Acre
Located north of Mount Carmel, Acre is the main city port of the coastal plain. Historically Acre was strategically important in ancient times. The apostle Paul stop in the city on his 3rd missionary trip (Acts 21:7). Acre is known today for impressive Crusader remains, it’s beautiful bay, and picturesque domes and minarets.
Bethlehem (Palestinian Authority territory)
Famous for being the site of the Nativity (Luke 2:1-12, Matthew 2:1-20), and located a short distance from Jerusalem. Bethlehem is also the site of Rachel’s Tomb (Genesis 35:19); where Ruth met Boaz at Shepherd’s Fields (Ruth 1:19-22), and where David was proclaimed king by Samuel (1 Samuel 26:1).
Bethphage
Before entering Jerusalem, Jesus sent disciples from Bethphage to a town nearby to find a donkey on which Jesus rode entering the Jerusalem Palm Procession (Mark 11:1-10, Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:29-40, John 12:12-19).
Bethsaida
Located where the Jordan River enters the Sea of Galilee, Bethsaida was the city of Andrew, Peter, and Philip (John 1:44, 12:21). Here, too, is where He performed the miracle of Feeding of the Five Thousand (Luke 9:10-17), where He cured the blind man (Mark 8:22-26), and it’s written in the Scriptures, “Jesus took the ship to Bethsaida” (Mark 6:45).
Caesarea Maritima
Renamed Caesarea after being conquered, this amazing maritime city dates back to the Phoenicians. The apostle Paul frequented Caesarea and set off to Rome from here (Acts 9:30, Acts 18:22). It’s Caesarea from where Cornelius calls for Peter (Acts 10), and where a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea and predicted Paul’s capture (Acts 21:8-15). This popular Holy Land tour destination greets pilgrims with Crusader and Byzantine ruins, and a stunning Roman theater.
Caesarea Philippi
Situated at the foot of Mount Hermon area, the town was constructed by Philip, Herod’s son. Jesus visited Caesarea Philippi, and is said to be the location where Peters confession took occurred (Luke 9:18-20, Mark 8:27, Matthew 16:13-28).
Cana
A small town near to Nazareth, pilgrims visiting Cana will find mosaics inside a church which testify to Jesus’ first miracle (John 2:1-11).
Capernaum
This important city in Jesus’ life is featured prominently in the Scriptures. He made his home in this Galilean town after leaving Nazareth (Mark 2:1, Matthew 4:13-16), and returned after His temptation in the desert (Matt 4:1-11). Capernaum is situated on a beautiful location on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and was home to James and John, His disciples. This city is also where He cured Peter's mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14,15).
Douburiyah (Dobrath)
An Arab village a short distance from Mount Tabor, the village was known as Zevulun in biblical times and believed to be the location where Jesus cures the epileptic boy (Luke 9:37-43).
Ein Karem
This beautiful town is where John the Baptist was born (Luke 1:39-80), and where Mary visited Elizabeth during their pregnancy.
Emmaus (EI-Qubeibeh)
The Ancient town of Emmaus is several miles from Jerusalem, and after Jesus resurrection, He met Cleopas and a companion (Luke 24:13-35).
Galilee
The Galilee; Sea of Galilee or Sea of the Lakes is referenced in the Gospel under four names: the Lake of Gennesareth (Luke 5:1), the Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1, John 21:1), the Sea of Chinnereth (Numbers 34:11), and the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18, Matthew 15:29). This popular Holy Land tour destination, played an integral part in Jesus’ ministry and is mentioned often in the Scriptures. Jesus’ preached from Peter’s boat, rebuked the storm, and walked upon the waters (Matthew 14:13-29, Mark 4:35-41).
Jaffa (Joppa)
Part of the modern city of Tel Aviv, this strategic seaport city during biblical times is where Jonah embarked for Tarshish (Jonah 1). Jaffa or Yofa was an early Christian community resided here, and during a visit, Peter raised Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9:36-42) and prayed from Simon the Tanner's home rooftop.
