The itinerary of Purple Desert alternates Judas’ desert with the sacred cities of the three religions of the book (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). This trip re-enlivens the spiritual experiences of the Hermits and Sufis, the political history leading to the defeat of the Canaanite civilization, and the birth of religious bloom that flowered around Jerusalem.
In the famous cities of Bethlehem, Hebron, Jericho, and Jerusalem, the visitors will enjoy the excellence of art, history, and religion which made Palestine one of the most important places in the world.
The villages of Jaba’, Deir Dibwan, Mukhmas, and Birzeit will allow the visitors to fully immerse themselves in the local Palestinian culture and experience the life of the welcoming people who will greet them with sincere hospitality.
The itinerary will have the visitors enjoy the cultural and historical aspects of Palestine through story-telling and entertainment. Visitors will also build personal connections with the people while tasting the superb authentic cuisine. Every sensation will be enhanced by unique familiar hospitality amidst the nature that speaks to the spirit, and in an environment that reveals old wounds but also ascertains willpower.
Rozana Association provides customer service and assistance throughout visits. CONTACT for more info.
Download Brochure
From
N/A
Distance
N/A
Group size
12
Duration
8 Days
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP
Day 1
HOME - TEL AVIV- BETHLEHEM
Arrival from airport and transfer to Bethlehem in a guesthouse, where the tourists will be welcomed in Palestine with the 1st gastronomic taste and a relaxing night.
Day 2
BETHLEHEM
The day is dedicated to the city. After Breakfast, we will start with a visit of the old Ottoman Centre, its antique corners and its quarters (in Arabic: harat) built around squares by familiar clans flourished in the past centuries. Within the narrow streets is possible to admire: old oil presses, the Dar Mansour Ottoman house, the Greek Catholic Church, the African quarter. The Church of the Nativity and the close Milk Grotto with its popular belief of fertility are the natural target of all the tourists. In the afternoon the group will head to Dheisha camp to meet the refugees, know their history and life, visit the Dheisha Creativity Center and take part to the activities of the center (dances, design, realization of handicrafts and have dinner there (2nd gastronomic taste) before returning to the guesthouse. In the evening, the Bonjour Café is a relaxing place and Cosmos in the Olive Tree Tourist Village is a night club to dance and listen music.
Day 3
BETHLEHEM - HEBRON
In the morning, a visit to the Old Bethlehem Home Museum, led by the Arab Women’s Union and to the Palestinian Heritage Centre showing the best Palestinian crafts, are important expressions of the local Palestinian culture. In the afternoon, transfer to Hebron. The visit of the Biblical Patriarchs’ tombs in the Haram Al-Khalil mosque is the clou of the visit. The Roman Palace, the Ottoman Al-Dari Hammam, the strolling along the souk and the streets will give a good impression of Hebron. The frequent skirmishes with the Hebrews around the Shuhada street closed and reserved to the settlers, enliven the visit to the Old City. The tour includes an experience in the Aljuneidi dairy factory, Haram Alrama Well and Alnatsheh Molasses factory. A traditional dinner in a Hebron homestays will allow the 3rd gastronomic taste, before the well deserved sleep.
Day 4
HEBRON – JABA’ – DEIR DIBWAN - JERICHO
In the morning, transfer to Jaba’, visit of the local glass artisans and walk on the hill to admire the Roman tower adjacent to Pyalara house and interpretation center that will explain the history of the territory included in the wider history of Palestine. In the afternoon transfer to Deir Dibwan. There the group will visit to the Tal Ai archaeological site, the old house–museum in Ottoman style managed by the Jaba’ Women Association and will have a training course of a traditional sweet in the local pastry shop, before leading to Jericho. Dinner with 5th gastronomic taste and night stay in Jericho Resort Village.
Day 5
JERICHO - NABI MUSA AND THE DEAD SEA
During the morning the group will head to Nabi Mousa shrine to learn about the Sufi history in Palestine, after that camels will carry the group to the Dead Sea for swimming and a relaxing time. In the afternoon, return to Jericho and get into the telepherique to climb the Mount of Temptation. and then a documentary film will be shown in Tel Alsultan to learn more about the location’s history before heading to Hisham’s palace to watch another documentary film. The program will lead to the Albakri guesthouse for a dinner and the 5th gastronomic taste.
Day 6
JERICHO-JERUSALEM
The day starts with a breakfast in a Bedouin tent and have a taste of the special handmade Arabic coffee that will give the group the energy to walk along the red desert (purple desert) to the remains of the historic palace of Herodos and the hike in narrow paths of Wadi Alqilt ( Al Qilt Valley ) to reach the historic Saint George monastery. Is it possible to go by car in the surroundings of the famous monastery from which the visitors can see the caves of the Hermits and get aware of their life and spirituality. From there, the travel will continue to the Old City of Jerusalem to have the local dinner and the 6th gastronomic taste in the Women Association premises before spending the night in an hotel of East Jerusalem.
Day 7
JERUSALEM
Too many are the interesting places around the Old City, to miss them. Mount of Olives, antique Chapel of the Ascension, Garden of Gethsemane, City of David and Hezekiah’s tunnel, Church of St Peter in Gallicantu with a fabulous sight over the Old City and neighbouring, Coenaculum, Tomb of David. In East Jerusalem the most important sites, suggested for a visit, are: Rockefeller museum, Zedekiah’s cave, Palestinian folklore Museum, Ottoman Orient House, Domari Society of Gypsies. Walk inside the walls and visit of the main monuments and religious places of Jerusalem: Church oh Holy Sepulchre, Temple Mount, Western Wall, tour of the Old City and its Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian quarters, tour of the walls, Tower of David, Ramparts walk, Mardigian museum of Armenian culture. Evening in hotel and 6th gastronomic taste in the Women Association premises.
Day 8
JERUSALEM-TEL AVIV AIRPORT
Travel to airport and return home
The rate of the organized tour (min 12 people) Single room supplement
The tour can be performed by autonomous groups, and by organized groups led by a guide and pay a rate
including:
Equipment & Supplies:
Important Notes:
Documents and information:
Book Your Next Adventure
TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE
Mai Abdeen
Executive Manager
Mobile: +970-549329543
Email: mai@rozana.ps
Dalia abu Naser
Office Manager
Mobile: +970-598172721
Email: info@rozana.ps