Things to do in Palestine

Step inside the ancient basilica marking the birthplace of Jesus, with its 4th-century mosaics and the Grotto of the Nativity.

Stroll along the 16th-century stone walls from Damascus Gate to Jaffa Gate for panoramic views over the Old City's domes and minarets.

Bar-hop through the buzzing streets of Ramallah, where trendy rooftop lounges and live music venues stay open late.

Descend into a deep desert gorge past the cliff-hugging Saint George Monastery, following ancient aqueducts and dramatic rock formations.

Experience effortless buoyancy in the hypersaline waters at the lowest point on Earth, surrounded by stark desert landscapes.

Savour the city’s iconic sweet cheese pastry, baked to golden perfection and soaked in syrup, at a traditional shop in the old city.

View the world-famous stencil art and political murals along the concrete barrier, including the Walled Off Hotel installations.

Descend into the crypt of a Greek Orthodox church to see the deep well where Jesus is said to have spoken with the Samaritan woman.

Visit the tiny, ancient community at their holy mountain, tour the museum and attend a Samaritan Passover sacrifice.

Get lost in the covered, vaulted stone alleys of the Old City market, where glassblowers and leather craftsmen work in centuries-old shops.

Enter the monumental Herodian compound housing the revered tombs of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, shared by Muslims and Jews.

Walk among the excavated Neolithic tower and walls of the 10,000-year-old city, one of humanity's earliest settlements.

Join a local kitchen to prepare the iconic upside-down rice dish with spiced chicken and vegetables, then share the meal.

Soar above Jericho to the cliffside monastery where Jesus is said to have fasted, then enjoy sweeping views of the Jordan Valley.

Hike a desert route from the dramatic cliff monastery through the Judean wilderness, ending at the city of Christ's birth.

Explore the colonnaded streets, theater and temple remains of ancient Samaria, capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel.

Walk across the exquisite Tree of Life mosaic floor inside an 8th-century Umayyad winter palace near Jericho, a masterpiece of Islamic art.

Experience an autumn tradition by hand-picking olives with local families, then visit a press for fresh oil and a farm-to-table lunch.

Taste local Palestinian brews like Shepherds' Pale Ale at the first craft brewery in the West Bank, set in a university town.

Browse contemporary art galleries, designer boutiques and sidewalk cafes in leafy Al-Masyoon, the city's cultural hub.

Follow your nose through narrow stone lanes to see traditional olive-oil soap being cut and mountains of aromatic spices and herbs.

Climb King Herod's cone-shaped palace-fortress for a 360-degree panorama of the Judean Desert and Dead Sea as the sun sinks.

Learn the centuries-old art of Palestinian cross-stitch from women artisans, creating your own piece of vibrant traditional dress.

See the site where the ancient scrolls were discovered in 1947, with a viewing platform over Cave 4 and a small museum.

Start the day in the Old City with hummus, fatteh, ful, fresh bread and olive oil at a local eatery overlooking a lively square.