Visit Palestine with us 14 – 21 October 2024

Let us introduce ourselves

We are Saleem and Kristel, together we studied the tour guide program at the Bethlehem Bible College. We both have a great passion for putting Palestine on the tourism map. There is so much to share about Palestine’s history, heritage and there are so many beautiful places to visit. In the same time we are fully aware of the political reality, we both live it every day.

Saleem is a Palestinian from Abud. He was born and raised in Palestine. He is married and has three beautiful daughters. He has worked for several local organizations and has experience with media and receiving international guests.

Kristel is from the Netherlands and she is married to a Palestinian, the owner of Singer Cafe in Beit Jala. Kristel and Tariq have a daughter and a son. Kristel studied and worked as a tour guide and history teacher in the Netherlands before coming to Palestine where she has lived for a good 12 years. She produces Stories from Palestine podcast.

The aim of our program

We offer a unique program that will give participants the opportunity to experience something very different than the usual pilgrimage programs, existing political tours and olive harvest programs. We offer a variety of activities and trips to share different aspects of the land and the life in Palestine. We also will include one day of olive picking in our October program because it is a wonderful experience and an important part of the Palestinian heritage and economy.

It is important for us that you get a chance to meet locals. But we also value the participants in the group and their personal stories. We know that many of the people who are interested to join this program are of Palestinian descent. They have their own ties to the land and the people. We imagine that the group will be very diverse, younger and older people of different cultural and religious backgrounds. But what will all unite us is our interest in learning more about Palestine, about its history, its people and the political reality of today.

Number of participants

The program will take place with a minimum of six and a maximum of twelve people.

We assume that if you decide to take part in a group tour, that you will adapt to being a member of a group. That means that you respect others, that you respect the time and that you join with an open heart and open mind. If there is anything you don’t feel comfortable about during the program, we can discuss and try to find a solution. There will be free time in the evenings and there are some optional activities so that you can find time for yourself if you need it.

More detailed information and how to sign up

We understand that due to the current situation people are hesitant to sign up. It is hard to predict what the reality will be like in October. Of course we will adapt our program if needed to always be in areas that we consider safe for our visitors. When you are seriously considering to join, please contact us by e-mail : kristelinpalestine@gmail.com

We will send you a document with more detailed information on how we work and what to expect. If our program fits your needs and our way of working also works for you then you can sign up. We will then stay in touch about the political reality and see when it is best for you to book your flight. Israel has a new ETA requirements for many travelers who will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization before entering the country (visa waiver program). You have to apply for it online at : https://etaisrael.com 

Price is 1300$ for 7 days. This includes accommodation, two meals per day, transportation and guides during the program. 

Before booking your flight check with us if there is still space (max 12) After we give you the okay, you can book and send us the flight details, a copy of your ID and 250 dollars registration fee through PayPal or bank transfer to a European bank account. Then your participation is confirmed.

Program

This is the tentative 7 days program. This program may still change. We will keep you informed if there are major changes. Palestine is a country where you have to be very flexible. Things are often not clear until the last moment. And things can change due to the political reality and circumstances. When you ask us to send you more details we will also send you a more detailed version of this program. 

Day 1: Let’s explore Bethlehem. We will walk around the old city, visit the Church of Nativity, visit the heritage museum and eat falafel and humus. We will visit a refugee camp to learn more about the Palestinian refugee issue. At the Museum of Natural History we can learn more about the importance of biodiversity and heritage. This is the place where many species are preserved.

Day 2: We will visit the fertile valley of Artas and the ancient Roman aqueduct system at the Solomon’s pools and see how Efrat settlement is encroaching on the Palestinian population. Then we will continue to the agricultural village of Battir. Battir is UNESCO world heritage site and famous for its irrigated terraces and of course for the ‘Betenjan Battiri’ the eggplant from Battir. We will have a traditional Palestinian lunch at Dar Abu Hassan before we go on a hike in the Mahkrour valley. At the end of the day you can enjoy the sunset view from Shams el Aseel restaurant.

Day 3: Today we will go to Hebron. On the way to Hebron we will learn more about the areas A, B and C in the Westbank, the settlements of Gush Etzion and the bypass road number 60. In Hebron we will visit the Ibrahimi mosque and learn about the reality for Palestinians in the old city who are dealing with violence by settlers, soldiers and blocking of roads by checkpoints. 

Day 4: We will go early to Al Quds, Jerusalem and start with a visit to the Muslim holy site ‘Haram al Sharif’ with the Dome of the Rock and the Aqsa mosque. After a cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea there is plenty of time to discover the important sites in the different quarters of the old city including the Holy Sepulcher Church and to try some of the typical Jerusalem tastes such as ka’ek and sesame seed bars with nuts and honey.

Day 5: On our way to Jericho we will drive through the Jerusalem desert where in the 5th and 6th century many monks retreated from the city to live as hermits. Two of the monasteries that were established in the desert in that time are still functioning today. They are built in the rock of the mountain. You will be surprised by the beauty of Marsaba monastery and Saint George Monastery.

Also on our way is the shrine for prophet Moses, Maqam Nabi Musa, where we can have a quick stop.

In Jericho we will take you to Hisham’s Palace to admire the newly renovated mosaics and share the rich history of the Umayyads in Palestine who are famous for the desert palaces.

Jericho is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the archaeological site of Tel el Sultan is a must visit. 

Day 6: We will spend some time in Ramallah and discover the city that has the Yasser Arafat tomb and museum, the Mahmoud Darwish museum, the government building of the Palestinian National Authority and has a very busy center of town. You will be spending more quiet time in the village of Abud where you will stay with a local family.

Day 7: Saleem’s family welcomes you for a day of olive picking on their land. You can climb the trees, or stay on the ground, take it easy or work hard. It’s all about the experience. We will teach you the fine techniques of olive harvesting and you will harvest like a pro. Of course you will eat traditional Palestinian food for lunch on the field and you will spend another night at your host family.

Optional:

If you want to visit Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee then you can book two extra days for an additional price of around 200$ pp. In Nazareth we will be staying in a Palestinian family hotel.

Send us an email if you are interested to know more details! kristelinpalestine@gmail.com