Day 1: Departure from
US (July 6)
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 (July 7)
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
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.
Day 3: Caesarea,
Megiddo & Nazareth (July 8)
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 hid from King Ahab. 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 4: Capernaum, Dan, Caesarea
Philippi & Mount of Beatitudes (July 9)
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 concludes a
wonderful day.
Day 5: Jordan River Baptism Site, Beth Shean & Dead Sea
(July 10)
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.
(1 Sam 31:10-12) 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, 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
follow the road south past the ancient city of 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 6: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham's Tent
(July 11)
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 7: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times, Holocaust Museum (July
12)
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 8: Jesus' Steps, the Last Days - Messianic Lecture (July
13)
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 9: Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost, Bethlehem
(July 14)
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 10: Home (July
15)
A very early morning departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for
our flight homeward will allow for arrival home by early
afternoon.