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The Ultimate Guide to Getting Baptized in Israel

If you are considering being baptized in Israel and are wondering where to start, finding the right place, especially in a foreign country, can be daunting.
For thousands of years, people have sought out this spiritual and symbolic experience and dreamed of being immersed in the same waters that Jesus or other heroes of the faith were immersed, on their way to change the world.
To thoroughly enjoy one of the most important days in the life of a believer, it is essential to make sure you are prepared and able to check off all the things on your ‘baptism day wishlist’ in advance. The last thing you want is to stress over logistics.

 

The 'Yardenit' - The Jordan River

The ‘Yardenit’ – The Jordan River

And so the dilemma remains: where should you get baptized?

Here are a few diverse options to make your special day effortless, memorable, and meaningful.

The Jordan River – The ‘Yardenit’

One of the more popular places is the Yardenit, which is one of the locations thought to be where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. On the calm and serene bank of the Jordan river, at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee, pilgrims and tourists fulfill their ultimate baptismal dream. There are 12 different pools to choose from; a gift shop and restaurant; and, to top it all off, entry to the site is free. Visitors may rent or purchase white baptism robes on-site, and groups can gather in quiet areas for prayer or contemplation.

You can’t lose with this convenient location, and it is so special to know that countless millions have shared the same wonderful experience as you.

Qasr al-Yahud – What the Desert has to Offer

Qasr al-Yahud, meaning ‘Castle of the Jews’, is another location considered to be the original baptism place of Jesus. To this day there is a debate about whether the Jordan River from the north is the place or this location that is further south; nonetheless, both areas are important to the ministry of Jesus. Situated on the east bank of the Jordan River, nine kilometers north of the Dead Sea, it is close to the ancient road and river ford connecting Jerusalem to Jericho. The peaceful desert setting, scattered with tall palm trees, is the perfect place for reflection and prayer before your immersion. Near the river can be found the Church of Saint John the Baptist, ancient Roman and Byzantine remains, a monastery, and caves used by hermits.

The site is designed to provide a calm environment that encourages you to be fully present and soak in the moment.

 

Qasr al-Yahud Baptism Site

Qasr al-Yahud Baptism Site

 

The Sea of Galilee – Comfort in Simplicity

If you are looking for a simple and intimate environment, the Sea of Galilee presents the perfect setting. The options are limitless – just choose any beach on the shoreline and enjoy a tailor-made and personal baptism on your terms. That way, you can guarantee comfort for all the loved ones who accompany you and build your schedule with no time restrictions.

The Sea of Galilee is full of faith-based history. These are the same waters on which the disciples of Jesus set out to fish and the same shores on which Jesus would teach the multitudes in the New Testament.

In our experience, your baptism is best enjoyed when custom-made to fit your individual preferences. With our daily tours, we can help make your special day as smooth and comfortable as possible. We pay attention to the small details – and the big ones – that will make it a memory to cherish.

All you have to do is dream, and we’ll get to work making your baptism dream come true.

Top Cities of Israel to Tour by Helicopter

Top Cities of Israel to Tour by Helicopter

 

When planning a tour to Israel, one is always encouraged to “pack comfortable shoes” because “there will be plenty of walking.” Naturally, the shared experience of every tourist is to travel by foot and bus, but with the time you have, you can only cover so much of the beautiful scenery this land has to offer!

Maybe the lust for adventure will catch you upon seeing the view from high places like Mt. Precipice in the north. Standing on tip-toe on the edge of the rocky mountain, surrounded by the modern city of Nazareth and the fields beneath, you’ll be thinking, “I wish I could see more.”

The good news is, with our one-of-a-kind helicopter tours, that dream can become a reality! With just a little courage, you’ll be elevated (literally) to a whole new view, one uninterrupted by buildings, traffic on busy highways, or time. Completely and utterly free as a bird!

 

Caesarea, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee

 

Firstly, as you soar safely into the sky, you’ll lay eyes on the shimmering blue-green water of the coastline and the ancient ruins of Caesarea, the Roman and Crusader city.

Next, you’ll feel one with nature as you hover above the rich agriculture of the biblical Megiddo and the Jezreel Valley. You’ll be in awe of the vast plains that stretch below – the results of Israeli farmers’ hard labor, waiting for the harvest: wheat, watermelon, oranges, chickpeas, cotton, sunflowers, and corn.

From there, you’ll witness the great Mt. Tabor towering in the distance and the humble and beautiful city of Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown. Follow the footsteps of Jesus to the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. All that raw beauty is bound to inspire you as you hear the history of each unique place; you’ll never again look at them the same way.

 

The Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee

 

Jerusalem, Judean Desert, Dead Sea, and Ein Gedi

The capital of Israel, Jerusalem, is also known as the City of Gold. You’ll discover just how true this is from a birds-eye perspective as the sun reflects off the stone from which the houses and buildings are constructed, creating a golden light. Watch the city go about its daily life as you overlook the modern neighborhoods and the old city from a distance.

