Sept 1:  Departure
Today we embark on our Journey to the Bible Lands. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where Jesus walked! 

Sept 2:  Arrive Israel
We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where we will be met by our Israeli guide who will accompany us during our entire stay in Israel.  We enjoy a brief visit to Jaffa before we travel northward to our hotel for one night in the coastal area near Tel Aviv. The remainder of the day is free to walk along the Mediterranean, relax, and have dinner. The time is right for a personal devotional with the sunset over the “Great Sea.”  Enjoy a time of prayer of thanks for safety and the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and a good night’s rest.

Sept 3:  Caesarea, Megiddo & Nazareth
After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct, and then journey on to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. We drive through the area of Cana and enjoy a visit and time of touring in Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next two nights in the Tiberias area on the Sea of Galilee.

Sept 4:  Capernaum, Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Mount of Beatitudes and Jordan River
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites emphasizing the loss of God's blessing on Israel. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of pagan worship and Caesarea Philippi which is also the site of Peter’s Confession.  In order to save valuable time, a box lunch will be provided. In Capernaum we will visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue and Peter’s home. Then we travel on to the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea. After viewing the ancient Fisherman Boat at an operating Kibbutz, we enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee.  A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples concluding a wonderful day.  We finish our day with a visit to the Jordan River Baptismal site.

Sept 5:  Beth Shean, Qumran, Dead Sea and Jerusalem
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 the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.  We conclude our day with time to enjoy a panoramic overview of the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, before we transfer to Jerusalem for our dinner and overnight.

Sept 6:  Jerusalem, Bible Times, Jesus’ Steps, the Last Days- Messianic Lecture
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.  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 scourged.  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.  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. This evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel. 

Sept 7:  Jerusalem Church Service and Bethlehem
This morning we will visit with a local missionary friend and take part in their worship service.  Early this afternoon we spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ, with a visit to Bethlehem.  After visiting the Church of the Nativity and a local olive wood carving store, we venture out to Shepherd’s Field, where an angel appeared to announce the birth of Jesus.  We return to Jerusalem for our dinner and overnight.

Sept 8:  Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost
While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.  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. The climax of the day is the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with a time of praise. This afternoon we visit the Southern Wall Excavations. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place that Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. We will enjoy a challenge from God’s word and a song before an optional time this afternoon.  Those who wish may stay in the city marketplace for shopping.

Sept 9:  Fly from Tel Aviv to Athens
We depart Tel Aviv early this morning arriving into Athens by mid morning.  Upon our arrival in Athens we will be met by our Pilgrim Tours guide and enjoy a full day tour of Athens.   Our city tour of Athens will include a visit to the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. Additional sites include the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace.   This afternoon we will have some free time to rest at our hotel or enjoy time in the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes.

Sept 10:  Corinth - Mycenae
This morning we leave Athens by motor coach, stop for a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal and then travel to the ancient city of Corinth. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day. We will be sure to gather for a devotional around the Bema where Paul stood and challenged the Corinthians. The Museum houses a variety of antiquities to include pottery, statues, mosaics and art work.  Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period.  After the visit to ancient Corinth we travel to Mycenae where the remains of the ancient city date back to the Bronze Age. This afternoon we see the famous Lionesse Gate, the Tomb of Agamennon in the shape of a Beehive, and many other sites before returning to Athens for the evening.

Sept 11:  Rome, Catacombs, Forum, Mamertine Prison and Coliseum
We transfer to the airport for our flight to Rome, our home for the next two nights.  From the Rome airport on our way into Rome we take time to visit the Christian Catacombs.  The Christian Catacombs are where thousands of Christians were buried in a remarkable tiered series of galleries.  We continue into Rome and enjoy lunch before an afternoon walking tour at the ancient Roman Forum, where our guide will divulge its secrets. We will visit the Arch of Titus which commemorated the sack of Jerusalem by Titus in AD 70. We will step inside the Mamertine Prison, where tradition says the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. Next, we visit the Coliseum, where thousands of people and animals perished during gladiatorial games. The Coliseum first opened in AD 80 and within 100 days of its opening, 5000 wild beasts perished here. The slaughter of both humans and animals continued for three more centuries. Historians believe the Coliseum could hold between 40,000 and 80,000 people depending on how close the seating was. The floor has recently had a plank placed over the middle making it accessible for people to walk over the labyrinth of brick cells, ramps, and elevators used to transport animals and gladiators into the arena. Hear the stories of the games that have fascinated people for years. We conclude our day by checking into our hotel and enjoying our dinner and overnight.

Sept 12:  Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter Basilica
After breakfast you will begin a full day of site seeing. First visit Vatican City where you will see the Basilica at St. Peter, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums with stunning works of art at every turn. After some free time for lunch, you will visit the 4th century Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the traditional site of Paul’s tomb, and the Scala Santa, where Martin Luther made his stand against the practice of indulgences. The spiritual and historical insight gained from this tour will be invaluable to you in your understanding and application of scriptural truths.

Sept 13:  Home
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to the USA.