Day 5: Jordan River Baptism Site, Beth Shean & Dead Sea
We begin our day with a visit to the Jordan River Baptismal site. Next we travel southward to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the intertestamental period, the city was renamed the "Scythopolis". Archaeologists have uncovered a huge number of ruins of the Roman/Byzantine Scythopolis. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis -a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey,” the Kibbutz system and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho, view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world, before coming to our lodging for the next two evenings at the Dead Sea – the lowest place on earth. Spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before dinner.

Day 6: Makhtesh Ramon, Solomon's Mines-Timna, Hebrew Tabernacle
We drive southwest to see Makhtesh Ramon, often described as the ‘Grand Canyon of Israel’.  Thought once to be due to a meteorite impact, most now accept it as due to massive erosion, albeit at the end of the Flood.  Rock layers deep in the Flood deposition sequence are exposed in the walls of the Ramon.  We take a short walk to see the ‘Ammonite Wall’, the sloping surface of an upturned limestone layer which is covered in fossilised ammonites, coiled shells of marine invertebrates that are a foot or more in diameter, and testimony to the destruction of life during the Flood.  Further south towards Eilat we visit the Timna area, and the remains of ancient copper mines that were exploited by the Egyptians and possibly by King Solomon.  Walk in the mining tunnels and see the copper ore.  We can stand on the erosion surface formed at the beginning of the Flood at Solomon’s Pillars and see the sandstone layer at the bottom of the Flood sequence sitting on top of pre-Flood crystalline basement rocks, just the same as in the Grand Canyon.   Nearby is a full scale replica of the tabernacle in the wilderness that we can explore.  On the drive back to our hotel by the Dead Sea there will be ample time for relaxing. 

Day 7: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham's Tent 
Our day begins with a view of the pillar of salt known as "Lot's Wife" before riding a cable car to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next, we visit Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time: a reliving of life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, and authentic food. Our lodging for the next four nights will be in Jerusalem.  Dr. Snelling will speak tonight to the entire group.

Day 8: Wailing Wall, Rabbinical Tunnels, Judgment Hall, Via Dolorosa
On our way into the city we will visit the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era.  The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment.  Before exiting the tunnel we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders. We move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation.  From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’s Church. While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering. Our guide will explain the differing opinions on the route that Christ was led and the actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study.

Day 9: Way of Suffering, the Last Days, Garden Tomb
Today we walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here. Next we visit the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was beaten and spit upon.  See a pit where he may have been held for the evening and the ancient hillside steps he walked as he was taken to be condemned.  Passing by the Protestant Cemetery, we visit the "Upper Room" just outside the Zion Gate where the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His breast and where later Thomas cried, "my Lord & my God."  The climax of the day is the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise.