Day 1: Departure
from US (Wednesday - March 16)
Today we embark on our Journey to the Holy Land. Prepare
yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on
the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where Jesus walked!
Day 2: Arrive
Israel (Thursday - March 17)
We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where we will be met by our
Israeli transfer who will accompany us to our hotel. We
travel westward to our hotel for one night along 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.
Day 3: Jaffa,
Caesarea, Meggido, Nazareth (Friday - March 18)
We travel into the old section of Jaffa before heading north
this morning for a visit to Caesarea, where Gentiles first
heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see
the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct. We turn inland to
Megiddo where, archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of
civilization. We drive through the area of Cana and
Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we visit the
Nazareth Village - a wonderful recreation of Biblical times
with costumed guides. We continue east arriving in the
Galilee region for dinner and overnight the next four
evenings.
Day 4: Mt. Carmel
Assembly, Mt. Carmel, Baptism Service (Saturday - March 19)
This morning we return west to Mt. Carmel, for a visit to
the “Mt. Carmel Assembly,” for a service with Karen & David
Davis and then journey on to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah slew
the prophets of Baal. From here we have an overview of the
Jezreel Valley also known as the Armageddon Battlefield. We
return to the Galilee to end our day with a wonderful
Baptism service followed by dinner and overnight in the
Galilee.
Day 5: Mt. Arbel,
Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha (Sunday - March 20)
This morning we have our first overview of the Sea from atop
Mt. Arbel. Boasting a wonderful view across the Sea of
Galilee, Mt. Arbel allows for a perspective on the locations
and geography of Christ’s Ministry. 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. In nearby
Capernaum we will visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue,
Peter’s home and move onto the beach where Peter was
restored at Tabgha. We return to our hotel for dinner and
overnight.
Day 6: Caesarea
Philippi, Tel Dan, Golan Heights (Monday - March 21)
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. Before departing we
have lunch at a nearby Lebanese Restaurant. We travel up to
Mt. Bental for a view and historical perspective of Ancient
and Modern Israeli history. We return to the hotel via the
Golan Heights learning of the 6 days war en-route. We arrive
for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Mt. of
Beatitudes, Qumran & Dead Sea (Tuesday - March 22)
In the morning we travel to the site of the multiplication
of loaves and fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes
overlooking the Sea. We take time for personal devotion and
prayer before departing the Galilee region and heading south
to the Dead Sea. As we follow the fertile Jordan Valley, our
guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the
“Land of Milk and Honey,” the Kibbutz system and Israel’s
intricate irrigation development. We follow the road past
the ancient city of 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.
After a brief visit we continue our trek to our lodging for
the evening at the Dead Sea – the lowest place on earth. The
remainder of the afternoon is free to rest, take advantage
of the spa or float in the Dead Sea. We have dinner and
overnight.
Day 8: Masada, Ein
Gedi, Abraham’s Tent, Jerusalem (Wednesday - March 23)
We depart our hotel this morning and travel a short distance
north for a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of
Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the
famous zealot stand. Afterward 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.
Early this afternoon we experience a wonderful meal as we
take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent. 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. We travel into Jerusalem
for an incredible overview of this “Golden City.” Our day
ends by arriving at our hotel with dinner and lodging for
the next five nights.
Day 9: City of
David, Israel Museum, Yad Vashem (Thursday - March 24)
Our first visit of the day will be just south of the Dung
Gate below the Temple Mount to the City of David. It was
during the time of Solomon that the city limits expanded
past this part of Jerusalem. We visit Gihon Springs, the
original water source for Jerusalem, view new excavations
including a typical Israelite four-room house, the lower
city wall and the cistern where Jeremiah was imprisoned. A
highlight today will be a water walk through the incredible
Hezekiah's Tunnel to the pool of Siloam, the place of Jesus'
miracle in John 9. An interesting and educational time
awaits us this afternoon at the Israeli Museum. Walk through
collections of centuries old Israeli artifacts including the
Dead Sea Scrolls, and a then a guided walk through an
accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem will help to
prepare you for what you will experience in the following
days. Next we have a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust
Museum, for a needed reminder of what the Jews have suffered
as a people. We return to the hotel for dinner and
overnight.
Day 10: Old City,
Wailing Wall, Rabbinical Tunnels, (Friday - March 25)
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." 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. 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 Jesus 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. We return
to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 11: Temple
Mount, Southern Wall Excavations, Bethlehem (Saturday -
March 26)
This morning our first visit is to the Temple Mount. We then
exit just next to the mount for a visit to 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. You are free to
explore the Old City later this afternoon before we end our
day surrounding the birth of Christ, with a visit to
Bethlehem. We return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 12: Mt. of
Olives, Garden of Gethsemane Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb
(Sunday - March 27)
Today we walk where Jesus walked. We begin the day with a
panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the
Rock from atop the Mount of Olives. We walk down to 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. 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 trip is the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate
the resurrection with communion and a time of praise this
afternoon. We will join the King of Kings Congregation in
Jerusalem for a Service before heading back to our hotel for
dinner.
Day 13: Free Time &
Departure for Home (Monday - March 28)
Today we are free to rest or explore at our leisure. Later
this afternoon; we travel to the Nafoura Restaurant for a
farewell dinner prior to our flight home this evening,
arriving back in the US early morning on Tuesday - March
29th.
Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group.