Best of Israel

Price Per person double occupancy

Date	Price	Single Supplement
March 15-26, 2024	$4,950*	$865
*Includes roundtrip airfare from Guam Reservation Due: October 1, 2023 Deposit Due By: December 1, 2023 Final Payment Due By: January 10, 2024

Included

Roundtrip airfare from Guam, 10 nights lodging at 4 star hotels, Breakfast & dinner daily at hotels, 1 lunch at Abe’s Tent, Full-time Spanish/English-speaking tour guide, Services of long-distance deluxe motor coach as appearing on itinerary, All entrances and transportation as appearing on itinerary, Porterage at hotels (1 piece), 1 group arrival transfer and 1 group departure transfer, Whisper/Listening devices, Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel staff, Pilgrim Payment Processing for check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover

Not Included

All lunches and drinks with meals except as noted in itinerary

Day 1 – Friday, March 15: Departure, Arrive Israel

Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Israel. Arrive in Israel tonight and travel northward to our hotel in the coastal area near Tel Aviv for the next two nights.

Day 2 – Saturday, March 16: Caesarea, Joppa, Tel Aviv

This morning we continue north along 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. Returning to the Tel Aviv area we will visit the ancient port of Jaffa and then see some of the sites of Tel Aviv before returning to our hotel. 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 the "Promised Land,” and a good night’s rest.

Day 3 – Sunday, March 17: Mt. Carmel, Nazareth, Mt. Arbel

Today we journey to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. We’ll enjoy a view of the Valley of Armageddon and then make our way to 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 wrap up our day with a bird’s-eye view of the Galilee region from Mt. Arbel. We arrive in Galilee where we’ll spend the next two nights.

Day 4 – Monday, March 18: Magdala, Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitudes, Sea of Galilee Cruise

We begin our day at Magdala, the home of Mary Magdalene. Magdala was a major first-century port on the Sea of Galilee, a center of trade and commerce, and an exporter of salted fish to markets as far away as Europe. Archaeological discoveries early in the 21st century have made it an exciting pilgrimage destination as a first century synagogue and fish market have been found of which Jesus and His disciples would most likely have visited. We continue north along the Hula Valley to two valuable northern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of pagan worship and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s Confession. This afternoon we visit Capernaum where we visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue and Peter’s home and then the likely site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea. After viewing the ancient Fisherman Boat at an operating Kibbutz, we enjoy 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.

Day 5 – Tuesday, March 19: Gideon’s Spring, Beth Shean, Abraham’s Tent, Arrive Jerusalem

Today we make our way south, stopping at Gideon’s Spring where Gideon was instructed by God to choose 300 men to fight. We come 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 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. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey,” the Kibbutz system and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. This afternoon 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. Finally, we arrive in Jerusalem where we will lodge for the next six evenings.

Day 6 – Wednesday, March 20: Dead Sea Scrolls, Ein Gedi, Masada, Dead Sea Swim

Our day begins with a visit to the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We then 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. Continuing south along the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, we take 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. After Masada, enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before we return to Jerusalem.

Day 7 – Thursday, March 21: Around Jerusalem, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Bible Times

We get an early start this morning and make our way outside the walls of Jerusalem for a visit to David’s Tomb. 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 and my God." 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. An interesting and educational time awaits us at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of centuries old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and a then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem will help to prepare you for what you will experience in the following days.

Day 8 – Friday, March 22: Jesus' Steps, the Last Days – Messianic Lecture

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 where Jesus was beaten and spit upon. 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. On our way into the city 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, 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. 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 evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel.

Day 9 – Saturday, March 23: Valley of Elah, Jericho, Bethlehem, Shepherds Fields

Today we make our way out of the city to the Valley of Elah, famous for the location of David’s fight with Goliath. Continuing on we come to Jericho, the oldest city in the world, and see Zaccheus’ sycamore tree, Elisha’s Spring, then enter ancient Tel Jericho to see the remains of fallen walls and view the Mount of Temptation where Satan tempted Jesus. 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, as well as where the children of Israel, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land. We spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ with a visit to Bethlehem and the Shepherds Fields.

Day 10 – Sunday, March 24: Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost, Free Time

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 on which Christ was led; the actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study. The climax of the day is the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise. 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. Any remaining time this afternoon is free to spend sightseeing on our own and doing any shopping in the marketplace before our return home tomorrow.

Day 11 – Monday, March 25: Final Day and Depart for Home

We will check out of our hotel this morning but will store our luggage with the front desk to allow us a chance for a bit more time in the Old City. We will transfer back to the hotel to collect our luggage, travel to Tel Aviv for a farewell dinner, and then return to the Tel Aviv Airport for a late flight back home.

Day 12 – Tuesday, March 26: Return Home

We will have a late night arrival back home.

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