• Israel

Overview

Is Israel calling you back? Are you ready to dig a little deeper into the foundations of your faith? In addition to some of the key foundational sites, this itinerary also includes a variety of sites a bit off the beaten path. You'll also enjoy some unique & unforgettable experiences.

Highlights

  • Hanging Bahai Gardens - garden terraces around the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel
  • Acre - the Crusader fortress
  • Magdala – a new excavation site where Mary Magdalene lived
  • Caesarea Philippi – where Jesus gave the “key” of the church to Peter
  • Kaser El Yahud – where John the Baptist baptized Jesus
  • Shabbat dinner – homecooked meal with a Jewish Orthodox family to learn about their Shabbat traditions
  • City of David – incredible ruins from biblical times & new excavations
  • Bedouin experience - enjoy a Bedouin-style lodge & meals (ask about a camel ride!)
  • Old City of Jaffa – a seaside town which was once home to Jonah
  • Also includes visits to typical sites in Nazareth, Cana, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, Bet She’an, Jerusalem, Masada, Dead Sea & Garden Tomb

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Israel

Upon arrival, our Israeli host will assist with customs. We’ll then drive to Netanya for overnight.

Day 2: Netanya – Haifa – Acre – Nazareth – Cana – Tiberius

Enjoy breakfast before driving along the Mediterranean shoreline to Haifa to see the gorgeous Hanging Bahai Gardens. Next, explore the medieval city of Acre including an underground crypt, Templar’s tunnel, a colorful outdoor market & the ancient port. Continue to Nazareth, to see the Church of the Annunciation & St. Joseph Chapel. Afterward, visit Cana’s Wedding Church, site of Jesus’ first miracle. Dinner & overnight in Tiberias.

Day 3: Magdala – Caesarea Philippi – Capernaum – Tiberias

After breakfast, drive along the Sea of Galilee to see the old synagogue & new church at Magdala, a new excavation site. Take a short drive to see the ancient Boat Museum with artifacts dating to the time of Jesus. Continue to Caesarea Philippi where Jesus gave the “key” of the church to Peter. Return to the Sea of Galilee to visit Capernaum, home to a 2nd-century synagogue. Next, visit the Mount of Beatitudes & the octagonal dome that represents the sermon Jesus gave to his disciples. End the day in  Tiberias near the Sea of Galilee for dinner & overnight.

Day 4: Tiberias – Jordan Valley – Jerusalem

After breakfast, depart for the national park of Bet She’an to see Roman ruins, including: the Roman Theater, Cardo, Bath, Hippodrome & Temple. Continue along the Jordan Valley to Kaser El Yahud where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Next, visit the Mount of Olives to enjoy a breath-taking view of the Old City.  Continue to Dominus Flevit & the All Nations Church. Walk through the Garden of Gethsemane where you can find olive trees dating back to the time of Christ. Enjoy dinner & spend the night in Jerusalem.

Day 5: Jerusalem

Enjoy breakfast before entering the Old City to visit the Pool of Bethesda & the Church of St. Anne (from the crusader period). Continue walking along the Via Dolorosa, here you’ll see the Eco Homo Arch, then to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Next, exit the Old City through the Zion gate to Mt. Zion where you’ll see the Last Supper Room & King David’s Tomb. End the day with a visit to the Israel Museum. Here, you can see the Shrine of the Book which holds the Dead Sea Scrolls. Tonight, you’ll have a special, homecooked meal with a Jewish Orthodox family to learn about their Shabbat traditions. Spend the night at your hotel in Jerusalem.

Day 6: Jerusalem – City of David – Arad

After breakfast, ascend to the top of the Temple Mount to see the outside of the Dome of the Rock & Al Aqsa Mosque. Next, visit the Western Wall, the holiest place in the Jewish faith, before exploring the Western Wall Tunnels. Afterward, explore the City of David to see incredible ruins from biblical times & new excavations. Depart Jerusalem for a two-hour drive through the Negev desert to Arad, where a Bedouin-style lodge will be waiting. Enjoy a “Hafl a” (Bedouin dinner) & relaxing in your tent.

Day 7: Arad – Masada – The Dead Sea – Jerusalem – Jaff a

Enjoy breakfast before taking a cable car to Masada, a world heritage site & fortress built by King Herod. Explore the ruins of the fortifications, waterworks, ancient synagogue, temples & palace. Drive on to the lowest place on Earth: The Dead Sea. Enjoy a prayer & communion at the Garden Tomb, the traditional site of Jesus’ burial before continuing to the village of Abu Gosh to see a monastery & taste local hummus. Next, you’ll drive to the Old City of Jaffa, a seaside town which was once home to Jonah. Stroll through the artist quarter before enjoying a tasty farewell dinner with your group.

Day 8: Return to U.S.

Your guide will assist you in transferring to the Ben Gurion International Airport for your return flight home.

Includes

  • Meeting & assistance on arrival and departure at Ben-Gurion Airport
  • Transfers on departure to Ben-Gurion Airport
  • Porterage at airport and hotels
  • 7 overnights at the above mentioned hotels
  • 6 days sightseeing as per your program below
  • English-speaking tour guide throughout the entire tour
  • Luxury air-conditioned vehicle as mentioned above
  • Meal arrangements: Bed & Breakfast, including full Israeli buffet breakfast at hotels daily/Half Board, including full Israeli buffet breakfast and dinners at hotels daily + Jewish Orthodox meal in private house in Jerusalem
  • Farewell dinner in Jerusalem or Jaffa
  • Entrance fees: As per the program bellow and all the relevant churches in Jerusalem and Galilee
  • Pilgrimage Certificate

Excludes

  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Meals throughout the entire tour other than mentioned
  • Tips to driver, guide, hotel and restaurant staff
  • Any other item not mentioned above