Israel in Detail

Price Per person double occupancy

Date	Price	Single Supplement
Main Tour: May 7-19, 2024	$4,894*	$1,320
Jordan Extension: May 19-22, 2024	$1,189**	$205
*Includes estimated airfare from ABQ. Minimum of 20 passengers. **Includes estimated airfare from ABQ. Minimum of 10 passengers. Reservation Due: January 29, 2024 Final Payment Due: February 26, 2024

Included - Main Tour

Estimate air from Albuquerque, NM including air taxes, 11 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 - Main Tour

Lunches, Additional Private Transfers on Arrival & Departure ($60.00 per person, per transfer), Optional Travel Insurance (US Residence Only)

Included - Extension

Airfare adjustments to cover air from Amman, 2 nights lodging in 4 star hotels, Breakfast and Dinner Daily, Full time English speaking Jordanian tour guide, Porterage at Hotel (1 Bag), Jordan Visa (US & Canadian Citizens Only), Whisper Headphone Systems (Israel Only, Distributed Upon Arrival), Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel staff (Transported to Israel by Group Leader), 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 ($60.00 per person, per transfer), Optional Travel Insurance (US Residence Only)

Day 1: Departure May 7

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 May 8

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: Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Megiddo & Nazareth May 9

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. 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: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Jesus Boat, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride, Magdala May 10

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. We pass the possible site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and the Mount of the Beatitudes. 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: Capernaum, Corazin, Mt. Arbel, Jordan River Baptism Site May 11

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 enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Galilee region atop Mt. Arbel. Mt. Arbel could likely be the location that Jesus would get away from the crowds to take time in prayer with His heavenly Father. Here our guide will point out the various towns listed in scripture during the time of Jesus. We conclude our day with an opportunity to be baptized at the Jordan River Baptismal Site.

Day 6: Beit Shean, Bethany Beyond Jordan, Abraham's Tent, Mt. of Olives & Garden of Gethsemane May 12

We travel southward this morning 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. Following 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 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. 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 seven nights in Jerusalem.

Day 7: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Dead Sea Swim May 13

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: Jesus’ Steps, Western Walls, Southern Steps, Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb May 14

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 9: Israel Museum, Friends of Zion Museum, Bethlehem May 15

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. We then visit the Friends of Zion Museum to learn of the 19th and 20th century heroes of the Jewish people. We spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ with a visit to Bethlehem. 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: Jerusalem: City of David, Hezekiah's Tunnel, Jewish Quarter May 16

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 four-room 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 is at Mt. Zion to see David’s Tomb, and the first Church Grotto. We then walk to visit David’s Citadel and go inside to climb the tower for a view of Old Jerusalem and to see the remains of Herod’s palace and possible place of Pilate’s trial of Jesus.

Day 11: Judah, Beersheba, Elah Valley, Philistia, Joppa May 17

Today we travel west through beautiful mountains and the Sorek Valley to Beth Shemesh where the Ark of the Covenant was carried from the Philistines by two cows pulling a cart. The next stop is Tel Azekah and the Valley of Elah, where David defeated Goliath. We then drive to where battles were fought at Mareshah and Lachish, then thru the land of the Philistines, passing the city of Gath and stopping at the river bed in search of smooth stones for our sling. We continue on to Beersheba and see Abraham’s well. As we turn back toward Jerusalem, the drive thru the Negev is contrasted with Bedouin tents and herds of camels, donkeys, sheep, and stories of the Exodus and Israel wandering in the Wilderness of Zin. We go past Lydda where Peter healed a paralyzed man and arrive at the ancient port of Joppa where Jonah and Peter spent time and from where Jonah sailed to meet the fishes.

Day 12: Free Day in Jerusalem May 18

Our day is free to enjoy exploring Jerusalem on our own.

Day 13: Home May 19

A very early morning departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight homeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.

Optional Jordan Extension
Day 13: Allenby, Medeba & Mt. Nebo May 19

Our morning tour begins as we depart Jerusalem and cross into Jordan. Our first stop is 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.

Day 14: Petra May 20

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 Nabatean 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.

Day 15: Wadi Rum May 21

Today we visit the Wadi Rum Visitors Center for an introduction and then board open top jeeps for a tour of the famous desert and mountain sights. Wadi Rum, a World Heritage Site, is known as the location of many films including Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia, featuring dramatic sandstone mountains and natural arches. We will stop for local tea at a Bedouin tent and an optional camel ride before we continue on to our lodging for the evening in Amman.

Day 16: Travel Home May 22

We travel home today.

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