10- Days Biblical Experience

Upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, our representative will be waiting to assist you after passport control. You will then be escorted to your luxurious bus that will take you to your hotel in Tel Aviv. If time allows, we will also make a brief stop at the Church of Saint Peter in Jaffa. This historic church is located on a hill where Peter had a significant vision. After checking in at your hotel in Tel Aviv, you will enjoy dinner and spend the night there.

After breakfast, we will begin our day by exploring the historic city of Caesarea Maritima, where we will witness the fascinating archaeological remnants of the Roman and Byzantine Empires that once thrived in the area. It was here in Caesarea that Peter realized the message of the Good News was meant for all, not just the Jews. This is where he baptized the Roman Centurion, Cornelius, marking the first gentile conversion to Christianity as described in Acts 10. Saint Paul's departure to Rome from Caesarea played a crucial role in spreading Christianity to the western world. Our guided tour of Caesarea will include visits to the Roman amphitheater, Herod’s Palace, the hippodrome, the port, and the aqueducts. 

Following our time in Caesarea Maritima, we will head to El-Muhraqa on Mount Carmel, which translates to "the place of burning," possibly linked to burnt sacrifices. From the summit of Mount Carmel, we will enjoy a panoramic view of the northern Kingdom of Israel and Phoenicia, reflecting on the historic encounter between the God of Israel and Baal. 

Next, we will make a stop at Tel Megiddo, also known as "Armageddon," where we will explore the site mentioned in Revelation 16:15 and contemplate the prophesied battle between good and evil, as well as the Second Coming of Christ foretold in the Book of Revelation. 

Our journey will then take us to the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus and Mary. This significant site marks the location where Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, informing her of the miraculous conception of Jesus. In Nazareth, we will also visit the Upper Basilica, the nearby archaeological museum, and the ancient remains of the city from the time of Jesus. Later in the day, we will visit the Mount of Precipice, also known as the Mount of Precipitation, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

We will begin our day with a delightful boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, followed by a visit to the Ancient Boat Museum. This museum houses a remarkable 2000-year-old fishing boat that was discovered buried in mud on the shores of Galilee. It provides a fascinating glimpse into what fishing boats looked like during the time of Jesus. 

Next, we will explore Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Here, we will have the opportunity to see the 1st century synagogue, which is the oldest synagogue ever found on the shores of Galilee. It features a stone-carved replica of the Temple and Menorah, offering a unique insight into the religious practices of the time. 

Our journey will then take us to the Valley of the Doves, where we will travel along the ancient road that leads from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee, known as the Via Maris. 

A short drive will bring us to Capernaum, a biblical village and the hometown of Jesus. Capernaum holds great significance in Jesus' ministry, as described in the Synoptic Gospels. Here, we will have the opportunity to see the house of Peter's mother-in-law and an ancient synagogue that dates back to the time of Jesus, where much of His teaching took place. 

After a well-deserved lunch break, we will drive to Tabgha on the Sea of Galilee. This is the site where Jesus miraculously fed a crowd of 5,000 people. We will also visit "Peter's Primacy," where Jesus appeared to His disciples for the third time after His Resurrection. 

Our next stop will be the Mount of Beatitudes, the iconic location where Jesus delivered His famous Sermon on the Mount. Here, we will take in the breathtaking view of the enchanting gardens and take time for prayer and reflection. To conclude our day, we will visit the Yardenit Baptismal Site on the River Jordan. This sacred site offers the opportunity to renew baptismal vows and reflect on our spiritual journey. Please note that lunch will be self-catered, and we kindly ask each guest to take care of their personal meal.

We will depart at noon for Tabgha on the Sea of Galilee, the location where Jesus miraculously fed a crowd of 5,000. Following that, we will proceed to "Peter's Primacy," where Jesus made His third post-Resurrection appearance to His disciples. Our journey will then take us to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered His famous Sermon on the Mount. Here, we will take in the beautiful gardens and contemplate the teachings of Jesus. Time will also be set aside for prayer and personal reflection. Our final stop of the day will be at the Yardenit Baptismal Site on the River Jordan, providing an opportunity for participants to renew their baptismal vows.

After breakfast and completing the check-out process, our journey will commence with a visit to Beth Shean, the renowned capital of Decapolis. Here, we will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating archaeological remains of both the Roman and Byzantine cities. A highlight of this visit will be the chance to witness Tel Beth Shean, the site where the bodies of King Saul and his children were displayed (1 Samuel 28 – 31). 

Following our exploration of the Roman city, we will continue our journey towards Ein Harod, passing by the majestic Mount Gilboa, which holds significance in the lamentation of David (2 Samuel Ch. 1). Our next destination will be the ancient city of Jericho, located to the south. En route, we will make a stop at Bet Arabah to witness Qasr el-Yahud, also known as Gilgal, where the ancient Israelites crossed into the Promised Land. This site also holds significance as the place where Prophet Elijah ascended to heaven and where our Lord Jesus was baptized. 

Upon arrival in Jericho, we will visit Tel Jericho, the historic town associated with Joshua, offering us a glimpse into the location of the city itself. Jericho proudly holds the title of being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to witness the Mount of Temptation and embark on a tour of the city, including a visit to the Sycamore Tree Site, which serves as a reminder of the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus. 

Following our exploration, we will pause for lunch, kindly requesting each guest to take care of their personal meal arrangements. 

At approximately 15:00, we will depart from Jericho and make our way to the hotel situated at the Dead Sea. Upon arrival, we will proceed with the check-in process, allowing you to settle into your accommodation. 

