Experience the Holy Land
What to Expect
Unforgettable memories at The Land of the Bible.
Tour members meet for our flight to Israel. After dinner is served, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the on-board entertainment to prepare for this exciting adventure of a lifetime.
DAY 2 – ARRIVE IN TEL AVIV.
In Tel Aviv, we proceed through customs and security and meet our agent who assists us to our motor coach. We have a short drive to our hotel in the Tel Aviv area in time for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3 – CAESAREA, MEGIDDO, MT. CARMEL, NAZARETH, CANA, GALILEE.
This morning, we depart for the Galilee to visit Biblical sites at Caesarea Maritima, where Peter proclaimed the Good News to the Roman Centurion (Acts 10). We also see Megiddo and Mt. Carmel, where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Time permitting, we will stop at the Druze Village for a short lunch break (not included). Then we continue to Nazareth (Jesus’ childhood home), Cana (location of Jesus’ first miracle – John 2) and the Mt. of Precipice. We then arrive in Tiberias for dinner and overnight near the Sea of Galilee.
DAY 4 – GALILEE, MT. OF BEATITUDES, CAPERNAUM, BOAT RIDE, BETHSAIDA, JORDAN RIVER.
Nothing compares to watching the sun rise over the Sea of Galilee! We begin today at Tabgha (the traditional site of the feeding of the 5000) and the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter.
We then spend time reflecting and worshiping at the Mt. of Beatitudes and then head to Capernaum, Jesus’ base for His early ministry. Afterwards, we board a replica wooden “Jesus Boat” to set sail on the Sea of Galilee. For those interested, our lunch stop includes the option of ordering the special St. Peter’s Fish (not included). After lunch, we head to Gadara and Bethsaida (time permitting) before making our way to the Jordan River. Dinner and overnight are back in Tiberias.
DAY 5 – GOLAN HEIGHTS, CAESAREA PHILIPPI, TEL DAN, GIDEON SPRINGS, BEIT SHEAN, BETHLEHEM.
After breakfast, we travel north to the Golan Heights for a beautiful view of northern Israel’s landscape. Then we head to
Caesarea Philippi where Peter confessed, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13-16). We embark on a short hike to Tel Dan to see the altar of Jeroboam before heading to Gideon Springs. Next, we visit Beit Shean, one of the best-preserved Decapolis Roman cities. This is where King Saul and his sons’ bodies were hung from the city walls after being defeated by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:10-12). Finally, we drive to Bethlehem for the overnight. Dinner and overnight are in Bethlehem.
DAY 6 – HERODIUM, BETHLEHEM, SHEPHERD’S FIELD.
This morning we take an excursion south to Herodium, a cone-shaped hill near Bethlehem where Herod the Great built a fortress and palace, and where he was buried.
At the base of the hill, Herod built a kind of royal “country club,” including a large pool, a bathhouse, and a roofed pool, surrounded by magnificent gardens. From here we go to Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus. First we drive along the wall that separates the West Bank from Israel and see some of the poignant artwork that sheds light on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Then we go to a wood-carving workshop to watch craftsmen fashion beautiful nativity scenes, figurines, and pieces of jewelry from olive wood. From there we continue to the Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional site of the birth of Christ and recently renovated to highlight the vibrant mosaics on its interior walls. Then we drive by the traditional Field of Shepherds, where the angel announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds. Then we return to Bethlehem for dinner and overnight.
DAY 7 – QUMRAN, EIN GEDI, MASADA, DEAD SEA FOR SWIM/ FLOAT.
After breakfast, we drive to Qumran, the settlement of the Essenes. They were the first century sect who authored the Dead Sea Scrolls. From here, we head to Ein Gedi where David hid from King Saul. We then travel south along the western shore of the Dead Sea toward Masada where we ascend by cable car up to King Herod’s astonishing fortress. Afterwards, we make a special stop at the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on earth) for a short swim or float. Time and conditions permitting, we’ll include a visit to Qasr El-Yahud, the newly excavated site where tradition holds that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. If possible, we will also include a short visit to Jericho. Dinner and overnight are in Bethlehem.
DAY 8 – MT. OF OLIVES, PALM SUNDAY ROAD, GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE, WESTERN WALL, TEMPLE MOUNT, VIA DOLOROSA, SOUTHERN STEPS, BETHLEHEM.
We begin today on the beautiful Mt. of Olives to behold the famous, breathtaking panorama of the Holy City. Our pilgrimage proceeds down the Old Palm Sunday Road to the ancient olive grove at the Garden of Gethsemane. Then we continue on to the Church of the Agony (Church of All Nations) where tradition says Jesus prayed before his arrest. We enter Jerusalem through the Zion Gate and proceed to the Western (Wailing) Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. Beyond the wall lies the 35-acre temple area purchased by King David (2 Samuel 24:18-25), which is called the Temple Mount. This area is the third holiest shrine in Islam, housing both the El-Aqsa Mosque and the magnificent Dome of the Rock. From the temple area we make our way to St. Stephen’s Gate to walk the Via Dolorosa – including St. Anne’s Crusader Church, Pools of Bethesda, the Pavement (where Jesus stood while being tried by Pilate), Ecce Homo Arch, and the ancient Cardo. We continue to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and then conclude our day with a short walk to the original steps that Jesus climbed as he entered the Temple area. We have dinner and overnight in Bethlehem
After breakfast, we visit the Shrine of the Book Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and the fascinating 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem as it would have appeared in Jesus’ time. Next, we drive to the City of David, and then we go on a short walk to Hezekiah’s Tunnel (conditions permitting). Be sure to bring a flashlight and water shoes to walk through the tunnel. Anyone wanting to stay dry can walk through Hezekiah’s shaft. If time permits, we will visit the newly excavated Pool of Siloam and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. We end our day in worship at Golgotha and the Garden Tomb. Dinner and overnight are in Bethlehem.
DAY 10 – BETHLEHEM, BEN GURION AIRPORT.
In the morning, we transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our flight back to the U.S.A. taking home wonderful memories of the Old and New Testament, a renewal of our faith, and a greater understanding of the life of our Lord.
