{"id":8547,"date":"2025-12-05T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T07:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/?page_id=8547"},"modified":"2026-10-01T08:39:49","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T08:39:49","slug":"tours","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/tours\/","title":{"rendered":"Do It Yourself (DIY) Tours"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"8547\" class=\"elementor elementor-8547\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35f4623 elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"35f4623\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd3c709 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cd3c709\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Discover the Holy Land at your own pace!<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a083cb5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a083cb5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Explore historic sites, sacred places, and hidden gems with self-guided tours curated by CICTS \u2014 launching soon.<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67c52cf elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"67c52cf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/diy-tours-rfp6yhq735j6rykvl8rgio5qhid9b0j392e43bdtfi.jpg\" title=\"diy-tours\" alt=\"diy-tours\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-07ae083 elementor-align-center elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"07ae083\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Carefully curated self-guided itineraries for pilgrims and travelers.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Flexible plans... go at your own pace, on your own schedule.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Rich background: maps, history, spiritual context<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ccea6b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8ccea6b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Stay tuned for our official launch ... coming soon.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9233bc8 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9233bc8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2edc74d elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2edc74d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;hosted&quot;,&quot;start&quot;:0,&quot;autoplay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;play_on_mobile&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-hosted-video elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<video class=\"elementor-video\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/video-dyt.mp4\" autoplay=\"\" controls=\"\" playsinline=\"\"><\/video>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c1ae49a elementor-align-center elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"c1ae49a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Carefully curated self-guided itineraries for pilgrims and travelers<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Flexible plans... go at your own pace &amp; on your own schedule<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Rich background: maps, history, spiritual context<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a624776 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a624776\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Discover the Holy Land at your own pace!<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d72368 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4d72368\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Explore historic sites, sacred places, and hidden gems with self-guided tours curated by CICTS \u2014 launching soon!<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1dd5413 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"1dd5413\" 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.guide-steps,#cic-diy-guide .tour-grid,#cic-diy-guide .resource-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}#cic-diy-guide .welcome-card{padding:21px}#cic-diy-guide .tour-meta{padding:14px}#cic-diy-guide summary{font-size:16px}}\r\n\r\n#cic-diy-guide .hero,\r\n#cic-diy-guide .intro-image,\r\n#cic-diy-guide .footer-image{width:100%;max-width:100%}\r\n#cic-diy-guide .hero img,\r\n#cic-diy-guide .intro-image img,\r\n#cic-diy-guide .footer-image img{display:block;width:100%!important;max-width:100%!important;height:auto!important}\r\n\r\n\r\n#cic-diy-guide .footer-image a{display:block;width:100%;text-decoration:none}\r\n#cic-diy-guide .footer-image a:focus-visible{outline:3px solid #fff;outline-offset:4px}\r\n\r\n\r\n#cic-diy-guide .tour-image-link{display:block;overflow:hidden;text-decoration:none}\r\n#cic-diy-guide .tour-image-link img{width:100%;transition:transform .35s ease}\r\n#cic-diy-guide .tour-card:hover .tour-image-link img{transform:scale(1.02)}\r\n#cic-diy-guide a.tour-cta{color:#fff!important;text-decoration:none!important}\r\n\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<section id=\"cic-diy-guide\">\r\n  <div class=\"hero\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01-diy-hero-banner.webp\" alt=\"Do It Yourself tours in the Holy Land\"><\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"intro-grid\" id=\"welcome\">\r\n    <div class=\"intro-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/02-diy-intro-panel.webp\" alt=\"Discover the Holy Land at your own pace\"><\/div>\r\n    <article class=\"welcome-card\">\r\n      <h2>Welcome<\/h2>\r\n      <p class=\"lead\">This guide has been prepared by the Christian Information Center (CIC), at the Custody of the Holy Land, to help pilgrims and tourists who wish to visit the holy sites of Israel and Palestine on their own \u2014 at their own pace, in their own time, and following their own spiritual rhythm.