Now, 2000 years later, the modern-day city of Bethlehem - home of the Millennium - invites you to make a symbolic and historic journey commemorating that event by walking Palestine's Nativity Trail.
The carefully researched route-a 11-day journey is the first leg of the new Palestine Trail.
Meeting the People Walking the Nativity Trail will be an opportunity to meet a diverse range of people: Franciscan priests on Mount Tabor, Muslim clerics at village mosques, Greek Orthodox monks in desert monasteries, hillside farmers and their families, small-town shopkeepers and craftspeople, Bedouin shepherds watering their flocks at ancient cisterns, and many more interesting people.

The Nativity Trail Route

For twenty centuries, people have been telling the Christmas story about the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.
People of all faiths can identify with the young mother-to-be, Mary, traveling by donkey with her husband Joseph, all the way from the village of Nazareth in Galilee to a distant town - a journey of many long days and nights. Why make such a trek? The young couple was required by the Roman tax collectors to register in the City of Bethlehem.
It is one of the most famous passages in the Bible:
And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the entire world should be taxed...
And all went to be taxed every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the City of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David).
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
                                                                                                               Luke2:1-7(KJV)

                                                                                   The Year 2009 Journey

• From Nazareth, City of the Annunciation
 to Bethlehem, City of the Nativity

Now, 2000 years later, the modern-day city of Bethlehem - home of the Millennium - invites you to make a symbolic and historic journey commemorating that event by walking Palestine's Nativity Trail. The carefully researched route-a 11-day journey is the first leg of the new Palestine Trail. Meeting the People Walking the Nativity Trail will be an opportunity to meet a diverse range of people: Franciscan priests on Mount Tabor, Muslim clerics at village mosques, Greek Orthodox monks in desert monasteries, hillside farmers and their families, small-town shopkeepers and craftspeople, Bedouin shepherds watering their flocks at ancient cisterns, and many more interesting people. In this predominantly agricultural area, you will encounter men, women and children engaged in plowing fields, winnowing wheat, and picking olives according to the season. Everywhere you will be greeted with "Ahalan Wasahalan" a warm welcome, and traditional gestures of hospitality. You may be treated to a cup of sweet tea, some freshly baked "taboun" bread, or even a friendly game of billiards in the village "club", and in all settings, delicious Palestinian cuisine!

                                                                                          Practicalities         
When is it happening?
• Dates: 12 Mar 2009 until 23 Mar 2009
                23 Apr 2009 until 04 May 2009
                08 Oct 2009 until 19 Oct 2009
                29 Oct 2009 until 09 Nov 2009
               12 Nov 2009 until 23 Nov 2009
               13 Dec 2009 until 24 Dec 2009

How long is the journey?
• The entire Nativity Trail is about 160 kilometers long; the journey will last 11 days.

Where will we stay?
• The Nativity Trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the legendary hospitality of Palestinians. Some nights, hikers will stay in villagers' homes.   Other nights, accommodations will be in monasteries, local
Bed-and-Breakfasts, Bedouin tents, or at campsites where hikers can pitch their own tents or sleep under the stars." In all cases, the welcome will be warm but conditions are basic. Hikers will need to provide their own sleeping bags and air mattresses.

What kind of terrain does the Trail cover?
• Just like travelers in biblical times, hikers will be traversing beautiful but sometimes rough terrain, climbing up and down steep, rocky hillsides, crossing desert "wadis" (valleys) - and pausing to rest in olive groves!

Who can participate?
• This is an outdoor adventure for physically fit nature lovers with an interest in history, culture and religious tradition. Participants must be experienced hikers able
to spend 6 to 9 hours a day on the trail.
• Most groups will consist of approximately  10 minimum     individuals.  

Who are our guides?
• The journeys will be fully guided by professional local  guides.

What about health and safety?
• Basic first aid will be available, but hikers need to be in sound medical condition.
• Siraj Center and ATG work directly with local villagers, who are ready and eager to welcome hikers along this "new/old" trail.
• Detailed information about personal health and safety issues will be provided upon application.

                                                                   The Nativity Trail - Provisional Itinerary

Please Note: Journey segments and distances are approximate. ATG and Siraj reserves the right to amend the programmed.

Thursday March 12th 2009: Day one: Arrival   
Upon arrival to TLV airport or any crossing borders, participants will be picked up and transferred to Nazareth.  Dinner and overnight in Nazareth

Friday March 13th 2009: Day two: Nazareth and Mount Tabor
After a tour of Nazareth including the church of the Annunciation and the house of Mary, drive to the foot of the mount tabor. Ascend tabor and visit the monastery of the Transfiguration..  Dinner overnight in Jinin city north of the West Bank.

Saturday March 14th 2009:  Day three: Faqu’a to Zababdeh.20km   
Early morning, drive to the village of Faqua.  Start walking towards Zababdeh.  Across the rolling Eastern hills of Palestine, through the village of jalbun and Mughayir to Zababdeh, a Christian town on the ancient Roman trade route. Overnight accommodation in community centre (modern facilities).

