Holyland is a fascinating country forming a unique backdrop to people with different personalities and religious backgrounds. This is a land at the crossroads of history where profound beliefs, aspirations, and ideas have been realized. In order to appreciate and understand the Holyland, one must "see the land, what it is..." and visit the religious and archaeological sites to absorb its history.
It is unique in the sense of the values it represents, whether they are cultural, scientific or geographic. It is a junction on the Eastern Shore of the Mediterranean, joining the 3 continents of ancient World.

Holyland is at the heart of a global network of land, air and sea routes. Even those who do not have the chance to travel surely long for the birthplace of divine messages, miracles and prophets. History could be said to have originated in the Holyland, with its many pages full of stories about battles and revolutions that were regarded as turning points in the course of world events.

Jerusalem: the name itself evokes an idea of universality and peace reaching beyond nationalisms, racial disputes, religious faiths and political barriers.
Jerusalem has always been the crossroads between different races and worlds. Concentrated in only a few hundred feet are Al-Aqsa Mosque, Holy Sepulcher, and Wailing Wall the most important sacred sites of the three principal monotheistic religions.

Within the city: the holy Christian sites of the youth of prophet Jesus (pbuh); his crucifixion; burial and resurrection, the third holiest site for Muslims; Al-Haram Al-Sharif from where prophet Mohammad (pbuh) rose to heaven can be seen, and the holiest Jewish sites; Wailing Wall and Tomb of King David (pbuh).

It is the Holy City of humanity, and is the City of Peace, in spite of the invasions and pillaging that over the centuries have succeeded each other there.
The Arabs (Muslims and Christians) call it Al-Quds or Baytel Maqdis, the Holy One.
The Jews call it Yerushalayim, the City of Peace.
The World call it Jerusalem.

The origins of Jerusalem are lost in the remote past. Recent archaeological excavations reveal that it is at least as old as the 15th century BC, where it is called Urusalimu in the Egyptian and Babylonian literature. The first mention of it in the Bible is probably under the name of Salem, the city of Melchisedek Priest of the High God. In the third century under the reign of Constantine, Jerusalem became a Christian Shrine, the Emperor's mother Helena, ordered the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on the site; she was determined the site of Christ's crucifixion. From established traditions, advice of the Bishops and revelations in her dreams, Helena established a number of official sites connected with the life of Christ that are still recognized today by most Christians. Few Places in the world have commanded the division of so many people for so long a period as has Jerusalem. During your first day in the Holy City, you will be awed by a sense of history and spiritual significance. Yes, Jerusalem is a city with a special design; its effect on visitors is unique and eternal.

As the birthplace of Jesus Christ (pbuh), the charming town of Bethlehem has a sweeter meaning to Christians than any other place on earth. This small rose-colored town has been thrust onto the world stage, its name conjuring up images of the infant Jesus, the Magi and the shepherds coming to worship. Bethlehem is indeed the Cradle of Christianity.

Bethlehem means the house of bread in Aramaic and Hebrew, and the house of meat in Arabic. It was first inhabited by the Canaanites and was the house of their God "Lahama". Bethlehem was mentioned in the Bible several times in connection with the death of Rachel; the friendship of Ruth and Boaz; the birth and anointing of King David (pbuh) and the birth of Jesus Christ (pbuh).

Interactive Map of Bethlehem

Located 10 km south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem nestles on two hilly plateaus, and lies 2550 feet (765 m) above sea level, surrounded by rolling hills which stretch out eastward to the Judean desert providing stunning views of an ancient landscape of vine yards, olive trees, and tiny villages.
Nowadays, Bethlehem is one of the most prosperous towns in Palestine, with an extremely fertile soil whose products are sold in the local market every week. There are many successful businesses in Bethlehem which produce a wide range of goods including plastics, furniture, textiles and jewelry. Bethlehem is also famous for its olive-wood handmade carvings, its mother-of-pearl jewelry and its distinctive embroidery.

Modern Bethlehem is a major tourist attraction with all the accompanying commercialism that this implies. Bethlehem's real charm can be found in the side streets away from the square and pilgrim sites. The town and souq are a heady mix of ancient and modern, Christian and Muslim.

Jericho (Ariha in Arabic) is the oldest inhabited town in the world, dating back more than 10,000 years. It lies 260 meters (853 feet) below sea level, making it the lowest town on earth.
It is located 36 km east of Jerusalem, on the road to Amman and at the junction of the highway to Galilee.

Known as the "City of Palms", Jericho contains some of the world's most important historic sites and is frequently mentioned in the Bible. On a mount overlooking the Jericho oasis, excavations have uncovered settlements dating from 9000 BC and the Oldest Walled Town dating from the Neolithic period (7000 BC) yet discovered, a most unusual example of fortifications in that prehistoric age.

Jericho's contribution to civilization is unique. The domestication of plants and animals and the invention of pottery took place in ancient Jericho 1000 years before Mesopotamia and Egypt, while the walls and towers of Jericho preceded the pyramids of Egypt by 4000 years.
Jericho's moderate climate makes it a favorite winter resort. It is an important agricultural area, producing fresh fruits and vegetables year round. Jericho dates, bananas and citrus fruits are especially famous.
Jericho deserves a visit as the history is absorbing and the atmosphere with numerous outdoor cafés and excellent restaurants, is refreshingly laid-back.

The ancient city of Jericho is located about 2 km from the northwestern outskirts of Jericho. Situated on a mount overlooking the Jericho oasis, excavations at Tel Essultan uncovered 23 layers of ancient civilizations, dating back to the the Early Bronze Age (9000 BC). Many structures are visible, including the oldest known stairs in the world, the oldest wall, and a 7 meter high massive defense tower, dating back to 7000 BC.

Elisha Fountain at the foot of Tel Essultan is the main water spring of the oasis, Tradition says it is the fountain which Prophet Elisha (pbuh) sweetened by casting a handful of salt into it.