Holy Land

Depart from the United States. If you are booked on the Egypt tour, you will arrive on the 29th.

Arrive in Tel Aviv. Transfer to the hotel and spend the evening on our own preparing for our amazing experience. You can swim in the Mediterranean, walk the boardwalk or take a nap before dinner. Dinner is included if you arrive before 8:00 PM.

Today we travel to Caesarea, the place of the first recorded Christian convert. Here we will discuss Cornelius or recall the story of Paul preaching to King Agrippa. Not far away, the road rises to Muhraqa (Mt. Carmel), site of the prophet Elijah’s contest with the priests of Baal. After a lunch stop, we head to Megiddo OR Sepphoris (headliner’s choice). We continue on to Nazareth, the town where Jesus Christ “grew and waxed strong in spirit…” In Nazareth we explore the Church of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s carpentry shop, and The Synagogue Church. Our last stop is Mt. Precipice, where, in addition to enjoying the spectacular view, we discuss the transfiguration. We end our day at our hotel by the shores of Galilee, our home for the next two nights. (B,D)

This morning we walk a short distance in the Valley of the Doves to experience part of “the Jesus trail” between Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. We then visit Tabgha, the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, and view a 5th Century Byzantine mosaic floor. Next we visit the Mount of Beatitudes to discuss the “Sermon on the Mount”. Time permitting, we will visit the national park at Tel Dan to see the remains of an ancient pagan altar. After lunch we enter Caesarea Philippi (the location of “Peter’s confession”), explore Palace of Agrippa II, and then drive to Mt. Bental, which offers a sweeping view north to Mt. Hermon (possible site of Jesus’s Transfiguration) and the road to Damascus. (B, D)

Our first stop is the village of Capernaum, where Jesus lived for much of his Galilean ministry. Next is Magdala—the hometown of Mary Magdalene—where we explore the remains of a 1st century synagogue and harbor. After a delicious lunch of St. Peter’s Fish we board a replica of an ancient fishing boat and sail on the Sea of Galilee. We continue our journey to the beautiful ruins of Bet She’an where King Saul and his sons were hung from the walls. (B, L, D)

Our day begins as we journey to Masada and take the aerial tram up to Herod’s mighty fortress. Visit the caves of Qumran where the precious Dead Sea Scrolls were found and have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we see the traditional baptismal site on the Jordan River. Our last stop is Qumran Beach where we can enjoy the buoyant salty waters of the Dead Sea. (B,D)

We will start the morning with Church Services at the Jerusalem Center. Today we head to the little town of Bethlehem. First we spend some time in the shepherds’ field as we contemplate the events that took place near there so many years ago. Next we visit the Church of the Nativity to remember the birth of Christ followed by a visit to the Grotto of St. Jerome. After lunch, we have some shopping time before heading to discover the treasures of the Israel Museum. First, we see the Holy Land Model, a unique scale model of Jerusalem as it was at the time of Christ. We then visit the Shrine of the Book, the site chosen to house the priceless Dead Sea Scrolls. We end our visit exploring the fascinating Israeli artifacts housed in the museum. (B, D)

Our first stop of the day is the Temple Mount to see the Muslim mosque and Muslim shrine—Dome of the Rock. Next, we experience the incredible acoustics of the St. Ann Church. At the Pool of Bethesda, we marvel once again at Christ’s miracles. In the Old City, we will see the traditional area where the Antonia Fortress once stood and where Christ was scourged. We then walk the following parts of the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After a break for lunch and/or shopping, we walk by Hezekiah’s “Broad Wall” and then head to the Room of the Last Supper to recall the poignant last moments of Christ with His beloved disciples. Our next stop is the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was imprisoned before His final day in mortality. We stop at the Mount of Olives overlook for an excellent panoramic view of the incredible city. (B, D)

We begin our last day with a visit to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. Here we walk among ancient olive trees and feel the spirit of that sacred area. At the amazing Jerusalem Archaeological Park, we see the ancient steps leading to the temple mount that Christ must have tread. Our final stop is the beautiful Garden Tomb, believed to be the site of Jesus’ burial. Next to the Garden, there is a limestone hill which many revere as Golgotha, site of the crucifixion. We will transfer to the airport or Jordan border. (B)

Arrive back home for those doing only the Israel portion.

Those continuing to Jordan: You will wake up this morning at an amazing resort on the coasts of the Red Sea. This morning, we will drive out to Wadi Rum. Here we will load up into pickups where we will take a surreal ride through the Wadi Rum desert. This is a great place for a camel ride. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore Aqaba, relax on the beach or snorkel in the Red Sea. (B,D)

We will spend this day visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—Petra! At Petra we will walk between the towering cliffs leading to the magnificent edifice made famous by the movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The entire area is filled with fascinating caves and carvings that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Arrive Home