Day 1: Depart U.S. Our spiritual pilgrimage begins as we depart the USA on an overnight flight to Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, we will be walking where Jesus walked!
Day 2: Arrive Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel. 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, introduce us to our guide and direct us to our bus. 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. Then we will board our bus for Megiddo, one of Solomon's chariot cities and place of the final battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). Finally, we will be in awe of the breathtaking view of the Valley of Armageddon when we visit 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 Baal's prophets. Next we will check into our hotel. We will relax and perhaps 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, Tabgha, Mt. of Beatitudes, Boat Ride, 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 and see ruins of the ancient synagogue, perhaps one where Jesus himself taught (Mark 1:21). See ruins of the first church of St. Peter. next we'll visit Tabgha, where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish (Matthew 14: 14-21). Experience the serenity of the Mount of Beatitudes, site of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5,6,7,8). Experience first hand the same landscape that Jesus must have seen as we board a wooden boat on the beautiful untouched Sea of Galilee. Imagine Him walking on the water (John 6:18-20, Matthew 14:25-32) or talking with fishermen at the water's edge (Matthew 4:18-20). Afterward, we will have the thrilling opportunity to experience Baptism in the Jordan River, following the example of Jesus (Matthew 3:12-14). (B,D)
Day 4: Cana, Nazareth, Beit She'an, Jerusalem After breakfast we will depart the hotel and travel to Cana and visit the Wedding Church. Here is where Jesus performed His first miracle by changing the water into wine at a wedding. (John 2:1-11) Married couples 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, Like 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. Nazareth Village is a recreation of a first-century village based on solid biblical, historical and archeological research. Before leaving Nazareth we'll stop to see the Church of the Annunciation. Next we will stretch our legs and explore the largest archeological site in Israel; the ancient ruins of Beit She'an. Here are teh ruins of the ancient city where Saul's body was nailed to the city walls (1 Samuel 31: 10-12). Finally, after passing Jericho and the Mount of Temptation, we will make a triumphant entry into the Holy City of Jerusalem! (B,D)
Day 5: FREE Day Today is a free day of us to explore Israel on our own or we can choose to purchase an optional tour to Masada, the Dead Sea and the Qumran Caves. This tour is approximately $75USD and is a must 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 loweest place on earth; the Dead Sea where we will have an opportunity to float in the unsinkable sea. On our way back to the hotel, we will see the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Whatever you choose today, we know you will be blessed! (B,D)
Day 6: Jerusalem & Garden Tomb This morning you will begin your day with a trip to Mount Scopus for an overlook of the Old City and a fun group picture. Then we will stand on top of 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. next, we will walk past Dominus-Flevit on our Palm Sunday route to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus asked his disciples to watch with him one hour and pray (Matthew 26:35-37). Then, visit the Rock of Agony, at the Church of all Nations (Luke 22:43-45). We will travel via the Kidron Valley past the Tomb of Abshalom, St. James and Zecharia to Bethlehem where we will visit the Church of the Nativity. Our day ends as we visit the Garden Tomb and Golgotha. This will be an unforgettable experience as we will see the tomb empty and celebrate communion together. After dinner you will have the option to visit the Western Wall after dark. (B,D)
Day 7: Old City Jerusalem & Yad Vashem Today after an early breakfast we will take a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem. We will begin at 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 Aska Mosque. We will walk to visit the Pools of Bethesda (John 5:2-13). Then we will walk the Via Dolorosa (The Way of the Cross), pausing to reflect at several Stations of the Cross along the way to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Walking through the Jewish Quarter and the Jewish Cardo is how we will approach the Western Wall; the holiest Jewish site in the world will be a prayerful stop. Here we will have an opportunity to place a prayer note into a crack along the wall; a famous custom believing in its priority to be answered. After passing the City of David we arrive at Mt. Zion to experience the Upper Room, revered as the place Jesus celebrated His Last Supper (Mark 14:13, Like 22:10, Acts 1:13) and the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:13, Acts 2:1). Here we will also visit the Tomb of King David and the house of the High Priest Caiaphas. Our last stop will be with a tour through Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial. This evening will be a special dinner where we will say farewell to all the new friends we have made. Then after dinner and with a heavy heart we will leave Jerusalem and be transferred to the airport to board our return flight back to the states. (B,D)
Day 8: Arrive back home with memories that will last a lifetime.
*Itinerary subject to change.
