Options for other things to do beyond the standard programme
Things to do when based in Jerusalem
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Dinner at the Israel Museum (open late on Wednesdays) – an opportunity to give those that wish to see
further exhibits more time at the museum.
Western Wall Tunnels – have to be booked in advance for groups with a specific allotted time.
The Burnt House - an excavated house from the Second Temple period six metres below current street level
in the Jewish Quarter
Ophel Excavations (the area between Temple Mount and the City of David) – relating to the time of the
Second Temple.
The Davidson Centre – a virtual reconstruction of the Temple area
The City of David (just outside Dung Gate) – very interesting but a lot of walking and a lot of steps up and
down and narrow tunnels/passageways, so not for everyone.
The Princess Basma Centre for Disabled Children, supported by the McCabe Educational Trust, is a
charitable, non-governmental, non-profit institution entrusted under the Anglican Episcopal Church.
Tent of Nations – an educational and environmental farm committed to building bridges towards peace in
the Holy Land. Please note that this site is not accessible by vehicle and involves a 15 minute walk along
quite uneven ground.
Walk around the city walls – not for people nervous of heights. Lots of steps up and down, some steps very
deep and can be a bit slippery if the weather is wet.
Armenian Cathedral of St James for Vespers at 3pm.
ICAHD tour (Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions) – half day - explore historical and political aspects
of life in present day Jerusalem. Drive through Talbie, where in 1948 many Palestinian families lost their
homes. Then on to Jabel Mukaber where we compare living standards of Jerusalem's Palestinian and Israeli
residents. We continue to Silwan and see the effects of settlement building. In each of these places we will
have the opportunity to meet and talk with the residents. Time permitting we will finish our morning at Maale Adumim, the largest of Israel's Jerusalem settlements.
Half day in Hebron - Drive south to Hebron in the morning. En route call at the Russian monastery with the
oak of Mamre. In Hebron, visit the Tomb of the Patriarchs, burial places of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Wander through the souk and visit a glass factory to see how the distinctive Hebron glass is made. Enjoy
lunch in the al-Quds restaurant or at the Women’s Co-operative.
Herodion
Chagall windows at Hadassah Hospital (allow 1hour) – easy to include with Ein Karem, Israel Museum or Yad
Vashem.
Abu Ghosh – possible site of Emmaus (Crusader church)
St Gerasimos Monastery (near Jericho)
An alternative Masada day: Drive to Masada a very scenic route bypassing Hebron and Arad, through the
desert to Masada. (This journey is 40 minutes longer than driving the more direct route to the Masada cable
car – allow 2 hours + ) On arrival coffee and toilets are available. Twenty minutes easy ascent on foot up the
ancient Roman Ramp. Our experience is that is OK for group members without walking difficulties. Visit
Masada, then descend by cable car. Lunch at Masada. Afternoon swimming experience in the Dead Sea at
Kalia Beach, which is very near Qumran. (this saves 90 minutes drive, compared to driving south for lunch
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and a swim at Ein Bokek) Changing facilities are good and there is easy access to the Dead Sea. Also easy to
combine with a visit to Qumran or a walk in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, or Jericho.
Mount Gerazim and the Samaritan Museum.
Things to do in Galilee
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Explore the lake’s shoreline by taking one of several marked walks.
Magdala Centre, birthplace of Mary Magdalene
If in Galilee on a Sunday - join the Palestinian Anglican congregation at Raineh for Sunday worship.
Just south of Tiberias - the hot springs of Hammat-Tiberias: stop here for a visit to the 4th century
synagogue with its mosaic floor
Kursi
Tiberias Hot Springs
Sepphoris