Moving south, you will immediately find the magnificent and breathtaking Judean desert and the Dead Sea, surprising with shades of color one can only see from above. When you then encounter Ein Gedi, a desert oasis, you’ll know you’ve hit the jackpot – palm trees, rivers, and waterfalls. It’s a popular tourist spot and home to mountain gazelles and hyraxes. You’ll be astounded at how Israel has managed to make the desert flourish!

 

The Dead Sea and the Judean Desert

The Dead Sea and the Judean Desert

 

Golan Heights and the Chateau Golan Winery 

You’ll start your journey flying over the white beaches of the Mediterranean Sea shore, then turn east along the Kings Route to the Sea of Galilee. As you hover over the lake, you’ll learn how Israel maintains and preserves its primary freshwater source. Proceeding to the magnificent Golan Heights, you’ll hear a thorough explanation of the Syrian-Israeli conflict and how Israel’s I.D.F. protects its borders and people. Then, take a refreshing break at Chateau Golan, one of the finest wineries in Israel. Be part of the culture as you sip on the best of high-class wines, leaving you with a taste for more! 

Our helicopter tours are a dynamic, memorable, and time-saving way to see the land. During these part-day trips, you will ascend to great heights and descend again to eat lunch and drink wine, take a dip in the water, and see the sights before taking again to the skies. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Israel from a perspective most never will!

But don’t take it from us; listen to the words of the famous aviator and world traveler, Amelia Earhart: 

“Everyone has oceans to fly if they have the heart to do it… What do dreams know of boundaries? No borders. Just horizon – only freedom.”

 

5 Hidden Secrets of the Jerusalem Market

When someone says the word ‘market,’ what picture comes to mind?

It may be your routine, tedious experience – rolling a shopping cart through the monotonous aisles of a supermarket. Doesn’t sound that exciting, does it?

You will discover that the outdoor Mahane Yehuda Jerusalem food market, or, as the Israelis call it, the Shuk (‘market’), is so much more than your typical grocery shopping experience. Located between the historic neighborhood of Nachlaot and the modern light-rail on Jaffa Street, it is the beating heart of the city. Founded in 1885 and still standing today, it carries the authentic Israeli spirit and yet has grown and kept up with the times.

 

Young Arab baker

Young Arab baker

 

Something for everyone

From one end to the other are alleys lined with stalls, shops, restaurants, and bars. The smell of spices and freshly baked bread greet you at every corner. You can buy anything from meats and fish, to cheeses at Basher’s famous fromagerie, to fresh fruit and vegetables. In just your first few steps, you’ll find aromatic roasted coffee, fresh-out-of-the-oven pastries, and Bakla Wish’s hot and cheesy pistachio covered middle eastern dessert. The sound of sellers offering tastes of their products, the rumble of local buyers bargaining for reasonable prices, and the buzz of visitors speaking different languages create the feeling that the Shuk is a place for everyone.

Seeing all that food is bound to make you hungry. Why not stop at Azura, where they’ll sit you down for a hot plate of Turkish- and Israeli-style meat dishes or enjoy bite-after-bite of crispy Yemeni malawach from the Jachnun Bar. If you’re searching for a familiar taste, you’ll find a wide variety of international cuisines. Latino street food, delicious Italian pasta, English fish and chips, and Japanese sushi bowls – they have it all. If you can dream it, you can eat it!

The after-party

But it doesn’t stop there. After shop owners have packed up for the day, the vibrant nightlife takes over. Restaurants and pubs use the now-empty stalls to put out chairs and tables for young people (and the young at heart) seeking to end their day with an evening hang-out. If you want to try something unique, Beer Bazaar is the place for you: Israeli craft beer, food, and a chilled-out atmosphere awaits you.

After the party is over, there is still some midnight magic waiting for you night owls. If you stay long enough after the shops’ metal shutters have been rolled down, you’ll see the market turn into a hip art gallery. An aspiring artist, Solomon Souza, spray-paints colorful murals of characters such as biblical figures, politicians, entertainers, and even rabbis and religious leaders.

 

Artist - Solomon Souza

Artist – Solomon Souza

 

Discover its surprising history, learn about the founding families who made it what it is today, and the tastes that define it.

Well, there you have it, 5 hidden secrets:

  1. Bakla Wish
  2. Azura
  3. Jachnun Bar
  4. Beer Bazar
  5. Hip night gallery

Don’t know how to navigate your way through the city or find the best hole-in-the-wall hummus joint? (It’s always the one the locals go to, of course!) With our daily tours in Israel, you’ll be sure to see all the hidden gems. All you have to do is be there. We’ll take care of the rest.