...The Jouney of the Millennium
A new opportunity to encounter the past!

The Original Journey

 

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 kms A lovely segment of the journey, and a first experience of the rolling eastern mountain range of Palestine. 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 accommodations 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 ac- commodations.

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 Jor- dan 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 ascent) leads to the Mount of Temptation, with its Orthodox monastery clinging to the rocky cliffs. Overnight: orange groves camping or optional hotel.

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 Ortho- dox 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 journey 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 conditions 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 nature 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.

Who can participate? This is an outdoor adventure for physically fit nature 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 indi- viduals.

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 pub- lished.

What about health and safety? Basic first aid will be available, but hikers need to be in sound medical condition. Bethelehem 2000 works directly with local villag- ers, 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

 

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