Many Christians will never get an opportunity to set foot in the Holy Land. From a global and historical perspective, we’re counting our blessings to have this opportunity.

If you are one of the lucky ones who gets to fulfill this eternal Christian aspiration and make your pilgrimage to Israel, you would surely want to make the most out of the experience. After all, you will remember and cherish this trip for as long as you live.

At Gordon Tours Israel we have been doing this for many years. Here are some of our top tips that will ensure this trip is as special and unforgettable as it can be.

Travel With Your Congregation

Simply put, traveling to the Holy Land is better together. Religion and faith are a community’s journey through life, connecting us to one another and to Christian communities that have come before us.

Making a solo pilgrimage to the Holy Land is definitely a worthwhile endeavor, but nothing beats a communal pilgrimage with your congregation. The spiritual “added value” is immeasurable.

Carry a Pilgrim’s Journal

Keeping a journal throughout the trip is an excellent way to make the most out of the individual pilgrimage experience on top of the communal one.

Traveling through the Holy Land evokes deep emotions within us, and a personal journal will record your thoughts, prayers, and reflections as you walk in Christ’s footsteps. It will also serve as a precious keepsake and a way to document your unique spiritual expedition.

Can’t wait to visit Israel?
Contact us or ask your travel agent about the Gordon Tours Israel experience!

Learn Basic Hebrew Phrases

One of the most enjoyable experiences in any trip is interacting with the local people living there, and Israel is no exception.

An easy way to do that is by familiarizing yourself with a few basic Hebrew words and phrases, like “Shalom” (hello), “Toda” (thank you), or “Bevakasha” (please) can go a long way in building rapport and making friends!

Attend Worship Services

Whenever possible, we recommend participating in worship services or religious ceremonies at the holy sites you visit. God is one and Christ is one, but there are many different Christian traditions, and different communities practice Christianity in their own unique way, shaped over the generations.

Attending services or ceremonies in Israel is a profound way to engage with the local religious community and experience their ancient traditions and rituals firsthand. It further connects us to our shared history.

Embrace the opportunity to attend sites holy to all three religions, which adds to the pilgrimage experience. When visiting such sites, it is important to learn ahead of time about local customs (such as taking your shoes off, covering your head, etc.) to be sure you are respectful of them during your visit.

Embrace the Journey with an Open Heart

We are all blessed with the love of Christ, and nowhere is it more important to adopt a spirit of openness and humility than in your pilgrimage to the Holy Land. 

When we allow ourselves to be fully present and open to the spiritual significance of each site, we take time for personal reflection and meditation – it deepens our spiritual connection to where it all began.

We at Gordon Tours are at your disposal to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime communal experience. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Holy Land.