Easter is a very popular time for Christians from around the world to walk in the footsteps of Jesus in Israel.

The weather in April is perfect for touring around the churches of the Old City of Jerusalem, dunking in the Jordan River and hiking across the historic Galilee.

In a normal year, Israel sees tens of thousands of Easter pilgrims commemorating the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The past two years, of course, this hasn’t been possible. But now tourists are eagerly returning and all the sites are open and ready to receive visitors.

ISRAEL21c asked Israeli tour guide Jacob Firsel, author of Go to Galilee: A Travel Guide for Christian Pilgrims, for suggestions of the most significant places for Catholics and Protestants to explore during an Easter trip to the Holy Land.

Easter Sunday falls on April 17 this year, while the Orthodox Easter is April 24.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre 

Revered by Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Coptic, Syrian Orthodox and Armenian Catholics as the site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection, this landmark in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem encompasses the last six of the 14 Stations of the Cross (Via Dolorosa).

Holy Sepulchre is open daily for free from 5am to dusk, with separate chapels for each of the denominations’ services. Click here for information.

The ancient church, whose basilica floor is being renovated, is the scene of a centuries-old Ceremony of the Holy Fire on Easter, when Orthodox patriarchs enter the church’s tomb and come out with candles believed to be lit miraculously. The flame is passed along to candles held by visitors.