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.

Price Per Person:

Based on double occupancy & 30 passengers

$3,075.00

$755.00 single supplement

Information & Reservations:
Jane Carlsen • jarcarlsen@aol.com • 716-284-8173 ext 105


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Price Includes: 
Roundtrip airfare from Buffalo, NY on Continental Airlines, current air taxes & fuel charges: ($506.00 - subject to change till Ticketed), lodging in 4 star hotels, full time tour escort, breakfast & dinner daily, Porterage (1 checked bag), Tips (guide, driver & hotel staff), all guides, entrances and transportation as appear on itinerary, services of long distance deluxe motorcoach as appear on itinerary.


Not Included:
Fuel surcharge increases, lunches / optional travel insurance, optional credit card payments (additional 3% of total bill).