Jericho (Palestinian Authority territory)
One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, was a flourishing oasis in the Judean desert. Jericho was the first city conquered by the Israelites (Joshua 6:1-21), and it is where Jesus restored sight to the blind Bartimeus, and where He visited Zaccheus in his home (Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43, 19:1-27, Matthew 20:29-34). The road to Jericho notorious for being a dangerous journey in biblical times, and where the story of the Good Samaritan takes place (Luke 10:30-37). Nearby Jericho high above cliffs, a Greek monastery marks His Temptation by the Devil (Mark 1:12, Matthew 4 : 1-11).
Jerusalem
King David made Jerusalem his royal capital more then 3000 years ago (2 Samuel 5:6-10), and since then the city has maintained a central role in the history of the world. When Solomon built the First Temple in Jerusalem, the supremacy of the Holy City was sealed (1 Kings 6). Located high in the Judean hills, the strategic importance of the city has made it an oft-conquered and relinquished fortress: Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Moslems, Crusaders and Turks have taken turns ruling the city and have left their mark in the form of churches, minarets and various edifices and shrines. This famous city was the site of Jesus' Last Supper, the arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, trial and crucifixion by Pontius PIlate. Within the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City and in the nearby areas, one can visit the Temple Mount, Pool of Bethesda, the Tomb of Mary, the Stations of the Cross, Garden Tomb, Mount Zion, Mount of Olives, the Kidron Valle- the holy sites are endless. Gospel references to Jerusalem defy enumeration, and today no holy land tour to Israel would be complete with out visiting Jerusalem.
Jordan River
This river is featured prominently in the Gospel as a border and frontier, and several remarkable events and figures are associated with the Jordan River. In this river John the Baptist preaches and baptizes Jesus (Mark 1:9, Luke 3:21, Matthew 3:13-17).
Korazin
Because the people of Korazin denied His mirables, Jesus upbraided the city (Matthew 11:21, Luke 10:13).
Kursi (Gergesenes;Gadarenes)
Located on the eastern shores of the Sea of Galilee, the site is marked by the ruins of a monastery and church. At Kursi, Jesus cures the possessed man (Matthew 8:28-34, Luke 8:26-40, Mark V).
Lod (Lydda)
The ancient Lydda was at one time an early Christian community, and today home of Israel’s Ben Gurion international airport. The paralytic Aenaeas was healed by Peter during his visit that led to the conversion of the agricultural population (Acts 9:32-35).
Magdala (Migdal)
Magdala also called Dalmanutha (Mark 8:10, Luke 8:2, Matthew 15:39) located on the Shores of the Sea of Galilee is where Mary Magdalene was born. A wealthy trading village and major fishing center in Jesus times.
Megiddo
According to the Book of Revelations 16 the battle of Armageddon will take place in Megiddo. A mighty Canaanite city was the most strategic location in ancient Palestine due to it’s important trading routes.
Mensa Christi
In the Gospel it is the site of the enormous catch of fish on the net by Simon Peter (Luke 5:1-11).
Mount of Beatitudes
The Mount of Beatitudes offers a stunning view marked by a Franciscan hospice is the holy site where Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7, Luke 6:20-49). Located by the Sea of Galilee it overlooks Tabgha and the famous lake.
Mount Tabor
You’ll find the Basilica of the Transfiguration on the summit, and is the traditional site of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17: 1-19, Luke 9:28-36, Mark 9:2-8).
Na'in (Na'im)
A small Franciscan church commemorates where Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son (Luke 7:11-16).
Nazareth
Nazareth known as "the Arab capital of Israel” home to a large Arab Christian community is first mentioned in the bible in the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-28, Luke 2:39). Nazareth was the boyhood home of Jesus (Matthew 2:19-23) from where he was expelled from the synagogue (Luke 4:16-30). Today Nazareth is a popular Israel tour destination with thousands of pilgrims visiting the Church of Annunciation.
Qumeran
Home of an early Christian community. Qumeran is the town of John the Baptist, where Jesus visit him.
Sepphoris
Capital of the Galilee in Herod's time, and home of Mary’s parents (Luke 32, Luke 23). According to St. Theodosius, the three magi slept here en route to Bethlehem. Today you’ll find a Israeli national park with many beautiful mosaics.
Tabgha
Near Capernaum, Tabgha is traditionally considered the site where Jesus performed the miracle of Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes (Mark 6:44).