Days 1 & 2 – Arrival
Depart US, arrive Tel Aviv

Following an overnight flight, we arrive in Tel Aviv, where we enjoy a welcome dinner in our hotel.

Day 4 – Sea of Galilee | Mount of Beatitudes | Tabgha | Capernaum & Baptismal Site

Today we sail across the Sea of Galilee, pausing in the middle of the lake to remember the One who stilled the wind and waves.  Continuing around the lake we visit the Church of the Beatitudes and listen anew to the words of Jesus.  After lunch we visit Tabgha where Jesus fed the 5,000 and then continue to the geographic center of Jesus’ ministry, Capernaum, and the synagogue where he worship and prayed.  Our day concludes on the bank of the Jordan River were we remember our baptism. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Bethlehem | Israel Museum   | Jerusalem Model | Shrine of the Book 

We start the day in the town of Jesus’ birth, Bethlehem.  After visiting the Shepherd’s Field and singing Christmas carols, we tour the Church of the Nativity to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  Our hearts will sing of great joy.  Following lunch, we tour the Israel Museum, where we take in a detailed, scaled model of ancient Jerusalem.  We also view the Dead Sea Scrolls, many containing the oldest known surviving remnants of Scripture. (B, D)

Day 8 – Masada | Ein Gedi | Caves of Qumran | Dead Sea

Our first stop today is Masada, the refuge of the Jews during the Roman invasion. From here we journey to the oasis of Ein Gedi and recall the life of David and read from the Psalms.  We also take in Qumran and enjoy a distant view of the caves of the Dead Sea scrolls.  The day ends with an opportunity to wade or swim in the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, before returning to Jerusalem for overnight. (B, D)

Day 10 – Jerusalem | Gethsemane | Via Dolorosa | Holy Sepulchre | Garden Tomb  

Today we take in Jerusalem.  Beginning at the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of the Agony, we turn our attention to the passion of our Lord. From the Garden we enter the Lion’s Gate and walk the Via Dolorosa. We visit the Churches of the Flagellation and Condemnation, St. Anne’s Monastery, and the Pool of Bethesda, as well as the Stations of the Cross. After lunch, we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. We conclude our tour with a visit to the Garden Tomb where we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This will be a day long remembered!  (B,D)

Day 3 – Caesarea | Mt. Carmel | Tiberius

After our morning orientation, we set out along the coastal road to Caesarea where Peter shared the gospel with Cornelius and where Paul was imprisoned while awaiting his appearance before Felix and Festus.  We visit the Roman Theater and harbor and Herod the Great’s palace.  From the coast we move inland to Mt. Carmel where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. We take in the magnificent site of the Jezreel Valley and the hills of Galilee. This evening we arrive at our hotel on the Sea of Galilee. (B,D)

Day 5 – Nazareth  | Cana | Jordan River | Megiddo 

This morning we journey to Cana where Jesus performed his first sign of turning water into wine and joined in a wedding celebration.  Next is Nazareth, the home town of Jesus.  We visit the Church of Gabriel and the Mount of Precipice as we recall Jesus’ Messianic announcement.  Setting off to Megiddo we enjoy lunch and then take in the panoramic view of the Megiddo valley.  Late afternoon, we make our ascent to the Holy City of Jerusalem for our overnight. (B,D)

Day 7 – Temple Mount | Western Wall | Jewish Quarter

If conditions permit, we start the day with a visit to the Temple Mount.  Then on to the Temple Excavations of the Jerusalem Archaeological Park and stand on the stairs where Jesus taught during his final days. Afterwards we make our way to the Western/Wailing Wall and view this place of prayer as we offer our own prayers for the peace of Jerusalem. In the afternoon, we visit the Jewish Quarter and walk on the ancient Roman road.  (B, D)

Day 9 – Free Day in Jerusalem

Spend a free day strolling through the streets of the Old City, reflecting on the sights and sounds of our journey.  Or make your way through the waterway tunnel of King Hezekiah.  Some may want to visit Yad Vashem for a remembrance of the Holocaust.  (B,D)

Day 11 – Tel Aviv to U.S.

We depart today from Tel Aviv, returning home with heightened wonder for the land where Jesus lived.