A life
changing experience!
Day 1: Departure
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: Israel
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
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 and visit a working Kibbutz.
Day 4: 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. A relaxing cruise on
the Sea of Galilee with easy viewing of the nearby Golan Heights brings
to life the experiences of the fishermen disciples and concludes a
wonderful day.
Day
5: 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. (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. As we travel along we will view the oldest
city in the world,
Jericho, before coming to our lodging for the evening at the Dead
Sea. Spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a
relaxing float before dinner.
Day
6: Masada, Dead Sea Scrolls, Ein Gedi
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. We'll
visit
Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. 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. (1 Sam 23:29; 24 Song of Songs 1:14). 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: Jesus' Steps, the Last Days
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 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." From here we will see the ancient
Roman Cardo, Arab marketplace,
Herodian Mansion, Temple Institute and Western Wall. On our way out
of the city we will visit the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating
Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era.
Day
8: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times, Messianic Lecture
An interesting
and educational day of touring awaits us today beginning at the Israeli
Museum. Walk through collections of centuries old Israeli artifacts
including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and a guided walk through an accurately
detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem.
Next, 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. It is in this courtyard that Jesus likely 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. This evening we enjoy a special dinner at
a Messianic Moshav to include a lecture by a local believer.
Day
9: Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Rome
We enter the Old City through
Stephen's Gate and visit the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus cured a
cripple. 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. While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of
His way of suffering, and view the
Church of the Sepulcher before we arrive at the climax of our
tour―the Garden Tomb. Your faith, that blessed hope and communion with
Christ, will take on a tremendous new meaning today. This afternoon we
transfer to the airport for the flight to Rome, our home for the next
three nights.
Day 10: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St.
Peter Basilica
After breakfast you will begin a full day of site seeing. First visit
Vatican City where you will see the Basilica at St. Peter, the Sistine
Chapel and the Vatican Museums with stunning works of art at every turn.
After some free time for lunch, you will visit the 4th century Basilica
of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the traditional site of Paul’s tomb, and
the Scala Santa, where Martin Luther made his stand against the practice
of indulgences. The spiritual and historical insight gained from this
tour will be invaluable to you in your understanding and application of
scriptural truths.
Day 11:
Forum, Mamertine Prison, Coliseum, Catacombs
We begin our walking tour at the ancient Roman Forum, where our guide will divulge its secrets.
We will visit the Arch of Titus which commemorated the sack of Jerusalem
by Titus in AD 70.. We will step inside the Mamertine Prison, where
tradition says the Apostle Paul was imprisoned.
Next, we visit the
Coliseum, where thousands of people and animals perished during
gladiatorial games. The Coliseum first opened in AD 80 and within 100
days of its opening, 5000 wild beasts perished here. The slaughter of
both humans and animals continued for three more centuries. Historians
believe the Coliseum could hold between 40,000 and 80,000 people
depending on how close the seating was. The floor has recently had a
plank placed over the middle making it accessible for people to walk
over the labyrinth of brick cells, ramps, and elevators used to
transport animals and gladiators into the arena. Hear the stories of the
games that have fascinated people for years. We conclude our day at the
Catacombs where thousands of Christians were buried in a remarkable
tiered series of galleries.
Day 12: Frescoes, Assisi, Montecatini
After breakfast you will say “Arrivederci Roma” and board your coach and
travel to the ancient walled hillside village of Assisi. After lunch on
your own, you will enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful, medieval town,
which will include the Basilica San Francesco, decorated with some of
the most renowned frescoes in the world. Then, we travel on to the spa
village of Montecatini, our place of lodging for the next two nights.
Day 13: Beautiful Florence, Michelangelo’s
David & Free Time
After breakfast, you will spend the morning enjoying a guided tour of Florence, one of the world’s greatest artistic capitals, which will include the Piazza della Signoria, Duomo, Baptistry and a visit to the Accademia
Galley, home of Michelangelo’s David. A stop will also be made on the
overlook across the river from Florence where we will take a panoramic
group photo with the beautiful red-tiled roof cityscape in the
background.
This afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy shopping, visiting more galleries or strolling on the famous Pont Vecchio, the old bridge which spans the Arno
River. Remember that Florence leather shops are the best in the world
and bargains on excellent quality goods are abundant. It may be the time
to purchase those special Christmas gifts.
Day 14: Pisa & Venice
This morning we tour Pisa where you will visit the Baptistry, Duomo and the famous leaning tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli.
Following lunch we travel northward to romantic Venice where we
overnight just outside the city for two nights.
Day 15: Venice
After breakfast, we'll begin sightseeing on a leisurely walking tour of Venice. We'll visit the city's most famous landmarks such as the Basilica of San Marco, St. Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace. The remainder of the day is on our own
to stroll through a labyrinth of criss-cross canals, arched bridges, palaces, charming waterside restaurants and little quiet piazzas. For those who wish, your tour host may arrange a private glassblowing presentation at the famous Murano
Venetian glass makers. Shoppers will enjoy the vast array of beautiful
pieces of glass available in the city's many fine stores. During your
free time, you may also choose to board gondolas for a relaxing canal
cruise.
Day 16: Home
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to the USA.
|
Price Per Person
Double Occupancy |
|
Dates |
Land Only
No Transfers |
Approximate
Land & Air |
|
May, October |
$2599
|
$3645 |
|
July, August |
$2507
|
$3792 |
|
Single
Supplement: $649.00 |
Price Includes:
4 star lodging in Israel, 3 star lodging in Italy, roundtrip air fare from JFK (discount airfare available
nationwide), expert Biblical guides, admissions,
sightseeing, breakfast & dinner daily in Israel, breakfast daily and 2
dinners in Italy.
Not Included: air
taxes, some dinners in Italy, lunches, gratuities.
Please Note: Israel gratuities will be paid in advance ($56 per person
will be added to your final invoice for gratuities to be paid to driver,
guide, and hotel staff while in Israel). Italy gratuities are similar, but
each individual is responsible for this payment on their own.
Deposit Required:
$300 per person will reserve your place. A $100 service fee
will be charged for cancellation at any time in addition to our normal
payment and cancellation policy.
