Day 1: Arrival in Ramallah
Start your journey by arriving in Ramallah. This bustling city is a great introduction to Palestine. Take some time to stroll around. Relax at a café like Zamn or Rukab Street Cafeteria, where you can enjoy local coffee and people-watch.
After unwinding, visit Arafat’s Tomb. This site holds historical significance and is a key stop for anyone interested in modern Palestinian history.
In the evening, explore the local restaurants. Head to Darna or Naar Café for traditional Palestinian dishes like musakhan or maqlouba. End the day with an evening walk along Ramallah’s lively streets.
Day 2: Exploring Ramallah
Take the day to dive deeper into Ramallah. Start at the Palestinian Museum. It features exhibitions focused on culture, identity, and the Palestinian struggle. It’s a peaceful and informative way to spend your morning.
Next, head over to Al-Manara Square, the city’s heart. From here, you can walk to Al-Tireh, an upscale district with restaurants and cafes.
Cap the day by visiting the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center if there’s an art exhibition or music event happening. It’s a great way to blend in with the local arts scene.
Day 3: Bethlehem for History and Culture
Bethlehem is only about an hour from Ramallah. Start your visit at the Church of the Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest churches in the world. It’s believed to be where Jesus was born.
Next, head to the Milk Grotto and explore the narrow streets of the city. There are plenty of shops selling olive wood crafts and other souvenirs.
End your day with a visit to the Separation Wall and check out the Banksy murals. It’s an eye-opening way to learn about the current political situation.
Day 4: Wadi Qelt and Jericho
Today takes you to nature. Visit Wadi Qelt, a stunning gorge where you can hike and see the ancient St. George’s Monastery carved into the mountainside. The views are breathtaking.
Afterward, drive to Jericho, one of the world’s oldest cities. Visit the Mount of Temptation for panoramic views and take a cable car to the monastery on top of the hill.
Jericho also has the ruins of Hisham’s Palace, a historical site from the early Islamic period. Spend the night in Jericho for a change of pace from the big cities.
Day 5: Free Day in Jericho
If you’ve been keeping a fast pace so far, today’s your chance to slow down. Spend a relaxing day by the Dead Sea, accessible from Jericho. Float in the salty water and let your skin absorb the natural minerals.
Alternatively, explore Jericho’s local market or visit the Zacchaeus Tree, believed to be more than 2,000 years old. This is a good day for personal exploration and taking your time.
Day 6: Nablus and Sebastia
Head up north today and visit Nablus. This city is famous for Turkish baths and delicious sweets. Spend your morning at one of the traditional hammams to relax.
Then, explore the Old City’s market, or souq. Make sure you try knafeh, a cheesy, syrupy dessert. Nablus is known for having the best!
In the afternoon, take a short trip out to Sebastia, an ancient city with impressive ruins. This off-the-beaten-path site was once a Roman town, so you can wander around the amphitheater and admire the archaeological history.
Day 7: Hebron’s Old City and Glass Factories
Visit Hebron’s Old City today, one of the most significant cities in Palestine for both Muslims and Jews. The Ibrahimi Mosque (Cave of the Patriarchs) is a must-see site, though it comes with heavy security restrictions.
After visiting the mosque, take a guided tour of Hebron’s old souq. The shops here are incredible, with local artisans selling everything from traditional ceramics to handmade leather goods.
To understand the economic side of the city, head to a local glass-blowing factory. These workshops have been creating glassware for centuries, and it’s amazing to see the process in person.
Day 8: Day of Relaxation in Ramallah
After a full week of exploring, head back to Ramallah for a day of rest. Spend your day at a park like Al-Muntazah or walk around Jawwal Park.
Enjoy some downtime by visiting a café again or reading a book in a quiet spot. If you’d like to explore more, head over to Birzeit University to see one of Palestine’s most important research centers.
Day 9: Exploring Jenin and the Freedom Theatre
Today, make your way to Jenin. This city is known for its refugee camp, but also for being home to the famous Freedom Theatre. Start your day with a visit to the refugee camp to learn more about the Palestinian experience.
Then, head over to the theatre. It offers performances and workshops, focusing on cultural resistance and storytelling. If there’s a play, it’s worth staying to see how locals use art to express their lives.
End the day with a traditional Palestinian meal at a local restaurant.
Day 10: Ruins of Battir and Art in Beit Sahour
Spend the day visiting Battir, a UNESCO World Heritage village known for its ancient terraces and Roman-era irrigation systems. It’s also a great place for a scenic hike.
Next, head to Beit Sahour, where you can visit local art galleries like Dar Al-Kalima. This area is home to a lot of artists hosting craft workshops open to tourists.
Enjoy dinner at a family-owned restaurant in Beit Sahour to end your day.
Day 11: Full Day in Gaza City
If the political situation allows, visiting Gaza City can be a special part of your trip. The trip will require preparation, but it’s possible with guides who cross the border daily.
Start by visiting the Gaza seaport, and take time to explore the local market to understand the life under siege. You can also visit historical sites like the Great Mosque of Gaza or Al-Mina Archaeological Excavations.
End the day with dinner at a seaside restaurant and return to your accommodation in nearby areas.
Day 12: Ramallah’s Culture and Nightlife
Back in Ramallah for the home stretch, dive into the city’s culture. Start by visiting the Popular Art Center, which hosts cultural events like dabke performances.
Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs at the arrestingly designed Al-Mashreq Bank building, with shops nearby selling Palestinian embroidery and crafts.
In the evening, enjoy Ramallah’s nightlife. Check out places like Snowbar, an open-air bar and restaurant, to end your day on a high note.
Day 13: Day Trip to Qalqilya and Tulkarm
Make a quick day trip to Qalqilya, where you can visit the small but serene zoo. This town is mostly off the tourist radar, but that’s part of its charm.
Tulkarm, another small town nearby, is known for its quieter vibe. Spend time meandering through the small markets or head to the Tulkarm Corniche, a scenic riverside walk.
Day 14: Departure Day
Depending on when your flight departs, enjoy a final coffee in Ramallah or fit in a last-minute shopping spree. Reflect on your two weeks in Palestine and pack your things for departure.
Fly out from either Tel Aviv or Jordan, depending on your travel preferences.
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