This morning, our journey will begin with a visit to Masada, a fortress constructed by King Herod the Great and renowned for the Zealots' resistance against the Romans in 73/74 AD. Within the fortress, we will witness the archaeological remnants that have earned their place on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. To reach the mountaintop of Masada, we will embark on a thrilling cable car ascent.

The remainder of the afternoon will be dedicated to leisure time, providing you with the opportunity to indulge in the hotel's spa facilities and experience the rejuvenating and therapeutic properties of the warm waters of the Dead Sea.

Next, we will proceed to Ein Gedi, an oasis nestled in the desert. It is here that the encounter between David and King Saul occurred (I Samuel 24), and where David found inspiration to compose some of the psalms, including Psalm 141, known as the prayer of David in the cave. 

Our journey will then take us to Qumran, where we will explore the caves that housed the serendipitous discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Additionally, we will visit the structures that served as the communal hub for the Essenes.

Following a well-deserved lunch break, each guest will be responsible for their own meal. We will then commence our ascent towards Jerusalem, passing by the Good Samaritan Inn along the way. Upon reaching Jerusalem, we will receive a warm Genesis welcome, marking our arrival in this historic city.

We will commence our day at 07:40 by visiting the renowned Temple Mount, a significant site that housed the Solomon Temple and was later reconstructed by Ezra. During the time of our Lord Jesus Christ, it was further expanded by Herod the Great. It is important to note that for security purposes, visitors are only permitted to bring a mobile phone, a small camera, a notebook, and a bottle of water onto the Temple Mount premises. Items such as professional cameras, iPads, backpacks, purses, religious symbols like the Bible or crosses, as well as Swiss penknives and clippers are strictly prohibited. 

Next, we will proceed to the Pools of Bethesda, where the miraculous healing of the paralyzed occurred, as mentioned in the Gospel of John (John 5). Additionally, we will have the opportunity to offer hymns of praise to the Lord in the nearby Crusader Church of Saint Anne, which remains remarkably intact.

Our journey will then take us to the Israel Museum, where we will encounter a replica of Jerusalem as it appeared in the 1st century AD. Furthermore, we will have the privilege of exploring the Shrine of the Book, which houses a collection of the Dead Sea scrolls discovered in Qumran. Around noon, we will make our way to Bethlehem.

Please note that lunch will be self-managed, and we kindly request each guest to take care of their own meal. Following lunch, our exploration of Bethlehem will commence at Manger Square, situated in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest Christian churches. Inside the church, we will have the opportunity to descend to the Grotto of the Nativity, a sacred site marking the birthplace of Jesus. Beneath the Altar, a silver star bears the Latin inscription: HIC DE VIRGINE MARIA JESUS CHRISTUS NATUS (Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary).

In the late afternoon, we will depart for the Shepherds' Field cave, where the angels appeared to the shepherds and proclaimed the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The cave still bears the marks of soot from the fires that the shepherds lit to keep warm while tending to their flocks. This field also holds significance in the Book of Ruth.

Begin the day by visiting the Wailing Wall, also known as the Western Wall, a significant section of the western retaining wall of the Temple Mount and the most sacred site in Judaism. Explore the Western Wall Tunnels to marvel at the massive stones that once made up the western exterior retaining wall of the Temple. Later, head to the Mount of Olives, where Jesus is believed to have taught His disciples the Lord’s Prayer and ascended to heaven. Take in the breathtaking panoramic view of Jerusalem, walk along the Palm Sunday path, and pause at Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over the city. Continue to the Jewish cemetery overlooking the Eastern (Golden) Gate, also known as the Thrones of Judgment according to Psalm 122. Climb Mount Zion to visit the Cenacle, which commemorates the Upper Room where Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples, and see King David’s Tomb. Enjoy lunch (please take care of your own meal). In the afternoon, explore the Old City of Jerusalem, passing through the Armenian Quarter into the Jewish Quarter. Discover the Roman Cardo, King Hezekiah's broad wall, the Hurva Synagogue, and the Golden Menorah. Conclude the day at the Southern steps, retracing the footsteps of Jesus and standing where He likely taught, as well as where Peter delivered his sermon after Pentecost.

Today, we have an exhilarating journey planned to Samaria in the northern region. Our first stop will be at Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was located for a whole generation. Afterwards, we will explore Wadi Luban, where we can reflect on the Women of Shiloh joyfully dancing during the harvest season. The highlight of our day will be a visit to Jacob's Well, a remarkable site dug by Jacob himself, where Jesus had a profound encounter with a Samaritan woman. To conclude our trip, we will ascend Mount Gerizim and witness the awe-inspiring Samaritan Temple and the thriving Samaritan village, which remains active to this day.

Today's itinerary will focus on commemorating the Passion of Christ. Our first stop will be the Garden of Gethsemane, where we will witness the ancient olive trees and the Rock of Agony where Jesus prayed. We will also explore the Gethsemane cave, where Jesus often spent the nights and where He was arrested by the High Priest guards. Next, we will visit the House of Caiaphas and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, where we will walk on the streets where Jesus was led by His captors. We will have the opportunity to pray in the dungeons where Jesus was imprisoned. Afterwards, we will head to Jaffa Gate and tour the Citadel of David, where we will see the location where Jesus stood before King Herod. During lunchtime, each guest will be responsible for their own meal. In the afternoon, we will visit the Garden Tomb, a serene location where we can reflect on Christ's crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. We will witness Calvary and the empty Tomb, and partake in a Holy Communion service in the Garden, marking the pinnacle of our pilgrimage at the empty Tomb. We will then return to our hotel in Jerusalem for the night, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast, complete the necessary hotel check-out procedures, and then proceed to the airport for your return.