<\/p>\r\n      <p>The itineraries are organized by city and by the number of days you have available: 1 day, 2 days or 3 days. Each stop includes its spiritual meaning, a short scripture reference, and the practical details you need to get there, get in, and get the most out of your visit \u2014 opening hours, dress code, transportation and useful links.<\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"quote\">You do not need a guide to have a meaningful pilgrimage. You do need good information. That is exactly what this guide, and the Christian Information Center at Jaffa Gate, are here to provide.<\/div>\r\n    <\/article>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <nav class=\"quick-nav\" aria-label=\"Page navigation\">\r\n    <a href=\"#welcome\">Welcome<\/a><a href=\"#how-to-use\">How to Use<\/a><a href=\"#destinations\">Destinations<\/a><a href=\"#before-you-go\">Before You Go<\/a><a href=\"#transportation\">Transportation<\/a><a href=\"#cic-start\">Start at CIC<\/a>\r\n  <\/nav>\r\n\r\n  <section class=\"section\" id=\"how-to-use\">\r\n    <h2 class=\"section-heading\">How to Use This Guide<\/h2>\r\n    <ul class=\"guide-steps\">\r\n      <li>Each city section opens with an \u201cIf you have\u2026\u201d table \u2014 find the row that matches your available time and follow that plan.<\/li>\r\n      <li>Stops are numbered in the recommended walking and visiting order. You can adapt the order, skip a stop, or slow down \u2014 these are suggestions, not fixed rules.<\/li>\r\n      <li>The \u201cPilgrim\u2019s Digital Backpack\u201d table at the end of each section gathers the practical essentials for that area in one place.<\/li>\r\n      <li>Opening hours change with the seasons and the Church calendar. Always confirm the day-of hours on the CIC Opening Hours page before you set out.<\/li>\r\n      <li>Wherever you see a link, follow it for the official page of the sanctuary, park, or museum.<\/li>\r\n      <li>Browse the CIC directory of Custody shrines at <a href=\"https:\/\/cicts.org\/en\/shrines-custody-holy-land\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cicts.org\/en\/shrines-custody-holy-land<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n    <\/ul>\r\n  <\/section>\r\n\r\n  <section class=\"section\" id=\"destinations\">\r\n    <h2 class=\"section-heading\">Choose Your Destination<\/h2>\r\n    <div class=\"tour-grid\">\r\n\r\n      <article class=\"tour-card\">\r\n        <a class=\"tour-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/jerusalem-tour\/\" aria-label=\"Open the Jerusalem self-guided tours\">\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/03-jerusalem-tour.webp\" alt=\"Jerusalem self-guided tour\">\r\n        <\/a>\r\n        <div class=\"tour-meta\">\r\n          <h3>Jerusalem<\/h3>\r\n          <p>Walk through the historic heart of Jerusalem and explore sacred sites of faith and history.<\/p>\r\n          <div class=\"badges\"><span class=\"badge\">1-Day Plan<\/span><span class=\"badge\">2-Day Plan<\/span><span class=\"badge\">3-Day Plan<\/span><\/div>\r\n          <a class=\"tour-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/jerusalem-tour\/\" aria-label=\"Explore Jerusalem Tours\">Explore Jerusalem Tours <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span><\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/article>\r\n\r\n      <article class=\"tour-card\">\r\n        <a class=\"tour-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/bethlehem-tour\/\" aria-label=\"Open the Bethlehem self-guided tours\">\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/04-bethlehem-tour.webp\" alt=\"Bethlehem self-guided tour\">\r\n        <\/a>\r\n        <div class=\"tour-meta\">\r\n          <h3>Bethlehem<\/h3>\r\n          <p>Visit the birthplace of Jesus and discover the rich Christian heritage of Bethlehem.<\/p>\r\n          <div class=\"badges\"><span class=\"badge\">1-Day Plan<\/span><span class=\"badge\">2-Day Plan<\/span><span class=\"badge\">3-Day Plan<\/span><\/div>\r\n          <a class=\"tour-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/bethlehem-tour\/\" aria-label=\"Explore Bethlehem Tours\">Explore Bethlehem Tours <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span><\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/article>\r\n\r\n      <article class=\"tour-card\">\r\n        <a class=\"tour-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/nazareth-the-galilee\/\" aria-label=\"Open the Nazareth and Galilee self-guided tours\">\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/05-nazareth-galilee-tour.webp\" alt=\"Nazareth and Galilee self-guided tour\">\r\n        <\/a>\r\n        <div class=\"tour-meta\">\r\n          <h3>Nazareth &amp; the Galilee<\/h3>\r\n          <p>Explore the life and ministry of Jesus in Nazareth and around the beautiful Galilee region.