The Holy Land. Whether or not you’re a believer, there’s a reason several cultures are constantly trying to take dominion in this very unique place.
There are places in this world that call to your soul before your feet even touch the soil. The Holy Land is one of them.
There are places in the world that spark awe with their beauty. And then there are places that stir something deeper — something eternal. The Holy Land is not just a destination. It’s a calling.
Because so few people I know have actually been there, I thought the best approach here would be to just share with you, dear reader, my story.
Walking Where Scripture Comes Alive: My Journey Through the Holy Land
Whether or not you consider yourself a person of faith, there’s an undeniable energy in Israel, something ancient and powerful woven into the land itself. It’s a crossroads of history, culture, and spiritual legacy. I had the incredible privilege of experiencing it firsthand on a Travel Advisor familiarization tour in December of 2018. And I’ve been longing to return ever since.
The Journey Begins
My journey began on December 3rd, 2018, with a domestic hop to Baltimore before heading to New York, then boarding a non-stop flight on December 4 from JFK to Tel Aviv.
December 4, 2018-December 5, 2018 – Overnight Flight to Tel Aviv
Arriving at Tel Aviv after an overnight flight was a great relief for me! I do not love long flights. I can’t sleep! Consider it a blessing if you are able to!
December 5, 2018 – Arrival at Tel Aviv Airport
Our guide, Mike, welcomed us with a warm smile and deep knowledge that would shape our experience for the days ahead.
While this photo was taken later in the trip, I thought it would be fun to include it here.
That night, we checked into the Olive Tree Hotel, a beautiful blend of comfort and culture.
It was definitely a new experience at this hotel. Turns out… not every hotel has air conditioning in the winter, only heat. And this hotel was a smidge warm that first night!
Below are some photos from the hotel, including breakfast the morning after.
The view from our room was overlooking an ornate container garden of sorts that holds an ancient olive tree, situated in the center of the hotel lobby. Apparently the hotel was built around it!
The prayer scroll mentioned, called a mezuzah, is a piece of parchment inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Torah, which Jews affix in a small case to the doorposts of their homes. These verses are the Biblical passages in which the use of a mezuzah is commanded (Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:13–21); they also form part of the Shema prayer.
The toiletries naturally contained dead sea salt, and I must say, it was very good for the hair and skin! The breakfast the next morning included great food plus an actual dripping honeycomb for honey! The food during the whole trip was just fantastic.
On our first full day in Israel, we hopped on the bus early and as our tour guide (Mike) was telling us about everything we saw as we passed, in this video, he shows us the best view of the Mount of Olives in this video I captured.
Seeing the Western Wall
We went to see the Western Wall. Visitors to the Western Wall in Jerusalem usually wash their hands at designated stations near the plaza entrance (you will see what looks like a fountain with small pitchers) before approaching the site. This ritual, known as netilat yadayim, is symbolic of spiritual and physical purification and is meant to prepare individuals for the sacred experience of prayer at this holy location.
Southern Steps
Our next stop was to see the Southern Steps, which is a site well known for entry to the Temple during major festivals in the time of Jesus, and as such, scholars are certain he would have walked here frequently. This area also served as a public area where teachers, including Jesus and later his disciples, would sit and teach the gathered crowds. The staircase consists of 30 steps with a deliberate pattern of alternating widths (long and short), which forced pilgrims to ascend slowly and mindfully, preventing them from rushing into the sacred Temple area.
As Sabbath approached, I quickly discovered how deeply faith and tradition influence everyday life, even things as simple as how elevators operate! (The buttons don’t work, the elevators stop at every floor, because pushing buttons is considered work that cannot be done on the Sabbath.)
Walking Through Scripture
From Bethlehem to the Galilee, our days were filled with unforgettable moments that brought biblical stories to life. I stood in the cave believed to be the birthplace of Christ. I walked through Shepherds’ Field where angels proclaimed His birth. On the Mount of Olives, I gazed across the city Jesus wept over. In the Garden of Gethsemane, I prayed among ancient olive trees, touched by the solemn beauty of that sacred place.
We retraced the steps of Jesus along the Via Dolorosa, touched the ancient stones of the Western Wall, and reflected in silence at the Garden Tomb — a place of both sorrow and astonishing hope.
From Ruins to Revelation
We journeyed through Qumran, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and explored the ruins of Jericho — the oldest city in the world. In Nazareth, I walked where Jesus spent his childhood, and in Capernaum, I stood in the synagogue where He taught.
One of the most moving moments came on the Sea of Galilee — aboard a wooden boat gliding across those quiet waters. Surrounded by gentle waves and distant hills, it felt as if time stood still. It’s one of my most precious stories I love to tell – ask me about it anytime!
A Journey for the Soul
We ended our pilgrimage at the Jordan River’s Yardenit Baptismal Site — a powerful spot to reflect and renew one’s faith. Although already baptized, I wanted to do it again, here. It was December, so it was cold! But it was worth doing!
As our trip came to a close, I felt transformed. Not just educated or inspired — but changed.
Thinking of Going? Let Me Help You Get There.
From guided land tours like the 10-Day Holy Land Classic, to unforgettable Mediterranean cruises that include Jerusalem as a port of call, there are several ways to explore this extraordinary region.
I’ve personally experienced the magic and meaning of the Holy Land — and I’d love to help you do the same. If you’re curious about what it’s like, I’ve got sample itineraries, helpful FAQs, and even a 2-minute overview video of a Lands of the Bible Cruise journey I can send your way.
Let’s talk about how you can walk where history and faith come alive.
Sample Itineraries:
Destination Israel: Holy Land Classic Tour (10 Days)
Cruise the Med: Rome to Jerusalem 11 days in May 2023
2 minute overview of a sample “Lands of the Bible Cruise” Journey
FAQs Pages:
35 Interesting Israel Items!
5 Reasons Jerusalem, Israel is an Important Destination for Faith Travelers
Israel 101: The 5 Hottest Tourism Areas
Israel 101: More Israel FAQs