Best of Israel

Price Per person double occupancy and minimum of 20 passengers

Date	Price	Single Supplement
May 13 - 23, 2024	$4,199*	$1,159
*Includes airfare from Chicago. Reservation Due: January 23, 2024 Final Payment Due: March 1, 2024

Included

Roundtrip air from Chicago including air taxes, 9 nights lodging at four star Israel hotels, breakfast and dinner daily at hotel (buffet style), full time professional English speaking tour guide, all entrances as appear on itinerary, whisper headphone system, baggage handling at hotels (1 Bag), tips to guides, drivers and hotel staff, transportation in deluxe air conditioned motor coaches, Pilgrim Payment Processing (including check or credit card- Visa, MasterCard or Discover).

Not Included

All lunches and drinks with meals, optional travel insurance.

Day 1 – Monday, May 13, 2024: 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 – Tuesday, May 14, 2024: Arrive Israel

Arrive in Israel and 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.” Meet your Israeli guide, enjoy a time of prayer of thanks for safety and the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of the "Promised Land," and a good night’s rest.

Day 3 – Wednesday, May 15, 2024: Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Megiddo, Mt Precipice, & 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, hippodrome, a film on history and the remains of this famous port city, an 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. Then we journey on to Mt Precipice, where we take a quick view of the Mount of Precipice, off of which Jesus’ own people tried to throw him to His death. 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 three nights along the Sea of Galilee.

Day 4 – Thursday, May 16, 2024: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Jesus Boat, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride, Magdala

Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of alternative sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s confession and pagan worship. Returning to Galilee for a St. Peter’s fish lunch (other selections available), we then visit the ancient fisherman boat followed by 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. We conclude our day with a visit to Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation of the first century synagogue and well-preserved village makes Magdala one of the most interesting Biblical sites in Israel.

Day 5 – Friday, May 17, 2024: Capernaum, Corazin, Mount of Beatitudes, Bethsaida, Beit Shean

Today we visit the Biblical towns of Capernaum and Corazin. Capernaum is located along the Sea of Galilee and was the hometown of Peter. It is likely where Jesus and the disciples lived during much of His ministry while in Galilee. Next, we visit Corazin which offers another example of a Jewish synagogue and a replica of the “Seat of Moses” which was carved out of the local basalt block and from which the scribes and Pharisees would have read the Torah. We visit the possible site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and then we travel on to visit the Mount of the Beatitudes. We end the day as we travel 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. 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.

Day 6 – Saturday, May 18, 2024: Jericho, Bethany Beyond Jordan, Abraham's Tent, Mt. of Olives & Garden of Gethsemane

This morning we follow the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey” and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We travel eastward to Jericho to see the place of Herod's winter palace, Zaccheus' sycamore tree, Elisha's Spring, then enter ancient Tel Jericho to see remains of fallen walls, and view the Mount of Temptation where Satan tempted Jesus, ascend by cable car to the Mount of Temptation and enjoy the panoramic view of Jericho and the starting point of the Dead Sea. Then we travel east of Jericho along the Jordan River Valley (Qsar El Yahud) we visit the Israeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. In this area Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan, as well as where the children of Israel, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land. This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time to relive life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, camel ride and authentic food. Arriving in Jerusalem we’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the Old City atop the Mt. 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. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next five nights in Jerusalem.

Day 7 – Sunday, May 19, 2024: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Dead Sea Swim

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 the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoon we have an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing float in the Dead Sea.

Day 8 – Monday, May 20, 2024: Jerusalem: City of David, Hezekiah's Tunnel, Jewish Quarter, Temple Mount Sifting Project

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 fourroom house, and the lower city wall. 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. Ascending up to the Jewish Quarter we see the gold Menorah built for the next Temple, the Temple Institute, the Burnt House, a wall built by King Hezekiah, and the Roman Cardo. The rest of our day we visit the Temple Mount Sifting project to find ancient treasures from the Temple excavations.

Day 9 –Tuesday, May 21, 2024: Jesus’ Steps, Western Walls, Southern Steps, Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb

Today we walk where Jesus walked, beginning the day with a visit to 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. 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 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 where Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. This afternoon 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. Anne’s Church. 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 where Christ was led. (The actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study!) The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise.

Day 10 –Wednesday, May 22, 2024: Israel Museum, Holocaust Museum, Bethlehem, Free time Old City

An interesting and educational time awaits us today at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of century’s old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem. This model will help put into perspective all that you have seen over the previous days’ touring. Next we visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, for a needed reminder of what the Jews have suffered as a people. We will spend this afternoon surrounding the birth of Christ with a visit to Bethlehem. We will visit Church of the Nativity, Shepherd Fields (including Shepherds Cave and a visit to Church of the Shepherds) and Solomon’s Pools. Later this afternoon we’ll enjoy some free time to explore and souvenir shop in the Old City.

Day 11 – Thursday, May 23, 2024: Home

Transfer to the Tel Aviv airport for the flight home. Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group.

Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group.