Category Archives: Tours
One day - Three Cultures: Nablus, Mt. Gerazim and Har Bracha
One of our favorite groups, Ecclesia Church has returned to the country for another two Breaking Bread Journeys bringing with them over 40 people to experience the many fascinating cultures present in the Holy Land. Day 1 of their tour took them into Nablus to visit Jacobs Well, a tasting tour led by local women, a scrumptous lunch with the local Iman, knafe, henna and more. Then they visited the Samaritans on top of Mt. Gerazim and enjoyed wine tasting at a boutique Jewish winery in the neighboring settlement.
Read about it all and see the phenomenal photos in this blog by famed photographer, Kirby Trapoliino. (more…)
Olive picking season is just days away and to celebrate the harvest we are planning two day tours to Battir, a UNESCO World Heritage Landscape situated adjacent to Bethlehem.
Tour dates – October 26 and November 2, 2014. Space is limited so sign up now. Registration closes on October 23, 2014
Highlights include:
• Meet with an expert on ancient landscape conservation who prepared the UNESCO application on Battir
• Explore the Old City of Battir including the Seven Widow’s Quarter , the main Water Spring ( Ein el Balad), and the Roman Aqueduct System
• See the irrigated terraces and enjoy a lovely walk through this extraordinary reserve
• Participate with a local family and join in olive picking
• Learn about the manufacturing and olive pressing process by visiting the local plant
• Enjoy a traditional Palestinian home-cooked lunch
• Opportunity to purchase locally produced Battir olive oil (payable in cash)
Cost of Tour: 385.- NIS per adult, 300.- NIS per child under 10 years (or $105 pp for adult – $75 per child under 8)
Participants must be foreign (non-Israeli) residents. Please bring your passports, good hiking shoes, hats, modest dress, sunscreen and your water bottles. Space is limited so reserve today.
07:00 AM Departure from Jerusalem
17:00 PM Return to Jerusalem
Required:
Water
Passport
comfortable walking shoes
Hat
Inquire NowWith a new school year around the corner…pop quiz! Which one of these statements about King Herod is FALSE?
A) King Herod was known for being extremely friendly.
B) King Herod was King of Judea from 37-4 BCE.
C) King Herod attempted to kill Jesus as a baby.
D) King Herod had astonishing architectural achievements in the Holy Land.
E) King Herod died in Jericho.
If you thought A) was false, then you are correct!
King Herod was not known for his friendliness. He suffered from immense paranoia which led him to killing many he felt threatened by, including a wife and two sons. In the New Testament, it mentions King Herod killing the male babies in Jerusalem so there would not be anyone to heir the throne after him. Although his personal life and kingship were ugly, his architectural achievements were the complete opposite. Here are a few of his major accomplishments you will see on a Holy Land tour.
The Second Temple (Jerusalem): The Second Temple construction began in 20 BCE, and was destroyed in 70 CE. The remainings of this Temple are the outter walls, which includes the Western Wall–the holiest site for Jews today. It is holy because it is the closest remaining wall to where the Temple used to stand. The Dome of the Rock is situated where the Temple itself was located.
Fun fact: This is a place for prayer, and often people write their prayers on pieces of paper and stick them into the cracks of the wall. Everyone is welcome to participate!
Masada Fortress (Judaean Desert): Masada was built between 37 and 31 BCE and was the first fortress King Herod built while in power. Besides the magnificant view overlooking the Dead Sea, Masada is most known for the Siege of Masada from 73- 74 CE. Years after the death of King Herod and soon after the destruction of the Second Temple, Jews hid in the abandoned Masada Fortress. They fought and prevented the Romans from entering the Fortress for some time. Eventually, the Romans got up to fhe Fortress, however, everyone there was dead–the Jews committed mass suicide to prevent becoming prisoners of the Romans.
Fun fact: The Siege of Masada symbolizes Jewish heroism and is used for Nationalistic purposes. Therefore, this site is used for tourism as well as ceremonies for the Israeli army.
Caesarea Maritima (Caesarea): This port city was built between 25-13 BCE and its ruins include the city walls, castle, theatre, and aqueduct. The city was continuously used, and after King Herod, was ruled by Arabs and Crusaders. This city is a must-see sight for Christian tours to Israel. It is located where the Pilate Stone was found. This stone mentions the name “Pontius Pilatus,” who, according to the New Testament, was the one who ordered Jesus to be crucified. Historians think that Pilatus lived in this city. Additionally, this was where Peter baptized the first gentile convert.
Fun fact: This is a fun place for all groups, including for children. Since the theatre is still in tact, it is a fun opportunity to show off your acting skills 😉
So many people have inquired about our Authentic Food and Culture Tour that we decided to offer a one day special to give people a real taste of culture. Join us on April 1 for a special private day tour. Breaking Bread Journeys will take a select group of 16 people to learn about the culture of the Samaritans, visit the ancient Jacobs Well, and then tour the ancient city of Nablus escorted by a unique group of women from the Old City.
Highlights of the day include:
- Meet and Tour with a local Samaritan leader at the Samaritan Museum on Mt. Gerazim
- Visit the ancient Jacobs Well
- Enjoy a unique tasting tour within the Old city market and meet several vendors
- Participate in a “slow food” workshop with local women
- Enjoy a traditional Palestinian lunch, hospitality and henna experience
- Learn about the art of perfume making and other unique products manufactured in Nablus
- See how Nablus’s most famous and delicious sweet is made, Knafe, and taste the best in the city
Price – $170 per person or 600 shekel and includes private round trip transportation on a bus, guiding as well as local guide, lunch, tasting tour, cooking workshop, meetings and entrance fees. Tips and personal purchases not included.
Register now at info@breakingbreadjourneys.com. Registration closes March 26, 2014
