Day 1: City of David, Jeremiah's Cistern, Hezekiah's Tunnel, Herodium
Departure 8:00 am.    This morning, our guide will take us to an overview of the city from the hillside overlooking Jerusalem and the Gehenna Valley.  This meaningful teaching time will bring together the many things that you have seen to date.  We continue our sightseeing just outside the Dung Gate on the southeastern hill below the Temple Mount in the City of David.  It was during the time of Solomon that the city limits extended 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.  After free time in Jerusalem, we complete the day with a tour of the palace fortress of Herodium, just south of the city.

Day 2:  Beth Shemesh, Elah Valley, Philistia, Beersheba, Negev Desert
Today we travel west through beautiful mountains and the Sorek Valley to Beth Shemesh where the Ark of the Covenant was carried from the Philistines by two cows pulling a cart. The next stop is Tel Azekah and the Valley of Elah, where David defeated Goliath. We then drive to where battles were fought at Mareshah and Lachish, then thru the land of the Philistines, passing the city of Gath and stopping at the river bed in search of smooth stones for our sling. We continue on to Beersheba and see Abraham’s well. As we turn back toward Jerusalem, the drive thru the Negev is contrasted with Bedouin tents and herds of camels, donkeys, sheep, and stories of the Exodus and Israel wandering in the Wilderness of Zin.

Day 3:  West Jerusalem, Ramah, Gibeon, Emmaus, Shiloh, Jericho
This day begins with travel to West Jerusalem to the tomb of the prophet Samuel and a view of his hometown Ramah, and Gibeon where the Lord appeared to King Solomon before he built the Temple. We continue westward to a possible location of Emmaus where Jesus appeared to two disciples. We walk to a scenic view of the Aijalon Valley where Joshua prayed for the sun and moon to remain still.  The Old Testament city of Shilo was home for the Tabernacle with the Ark of the Covenant and you may walk to the likely plateau where it was pitched and picture the cloud pillar of God’s presence rising up above the valley walls.  Next, we will visit ancient Jericho to see Zaccheus’ sycamore tree, Elijah’s Spring, ancient Tel Jericho, and view the Mount of Temptation where Satan tempted Jesus.  To complete our day we will stop at the Good Samaritan Museum including a study of the Samaritans, still practicing their faith today on Mount Gerizim.
Return to hotel for last night stay.

Important Note: Although the itinerary above obviously emphasizes the spiritual aspect of this marvelous country, our guides are also experts in and passionate about the miracle of the return of the Jews and the restoration of the state of Israel. This fact, along with many modern day topics (military, politics, education, and other cultural aspects), will be woven into the commentary in order to give you well rounded information.