This three-day journey invites you to explore the sacred landscapes of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea through a Latter-day Saint lens. You will walk where prophets taught, the Savior ministered, and scripture comes alive in history and archaeology. Each itinerary can be tailored to your pace and spiritual interests, ensuring a meaningful and personal experience.
The tour begins in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City. At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, many Christians revere the traditional site of Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Walking the Via Dolorosa, the “Way of the Cross,” you will reflect on His atoning sacrifice as you trace the steps of His passion. At the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest prayer site, you feel the living devotion of a people still awaiting redemption, linking beautifully with Latter-day Saint beliefs in restoration.
Nearby, at the Jewish Quarter, archaeology and scripture come together. You will learn of the Broad Wall from the days of Hezekiah, and some traditions suggest this area may connect with the story of Nephi’s secret gate, a reminder of the Book of Mormon’s ties to Jerusalem. Nearby, the Herodian Quarter presents the lavish homes of priestly families, where some scholars suggest Jesus may have been questioned before His crucifixion.
The day concludes in the City of David, the earliest settlement of Jerusalem. You will visit the Gihon Spring, the city’s vital water source in biblical times, and possibly walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, the extraordinary water channel carved to protect Jerusalem. Emerging at the Pool of Siloam, you will recall the Savior healing the blind man, a miracle symbolizing His power to grant both sight and spiritual vision.
Your second day begins at the BYU Jerusalem Center, where the panoramic view across the Old City provides a breathtaking introduction to the sacred geography of the Holy Land. A short drive leads to the Mount of Olives, where you stand at a viewpoint that captures the majesty of Jerusalem and its prophetic role. Beneath it, in the tranquil Orson Hyde Memorial Garden, you will reflect on the prayer dedicated by the LDS apostle who foresaw the gathering of Israel. Nearby, enter the Garden of Gethsemane, where ancient olive trees mark the setting of Christ’s most profound suffering and submission to His Father’s will.
After a lunch break, ascend Mount Zion to visit the Room of the Last Supper, where Jesus shared His final teachings and instituted the sacrament. This setting offers a unique connection to Latter-day Saint understandings of covenants and discipleship. Further north, reach the Garden Tomb, which provides a quiet and reverent place to ponder Christ’s death and resurrection. Many LDS visitors find this location deeply moving for personal prayer and reflection.
The afternoon will bring you to the Israel Museum, one of the world’s great cultural treasures. You will explore the Archaeological Wing, where ancient artifacts illustrate the world of the Bible. In the adjacent Shrine of the Book, the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal scripture preserved from antiquity, offering unique insights into the sacred texts. You also review the Second Temple Model, a vast reconstruction of Jerusalem in Jesus’ time, which helps bring gospel accounts to life with striking clarity.
Your final day begins driving through the Judean desert, passing many caves where Nephi and his brothers may have hidden. Your first stop will be at Jordan River Baptismal Site, also known as Qasr al-Yahud, where traditions recall John the Baptist baptizing Jesus. This sacred setting offers a moment for reflection on the significance of baptism within Latter-day Saint belief.
Next, proceed to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. These ancient texts include some of the earliest surviving biblical manuscripts and shed light on the spiritual yearnings of a community awaiting redemption. These beliefs echo LDS themes of preparation and restoration.
Further along the desert road, you will drive through Ein Gedi, the oasis where David once hid from King Saul. With its fresh springs and lush vegetation, the site provides a powerful contrast to the barren desert and serves as a reminder of God’s sustaining hand in times of trial.
The climax of the day will Masada, Herod’s desert fortress. Here, you will explore palaces, storerooms, and Roman siege works, while also contemplating the dramatic final stand of Jewish rebels. The story of Masada reflects themes of courage, faith, and endurance, values cherished to this day by the Zionist movement.
Your journey will conclude with a refreshing swim in the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Floating in its mineral-rich waters offers a unique physical experience and a symbolic reminder of renewal before returning to Jerusalem.
