8- Days Biblical Experience

Upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, our knowledgeable English-speaking guide will greet you and accompany you during your visit to the Holy Land, bringing the scriptures to life as you trace the path of Jesus. Following that, we will transport you to your chosen hotel in Jerusalem, where you will spend the next five nights and partake in a delightful welcome dinner.

After a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to the peak of the Mount of Olives to admire the breathtaking view of Jerusalem, known as the "Golden City," which includes the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock. Our next stops will be the Church of Pater Noster and the Chapel of Ascension. Following this, we will head to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus spent His final moments among the ancient olive trees, and the Church of All Nations, where it is believed He prayed on the night of His betrayal. We will then drive through the Kedron Valley to visit the Tombs of Absalom, Zacharia, and James, as well as explore Hezekiah’s Tunnel. 

Next, we will enter the Old City of Jerusalem through the Zion Gate and make our way to the Western Wall (Wailing Wall), the holiest site for the Jewish people, located at Herod’s temple. On the Temple Mount, we will see the Mosque of Omar, situated above the spot where Abraham is said to have offered Isaac as a sacrifice on Mount Moriah. From there, we will visit the Church of St. Anne and observe the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a man who had been sick for 38 years. Our journey will then take us along the Via Dolorosa to Pilate’s Judgment Hall, the Chapel of the Flagellation, and the Arch of the Ecce Homo (Behold the Man), where Jesus was tried before Pontius Pilate. We will continue through the bustling bazaars of the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. In the afternoon, we will have a serene visit to Golgotha and the Garden Tomb for moments of reflection, worship, and communion before returning to our hotel.

This morning, our itinerary will take us to Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David and Our Lord. We will have the opportunity to visit Rachel's Tomb, which holds great significance for Jews as one of the most sacred shrines in the Holy Land. Our next stop will be the Church of the Nativity, where we can explore the grotto where Jesus was born. Additionally, we will have the chance to visit the Field of Boaz and Ruth. Afterwards, we will make our way back to Jerusalem and proceed to Mount Zion. Here, we will visit the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, situated on the site of Caiaphas' House. We will also have the opportunity to explore the Room of the Last Supper and pay our respects at the Tomb of King David. Our journey will then take us to Ein Karem, renowned as the birthplace of John the Baptist. Once we have concluded our visits, we will return to our hotel.

Today's itinerary includes a drive around the Walls of the Old City to Bethany, the location of the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. We will explore the Tomb of Lazarus before journeying through the Judean Wilderness and along the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, to Masada. A thrilling cable car ride will take us to the ancient stronghold of the Jewish zealots in their conflict against the Romans in 73 A.D. At Masada, we will tour Herod's palaces, excavations, and fortifications. Our next stop will be Qumran, where we will visit the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and explore the ruins of the Essene community. Following this, there will be a chance to float on the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. 

After lunch, we will travel to ancient Jericho, the oldest city in the Western World, and visit a sycamore tree linked to the story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. We will then proceed to the site of Old Testament Jericho (Tel es-Sultan), Elisha's Spring, and an Orthodox Monastery close to the location of Jesus' Temptation in the desert. A scenic drive through mountain roads will lead us back to Jerusalem.

In the morning, our itinerary will take us to the restored Jewish Quarter, where we will explore the excavated Cardo, the ancient main street of Jerusalem. Our next stop will be the Herodian Mansions, a fascinating complex of villas dating back 2,000 years. Afterward, we will head to the Israel Museum, where we can admire a detailed scale model of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to visit the Shrine of the Book, which showcases an exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls. To conclude our day, we will pay a visit to the Yad Vashem Memorial, a solemn tribute to the Jewish Holocaust. Inside this remarkable museum, we will walk through its poignant exhibits, including the Children's Memorial and the Hall of Remembrance, which bears the names of six million victims.

Today's itinerary includes leaving Jerusalem and heading to Tiberias, passing through the Jordan Valley to explore the fascinating excavations of an ancient Roman city in Bet Shean. Our journey will then take us to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where we will visit the Baptismal Site at the River Jordan. A special place awaits those interested in being baptized in the river. Following this, we will enjoy a picturesque boat ride on the Sea of Galilee to Kibbutz Nof Ginosar, where we will see a well-preserved 2,000-year-old boat recently discovered on the shore. Our next stop will be Capernaum, known as the home of Jesus during His ministry. After visiting the synagogue where He taught, we will continue to Tabgha, the site of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, and the nearby Church of the Primacy of Peter. The day will conclude with a drive up to the Mount of Beatitudes to visit the location of the Sermon on the Mount.

After enjoying our morning meal, we will embark on a journey to Cana of Galilee, a significant location where Our Lord performed His first miracle by transforming water into wine during a wedding celebration. This remarkable place also offers couples the chance to renew their marriage vows, adding a special touch to our itinerary. Following this, we will proceed to Nazareth, where we will explore the renowned Basilica of the Annunciation and Mary's Well, both of which hold great historical and religious significance. As the day progresses, we will traverse the picturesque Hula Valley, passing by Hazor, an ancient Canaanite city that was reconstructed by King Solomon to assert control over the Golan Heights. Continuing our expedition, we will ascend the majestic Golan Heights and cross the Hatzbani River, eventually reaching Dan and Banias (also known as ancient Caesarea Philippi) situated at the base of Mount Hermon. Our descent will lead us to Kursi, a site where Jesus performed a miraculous act of casting out evil spirits from a possessed man. Finally, we will return to our hotel, concluding a day filled with awe-inspiring experiences.

This morning, our journey will commence towards Tel Aviv, with a delightful detour to the vibrant port city of Haifa. As we make our way, we will ascend Mount Carmel, a revered site associated with the Prophets Elijah and Elisha, offering a breathtaking panorama of the city and its bustling port. Continuing our expedition, we will traverse the picturesque Jezreel Valley until we reach Tel Megiddo, an archaeological marvel boasting the remnants of 20 distinct cities layered upon one another. Following this, we will embark on a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coastline, leading us to the ancient city of Caesarea, once the seat of power for Roman Procurators. Here, we will have the opportunity to marvel at the Roman Theater, the Crusaders' Moat, and the Byzantine churches. Our final destination will be Old Jaffa, where we will savor a memorable farewell dinner at a local restaurant, before concluding our journey at the airport for your return flight home.