12 Day Program

Available Year-round
 For Groups Only

Day 1: USA/Athens 
Overnight flight to Athens.

Day 2: Tour of Athens  
We arrive in Athens this morning and check into our hotel, which sits in the shadow of the mammoth Parthenon and Acropolis. You will have the remainder of the afternoon free to relax or take a stroll along the streets of Athens to enjoy the flavor of the city. This evening our group will enjoy the first of many delectable European style dinners.

Day 3: Full Day Cruise 
This morning we begin a trip to three small Greek Islands. We board our sailing vessel right after an early breakfast for Hydra, Poros and Aegina. This is a delight day giving us the opportunity to experience the Greek Isles where each small island is unique and picturesque. Lunch is served on board as we sail along the Peleponnesian Coast. We arrive back at the hotel in time for dinner.

Day 4: Tour of Corinth/Flight to Israel  
This morning we leave Athens by motorcoach and travel to the ancient city of Corinth. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day. See the public "restroom" facilities and be sure to ask why frogs were in resident there. After touring Corinth, we fly to Israel. Overnight in Netanya.

Day 5: Caesarea, Cana & Nazareth  
After breakfast we travel by private motorcoach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. See the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct. Then we’ll journey on to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah hid from King Ahab, and through the Jezreal Valley to Megiddo, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. In the afternoon, we continue on to Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next two nights in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee.

Day 6: Capernaum & Mt. of Beatitudes  
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to Dan and Caesarea Philippi, site of Peter’s Confession. A relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee with easy viewing of the nearby Golan Heights and an appropriate St. Peter’s Fish Lunch brings to life the experiences of the fishermen disciples. 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 where we remember Jesus’ famous “Sermon on the Mount.” We will also visit the ruins of ancient Capernaum.

Day 7: Jericho and Bethlehem 
We begin our sightseeing with a brief visit to the Jordan River Baptismal site and then turn southward through Beth-Shan and the Jordan Valley. Our adventure will continue as we travel to Jericho, the oldest city in the world, and then on to Bethlehem and the birthplace of our Lord. Here we view the Shepherd’s Field, cover our heads in respect for the Hebrew tradition at Rachel’s Tomb, and finally view what is considered to be the Manger site. Before checking into our hotel, our home for the next five nights, we will enjoy a panoramic view of Jerusalem, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock Mosque from atop the Mount of Olives.

Day 8: Masada/Qumran/Bethany 
This morning we leave our hotel at the Dead Sea and drive to Masada. After our ascent by cable car to view the site where Jewish zealots held out against the Roman Empire, we continue to Ein Gedi, where David hid from the wrath of King Saul. Our sightseeing this afternoon takes us to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. On the way to Jerusalem where we spend the next six nights, we visit the inn of the good Samaritan and the Bethany home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

Day 9: Around Jerusalem 
Our sightseeing of Jerusalem will begin with a visit to the Mt. of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemene. 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 olive trees that were alive during Christ’s time and hear our guide speak our Savior’s words may be the closest we will come to this dream on this side of Heaven. Next we visit the house of Caiaphas and the “Upper Room” where the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His breast and where later Thomas cried; “my Lord & my God.” Following lunch we travel to the Shrine of the Book with time to enjoy the museum, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the absolute miracle of God’s preserved Word. Following dinner, time will be allowed for an evening of downtown shopping. You will enjoy the delightful European charm of cobblestone streets, shops and sidewalk cafes.

Day 10: Bible Times in Israel 
One of the most educational and interesting attractions is a scale model of the ancient city. Our guide will walk us through an accurately detailed smaller version of Bible time Jerusalem. You will grow in your understanding of the intricate details of the Temple decor as well as the type of housing that stood inside and outside the walls. Another very interesting site is the Biblical Resource Scriptural Gardens. Our guide will show us a threshing floor, wine press, olive press, sheepfold, as well as the many plants of Bible times. We’ll also enjoy breathtaking views of pastoral, Biblical Israel. Free time will be allowed for shopping and sightseeing on your own. Our guide will escort those who wish to visit the marketplace in Old Jerusalem.

Day 11: Jesus’ Steps 
Today we walk where Jesus walked. We enter the Old City through the Stephen’s Gate, and visit the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus cured the cripple. We move on to the Judgement Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him, are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation and then move along to view the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock. Walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering, view the Church of the Sepluchre before arriving at the climax of the tour, the wonderful Garden Tomb. As our guide points toward the Hill of Galgotha and then to the empty tomb, your faith will take on a tremendous new meaning today.

Day 12: Home 
A very early morning departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight homeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.

Price: from $1685.00

Price Includes: Airfare, 4 star hotels, breakfast and dinner daily, all sightseeing and admissions, hotel porterage, deluxe motorcoach and guide services.

Attention Pastors: Do you have a group of 15 or more? Pilgrim will customize a tour for you. We also have scheduled departures for smaller groups.