Two thousand years after the story began, come walk the hills and villages of Palestine, through the land of Jesus Christ to the place of his birth! 

Practicalities

The Nativity Trail - Provisional Itinerary

When is it happening?
• Inaugural Journey took place in November 18 - 28, 1999.
• For 2000 and beyond, see the Schedule in this brochure.

How long is the journey?
• The entire Nativity Trail is about 160 kilometres long; the journey will last 12 days.

Where will we stay?
• The Nativity Trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the legendary hospitality of Palestinians.
Some nights, hikers will stay in villagers' homes. Other nights, accommodations will be in monasteries, local Bed-and-Breakfasts, Bedouin tents, or at campsites where hikers can pitch their own tents or sleep under the stars.
• In all cases, the welcome will be warm but conditions are basic. Hikers will need to provide their own sleeping bags and air mattresses.

What kind of terrain does the Trail cover?
• Just like travelers in biblical times, hikers will be traversing beautiful but sometimes rough terrain, climbing up and down steep, rocky hillsides, crossing desert "wadis" (valleys) - and pausing to rest in olive groves!

Who can participate?
• This is an outdoor adventure for physically fit nature lovers with an interest in history, culture and religious tradition. Participants must be experienced hikers able to spend 6 to 9 hours a day on the trail.
• Most groups will consist of approximately 20 individuals.

Who are our guides?
• The journeys will be fully guided by professional and
licensed guides. During the Year 2000, an accompanying guidebook is scheduled to be published.

What about health and safety?
• Basic first aid will be available, but hikers need to be in sound medical condition.
• Bethlehem 2000 works directly with local villagers, who are ready and eager to welcome hikers along this "new/old" trail.
• Detailed information about personal health and safety issues will be provided upon application.

The Nativity Trail - Provisional Itinerary

Please Note: Journey segments and distances are approximate. Bethlehem 2000 reserves the right to amend the programme.

DAY 1: Nazareth to Mount Tabor - 16 kms
The journey begins with a tour of Nazareth, including the Church of the Annunciation and the House of Mary, followed by a short but steep climb through the wooded slopes of Mount Tabor, for a stunning view of Marj Bin Amer (Jezreel Valley). Overnight: The Monastery of the Transfiguration Guest House or camping nearby.

DAY 2: Mount Tabor to Taibeh - 25 kms
A long day of hiking through Marj Bin Amer (Jezreel Valley), the fertile breadbasket of the region, arriving in the village of Taibeh. Overnight: Village accommodations.

DAY 3: Taibeh to Jabal Faqou'a (Mount Gilboa) -18 kms
The Journey continues across the plains of the Marj, to Jabal Faqou'a (Mount Gilboa), with splendid views of the valley below. Overnight: Village accommodations, in Jabal Faqou'a.

DAY 4: Jabal Fa'qou'a to Zababdeh - 20 kms
A first glimpse of the rolling eastern mountain range of Palestine. The trail winds through the villages of Jalboun and Mughayir before reaching Zababdeh, a Christian town on the ancient Roman trade route. Overnight: Village accommodations.

DAY 5: Zababdeh to Aqrabanieh - 20 kms
The Journey continues through the fertile highlands of the West Bank and then descends to the broad sweep of Wadi Bidan, a picturesque valley system rich in mountain springs. Overnight: Village accommodations in Aqrabanieh and/or orange grove camping.

DAY 6: Aqrabanieh to Yanoun - 17 kms
The journey continues with a steep morning ascent from Wadi Bidan, then a leisurely ramble across the next valley and down to the isolated village of Yanoun, nestled among the hills. Overnight: Village accommodations.

DAY 7: Yanoun to Duma - 15 kms
A shorter segment of the journey, offering the first glimpse of the Desert and Jordan to the east as the trail follows the escarpment separating the fertile highlands from the arid slopes of the Jordan Valley. After a pause in 'Aqraba for refreshments, hikers reach the agricultural hilltop town of Duma with its neat olive groves. Overnight: Village accommodations.

DAY 8: Duma to Al 'Auja - 25 kms
The journey continues on a hilly trail following a dramatic route across desert terrain inhabited only by shepherds. The steep and rocky trail descends below sea level to the Al 'Auja Spring, one of the largest water sources in the Jordan Valley. Overnight: Camping with Bedouin shepherds near Al 'Auja.

DAY 9: Al 'Auja to Jericho - 15 kms
Desert terrain gives way to orange groves as the journey continues to Jericho, "the  oldest city on Earth". Along the way, a steep climb (or optional cable car ascent) leads to the Mount of Temptation, with its Orthodox Monastery clinging to the rocky cliffs. Overnight: Orange Grove camping or optional hotel.

DAY 10: Jericho to Nabi Mousa - 15 kms
The journey continues west through the dramatic canyon of Wadi Kelt to St. George Khoziba Monastery, then continues through arid valleys, past the remains of ancient hermitages and caves to Nabi Mousa (a Muslim pilgrim site associated with Moses). Overnight: Nabi Mousa camping.

DAY 11: Nabi Mousa to Mar Saba - 18 kms
The trail from Nabi Mousa follows shepherds' tracks through the desert to the legendary Orthodox Monastery of Mar Saba in its exquisite canyon setting. Overnight: Camping with local Bedouin.

DAY 12: Mar Saba to Bethlehem - 15 kms
The trail's final segment ascends past the Orthodox Monastery of Theodosius, where legend has it that the Wise Men hid from King Herod, through Beit Sahour (the  Shepherds' Field). Then it's on to Manger Square in the centre of Bethlehem and a visit to the Church of the Nativity, believed by many to stand on the site where the original journey ended - and the Christian faith has its beginnings.

Bookings and Inquiries:
Via your travel agent, or contact:
Journey Information
Bethlehem 2000
P.O. Box 2000, Bethlehem, Palestine
Telephone: +972.(0)2.274.2224
Fax: +972.(0)2.274.2227
E-mail: info@bethlehem2000.org
www.bethlehem2000.org