Best of Israel

Price Per person double occupancy

Date	Price	Single Supplement
Israel Only: February 25 – March 6, 2025	$4,178*	$930
Extension: February 20 – 26, 2025	$1,654**	$311
*Includes estimated airfare from LAX. Minimum of 35 passengers. **Minimum of 20 passengers. Reservation Due: November 11, 2024 Final Payment Due: December 6, 2024

Included - Israel

Estimate air from LAX including air taxes, 8 nights lodging in 4 star hotels, Breakfast and Dinner Daily (Buffet Style), Full time English speaking Israeli tour guide, Porterage at Hotel (1 Bag), Whisper Headphone Systems, Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel staff, Services of long distance deluxe motorcoach as appear on itinerary, 1 Group Airport Arrival Transfer / 1 Group Airport Departure Transfer, All guides, entrances and transportation as appear on itinerary, Pilgrim Payment Processing / Including Credit Card Processing

Not Included - Israel

Lunches, Additional Private Transfers on Arrival & Departure ($80.00 per person, per transfer), Optional Travel Insurance (US Residence Only)

Included - Extension

Additional airfare cost to fly to Cairo, 4 nights lodging in 4 star hotels, 1 night lodging in 2 – 2.5 star hotel, Breakfast and Dinner Daily (Buffet Style), Full time English speaking Egyptian and Jordanian tour guide, Porterage at Hotel (1 Bag), Jordan Visa (US & Canadian Citizens Only), Whisper Headphone Systems, Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel staff, Services of long distance deluxe motorcoach as appear on itinerary, 1 Group Airport Arrival Transfer / 1 Group Airport Departure Transfer, All guides, entrances and transportation as appear on itinerary, Pilgrim Payment Processing / Including Credit Card Processing

Not Included - Extension

Lunches, Additional Private Transfers on Arrival & Departure ($80.00 per person, per transfer), Optional Travel Insurance (US Residence Only), Egypt Visa ($30.00 per person, payable upon arrival at the Cairo airport)

Optional Pre tour Egypt and Jordan Extension
Day 1: Departure (Feb. 20)

Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt.

Day 2: Arrival Cairo (Feb. 21)

We arrive in the land of the Pharaohs, Jacob, Joseph and Israel during the famine! Upon arrival in Cairo we meet our guide and driver who will transport us to the hotel for dinner and rest for the remainder of the evening. We relax tonight as we prepare for the adventurous travel ahead.

Day 3: Cairo Pyramids & Tutankhamen’s Treasures (Feb. 22)

Today we travel back to ancient Egypt with a full day of touring to the wonders of the ancient world, some of which date back to 1000+ years prior to Abraham. We spend time at one of the seven wonders of the world- the pyramids. Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is the most colossal pyramid ever built. Today, we will also see the Sphinx and tour the Egyptian Museum, location of Tutankhamen's treasures and ancient remains.

Day 4: Marah, Amalekites, Mt. Moses (Feb. 23)

This morning we depart Cairo with stories of the "Land of Goshen" to the north and travel the southward route of the Exodus through the Wilderness of Shur. We learn of the terrain and the history of this region en-route as we stop at Marah (Springs of Moses), the Wilderness of Sin, and further to the south, the Oasis of Feiran. For those who are able, we climb a small hill to the ruins of an ancient chapel that overlooks the palm tree valley where Israel battled with the people of Amalek. One may have his picture taken with arms raised in remembrance of God's victory as Moses' arms were held high by Aaron and Hur. Arriving in the afternoon to the hotel at Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb). Those who desire and are physically capable will depart for a memorable walk up Mt. Moses. You may choose to ride a camel part way, stop at one of the stations to take in scenery along the climb to the summit (750 steps) for a sunset to remember. Once at the top, enjoy a time of reflection and praise before departing down the mountain.

