Qumran is located 10 miles south of Jericho by the Dead Sea on perfect desolate area ideal for the Essenes sect, known also as the “Dead Sea Sect” whom lived there. The archeological site was excavated by Roland de Vaux, a Catholic priest in the years of 1953-56 and excavations continue to this day. Qumran is famous and of great importance for the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in nearby mountain caves, and a frequent sightseeing visit during holy land Christian tours in Israel.
Ein Gedi is an oasis along the banks of the western side of the Dead Sea. The fresh water springs have supported continuous inhabitants of the area from the Chalcolithic era. The location of Ein Gedi and its general area was given to the tribe of Judah, and was well known in the time of Solomon (Josh 15:62). Today during your holy land tour of Israel you’ll find the En Gedi Kibbutz in this location.
Jericho lies on the lowest place on earth down in the Jordan Valley, about 6.2 miles from the Dead Sea and 16.7 miles from Jerusalem. The town is located 250m below sea level. While Jericho is on hot scorching desert sands, it has a very good supply of freshwater from local springs. The Hebrew word for Jericho means “fragrant,” and today is called the “City of Palms.” Jericho is not on our normal holy land Israel tour itineraries, but there are full day tours that are highly recommended as Israel tour extensions and Israel tours upon your arrival.
Travel to the Holy Land and visit the Sea of Galilee Boat, known as the Jesus Boat, an ancient fishing boat from the time of Jesus, and for Christians the boat is one of the most precious and meaningful archaeological discoveries in the world.
Bethlehem the birthplace of Jesus offers a spiritually rewarding experience to Christians traveling to the holy land. The Palestinian city located in the West Bank is home to one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, although the size of the community has dwindled due to emegration. The city also known as Beit Lahm, Beit Sahur, Bet Lehem, Betar, Beth-Lehem, and several other names as well as the “City of David” since the Hebrew Bible identifies it as the city David was from and where he was crowned as the king of Israel.