Excursion «193. Holly Springs of Galilee»

The "Well of Mary" in Nazareth is the first spring we will visit. The water from this spring is considered sacred among Christians.

The Church of the Annunciation is another significant site in Nazareth. Thanks to the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother Helena, churches marking the key events in the Gospels were built in the Holy Land: the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. The modern church was constructed in 1969 and is the largest Catholic church in the entire Middle East. On the lower level of the church, there is a grotto believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary received the Annunciation. Pay attention to the frescoes, which have miraculously preserved their original appearance. Another unique feature of the church is the frescoes, icons, and images of saints donated to the church from various corners of the world. Since ancient times, pilgrims have brought water from this spring back to their homelands, considering it to be miraculous.

Nazareth, the third most important city for Christians after Jerusalem and Bethlehem, is where Jesus Christ spent his childhood and youth. According to one version, the name Nazareth comes from the Hebrew word "nezer," meaning branch. It was once a small agricultural settlement, home to just a dozen families, including the Holy Family. One of the significant Christian holy sites in Nazareth is the Grotto of the Annunciation, upon which the Church is built. In the vicinity of the city, you can find the National Park of Sepphoris, the parental home of Mary, as well as the ruins of a Crusader fortress and other archaeological attractions. Jesus is often referred to as "ha-Notzri," meaning the Nazarene, because of his connection to this place.

Cana of Galilee, the site of Jesus' first miracle, is a well-known settlement in Galilee. It is where Jesus turned water into wine, as described in the Gospel of John. During a wedding feast in Cana, this miracle took place. We will also have the opportunity to taste wines there.

The Jordan River is the most sacred waterway in both Western and Eastern Christianity, as it is where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. Stretching 232 kilometers, the Jordan River originates at the foot of Mount Hermon, passes through the Sea of Galilee, and flows into the Dead Sea. It is remarkable that the river valley was once covered by tropical forests, and hippopotamuses inhabited its coastal marshes. The river is mentioned multiple times in the Old and New Testaments. Today, it serves as a border between Israel and Jordan. Pilgrims and tourists from all over the world gather at the river to immerse themselves in its sacred waters. On the Israeli side, the baptismal ritual can be performed at the Yardenit complex.

Magdala is an ancient Galilean city and the hometown of Mary Magdalene. According to the Bible, Mary Magdalene is the second most important woman in the life of Jesus Christ. Magdala is home to three springs. The first spring, known as the "eye spring," is not used for baptism but for collecting water to take with you. According to tradition, it helps people with vision problems. The second spring is a radon spring. The third spring is the one from which Jesus Christ healed Mary Magdalene and is suitable for baptism.

Conditions for order cancellation:
If a tourist cancels an excursion in less than 3 days – penalty 100% if "No Departure Insurance" is purchased.
Money is returned only if "No Departure Insurance" is available.

Important:

• People who are late and do not go on the excursion will not receive a refund.
• The company is not responsible for lost items.
• Requests for excursions for children under 5 years old are not accepted
• Responsibility for having an individual insurance policy falls on the tourist.
• Tourists may wait up to 30 minutes for the bus.
• The company reserves the right to change the departure time for the excursion, which is communicated to the tourist the day before.
• There is no indication of seats on the bus. Boarding and disembarking  carried out only in designated places.
• Visiting holy places is permitted only in modest clothing (shoulders and knees must be covered).
• Physical activity level: 3/5

We recommend: bring drinking water, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and comfortable shoes with you on the excursion.

The cost of trips does not include and is paid on the spot: meals, unless purchased additionally.