<\/p>\r\n          <div class=\"badges\"><span class=\"badge\">1-Day Plan<\/span><span class=\"badge\">2-Day Plan<\/span><span class=\"badge\">3-Day Plan<\/span><\/div>\r\n          <a class=\"tour-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/nazareth-the-galilee\/\" aria-label=\"Explore Nazareth and Galilee Tours\">Explore Nazareth &amp; Galilee <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span><\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/article>\r\n\r\n      <article class=\"tour-card\">\r\n        <a class=\"tour-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/adventures-tour\/\" aria-label=\"Open the Adventures self-guided tours\">\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/06-jericho-judean-desert-tour.webp\" alt=\"Adventures tour in Jericho and the Judean Desert\">\r\n        <\/a>\r\n        <div class=\"tour-meta\">\r\n          <h3>Adventures Tour<\/h3>\r\n          <p>Explore Jericho, the Judean Desert, ancient sites, dramatic landscapes, and natural wonders.<\/p>\r\n          <div class=\"badges\"><span class=\"badge\">1-Day Plan<\/span><span class=\"badge\">2-Day Plan<\/span><span class=\"badge\">3-Day Plan<\/span><\/div>\r\n          <a class=\"tour-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/adventures-tour\/\" aria-label=\"Explore Adventure Tours\">Explore Adventure Tours <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span><\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/article>\r\n\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"notice\"><strong>Self-guided itineraries are organized by destination and available time.<\/strong> The detailed 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day plans can be added below these destination cards as they are published.<\/div>\r\n  <\/section>\r\n\r\n  <section class=\"section\" id=\"before-you-go\">\r\n    <h2 class=\"section-heading\">Before You Go: Practical Essentials<\/h2>\r\n    <p class=\"essentials-intro\">A little preparation goes a long way in the Holy Land. Here is what every independent traveler should know before starting any of the itineraries in this guide.<\/p>\r\n\r\n    <details open><summary>Dress Code at the Holy Sites<\/summary><div class=\"details-body\"><p>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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\r\n\r\n    <details id=\"transportation\"><summary>Getting Around by Public Transport<\/summary><div class=\"details-body\"><p>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.<\/p>\r\n      <h3>Official Transportation Resources<\/h3>\r\n      <ul class=\"resource-grid\">\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/moovitapp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Moovit Journey Planner<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/cicts.org\/en\/bus-jerusalem\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CIC \u2014 Bus in Jerusalem<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/cicts.org\/en\/egged-jerusalem\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CIC \u2014 Egged in Jerusalem<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/cicts.org\/en\/east-jerusalem-bus-lines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CIC \u2014 East Jerusalem Bus Lines<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/cicts.org\/en\/arab-bus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CIC \u2014 Arab Bus<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/cicts.org\/en\/superbus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CIC \u2014 Superbus<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/cicts.org\/en\/shuttle-and-taxi-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CIC \u2014 Shuttle &amp; Taxi Services<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.egged.co.il\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Egged<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rail.co.il\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Israel Railways<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citypass.co.il\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jerusalem Light Rail<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n      <ul class=\"clean-list\">\r\n        <li><strong>Jerusalem Old City:<\/strong> entirely on foot. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes; streets are cobbled, sloped and stepped.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Ein Karem:<\/strong> Egged bus 17 runs from central Jerusalem directly into the village.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Yad Vashem:<\/strong> Egged bus 82 stops at \u201cYad Vashem &amp; Mount Herzl\u201d; the Light Rail also reaches Mount Herzl.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Rav-Kav:<\/strong> works across city buses and the light rail and gives discounted fares.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Ride-hailing:<\/strong> Gett and Yango operate in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Bethlehem:<\/strong> buses 231 and 234 leave from the bus stand opposite Damascus Gate.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Jericho and other West Bank towns:<\/strong> use a private taxi, licensed shared taxi, or organized transfer. Check rental-car restrictions.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Dead Sea, Masada, Ein Gedi and Qumran:<\/strong> Egged buses 486 and 444 run from Jerusalem Central Bus Station. These routes do not run on Shabbat.