Ark of the Covenant replica
ark tour 2
kiryat-yaarim-panorama
motza temple site

Tracking the Ark of the Covenant

In the Footsteps of the Ark of the Covenant

If you’ve already toured most of the famous sites in Israel, or if you are a fan of Biblical stories – this tour is for you!  This specially designed private tour follows the Ark of the Covenant story, from the battle leading to its capture by the Philistines to its return to the Israelites at Beth-Shemesh and its aftermath. We will visit battlefields and archaeological sites and crawl into a giant cave. So fetch your Indiana Jones hat and whip, and let’s go! 

Follow the Ark in Philistine Captivity

tel ashdodAfter defeating the Israelites at Even Ha’ezer, the Philistines captured their holiest object – The Ark of the Covenant – and took it to Ashdod and later to Gat and Ekron. An archaeological expedition dug in ancient Ashdod in the 1960s, but later they covered the remains. Ancient Ekron was intensively excavated in the 1980’s-1990’s. Most of the site is also covered in backup. However, a rich presentation of the finds made at the site can be seen at “The “Philistine Street” in a kibbutz nearby. This will be our first stop and presentation on the subject.

Spot the Ark in Tel Beth-Shemesh

The Philistines gave the ark back to the Israelites by sending it from Ekron to Beth-Shemesh. Biblical Beth-Shemesh has been excavated since the early 20th century. Recently, a sensational discovery at the site links to the ark’s presence. A big flat slab of stone, found in a room behind an animal sacrificial area, may have been the rest place of the ark.

Track biblical Kiryat Yaarim

The bible indicates that soon after, unfortunately, the Ark had to be moved again, as it had inflicted a plague in Bet-Shemesh. A team of priests carried it to Kiryat Yaarim, which is identified on the hill above the Arab village of Abu Ghosh. In the 19th century, Christian purchased the hill top and erected there Notre Dame de l’arche d’Alliance church. In recent years, an archaeological expedition dug around the church, uncovering finds that relate to a biblical-era cultic center.

In Search of Beit Oved Edom Ha-Giti

After being crowned and establishing Jerusalem as his new capital city, David came to Kiryat Ya’arim, aiming to bring the ark to Jerusalem. But causing the death of Uzzah, David ordered to hold the ark for three months at a site called “Beit Over Edom Ha’giti.” New research at Motza, a site halfway between Kiryat Yaarim and Jerusalem, uncovered an Iron Age temple. Is this where the ark was kept?

What’s included

  • Guiding done by a licensed and expert private guide
  • Transportation in luxury level van or SUV
  • Pick-up and drop-off at any address
  • Free Wi-Fi and chilled bottled mineral water

What’s excluded

  • Site entrance fees
  • Meals and snacks
  • Gratuities

What to bring

  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Modest clothing if visiting holy sites (no shorts or bare shoulders)
  • Some cash

Email or contact us to inquire more about this special private tour:

    We booked a helicopter tour with Danny in March. Everything perfectly organized from A to Z!! It doesn't get any better! Thanks a lot for this! 100% recommended!

    Albert S,. Germany

    I would like to thank you once again for the really good time we had in Israel, thanks to you. The whole experience… had an amazing impact on me, it made me see things in a different light.. thank you!

    Mieke Van der V., Holland

    My parents cannot stop talking about how you made this trip so amazing!! .. We just loved how you made everything so interesting and educational. Thank you again for everything!!... Israel is lucky to have you.

    Dalia S., USA

    Thank you for an amazing couple of days, we could not have seen half of what we wanted without you. Everything was perfect!

    Allison W,. USA

    Thanks very much for a really special day. I loved being able to go to the special places for Christians.. an everlasting experience for me… And thanks… for your professionalism and deep knowledge and dedication...

    Ann D., New Zealand

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