The Year 2000 Journey
From Nazareth, City of the Annunciation
To Bethlehem, City of the Nativity
The carefully researched route - a 12 day
journey - is the first leg of the new Palestine Trail being developed for
the year 2000 and beyond. The Nativity Trail is being inaugurated for the
celebration of the Millennium. The Nativity Trail - Provisional Itinerary
Please note: Journey segments and distances
are approximate.
DAY 1: Nazareth to Mount Tabor 16 kms The journey
begins with a tour of Nazareth, including the Church of the Annunciation
and the House of Mary, followed by a short but steep climb through the
wooded slopes of Mount Tabor, for a stunning view of Marj Bin Amer (Jezreel
Valley). Overnight: the Monastery of the Transfiguration Guest House or
camping nearby.
DAY 2: Mount Tabor to Taibeh 25 kms A long day of
hiking through Marj Bin Amer (Jezreel Valley), the fertile breadbasket
of the region. The trail arrives in the village of Taibeh. Overnight: village
accommodations.
DAY 3: Taybeh to Jabal Faqou'a (Mount Gilboa) 18 kms
After a continuous hike across the plains of the Marj, the trail climbs
Jabal Faqou'a (Mount Gilboa), with splendid views of the valley below.
Overnight: village accommodations, in Faqou'a.
DAY 4: Fa'qou'a to Zababdeh 20 kmsA lovely segment
of the journey, and a first experience of the rolling eastern mountain
range of Pal- estine. The trail leads through the villages of Jalboun and
Mughayir before reaching Zababdeh, a Christian town on the ancient Roman
trade route. Overnight: village accommodations.
DAY 5: Zababdeh to Aqrabanieh 20 kms The trail continues
through the fertile highlands of the West Bank and then descends to the
broad sweep of Wadi Bidan, a picturesque valley system rich in mountain
springs. Overnight: village ac- commodations in Aqrabanieh and/or orange
grove camping.
DAY 6: Aqrabanieh to Yanoun 17 kms A stiff morning
ascent from Wadi Badan, then a leisurely ramble across the next valley
and down to the isolated village of Yanoun, nestling between the hills.
Overnight: village accommodations.
DAY 7: Yanoun to Duma 15 kms A shorter segment of
the trail, offering the first glimpses of the Judean desert and Jordan
to the east as it follows the escarpment separating the fertile highlands
from the arid slopes of the Jordan Valley. After a pause in 'Aqraba for
refreshments, it's on to the pretty, agricultural hilltop town of Duma
with its neat olive groves. Overnight: village accommodations.
DAY 8: Duma to Al 'Auja 25 kms The hilly trail follows
a dramatic route across desert terrain peopled only by shepherds. The steep
and rocky path descends below sea level to the Al 'Auja spring, one of
the largest water sources in the Jordan Valley. Overnight: with Bedouin
shepherds near Al 'Auja.
DAY 9: Al 'Auja to Jericho 15 kms Desert terrain gives
way to orange groves as the trail enters Jericho, "the oldest city on Earth".
Along the way, a steep climb (or optional cable car as- cent) leads to
the Mount of Temptation, with its Orthodox monastery clinging to the rocky
cliffs. Overnight: orange groves camping or optional ho- tel.
DAY 10: Jericho to Nabi Mousa 15 kms The trail moves
west through the dramatic canyon of Wadi Kelt to St. George Khoziba Monastery,
then continues through arid valleys, past the remains of ancient hermitages
and caves to Nabi Mousa (a Muslim pilgrim site associated with Moses).
Over- night: Nabi Mousa camping.
DAY 11: Nabi Mousa to Mar Saba 18 kms The trail from
Nabi Mousa follows shepherds' tracks through the desert to the legendary
Orthodox monastery of Mar Saba in its exquisite canyon setting. Overnight:
camping with local Bedouin.
DAY 12: Mar Saba to Bethlehem 15 kms The trail's final
segment ascends past the Orthodox monastery of Theodosius, where legend
has it that the Wise Men hid from King Herod, through Beit Sahour (the
Shepherds' Fields). Then it's on to Manger Square in the centre of Bethlehem
and a visit to the Church of the Nativity, believed by many to stand on
the site where the original jour ney ended - and the Christian faith has
its beginnings.
How long is the journey? The entire
Nativity Trail is about 160 kilometres long; the journey will last 12 days.
Accomodation? The Nativity Trail offers
a unique opportunity to experience the legendary hospitality of Palestinians.
Some nights, hikers will stay in villagers' homes. Other nights, accommodations
will be in monasteries, local Bed-and-Breakfasts, Bedouin tents, or at
campsites where hikers can pitch their own tents or sleep under the stars.
In all cases, the welcome will be warm but condi tions are basic. Hikers
will need to provide their own sleeping bags and air mattresses.
What kind of terrain does the Trail cover?
Just like travellers in biblical times, hikers will be traversing beautiful
but sometimes rough terrain, climbing up and down steep, rocky hillsides,
crossing desert wadis (valleys) - and pausing to rest in olive groves! 
Who can participate? This is an outdoor
adventure for physically fit na ture lovers with an interest in history,
culture and religious tradition. Participants must be experienced hikers
able to spend 6 to 9 hours a day on the trail. Most groups will consist
of approximately 20 individuals.
Who are our guides? The journeys will
be fully guided by professional and licensed guides. During the year 2000,
an accompanying guidebook is scheduled to be published.
What about health and safety? Basic first
aid will be available, but hikers need to be in sound medical condition.
Bethlehem 2000 works directly with local villagers, who are ready and eager
to welcome hikers along this 'new/old' trail. Detailed information about
personal health and safety issues will be provided upon application.
Schedule
Inaugural Journey: November 18 - 28, 1999
2000
March: 5-16 March
Easter: 21 April-3 May
April: 2-13 April
Sept: 24 Sept- 5 Oct
Oct: 15-26 Oct
Nov: 29 October-9 November
2001
March: 18-29 March
Easter: 8-19 April
April: 22 April-3 May
Bookings and Inquiries: Via your travel
agent, or contact: Journey Information Bethlehem 2000 P.O. Box 2000 Bethlehem
Palestine Telephone: +972.(0)2.274.2224 Fax: +972.(0)2.274.2227 E-mail:
info@bethlehem2000.org www.bethlehem2000.org
For bookings or queries contact:Rianne
Bijl Guiding Star Ltd.P.O.Box 19421, 4 Al Hariri Street Jerusalem 91193
Tel: 02 - 6273150 Fax: 02 - 6273147 Email: rianne@p-ol.com
Prices Full journey: $430 Day trip
with overnight: $45 Day trip: $25 For bookings or queries contact: Rianne
Bijl Guiding Star Ltd. P.O.Box 19421, 4 Al Hariri Street Jerusalem 91193
Tel: 02-6273150, Fax: 02-6273147 Email: rianne@GuidingStarLtd.com
George Rishmawi ATG; P.O. Box 173;
Beit Sahour Tel: 02-2772151, fax: 02-2772211 Email: atg@p-ol.com
Mark Khano Guiding Star; Tel: 02-6273
150 Fax: 02-6273 147 Email: MarkK@GuidingStarLtd.com