Sunday March 15th 2009: Day four: Zababdeh to Fara'a 15 Km
Through olive groves and forests on the fertile hills of the west bank, descending to the spring of Ain Fara’a.  Walk through the vegetable basket of Palestine.   Arrive to Faraa', visit the archeological sites of Jacob and his family.  Dinner and overnight with local families. 

Monday March 16th 2009: Day five: Fara's to Nablus: 15 Km   
Walk through the orange groves to the broad sweep of Wadi Bidan, a picturesque valley system rich in mountain springs. While in Nablus, we will  visit Jacob’s well and Tel Balata.  After checking in our hotel in the old city of Nablus, we will tour the old city and enjoy bathing in the Turkish Bath.  We will enjoy a Palestinian traditional meal in the Turkish bath in addition for a traditional Palestinian music.  Overnight: in the old city of Nablus.

Tuesday March 17th 2009: Day six: Nablus to Duma
Walk through the Huwara checkpoint and continue from the village of Huwara to Awarta, enjoy the beautiful ancient old buildings in the village, visit the famous Maqams and continue to mount Awrma.  Before arriving to Aqraba, rest at Mount Awrma and enjoy the scenes of Palestine and the ancient archeological site.  Continue to Aqraba, Majdal Bani fadil.  
The trail follows the escarpment separating the fertile highlands from the arid slopes of the Jordan valley, offering the first views of the desert and Jordan before reaching the agriculture hilltop town of Duma with it’s olive groves. Overnight : village accommodation with families

Wednesday March 18th 2009: Day seven: Duma to Ain Auja.18km    
Across deep valleys and over high hills inhabited by shepherd’s before descending a rocky gorge to sea level at Auja Spring, one of the largest water sources in the Jordan valley. Overnight: camping with Bedouin shepherd’s near Al Auja.

Thursday March 19th 2009: Day eight: Auja to Jericho.13km
Desert terrain gives way to orange groves as the journey continues to the mount of temptation with its orthodox monastery clinging to the cliffs, then to Jericho, the oldest city on earth. Drive to the dead sea and enjoy swimming in its salty water.  Overnight: orange grove camping or hotel in Jericho,

Friday March 20th 2009: Day nine: Jericho to Nabi Musa.14km  
Up the spectacular canyon of Wadi Qelt to St. George Koziba monastery, then over the arid mountains of the Bethlehem wilderness to the remote and dramatically situated Nabi Musa. Overnight: Nabi Musa guest house or camping.

Saturday March 21st 2009: Day ten: Nabi Musa to Mar Saba.8km
The original Nativity trail from Nabi Musa involved walking along the road, then taking tracks directly through the desert to the legendary orthodox monastery of Mar Saba in its wild canyon setting. The preferred route is now to drive the road, then follow desert tracks via Hyrcania, one of Herod’s mountain-top fortresses. Much more interesting! Overnight: camping outside the monastery, or with local Bedouin.

Sunday March 22nd 2009: Day eleven: Mar Saba to Bethlehem.9km
The trail’s final segment ascends the hills of the Bethlehem wilderness to the hilltop suburbs of Bethlehem. The way then descends on foot or by vehicle through Beit Sahour to Manager Square in Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity on the site where the original journey ended-and the Christian faith has its beginning. Dinner and overnight with local families. 

Wednesday March 23rd 2009: Day tweleve: Departure   

What to bring with you:
1- Flash light
2- Hat
3- Sun screen
4- Back bag
5- Walking or hiking shoes
6- Modest clothes
7- An Open mind and heart

Accommodation:
Accommodation will vary between, guesthouses, family stay and camping with Bedouins.

Support vehicle will be available for the duration of the Walk.  The support vehicle will transport your bags to every location you will be staying overnight at.  

Health and Drugs Useful      
No vaccine mandatory
Ensure that you update your routine vaccinations. The vaccine against Hepatitis A is also recommended.
Beware of the sun. Make sure you cover it with clothes but fuller length, wear a hat and you rehydrate very often.

You can find pharmacies in the West Bank but nonetheless we recommend you bring the following medications, often helpful:
* intestinal antiseptic.
* Antibiotics broad spectrum.
* Sunscreen high protection
* Aspirin or pain usual
* disinfectant.
* Antihistamine (allergies, bites)

Price per person in a double room $1370     

Price includes the following:
1- All Accommodation in hotels, local families and with Bedouins
2- All Food, Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
3- Pick up from the airport and back to the airport (for groups only)
4- Snacks along the way including tea, coffee and mineral water
5- Local English speaking escorts
6- Support Vehicle along the way
7- Turkish Path Experience
8- Entrance Fees
9- Palestine and Palestinians Guide Book and maps

The price does not include the following:
1- Personal expenses
2- Pick up from the crossing border and airports to Nazareth in the first day.  Transfer to the airport and crossing borders in the last day
3- Tips
4- Any other services not included above. 

ATG and Siraj have the right to cancel or postpone the trip if the number of participants is not enough to run the trip