THE LAND is the fifth Gospel," wrote Cyril of Jerusalem in 348 AD. "After one has seen the old cities and landscapes," wrote St. Jerome a century later, "one reads the Bible with different eyes."

The land is small, strategically located, and so full of history that careful planning is needed. A visit is not just a tour, but a homecoming to the places, events, and personalities that have infused our lives with meaning.

We hope this website will whet your appetite for a tour, and that once you come it will enrich the experience.

We present six sample itineraries. After you enter one, each link will bring you to an introductory article for those who want to surf, followed by more detailed options for those who prefer to dive.

Or explore the links in our maps below to create your own program: