oldest port cities, and contains many Israel points of interest. Take in the beautiful St. Peter’s Church and neighboring St. Peter’s Monastery built to honor the miracles that St. Peter the Apostle wrought in Jaffa as recorded in the New Testament (Acts 29:40, Acts 10:15). Nearby, travelers can find the site believed to have housed Simon the Tanner, where St. Peter stayed while in the city and had his vision. Don’t forget to stroll the charming historic streets, and admire it’s growing art scene. 

Jaffa Port

Masada National Park

Of the many places to visit in Israel, the Masada National Park is an Israel must see. The fortress at Masada is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and an archeological treasure. The palace was constructed on the orders of King Herod the Great of Judaea (who reigned between 37-4 B.C.). Jewish rebels took their final stand against the Roman army here c. 73 B.C., and the site provides impressively preserved examples not just of stunning palace architecture, but of the siege methods employed by the Roman forces. The site was forgotten for centuries, but rediscovered by scholars in 1828. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful stone mosaics in the Byzantine Church!

Masada

Jerusalem

A list of Israel destinations, especially with a Biblical focus would not be complete without Jerusalem, where you can find one of Christendom’s most sacred churches: The Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Give yourself enough time to explore this beautiful Church, as Christ’s tomb draws many visitors, and it can be crowded. Walk along the Via Dolorosa,  the path which is believed to be where Jesus carried his cross to Golgotha and made of nine Stations of the Cross (the final five stations of which are at the Church), or pray at the Western Wall, the holiest place in Judaism as the base of the Temple Mount. Located just beyond the city lies the Garden of Gethsemane and Mount of Olives, indicated in the Bible as the place where Jesus prayed the night before his crucifixion. You also should take a walk through the City of David, where every day discoveries dating back to the time of Kings Hezekiah, Josiah and David can be seen and discovered. These are only a few things to see in Jerusalem! 

Jerusalem

The Galilee 

The area around the Galilee, also known as Lake Kinneret in northern Israel is a place ripe with the life of Jesus and his ministry. Whether it’s the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave his Sermon on the Mount, Capernaum where Jesus and his disciples lived, or Magdala walking through a synagogue Jesus would have taught in, everywhere you look you are reminded of his time in the area. The area is also the breadbasket of the country with agricultural fields everywhere you look. Enjoy fresh fruit and of course olive oil. 

Sea of Galilee

Bethlehem

When choosing Israel places to visit, Bethlehem is one city that Christian travelers immediately think of. Here you’ll find the Church of the Nativity, which contains the underground grotto where Jesus was born. Another site of importance is the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, which was constructed in 1882 upon the remains of a Crusader church. Beneath this church lies a veritable maze of caves and rock-hewn chapels. Many believe that one such underground chapel is the site where St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin for the first time, marking an important milestone in the spread of Christianity. Nearby, the Shepherd’s Fields is where generations of shepherds tended their flocks, including David as a boy and the shepherds who the angels appeared to the night of Jesus’s birth.  

Shepherd’s Field, Bethlehem

Countless holy sites in Israel honor the vibrant Judeo-Christian heritage contained within the country’s borders. Our knowledgeable tour operators and guides can help you plan your ideal holy land tour.  Let Immanuel Tours assist with your journey as you discover the best of the many places to visit in Israel!