Day 5: St. Catherine's, Red Sea, Aqaba (Feb. 24)

A visit to St. Catherine's Monastery, claimed to be built around the area of Moses' Burning Bush, will be followed by a short ride to the Red Sea. A stop for lunch along the shore will provide a view of Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel to the north. Gazing across the Gulf of Aqaba, we can begin to imagine the miracle of the parting of the sea. We then travel north viewing the Red Sea en-route to the border crossing between Egypt and Israel. Transferring through Eilat in southern Israel, we arrive in Jordan Aqaba, Biblical Ezion Geber - the lovely seaport of King Solomon. Our lodging this evening will be in Aqaba or Petra.

Day 6: Petra (Feb. 25)

This morning we visit the amazing mountain fortress of Petra, known to be inhabited by the Edomites - the descendants of Esau. Begin the tour with a walk through the "Siq," an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone, to the city of Petra carved out of the rose red rock. The Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh we are surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra's carved and built structures. Departing Petra, we travel northward on the King's Highway where to the west we view the hills bordering the Dead Sea. This is the area of the hilltop palace/fortress of Machaerus, where John the Baptist was beheaded. We overnight in Amman for this evening.

Day 7: Mt Nebo, Madaba, Tel Aviv (Feb. 26)

Our morning tour begins in the town of Madaba, the biblical Medeba, 30 kilometers south of Amman. Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics and at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George we view the earliest surviving mosaic map of the Holy land. Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Study the panorama as we read the scripture of God showing Moses the "Promised Land" before He brought him home to heaven. As we travel west toward the Allenby Bridge, we view to the north the Plains of Moab, the area where the tribes of Israel camped before crossing the Jordan and picture Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the place where Jesus was baptized. Crossing back into Israel, we drive to Tel Aviv area with the remainder of the afternoon free and meet the group that has just arrived. You may wish to take a devotional time with the sunset over the “Great Sea,” a time of prayer and thanks for the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and then enjoy a good night’s rest.

Best of Israel 10 Day Tour
Day 1: Departure (Feb. 25)

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 (Feb. 26)

We arrive in Israel and travel northward to our hotel for one night in the coastal area near Tel Aviv. We will meet our Israeli guide, enjoy our included dinner, and retire to our rooms in preparation for an early departure in the morning.

Day 3: Caesarea, Megiddo & Nazareth (Feb. 27)

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 a Roman Amphitheatre, hippodrome, and other remains of this famous port city, as well as a film on history and an aqueduct before we journey through the Mt. Carmel range, 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 twenty 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: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, Magdala, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride (Feb. 28)

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 is the site of Peter’s Confession and pagan worship. We pass the possible site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and the Mount of the Beatitudes. Returning to Tiberias for a St. Peter’s Fish lunch (other selections available), we then visit the ancient Galilee 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. In Capernaum we view the excavations of the seaside village and Peter’s home, followed by 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: Jordan River Baptism Site, Beth Shean, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea (March 1)

We begin our day with the opportunity to be baptized at 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, Beit-Shean 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. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, our guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey” and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho and view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world. To the east of Jericho along the Jordan River Valley (Queser El Yehud) is the Israeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. In this area Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan, and the children of Israel, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land. 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. Our lodging for the evening is 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, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham's Tent (March 2)

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. Next, we visit Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land Dinner in Abraham's Tent, where we enjoy a trip back into the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, camel ride, and authentic food. Our lodging for the next four nights will be in Jerusalem.

Day 7: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times, Bethlehem (March 3)

This morning 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, massive 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 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 spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ with an optional visit to Bethlehem or some free time in the Old City to shop.

Day 8: Jesus' Steps, Last Days, Way of Suffering/Solomon’s Quarry, Garden Tomb (March 4)

Today we walk where Jesus walked. We begin 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 walk through 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. 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." While walking along the Via Dolorosa. Next, we will visit Solomon’s Quarry before heading back towards the hotel and the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise.

Day 9: Israel Museum, Friends of Zion Museum, House of Caiaphas, Yad Vashem (March 5)

An interesting and educational time awaits us today at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of centuries-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 we have seen over the previous days’ touring. We then visit the Friends of Zion Museum to learn of the 19th and 20th century heroes of the Jewish people. Next, we spend time at the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was beaten and spit upon. We 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. 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. This evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel.

Day 10: Return Home (March 6)

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