Jesus Trail Forum

Hi - I'm going to be in Israel 12 - 28 July and have been enjoying the planning phase of this adventure. The impetus was seeing the land Jesus made his home (as opposed to the places Christians have come to venerate, i.e. Jerusalem, Bethlehem). This is why I decided to walk the trail. Is it a good idea to try to find a walking partner (I haven't done this before), or is it likely I can "hook up" with someone along the way?

I have two other interests: breath-taking scenery and archeologically-related architecture (I'm an architect). Also, I want to focus on places NOT frequented by tourists - e.g. resorts, shopping areas, "popular" shrines.

I'd appreciate some help from veteran visitors to/residents of Israel on a few elements of my planning: 1) Since I'm female, I know that I can't enter Mar Saba, but is the view from the tower worth a drive-by? 2) Right now I'm interested in side trips from Jerusalem to climb up to Masada for the sunrise and see Herodium, Beit Guvrin, Ein Gedi, and Qumran. Is this do-able in a day, or is it trying to see too much? 3) I'm also intrigued by the photos I've seen of Amman, Araq al-amir, and Jarash. Are these worth leaving Israel to see? 4) Once I'm in the Galilee area, which town is the most relaxing/least tourist-y?; and 5) what areas in the north of Israel are good for relaxing in July?

Thank you for suggestions!
Aisha R