16-Day Tour of Israel & Jordan

We meet today at the airport for our flight to Tel Aviv, Israel.

We arrive at the Ben Gurion Airport and are met by our Israeli guide and driver. We leave the airport and drive to our hotel. If there is time, we will make a stop in Jaffa. This is where the Jonah story begins, as well as the story of Peter (Acts 10). Both were being asked by God to go to a people outside of Israel with the Good News of God’s grace. We spend our first night in Tel Aviv along the Mediterranean Sea. We enjoy dinner and an orientation meeting to help us prepare for the exciting days of studying God’s Word “in context.” (REGIONS to study: Coastal Plains).

We spend the day in the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah. We begin by driving to Gezer. Here, we see ruins from Solomon’s day and beyond. The famous “Gezer calendar” was found here. From here, we drive to Beth Shemesh, where the Ark of the Covenant was returned. Next, we travel to Azekah and see where David fought Goliath (1 Samuel 17). As we listen to the story, we see how this famous battle took place! We pause to consider David’s courage in facing the Philistine giant! Continuing south, we visit the Maresha Caves in Beit Guvrin with hundreds of bell-shaped caves caused by ancient Roman quarrying. This was the home of the prophet Micah (Micah 1). Our last site of the day is Lachish, a city that was conquered by the Assyrians (2 Chronicles 32). Here, we see where the famous“Lachish Letters” were discovered. We end the day by driving south to Beersheba for overnight. After dinner, we gather to review the day and prepare for tomorrow (REGIONS to study: Shephelah, Negev).

Our first stop of the day is the ancient site of Beersheba, the primary city in the Biblical Negev. We will see the well and gate structure, the rounded streets, and a typical four-room Israelite house. We remember that Abraham was here (Genesis 21). As well as Isaac, Jacob, and Elijah. Next, we drive to the northeast Negev to the archaeological site of Arad, a Canaanite and later Israelite city where Josiah enacted his reforms (2 Chronicles 34). We consider the importance of Kings like Hezekiah and Josiah who brought religious reform to Judah. From here we drive south to Sde Boker, the site of the tomb of Ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister. Here, we learn about the history of the State of Israel. We will also enjoy hiking in the majestic canyon of the Wilderness of Zin, and we have the option to hike all the way to the opposite rim of the canyon. Nearby is the Nabatean city of Avdat. While the Nabateans had their capital in Petra (Jordan), there are a few Nabatean sites here in Israel. We will climb to the top of the site for a great view of the area. We end the day by driving further south to Mitzpe Ramon that sits on the edge of Israel’s “Grand Canyon.” This large crater is called the Machtesh Ramon. We will enjoy dinner and overnight at our hotel in Mitzpe Ramon.

Today we travel all the way to Israel’s southern border. On the way we will first stop at Timnah. This used to be the location for an Egyptian copper mine. While we see unique rock formations, you will also be amazed to see and walk through a full-size replica of the Tabernacle. We continue to the Red Sea where we will spend about an hour at Coral Beach. You will have the chance to wade, swim, and even snorkel in the beautiful clear waters. The coral and fish are incredible to see. We then cross the Rabin Border into Jordan. Once going through the standard border crossing, we will meet our Jordanian guide and driver on the other side. We will drive to Wadi Rum (made famous by Sir Lawrence of Arabia). We will enjoy jeep rides here and a little “Bedouin hospitality” as well. Our overnight stay at Wadi Rum will be unique, for each of us will have our own “tent/ bungalow.” Spending a night in the desert will be like going back into biblical times! (REGIONS to study: Southern Highlands, Southern Jordan).

Following breakfast, we embark for one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Petra! It will take us about little over two hours to drive to Petra, and we will take a section of the “King’s Highway” (Numbers 20)! As we get closer to the heart of the Seir Mountains, in the distance we will be able to see Mt. Hor, the highest peak in Petra and the traditional burial place of Moses’ brother Aaron. After dropping off our luggage at the hotel, we will enjoy the rest of the day here in Petra! We begin with a walk through the Siq, the main entrance to Petra. This brings us to the most famous monument in all of Petra, “The Treasury” (Al-Khazneh). This well-preserved monumental tomb appears in the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” A walk further down through the outer siq, with all its tombs and burial chamber, brings us to one of the largest theaters in Jordan. A 3000-seat theater from the early first century is carved in the sandstone mountains at the bottom of the High Place of Sacrifice Mountain. Apparently, some sacrificial rituals had taken place here. From here, we walk uphill to the Royal Tombs for a great view of the lower part of Petra with all its Roman remains. There will be the option (with Dr. John) to walk to the “Monastery” of Petra and/or the High Place. We walk back to our hotel (at our own pace) in time to freshen up for dinner. We overnight here. (REGIONS to study: Jordan: Seir Mountains).

Today is a travel / restful day! Following breakfast, we drive back to the southern border and re-cross into Israel. Our Israeli guide and driver will be awaiting us. Upon loading up the bus, we drive north up through the Aravah. Our only destination today is the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth! As we check into our hotel (at Ein Bokek) in the mid-late afternoon, you will have the chance to float in this amazing body of water (33% salt and minerals). You will enjoy this unique experience. Dinner follows at the hotel at your leisure.

