Day 1
Day 1: Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport – Tel Aviv
Upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, a representative will greet you after you pass through passport control and guide you to a luxury bus that will transport you to your hotel in Tel Aviv. If time permits, we will make a short visit to the Church of Saint Peter in Jaffa, situated at the location where Peter experienced his vision. This church honors the moment when Peter discovered that all of creation is deserving of salvation. Following this visit, we will check into the hotel in Tel Aviv for the evening.
Day 2
Day 2: Tel Aviv – Caesarea Maritima – Mount Carmel – Megiddo – Nazareth – Sea of Galilee
After breakfast, we will commence our journey with a visit to Caesarea Maritima, an ancient city known for its Roman and Byzantine ruins, where Peter baptized the first Gentile convert, Cornelius. From there, we will proceed to Mount Carmel to visit El-Muhraqa, the site where the prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. Next, we will explore the archaeological site of Tel Megiddo, also referred to as Armageddon, and contemplate its biblical importance. We will continue to Nazareth, where we will visit the Church of the Annunciation and other significant sites from Jesus' early life. Afterward, we will drive to our hotel by the Sea of Galilee for the night.
Day 3
Day 3: Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee & Museum – Magdala – Valley of Doves – Capernaum – Tabgha – Mount of Beatitudes – Yardenit
The day will start with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, followed by a visit to the Ancient Boat Museum to view a 2000-year-old fishing boat. We will then visit Magdala, the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, where we will see the first-century synagogue. After that, we will drive through the Valley of Doves, then visit Capernaum, the location of many of Jesus’ teachings. At Tabgha, we will visit the church that commemorates the multiplication of loaves and fishes, followed by a stop at the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. In the afternoon, we will visit the Yardenit Baptismal Site before returning to our hotel by the Sea of Galilee.
Day 4
Day 4: Sea of Galilee – Bet Shean – Bet Arabah – Jericho – Dead Sea
After breakfast, we will set off for Bet Shean to investigate the Roman and Byzantine ruins, including the site where King Saul’s body was displayed. Continuing our journey south, we will make a stop at Bet Arabah and Qasr el-Yahud, the location of the Israelites’ entry into the Promised Land and the baptism of Jesus. We will explore Tel Jericho, the oldest city that has been continuously inhabited, and visit the Sycamore Tree Site, followed by a trip to the Mount of Temptation. In the late afternoon, we will check into our hotel by the Dead Sea and have some leisure time to enjoy the spa and the waters.
Day 5
Day 5: Dead Sea – Masada – Ein Gedi – Qumran – Jerusalem
The day begins with a visit to Masada, the renowned fortress constructed by King Herod and the site of the Zealots' resistance against the Romans. After this, we will proceed to Ein Gedi, an oasis where David sought refuge from King Saul, and then visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. After our exploration, we will ascend to Jerusalem, passing by the Good Samaritan Inn on our way, and check into our hotel for the night.
Day 6
Day 6: Temple Mount – St. Anne’s Church & Pools of Bethesda – Israel Museum – Bethlehem – Shepherds’ Field
We will start with a visit to the Temple Mount, the site of Solomon’s Temple and a location of significant events in Jesus' life. Next, we will visit the Pools of Bethesda and St. Anne’s Church before heading to the Israel Museum to see a replica of ancient Jerusalem and the Dead Sea Scrolls. In the afternoon, we will travel to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity and the Grotto of the Nativity. Our final stop will be the Shepherds' Field, where angels appeared to announce the birth of Jesus. We will return to Jerusalem for the evening
Day 7
Day 7: Wailing Wall – Western Wall Tunnels – Mt. of Olives – Upper Room – Jewish Quarter
We commence our day at the Wailing Wall, the most sacred site in Judaism, followed by a visit to the Western Wall Tunnels. Next, we will ascend the Mount of Olives to explore Pater Noster, where Jesus imparted the Lord’s Prayer. We will also make a stop at Dominus Flevit, the site where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, before proceeding to Mount Zion to visit the Cenacle and the Tomb of King David. In the afternoon, we will tour the Old City, traversing the Armenian and Jewish Quarters to see landmarks such as the Roman Cardo and Hurva Synagogue. The day will conclude with a visit to the Southern Steps, the path Jesus walked and where Peter delivered his sermon after Pentecost.
Day 8
Day 8: Garden of Gethsemane – St. Peter in Gallicantu – Garden Tomb
This day is devoted to reflecting on the Passion of Christ. We will start at the Garden of Gethsemane, the place where Jesus prayed and was arrested, and then visit the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Jesus was detained overnight prior to His trial. In the afternoon, we will head to the Garden Tomb, the location of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, where we will conduct a communion service. We will wrap up the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel for the night.
Day 9
Day 9: Tel-Aviv departure
Following breakfast and check-out, we will transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight home.
