Day 1
Day 1: Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport – transfer to Netanya
Upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, our representative will welcome you and assist with your transfer to your hotel in Netanya. After you check into your accommodation, you can unwind and partake in a welcome dinner. Enjoy a restful night in Netanya.
Day 2
Day 2: Caesarea Maritima – Haifa – Akko – Rosh Hanikra – Galilee
Following breakfast and check-out, we will explore the historical site of Caesarea Maritima, where we will examine the Roman and Byzantine ruins, including the amphitheater and Herod’s Palace. Next, we will proceed to El-Muhraqa on Mount Carmel, reflecting on the biblical confrontation between God and Baal. In Akko, we will delve into the Crusader city, its Templar halls, and the Venetian port. Our last destination is Rosh Hanikra, where we will take a cable car ride to view the sea-carved grottos and remnants of the historic railway. After this, we will drive to the Sea of Galilee for hotel check-in.
Day 3
Day 3: Nazareth – Sepphoris – Megiddo – Arbel
Today, we will start with a visit to the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, reflecting on Jesus' early life and his encounter with the Angel Gabriel. We will then explore the ancient city of Sepphoris, renowned for its mosaics, and visit the Jewish Quarter. After lunch, we will proceed to Tel Megiddo, the site associated with the biblical Armageddon, and later visit Arbel National Park for stunning views and an optional cliff hike. We will return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 4
Day 4: Sea of Galilee – Banias – Rafting on the River Jordan – the Golan Heights
We will begin the day with a visit to Capernaum, the hometown of Jesus, and the ancient synagogue where He preached. At Tabgha, we will reflect on the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, followed by a visit to the Mount of Beatitudes. After exploring Banias, we will enjoy rafting on the River Jordan, then head to the Golan Heights for a stop at Quneitra to take in a panoramic view of Damascus and Mount Hermon. We will return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 5
Day 5: Beth Shean – Sakhne – Jericho – Wadi Qelt (St. George’s Monastery) – Jerusalem
Following breakfast, we will explore Beit Shean, an archaeological site where the remains of King Saul and his sons were displayed. Next, we proceed to Sakhne for a refreshing swim in the natural hot springs before heading to Jericho, recognized as the oldest city in the world, where we will observe the ancient ruins and the site of the Sycamore Tree. En route to Jerusalem, we will pause at Wadi Qelt to take in a panoramic view of St. George’s Monastery before continuing to the holy city for hotel check-in.
Day 6
Day 6: Jerusalem – Bethlehem – Herodion – Israel Museum – Yad Vashem
In Bethlehem, we will visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, which marks the birthplace of Jesus. Following this, we will explore the Herodion fortress and the tomb of King Herod. Afterward, we will visit the Shepherds' Field and the Israel Museum, where we will view the Dead Sea Scrolls and a model of Jerusalem from the time of Jesus. The day will conclude with a poignant visit to Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial, before we return to the hotel.
Day 7
Day 7: Masada – Ein Gedi – Qumran – Dead Sea – Jerusalem
We will start our day with a visit to Masada, the ancient fortress built by King Herod, ascending by cable car to explore its ruins. Following this, we will travel to Ein Gedi, a desert oasis where we can enjoy the waterfalls and reflect on the psalms of David. Next, we will visit Qumran, the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and conclude the day with an opportunity to float in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. We will return to Jerusalem for dinner.
Day 8
Day 8: Jerusalem – Wailing Wall – Western Wall Tunnels – Temple Mount – Pools of Bethesda – Upper Room – City of David
The day begins with a visit to the Wailing Wall, followed by a guided tour of the Western Wall Tunnels and Temple Mount, where we contemplate the historical importance of these revered locations. Next, we explore the Pools of Bethesda, known for Jesus' healing miracle, and proceed to Mount Zion to visit the Cenacle (Upper Room) and King David's Tomb. We conclude the day at the City of David, where we investigate the ancient water systems and the Pool of Siloam.
Day 9
Day 9: Mt. of Olives – Garden of Gethsemane – Western Wall Excavations Site – Via Dolorosa – Holy Sepulcher Church – Garden Tomb
Our day starts at the Mount of Olives, offering a sweeping view of Jerusalem, before we head to the Garden of Gethsemane, the place where Jesus prayed prior to His arrest. After reflecting on the Via Dolorosa, we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the location of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. The day wraps up with a trip to the Garden Tomb, where we commemorate Christ’s resurrection, before heading back to the hotel.
Day 10
Day 10: Dig for a day – put your feet in the dirt
Today, we travel to the Valley of Elah, the site of David's battle with Goliath, and continue to Bet Guvrin, where we engage in an archaeological dig at the ancient Sidonian city. After spending time on the excavation, we return to Jerusalem for a farewell dinner.
Day 11
Day 11: Departure for Tel-Aviv Airport
Following breakfast and check-out, you will be taken to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight home.
