Day 1: Depart U.S. Our spiritual journey begins as we depart the USA on an overnight flight to Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, we will be walking where Jesus walked!
Day 2: Arrive in Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Tiberias. Welcome to Israel! After we de-plane and clear passport control, we will be welcomed to the Holy Land by a representative who will assist us with our luggage and introduce us to our guide. As we travel north on our way to our hotel in Tiberias we will stop along the Mediterranean Sea to visit Caesarea, the capital of the Roman Province. We'll see the Crusader's Castle, Roman Theatre, and the world famous aqueduct as well as view the harbor from where Paul was taken to Rome. Afterward we drive to Megiddo, one of Solomon's chariot cities and place of the final battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16), and will be in awe of the view of the Valley of Armageddon. Then we continue on to Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-38) where Elijah called down the pillar of fire which consumed the bullock upon the altar in front of Baa'ls prophets. Next we will check into our hotel, which is located on the Sea of Galilee. Relax, walk along the boardwalk and behold the beauty of the lake where Jesus performed miracles. Later we will enjoy our first Israeli dinner experience together. (D)
Day 3: Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitude, Caesarea Philippi, Seao of Galilee, Baptism Begin this day and each day, with a wonderful Israeli breakfast buffet. After breakfast, we will board the motor coach and start our day with a visit at Capernaum. Here we'll see the ruins of the first church of St. Peter and also the ancient synagogue, perhaps one where Jesus himself taught (Mark 1:21). Then we'll enjoy the serenity of the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus ministered and preached the famous Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5,6,7,8). A short drive north will allow us to explore Caesarea Philippi at the base of Mt. Herman. Here is where Jesus asked His disciples, " Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:13-20). Our next stop is for lunch at a Kibbutz at Ein Gev. Here you'll reflect on the mornings activities and enjoy "St. Peter's fish". (optional) After lunch we will experience a magnificent boat ride on the beautiful Sea of Galilee. Experience first hand the same landscape that Jesus must have seen with his own eyes. Imagine Him walking on the water (John 6:18-20, Matthew 14:25-32) or talking with fishermen at the waters edge (Matthew 4:18-20). We'll end our day with a thrilling opportunity to experience baptism in the Jordan River, following the example of Jesus (Matthew 3:12-14). We will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Tree Planting, Cana, Nazareth, Nazareth Village After breakfast ans after you've watched the breathtaking sun rise over the Sea of Galilee, we will visit the Lavi Forest in the north where you will plant a tree. A tree that perhaps will shade our Lord upon His return. Next, we will pass the Mt. of Transfiguration as we travel to Cana. Jesus preformed His first miracle in Cana and turned the water into wine at a wedding! (John 2:1-11) Married couple will have the opportunity to have their wedding vows renewed here. next we will travel to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus (Matthew 2:23, Luke 4:16) and stop at Nazareth Village. Here we will step back in time and experience what life was like during the time of Jesus. Before we leave Nazareth we'll stop to see the Church of the Annunciation. Returning to Tiberias and our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 6: Beit She'an, Mt of Olives, Jerusalem Following breakfast, we will board our bus and drive along the Jordan Valley to the largest archeological site in Israel; the ancient ruins of Beit She'an, where Saul's body was nailed to the city walls (1 Samuel 31: 10-12) We will explore on foot many areas of this remarkable city. Then, excitedly we will board the bus and drive to Jerusalem and experience a triumphant entry into the Holy City! Before checking into our hotel we will make our way to stand on top the Mount of Olives (Mark 13:3, Luke 22:39, Acts 1:9-12), just as Jesus did, and enjoy the breath taking panoramic view of the Old and New City of Jerusalem. We will walk past Dominus-Flevit on our Palm Sunday route to the Garden of Gethsemane with its ancient olive grove, where Jesus asked His disciples to watch with him one hour and pray (Matthew 26:35-37). Here at the Church of All Nations, is the Rick of Agony (Luke 22:43-45). After checking into the hotel, we'll enjoy our first dinner together in Jerusalem! (B,D)
Day 7: Jerusalem, Bethlehem Today after another bountiful breakfast, we will stop briefly at Mt. Scopus for a fun group photo. Then we will travel to Mt. Zion where we will enter the Upper Room; revered as the place where Jesus celebrated His Last Supper (Mark 14:13, Luke 22:10, Acts 1:13) and the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:13, Acts 2:1). Afterward we will enter Caiphas' house and reflect on Jesus' last night on earth. We will end the day in Bethlehem, the birth place of Christ, with a visit to the Church of the Nativity and a view of Shepherd's Field. (Luke 2) After dinner tonight we will have the option to experience the Western Wall after dark. Overnight Jerusalem. (B,D)
Day 8: Jerusalem Following breakfast, we will take a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem where we will see the Temple Mount area, purchased by King David (2 Samuel 24: 18-25). Here now stands the Dome of the Rock, the third holiest shrine in all Islam, and the El Aksa Mosque. After a visit to see the Pools of Bethesda (John 5:2-2-13) we will walk down the Via Dolorosa (The Way of the Cross), pausing to reflect at several Stations of the Cross along the way, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. From there we will make our way to the Jewish Quarter and the Jewish Cardo on our way to the holiest Jewish site in the world. The Western Wall. It will be a prayerful stop as we will have an opportunity to place a prayer note into a crack along the Wall; a famous custom believing in it's priority to be answered. We'll return to our hotel for dinner and an optional evening of ministry. (B,D)
Day 9: Free Day. Today is the free day for us to explore Israel on our own or choose an optional tour to Masada, the Dead Sea and the Qumran Caves. This tour is approximately $75.00 per person and is a must see for first timers! If you choose the optional tour, you will ascend by cable car to the mountain fortress built by Herod, where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans. Then, visit the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea, where will have an opportunity to float in the unsinkable sea. On our way back to our hotel, we will see the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. Whatever you choose, the day will be an exciting one! (B,D)
Day 10: Yad Vashem, Garden Tomb, Golgotha. After breakfast, we will travel to Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Museum), the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book Museum where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept. Our last day of touring ends with a special visit to the Garden Tomb and Golgotha. This will be an unforgettable experience as we see the empty tomb and celebrate Holy Communion together. Say good-bye to all the new friends you have made at tonight's very special farewell dinner. After dinner we will transfer to the airport with a heavy heart for our late night flight home.(B,D)
Day 11: Return Home Shalom Israel! We have walked the land of the Bible! We are returning home changed and with special memories that will last a lifetime! (B)
*Itinerary subject to change
