If you’ve ever been to Israel, odds are it was hot at that time. And when August comes around, the Israeli sun makes it feel even warmer. Thankfully, Israel is well adapted to welcome Christian pilgrims even during the hottest months of the year, and there are plenty of special and unique experiences to enjoy. These sites are especially suited for 95+ degree weather and perfect for solo travelers as well as for congregations traveling as a group.

Here are several cool options!

Yardenit Baptismal Site

Visiting the site where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist offers pilgrims a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience while affording a welcomed break from the heat of the Israeli summer sun.

The Yardenit Baptismal Site is located on the banks of the Jordan River, at the southern point of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus began practicing and preaching the word of God across this part of the Holy Land, which hosts many additional sites that carry biblical significance.

At this site, Mark’s account of the baptism is recounted in over 80 languages and dialects! And to top it off, you can swim in the serene part of the river, surrounded by the unique nature of the Holy Land.

The Sea of Galilee

Since you’re already at the Sea of Galilee, head north along the coast of the lake. This area marks the place where Jesus walked on water. It is along this lake that Christ met the fishermen Peter and Andrew and made them “fishers of men.”

Dip in the waters on a hot day to chill your rising body temperatures and immerse yourself in the glorious energy of this incredible body of water. Very few places around the world can feel both like a holiday destination AND a spiritual pilgrimage site. The Sea of Galilee offers this type of one-of-a-kind experience you cannot miss, especially on a hot summer day.

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Contact us or ask your travel agent about the Gordon Tours Israel experience!

The Church of the Sepulchre

The heat doesn’t bother you as much if you are exploring the narrow alleyways of the Old Town of Jerusalem – and once you set foot inside the holy Church of the Sepulchre, everything feels even cooler! The giant stones from which this sacred church was built significantly insulate the heat, so much so that you may forget you ever broke a sweat on your way there.

Once there, you’re completely immersed in the airy rooms and their artifacts, paintings, and history. Time will fly as you pass the stone on which Christ’s body was laid, the one on which sat the angel who announced the resurrection. The church’s pleasant “climate” will provide you with yet another reason to admire the architecture and spend some extra time in the holiest Church of the Holy Land.

The Secret Templar Tunnels

When the crusader knights from the order of Templar made Acre (Akko) their home, they immediately set out to build their quarter in the city’s southwest. On the agenda: a secret 500 feet-long underground tunnel that goes from the Templar fortress to the port of Acre. What was built for safety and security 1,000 years ago is utilized today for pleasant strolls in a unique and beautifully arched tunnel that runs beneath the city. It is carved in natural stone, which protects us from the sun and offers a welcomed chill for the duration of the tour!

Israel is waiting for you, 365 days a year. If you’re visiting during the summer, plan ahead and include sites that offer a break from the heat in your itinerary. We can’t wait to see you!