Palestine travel guide

A Palestine travel guide is a precious thing, in our view. With so much history, culture and natural heritage, we welcome it wholeheartedly onto our travel guide pages. Because Palestine is not just a place to view from afar, through the news or through activism websites. Palestine is a place that has to be visited to be understood. Meet the people, stay in their homes, walk their ancient trails and support a beautiful place where we hope that tourism can only be a force for good.

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PALESTINE TRAVEL GUIDE

Palestine is biblical. Not just literally, because it comprised the kingdoms of Israel and Judah in biblical times, but also in terms of its scale, its vast wilderness, its humungous history, and the people’s magnanimous capacity for welcoming people into their lands and homes.

To change the game, you have to change the frame. From Hostility to Hospitality, from Terrorism to Tourism.

– William Ury, founder of Abraham Path, the long distance walking trail going through Palestine all the way to Turkey

Yes, it’s a conflicted territory, and people panic about what to call it – Occupied Territories, West Bank or simply Palestine – but the most important thing to remember is that as a tourist, you are taking one of the most important steps towards helping Palestine gain peace. By going there, you are refusing to turn a blind eye to occupations, breaches of international law and human rights. You are saying, ‘I am visiting Palestine, I want to know more’. See more, and hear more. And then, ideally, you will return home so unexpectedly overjoyed by your experience, and spread the ‘good word’ to more and more tourists. And in this Palestine travel guide we say, Amen to that.

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Palestine is…

bounteous in beauty. Rich in ancient tradition. Passionate about hospitality.

Palestine isn’t…

a walk in the park. It’s conflicted, but to walk here is to take steps towards peace.

PALESTINE MAP & HIGHLIGHTS

Palestine’s ancient history and dramatic desert landscapes simply astound. Whether you are hiking along the Abraham Path long distance walking trail, staying in homestays along the way; taking in the beauty and religious significance of Bethlehem; exploring the souks and ancient wonders of Jerusalem; the archaeological Arcadia that is Jericho; or sleeping under the stars in a Bedouin camp –it is hard to take it all in. Because Palestine is one of the most thought-provoking places to visit on earth. It will have you weeping with joy one minute and despair the next, if you are that way inclined. And if you aren’t the emotional type before you come, you certainly will be by the time you take your leave.

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1. Abraham Path
2. Al Auja Spring
3. Bethlehem
4. Jericho
5. Jerusalem
6. Nablus

Abraham Path

1. Abraham Path

It takes time to ponder Palestine, so no better way than doing so the slow way: walking. Following the route taken by Abraham, a patriarch of Christianity, Judaism and Islam and renowned for his great hospitality, this walking trail, currently over 2,000km, stretches from Turkey to Palestine, staying at homestays along the way. It brings you into the heart of Palestine, where Abrahamic hospitality abounds.

Abraham Path

Al Auja Spring

2. Al Auja Spring

This oasis region is traditionally a Bedouin area (you can overnight in a Bedouin camp), and a wonderful hiking landscape. Scramble along rough wadi scrubland, follow ancient shepherds’ trails and bask in a wilderness which feels unchanged by time. Bring up the discussion of access to their natural spring, however, to discover that political issues over water distribution mean that, sadly, a lot has changed with time.

Bethlehem

3. Bethlehem

‘A little town’ but of great religious importance. The Church of the Nativity is the focal point, as is Rachel’s Tomb, Manger Square and the Mosque of Omar – because although Bethlehem is home to one of the largest Arab Christian populations, there are also many Muslims living here. A town that should have room at the inn for everyone, after all. Walkers hike from here to Jerusalem; the perfect pilgrimage.

Bethlehem

Jericho

4. Jericho

Arriving into Jericho on foot is spectacular, trekking through the dusty canyon of Wadi el-Qult, passing a monastery clinging to the cliffs en route. Then Jericho itself, considered the world’s oldest city, around 10,000 years. Must sees , and there are many, include Tell es-Sultan archaeological dig, the view from the Mountain of Temptation, and the Wadi Qelt Synagogue, considered the oldest in the world.

Jerusalem

5. Jerusalem

A divided city, East Jerusalem is Palestine’s capital and heart of Palestinian life and culture. Albeit zoned off by a huge great wall built controversially by the Israelis. Hopefully not to last as long as the city’s magnificent Western Wall or Old City walls, from which you can see Palestinian life going on in its many souks , ancient alleys and mosques, the most spectacular site being the Dome of the Rock.

Jerusalem

Nablus

6. Nablus

Located in a valley, the Roman city of Nablus was a hot house of insurrection during early 2000s. Now seeking peace and sustainable development through tourism and small industry, sample ancient Roman buildings, Ottoman style hammams and artisans, from soap to sweet makers, in the traditional souk. Nearby hill walking leads to the remains of the Roman city of Sebastiya, poppy filled fields and olive groves.