THE HOLY LAND: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF THE HOLY LAND on an
expedition inspired by the peace-building efforts of National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah. Explore the City of David and the ancient desert fortress of Masada; glide across the Sea of Galilee; and discover Jerusalem through the eyes of Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Hear a broad spectrum of narratives on this program, designed in partnership with Israelis and Palestinians, Arabs and Jews. EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a unique dual narrative provided by the Israeli and Palestinian peace-builders who accompany the entire expedition. • Meet artists and politicians, settlers and refugees, imams and rabbis. • Explore the archaeological site of Caesarea Maritima with National Geographic Emerging Explorer Beverly Goodman. • Visit the Yad Vashem Memorial and hear from a Holocaust survivor.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERTS National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah is a cultural educator who has dedicated his life to bringing Israelis and Palestinians together to build understanding and forge lasting relationships. He has spoken on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, peace, reconciliation, and interfaith dialogue before the European Parliament and the United Nations, and at many universities. Author Yuval Ben-Ami writes for the Hebrew edition of National Geographic magazine and has published two travel books about Israel. His work in conflict resolution began in 2000 at Jerusalem’s Youth Center of World Cultures, and he has since mediated, lectured, and trained in a number of forums. AZIZ WILL ACCOMPANY THE OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2016 AND THE MAY, OCTOBER, AND NOVEMBER 2017 DEPARTURES; YUVAL WILL JOIN THE REMAINING DEPARTURES.
98
I T I N E R A RY
| 11 DAYS
DAY 1 TEL AVIV, ISRAEL/JERUSALEM
Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to Jerusalem. Relax at the hotel before our reception and welcome dinner tonight. AMERICAN COLONY HOTEL (D) DAY 2 JERUSALEM
Begin the day on the Temple Mount, capped by the shining cupola of the Dome of the Rock. Meet an imam from the Al-Aqsa Mosque who will explain the importance of this holy site to Muslims. Then visit the Western Wall, touch the ancient stones, and meet with a rabbi to learn about the significance of this sacred place. A local pastor then joins us at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, home to six Christian sects and, according to tradition, the tomb of Jesus. In the afternoon, ascend to the top of the Mount of Olives and take in a panoramic view of the domes, spires, and golden stones of Jerusalem’s Old City. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 JERUSALEM
Just outside the Old City walls lies the City of David, thought to be the original capital city established by King David some 3,000 years ago. Venture into the archaeological site and meet with its Israeli administrators; later, speak with residents of the nearby Palestinian neighborhood who oppose the excavations. Get an insider’s perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with an Israeli politician; then travel to Ramallah, where we are granted rare access to the offices of the Palestinian Authority to hear from a high-ranking politician. (B, L) DAY 4 JERUSALEM
Today, trace the turbulent history of the birth of the state of Israel. At Yad Vashem, Israel’s moving memorial to the Holocaust, meet with a Holocaust survivor for a personal glimpse into one of history’s darkest moments. Then travel to Ein Kerem, where Christian tradition says John the Baptist was born. An Israeli and a Palestinian guide will each tell their divergent narrative of the village’s role in Israel’s 1948 War of Independence. Enjoy time to explore Jerusalem on your own.
Above: Two of the most sacred sites in the Holy Land, the Dome of the Rock and the Western Wall, shimmer as evening descends on Old Jerusalem.