Day 1 •
Departure
Our life-changing
journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight
to Cairo, Egypt.
Day 2 •
Arrival Cairo
We arrive in the land
of the Pharaohs, Jacob,
Joseph and Israel during the famine! Upon arrival in
Cairo we meet our guide and driver who will transport us to
the hotel for dinner and rest for the remainder of the
evening. We relax tonight as we prepare for the adventurous
travel ahead.
Day 3 • Cairo
Today we travel back to ancient Egypt with a full day
of touring to the wonders of the ancient world, some of
which date back to 1000+ years prior to Abraham. We spend
time at one of the seven wonders of the world- the pyramids.
Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is
the most colossal pyramid ever built. Today, we will also
see the Sphinx and tour the Egyptian Museum, location of
Tutankhamen's treasures and ancient remains.
Day 4 • Mt. Sinai
This morning we depart Cairo, pass through the
southern edge of the
"Land of Goshen" and travel the southward route
of the Exodus through the Wilderness of Shur. We learn of
the terrain and the history of this region en-route as we
pass Marah (Springs of Moses) and further to the south, the
oasis of Elim. Arriving in the late afternoon to the hotel
at
Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb), we have dinner and rest
for our early morning activity.
Day 5 • Red Sea
Crossing, Aqaba
Just into the new day, those who desire and are
physically capable will depart for a memorable early morning
walk up Mt. Moses. You may choose to ride a camel part way,
stop at one of the stations to take in scenery along the
climb to the summit (750 steps) for a sunrise to remember.
Once at the top, enjoy a time of praise and then depart down
the mountain for breakfast. After a short ride to the Red
Sea, while gazing across the Gulf of Aqaba, we can begin to
imagine the miracle of the parting of the sea. We board a
catamaran ferry for a scenic crossing to Jordan and our
lodging for the evening in Aqaba, Biblical
Ezion Geber - the lovely seaport of King Solomon.
Day 6 • Petra
This morning we turn
north toward the amazing mountain fortress of
Petra, known to be inhabited by the
Edomites - the descendents of Esau. Begin the
tour with a walk through the "Siq," an immense crack in the
Nubian sandstone, to the city of Petra carved out of the
rose red rock. The Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most
elegant remains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh we are
surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra's carved and
built structures. Departing Petra, we travel northward on
the King's Highway through the land of the
Moab where to the east we view the hilltop
palace/fortress of
Machaerus, the place where John the Baptist was
beheaded. We overnight in Amman for this evening.
Day 7 • Mt Nebo,
Mabada, Tel Aviv
Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of
Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley
and the Dead Sea. The drive continues to the town of
Madaba, the biblical Medeba, 30 kilometers south
of
Amman. Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and
Umayyad mosaics and at the Greek Orthodox Church of St.
George we may view the earliest surveying original map of
the Holy land. As we travel west toward the Allenby Bridge,
we view to the north the
Plains of Moab, the area where the tribes of
Israel camped before crossing the Jordan and picture
Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the place where Jesus
was baptized. Crossing back into Israel, we drive to Tel
Aviv area with the remainder of the afternoon free. You may
wish to take a devotional time with the sunset over the
“Great Sea,” a time of prayer and thanks for the special
blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and
then enjoy a good night’s rest.
Day 8 • 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
Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we visit the
Nazareth Village - a wonderful recreation of Biblical times
with costumed guides. We will have dinner and overnight
lodging for the next two nights in the
Tiberias area on the
Sea of Galilee.
Day 9 • Capernaum, Dan,
Caesarea Philippi & Mount of Beatitudes
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.
Day 10 •
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 Kibbuzt 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 evening
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 11 •
Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham's Tent
Our day begins with 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. 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 evening 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.
Day 12 •
Around Jerusalem, Bible Times, Holocaust Museum
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." An interesting and educational time awaits us 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. We conclude the day
with a visit to
Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, for a needed reminder
of what the Jews have suffered as a people.
Day 13 •
Jesus' Steps, the Last Days - Messianic Lecture
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. 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.
Day 14 •
Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost, Bethlehem
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
communion and 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, while others may choose to spend the remainder of
the day surrounding the birth of Christ, with a visit to
Bethlehem.
Day 15 • Home
A very early morning
departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight homeward
will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.