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Nazareth and the Galilee:<\/strong> reachable by intercity bus and train, but a rental car or organized transfer is more practical for individual shrines.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Upper Galilee and Golan:<\/strong> a rental car is the realistic option for Tel Dan, Banias and Mount Hermon.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Abu Ghosh (Emmaus):<\/strong> served by Egged buses from Jerusalem Central Bus Station; confirm the current route on Moovit or Egged.<\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n    <\/div><\/details>\r\n\r\n    <details><summary>Crossing into Bethlehem<\/summary><div class=\"details-body\"><p>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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\r\n    <details><summary>Money<\/summary><div class=\"details-body\"><p>The local currency is the Israeli New Shekel (\u20aa \/ 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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\r\n    <details><summary>Sabbath and Holy Days<\/summary><div class=\"details-body\"><p>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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\r\n    <details><summary>Connectivity and Language<\/summary><div class=\"details-body\"><p>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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\r\n    <details><summary>Safety<\/summary><div class=\"details-body\"><p>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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\r\n    <details><summary>What to Pack<\/summary><div class=\"details-body\"><ul class=\"clean-list\"><li>Comfortable, closed walking shoes and a light scarf or shawl.<\/li><li>Sun protection and a refillable water bottle.<\/li><li>A light jacket for evenings and air-conditioned churches.<\/li><li>A power bank and cash in small shekel notes.<\/li><li>A copy of the Gospel passages you plan to read at each site, or this guide with its scripture references.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/details>\r\n    <details><summary>Entrance Fees<\/summary><div class=\"details-body\"><p>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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\r\n    <details><summary>Mass, Confession and Sacraments<\/summary><div class=\"details-body\"><p>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\u2019 Office in advance.<\/p><p><strong>FPO email:<\/strong> <a href=\"mailto:fpo@cicts.org\">fpo@cicts.org<\/a><br><strong>FPO \/ CIC phone:<\/strong> <a href=\"tel:+97226272692\">+972-2-6272692<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/details>\r\n  <\/section>\r\n\r\n  <section class=\"section\" id=\"cic-start\">\r\n    <div class=\"contact-box\">\r\n      <div><h3>The Christian Information Center \u2014 Your Starting Point<\/h3><ul><li>Located at Jaffa Gate, the main entrance to Jerusalem\u2019s Old City and the natural starting point for every itinerary.<\/li><li>Home to the Multimedia Exhibition, which gives historical and archaeological context to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.<\/li><li>The Franciscan Corner Bookshop sells guidebooks, maps, rosaries and a Candle of the Holy Sepulchre blessed by the friars at the Tomb.<\/li><li>Staff can help with current opening hours, Mass times, accommodation and transportation questions.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"contact-info\"><strong>Christian Information Center<\/strong><br>Omar Ibn el-Qattab Square<br>Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS<\/a><br><a href=\"tel:+97226272692\">+972-2-6272692<\/a><\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"footer-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/\" aria-label=\"Visit the Christian Information Center website\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/07-diy-footer-contact.webp\" alt=\"CIC contact information\"><\/a><\/div>\r\n  <\/section>\r\n<\/section>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-15508fb elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"15508fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b90ca2 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5b90ca2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the Holy Land at your own pace! Explore historic sites, sacred places, and hidden gems with self-guided tours curated by CICTS \u2014 launching soon. Carefully curated self-guided itineraries for pilgrims and travelers. Flexible plans&#8230; go at your own pace, on your own schedule. Rich background: maps, history, spiritual context Stay tuned for our official [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8269,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8547","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8547","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8547"}],"version-history":[{"count":112,"href":"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8547\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10083,"href":"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8547\/revisions\/10083"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8269"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.elementcore.co\/CICTS\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}