Day 1, June 20: Flight
Take an overnight flight from Dallas to Athens.
Day 2, June 21: Athens
Arrive in Athens and transfer to the hotel in the city center. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and get some rest so that you are ready for the rest of the tour.
Day 3, June 22: Cruise/Mykonos
Set sail this morning for the quaint island of Mykonos called the island of windmills. Experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes and then stroll the charming walkways through a maze of whitewashed buildings or take an optional cruise port excursion.
Day 4, June 23: Ephesus and Patmos
Docking in Turkey, enjoy a tour of Ephesus, the city of the Bible and one of the largest restorations still in progress with miles of ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city. We'll view the Library, Agora, Temple of Artemis and visit the Basilica of St. John. The basilica is believed to be the site of the grave of John. From here we'll also enjoy a panoramic view of the area. This afternoon we visit the Isle of Patmos, under statutory protection as a historic monument. Here we have a tour to see the fortified monastery of St. John and the cave claimed to be where John received the Revelation. Back on the ship, enjoy the Captain's dinner before settling in to your cabin for the night.
Day 5, June 24: Santorini
Today visit the island of Santorini which is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. The town of Thira where white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs, is accessible by foot path, cable-car or mule. You may choose to take an optional tour of sailing around an active volcano crater and swimming in the water heated by hot springs or enjoy this lovely island on foot. Again we return to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.
Day 6, June 25: Disembark Cruise – Corinth/Athens
We disembark the cruise this morning and we immediately travel west with a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal. We then travel to the ancient city of Corinth, another treat for the New Testament scholar. Corinth is the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love of I & II Corinthians. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. After the visit to ancient Corinth we travel back to Athens to visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation.
Day 7, June 26: Arrive Tel Aviv, Israeli Museum, Abraham’s Tent
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 travel to our hotel for one night in Jerusalem. Travel by the Knesset and view the outside of the building that houses Israel’s Parliament and the Menorah. Next 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. Early 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, camel ride and authentic food.
Day 8, June 27: Temple Mount, Gethsemane, Wailing Wall,
Messianic lecture
Conditions permitting we will visit the Temple Mount, with commentary on the Temple Periods, and the variety of belief systems past and present that make this area so valuable. From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’s Church. Next 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. This evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel.
Day 9, June 28: Burnt House, Temple Institute, Southern Wall, Herodian
This morning travel into the Jewish Quarter and visit the Burnt House. See the video presentation and tour the museum. Next visit the Temple Institute which is doing the work to restore the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. You will have some free time to shop and eat lunch in the Jewish Quarter. 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. Next travel to the Herodian. This fortified mountain fortress was built by King Herod and his tomb is known to be located here. Tonight you will be able to shop along Ben Yehuda Street on your own.
Day 10, June 29: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls
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. Next we will stop to take a relaxing float in the Dead Sea. This is the saltiest body of water on earth and has been said to have healing affects on the body. 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. We return to our hotel in Jerusalem.
Day 11, June 30: Holy Sepulcher, Garden Tomb, Bethlehem
First we stop at the Judgment Hall of Pilate (also called Ecce Homo Basilica) to hear of those who conspired against Him and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. Next visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study. Our climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb. The rest of the afternoon will be surrounding the birth of Christ, with a visit to Bethlehem. We will see the Church of Nativity, Solomonic Pool, and Shepherd’s Field. The group will split at this time. Those going home will head to a local restaurant for an included dinner and then to the Tel Aviv airport for a late night departure. Those taking the Galilee extension will transfer to the hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight.
Day 12, July 1: Home
Arrive home today.
Optional Galilee extension
(+$465 per person)
Day 12, July 1: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Bethsaida, Corazim, Capernaum
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. Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum formed what has been called the "evangelical triangle," because most of Jesus’ miracles in Galilee were performed in these cities. Of special interest are the ruins of a 1st century synagogue in Corazin, the House of the Fisherman in Bethsaida and Peter’s home in Capernaum.
Day 13, July 2: Nazareth, Mount of Beatitudes,
Sea of Galilee cruise
A mid-morning drive through the hills of Galilee takes us 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. Continuing toward Tiberias we drive up to Mt. Arbel for a spectacular view of the northern Sea of Galilee allowing for an excellent time of teaching on the region of Jesus' ministry. This afternoon we travel on to the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee followed by a relaxing boat cruise. A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples. We dock at a working Kibbutz and visit the famous Fisherman Boat from the days of Jesus. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to the Tel Aviv airport for a late night departure.
Day 14, July 3: Mt Carmel, Megiddo, and Caesarea
First 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. Next travel to coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We will watch the video at Caesarea to learn about the history of this area. Next we’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre, harbor/palace area and aqueduct. We will have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to the Tel Aviv airport for a late night flight departure.
Day 15, July 4: Home
Arrive home today.
