Do It Yourself (DIY) Tours

Most churches, basilicas and shrines require modest dress: shoulders and knees covered for everyone, men and women alike. Sleeveless tops, shorts and short skirts are usually not permitted inside. A light scarf or shawl in your daypack solves the problem instantly and is useful at multiple stops in the same day. Some sites, including Mount Tabor and the Basilica of the Annunciation, enforce this strictly and may lend or sell wraps at the entrance, but do not count on it.

Israel has a reliable, inexpensive public transport network of buses, light rail and trains, and it can take you to almost every stop in this guide. The CIC has dedicated Transportation pages with up-to-date local details. Use the Moovit app for live, door-to-door journey planning.

Official Transportation Resources

• Moovit Journey Planner
• CIC — Bus in Jerusalem
• CIC — Egged in Jerusalem
• CIC — East Jerusalem Bus Lines
• CIC — Arab Bus
• CIC — Superbus
• CIC — Shuttle & Taxi Services
• Egged
• Israel Railways
• Jerusalem Light Rail

• Jerusalem Old City: entirely on foot. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes; streets are cobbled, sloped and stepped.
• Ein Karem: Egged bus 17 runs from central Jerusalem directly into the village.
• Yad Vashem: Egged bus 82 stops at “Yad Vashem & Mount Herzl”; the Light Rail also reaches Mount Herzl.
• Rav-Kav: works across city buses and the light rail and gives discounted fares.
• Ride-hailing: Gett and Yango operate in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
• Bethlehem: buses 231 and 234 leave from the bus stand opposite Damascus Gate.
• Jericho and other West Bank towns: use a private taxi, licensed shared taxi, or organized transfer. Check rental-car restrictions.
• Dead Sea, Masada, Ein Gedi and Qumran: Egged buses 486 and 444 run from Jerusalem Central Bus Station. These routes do not run on Shabbat.
• Nazareth and the Galilee: reachable by intercity bus and train, but a rental car or organized transfer is more practical for individual shrines.
• Upper Galilee and Golan: a rental car is the realistic option for Tel Dan, Banias and Mount Hermon.
• Abu Ghosh (Emmaus): served by Egged buses from Jerusalem Central Bus Station; confirm the current route on Moovit or Egged.

Bethlehem is in Palestinian Authority territory. Independent travelers normally cross on foot or by taxi through Checkpoint 300, or travel directly by a private or licensed taxi authorized to cross. Always carry your passport. Queues and procedures can change, so allow extra time and check current conditions before you go.

The local currency is the Israeli New Shekel (₪ / ILS), used on both sides of the Green Line. Credit cards are widely accepted; carry some cash in small denominations for donation boxes, candles, street vendors and shared taxis.

From Friday afternoon until Saturday evening, many Israeli shops, restaurants and some public transport services are reduced or closed in Jewish areas. This does not affect the Christian and Muslim quarters of the Old City or Bethlehem in the same way. Friday prayers may affect access to the Temple Mount / Haram esh-Sharif area around midday. Christian churches keep their own schedules, and some sites close for a midday break.

English is widely understood at major sites, hotels and in tourism generally; Hebrew and Arabic are the local languages. A local SIM card or eSIM is the simplest way to have data for maps and translation apps throughout your trip.

The security situation in Israel and the Palestinian Territories can change. Before and during your trip, check the travel advisories issued by your own government and register with your embassy or consulate if one is available. Keep valuables secure, follow the guidance of site staff and local authorities, and avoid demonstrations or crowded political gatherings.

• Comfortable, closed walking shoes and a light scarf or shawl.
• Sun protection and a refillable water bottle.
• A light jacket for evenings and air-conditioned churches.
• A power bank and cash in small shekel notes.
• A copy of the Gospel passages you plan to read at each site, or this guide with its scripture references.

Most churches and shrines administered by the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land are free to enter, though donations are welcome. Some sites charge admission, including the CIC Multimedia Exhibition, Masada and nature reserves. Travelers visiting several reserves may benefit from an Israel Nature and Parks Authority multi-site pass.

Many sanctuaries staffed by the Franciscan Custody hold daily Mass, and visiting pilgrims are welcome to attend without booking. Groups or visitors wishing to reserve a specific time or chapel should contact the Franciscan Pilgrims’ Office in advance.

FPO email: fpo@cicts.org
FPO / CIC phone: +972-2-6272692