Israel: Unique Perspectives on the Holy Land

11 days from $6,995

Feb. 27–Mar. 8, Apr. 30–May 10, Sept. 3–13, Nov. 12–22, 2024

Experience the Holy Land through the unique and varied viewpoints of the people who call it home. Inspired by Geraldine Brooks’ 2019 Smithsonian magazine article, “Two Tour Guides—One Israeli, One Palestinian—Offer a New Way to See the Holy Land,” this trip brings together the knowledge and perspectives of both Israeli and Palestinian guides as we make our way from Jerusalem to Haifa, the Galilee, and beyond. Hear from voices across the political and cultural spectrum, visiting a kibbutz and a West Bank settlement and meeting representatives of Arab and Jewish community centers and peace-building organizations. Go wine tasting, spend time with local families, float in the Dead Sea, and enjoy unparalleled access to local experts and thought leaders.

Highlights Include

Unique Perspectives: Retrace the recent history of the Holy Land with both Israeli and Palestinian guides. Engaging in dynamic discussions and hearing sometimes divergent viewpoints on the events and conflicts that have made world headlines for decades.

Jerusalem: Stay in the heart of Jerusalem and experience the fascinating cultural blend of the Old City, examine the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum, and spend time in the poignant Holocaust remembrance halls of Yad Vashem.

Family Visits: Try your hand at making challah during a joyous Shabbat dinner in the home of a Jewish family, and enjoy a festive evening of food and traditional music at the home of a Palestinian family. In the Golan Heights, sit down to lunch with a Druze family and learn about their traditions and beliefs.

Sacred Monuments: Meet with a rabbi, a pastor, and an imam, and experience some of the most sacred sites of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, including the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. In Haifa, learn about the Bahá’í faith at its World Heritage-listed center.

Archaeological Sites: Explore evocative archaeological sites that tell thousands of years of history, from King Herod’s fortress atop Masada to early churches and synagogues in the Galilee, to the once-thriving Roman port city of Caesarea.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.