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: Arrive 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.
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. 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 concluding 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. 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. We
pass ancient Jericho, view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the
world, before coming to our lodging for the evening 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, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham's Tent
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
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 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: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times, Holocaust Museum
Today 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."
Next is onto visit Nehemiah's Wall just outside the Dung
Gate to the old city walls. We will continue with a viewing
of a 3D movie and a walk through Hezekiah's Tunnel. 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 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. 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.
Day 8: 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: Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost, Bethlehem
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 that Christ was led. The actual place of crucifixion and burial is
a very interesting study. Our 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. 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 will enjoy a challenge from God’s Word and a song
before an optional time this afternoon. Those who wish may stay in the city
marketplace for shopping, while others may choose to spend the remainder of the
day surrounding the birth of Christ, with a visit to
Bethlehem.
Day 10: Jerusalem
This morning you will have free time in Jerusalem. This afternoon there will be
a visit to the Dome of the Rock and then dinner at a local restaurant. After
dinner, transfer to the airport for a late night flight home.
Day 11: Home
Arrive home this morning.