Day 1: Tel Aviv – Netanya
A local representative will meet you at Ben Gurion International Airport, provide assistance with baggage claim and escort you through customs. He or she will then introduce you to your driver and guide.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner & overnight in Netanya.
Day 2: Caesarea – Megiddo – Tiberias
This morning, we'll travel north from Tel Aviv to visit the ancient city of Caesarea, built by Herod the Great and once the seat of Roman rule. Then, on to Megiddo – the site where the final battle between good and evil will take place in the end of days. We'll then ascend Mt. Carmel for a panoramic view of Haifa Bay and the beautiful Bahai Gardens. Then, we’ll see Muhraka, where the dramatic battle between Elijah and the prophets of Baal took place.
We'll drive on to Nazareth, via Cana (where Jesus turned water into wine) to visit the Church of the Annunciation (where Mary was first informed about her immaculate conception). Then, end our day at the lakeside city of Tiberias, which rests on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and check in to the hotel.
Overnight: Tiberias
Day 3: Capernaum – Tel Dan – Caesarea Phillipi – Magdala
We'll start the day in Capernaum, where we'll see Peter's house & a 2nd century synagogue which will shed light on the life of the community of that era.
From there, it's on to Tel Dan, the northernmost city of the Kingdom of Israel & then Caesarea Philippi (Banias), which was a pagan city dedicated to the god Pan and was reconstructed in ancient times by Philip, the son of Herod. We'll continue on to visit the Mt. of Beatitudes, Mt. Tabor & Transfiguration Church.
Then, we'll explore Magdala & its new archaeological discoveries, before ending our day with a worship service while sailing on the Sea of Galilee.
Overnight: Tiberias
Day 4: Jordan River – Beit She'an – Jerusalem
This morning, we'll visit Yardenit (the Jordan River Baptismal site). Then, we’ll drive southeast to the ancient remains of Beit Shean, the city where Saul and his sons where hung up on the city walls by the Philistines (1st Samuel 31:10).
In the afternoon, we'll leave the Galilee area and drive through the lush Jordan Valley and ascend up the Judean Mountains. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, we'll stop at a viewpoint overlooking the Old City where we'll celebrate our arrival to the holy city.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 5: Jerusalem
This morning, ascend the Mt. of Olives for a panoramic view of Jerusalem. Overlooking the Old City, the Mount is covered partly in olive trees, cemeteries and churches – commemorating events of Jesus' life. Descend via the Palm Sunday Walk to visit the Garden of Gethsemane. The garden is next to the magnificent Church of all Nations (Basilica of Agony) & The Greek Orthodox Church of the Tomb of the Virgin Mary. Enter through Saint Stephens’s gate and arrive at the Pools of Bethesda. Stroll down Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, then on to the Upper Room & King David’s Tomb. ??Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 6: Masada – Dead Sea
Take the cable car to Herod’s fortress, Masada, built between 37-31 BC. According to Josephus, the siege of Masada by Roman troops from 73 to 74 CE, at the end of the First Jewish–Roman War, ended in the mass suicide of the 960 Sicarii rebels who were hiding there. From there, we'll visit the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Then, enjoy the beautiful Ein Gedi oasis before a float in the Dead Sea’s mineral-rich waters.
Day 7: Jerusalem
After breakfast, visit the Israel Museum to see the Shrine of the Book (where the Dead Sea Scrolls are exhibited) & the scale model of Jerusalem at the time of Christ.
We'll then visit the Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall, Temple Mount & the Southern Wall Excavations. After dinner, walk the Western Wall Tunnels to see the hidden parts of the Holy Temple foundation as it was in Roman times.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 8: Jerusalem – Bethlehem
Start your day at the City of David & see the exciting new excavations of Jerusalem during the time of the first Temple period. Next, stop at St. Peter in Gallicantu Church (Caiaphas’ house).
In Bethlehem, see St. Catherine’s Church, Shepherd’s Field & the Church of the Nativity. End the day at the Garden Tomb, an ancient Jewish sepulcher which matches the New Testament description of the tomb in which Jesus was buried. This a great time & place for a worship service to reflect on your experiences over the past week. Enjoy a farewell dinner before a late-night flight home.