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The Mona Lisa of the Galilee mosaic at Sepphoris
Home · In Ana's Footsteps: The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
Private literary journey · Licensed guide · Galilee and Jerusalem

In Ana's Footsteps: The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

Did you read Sue Monk Kidd's The Book of Longings and wish you could stand where Ana stood? Her places are real, and I live among them. We begin in Sepphoris (Tzippori), the grand mosaic city of Ana's girlhood, and meet the famous 'Mona Lisa of the Galilee' face to face; we walk old Nazareth and step into the first-century world of Nazareth Village; and we look out over barley fields like the ones she knew. On the second day we descend to Qasr al-Yahud, the reed-lined bank of the Jordan where John immersed the crowds, and climb up to Jerusalem: the ancient olives of Gethsemane, the walls of the Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre: the places of the novel's final chapters. A private journey for readers, book clubs and friends, fully customizable. An optional third day takes us to the Sea of Galilee: Capernaum, Magdala and the Mount of Beatitudes: the shore world that called Jesus away from Nazareth, and the horizon Ana had to let him go to.

Reading with a book club far away? You can also book a live virtual walk of Ana's places with me: write to me at mmlando@gmail.com.

Explore the world of the novel first:
🗺️ Open the free interactive companion map

An independent literary tour inspired by the novel; not affiliated with the author or publisher.

Two days, plus an optional third. English or Hebrew. Private.

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About the novel and the journey

Where is The Book of Longings set?

Sue Monk Kidd's novel is set in real places you can walk today: Sepphoris (Tzippori) in the Galilee, where Ana grows up among the mosaics; old Nazareth and the first-century world of Nazareth Village; the barley fields and hills of the Galilee; the Jordan river at Qasr al-Yahud; and Jerusalem, where the last chapters unfold at Gethsemane, the walls of the Temple Mount and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Can you actually visit Ana's places from the novel?

Yes. Almost every location in the book is a real site in Israel, and this two-day private journey walks them in the order the story does. I live among them and guide there in English and Hebrew.

Is this tour affiliated with Sue Monk Kidd?

No. It is an independent literary tour inspired by The Book of Longings, and is not affiliated with the author or her publisher.

Can a book club abroad join without flying to Israel?

Yes. You can book a live virtual walk of Ana's places with me, which book clubs often do before or instead of travelling. There is also a free interactive companion map of the novel's world.

Photos from the In Ana's Footsteps journey

The zodiac mosaic floor at Sepphoris (Tzippori)Centaur mosaic at SepphorisMosaic detail at SepphorisThe Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth
Inside the dome of the Basilica of the Annunciation, NazarethSculpture on the Basilica of the Annunciation, NazarethNazareth Village, a reconstruction of first-century Galilee lifeBarley fields in the Galilee, the landscape of Ana's worldGreen hills of the Galilee near Nazareth
Spring flowers above the Galilee valleyQasr al-Yahud on the Jordan river, where John immersed the crowdsThe ancient olive trees of Gethsemane, JerusalemThe shore of the Sea of Galilee

What guests say

★★★★★

“I grew up here and walk these streets every day, but I never knew any of the facts Maria shared… she is easily the best, most interesting guide I've ever met.”

★★★★★

“We were really impressed by Maria's deep and diverse information… she connects the past to the present of our country and the people of Israel.”

— Olga
★★★★★

“I strongly recommend, whether it's your first time in the area, or if you have already been in this area several times.”

— Ofer

Ready to walk in Ana's footsteps?

Tell me your dates and who’s coming, and I’ll shape the day around you.

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