Following breakfast, we check out of our hotel and drive a short distance north to Masada. Upon arriving, we will take the cable car to the top. Here, we will be introduced to the story of the Jewish zealots who resisted the Romans for three years after the Jerusalem Temple was destroyed. Among the ruins on top we will see two palaces, the columbarium (for pigeons), large cisterns, the synagogue, the bathhouse, and storage rooms. Leaving the site, we have the option of walking down the Snake Path, while others ride the cable car down. Next, we drive north along the Dead Sea to Ein Gedi, where we relive the story of David hiding in a cave from King Saul (1 Samuel 24). We will have a chance to hike into part of the valley/canyon and enjoy the waterfalls as we consider the refreshment God brings to us in our “deserts” of life. Continuing north, our next site to visit is Qumran. It was the settlement of the first century sect known as the Essenes, the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls. At the site, we see first century miqvot (ritual baths), a scriptorium, and cisterns. We end the day at Jericho. Here, we see the portion of the actual revetment wall (fortification wall of the city) dating to the time of Joshua (Joshua 6). We will read the story of the conquering of Jericho and have a chance to blow our “shofars” (ram’s horns) together! Then, we drive to our hotel back near Qumran at Kibbutz Kalia for dinner and overnight. (REGIONS to study: Aravah Valley, Dead Sea, Judean Desert).

We begin the day with an amazing overlook of the Wadi Qelt. This is the heart of the Judean Desert. We will hear Isaiah 40 and Psalm 23 shared in a unique way! We then drive through the Pareth Desert (another area of the Judean Desert) where we will consider the role of the prophet Jeremiah here (Jeremiah 13). From here it’s on to the ancient site of Shiloh. Here we revisit the stories of Eli, Samuel, and the Ark (1 Samuel 2-4) and see where the Tabernacle once stood. We will take time to reflect upon Samuel’s response to God, “Here, I am!” (Hineni, in Hebrew). We then drive through the hill country of Samaria, talking about the stories that occurred here at nearby Bethel (Genesis 28), Shechem (Joshua 24), and Sychar (John 4). Our last site is Beth Shean, a massive Roman city. This is where the body of Saul was hung on the city walls (1 Samuel 31), but in the days of Jesus, it was a large Roman city. To end the day, we drive to the western shoreline of the Sea of Galilee to our hotel. We enjoy dinner together and a brief gathering by the water’s edge.(REGIONS to study: Judean Desert, Samaritan Desert & Hill Country, Jordan River Valley, Sea of Galilee).

We begin the day by driving into the Golan Heights. We drive around the north end of the lake to get to the eastern side and our first stop, Hippos (Sussita). This was a Decapolis city that had a commanding view of the Sea of Galilee. There are no less than five-six ancient churches built here in the Byzantine Period. We will read the story from Mark 5 here. To the north on the plateau of the Golan Heights is the site of Qatzrin, a partially reconstructed Talmudic village. We see what a typical village looked like during the days of Jesus. Sitting in a reconstructed stone house, we’ll read from Mark 2 about the lame man being lowered down to Jesus through the roof. Driving along the northern border, we will stop and look into southern Syria. Here we will learn about the modern wars of Israel, primarily the 1967 and 1973 wars with Syria. Next, we drive past Mt. Hermon (Psalm 133) and descend the Golan Heights and visit Caesarea Philippi. It was here where Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Matt. 16). Nearby is the amazing nature preserve and archaeological site of Dan. This is one of the sources of the Jordan River. We walk through this quiet national park impressive Old Testament city and hear the stories of disobedience that took place here (Judges 18, 1 Kings 12). We end the day by driving back through the Huleh Valley to our hotel in Tiberias. After dinner, we meet to review the day.

We begin the day (weather permitting) with an optional pre-dawn hike to the Upper Galilee and Mitzpe Ha Yamim (“Hill 713).” We will be able to see the entire width of Israel from here. We return for a later breakfast before leaving the hotel for Arbel, a mountain on the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee. We have another option to hike to the top of this 800-foot cliff (the bus will take others to the top from the other side). The view from here is the best there is of the whole Sea of Galilee below! Next, we travel to the southern end of the Sea of Galilee and enjoy optional baptism in the Jordan River at Yardenit. Next, we drive north to visit ancient Magdala. There is a 1st century synagogue here where, no doubt, Jesus taught! We continue to Capernaum, the home center of ministry for Jesus here in Galilee. Here we read from Mark 1 and 2, Luke 7, and John 6 in the 5th century synagogue. We will read Matthew 4 and Mark 9 by the shoreline. We end the day with seeing the “Jesus boat” from the first century. It is displayed at Nof Ginnosar. This was a wooden vessel found here along the shores of Galilee in 1986. We then enjoy our own boat ride on the Sea of Galilee at dusk. This includes reflective and peaceful worship service. We return to our hotel for dinner.

This morning, we depart the Galilee towards Jerusalem. Our first stop will be the Precipice of Nazareth where we will gain our first of a number of views of the Jezreel Valley below. We will consider the story of Luke 4 from here. We then drive across the valley to Megiddo, a Canaanite and Israel archaeological site with about 25 layers of occupation. We will climb the site and see many interesting ruins, including the impressive water system. Next, winding our way up and through the Mt. Carmel range, we visit Muhraqa, where we read the story about Elijah and the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Our last site is Caesarea Maritima, to view part of the city initially built by Herod the Great. Here, we visit the theater, palace area, and aqueduct. From here we drive to Jerusalem. After checking in to the hotel and dinner, we enjoy an “orientation walk” to the Western Wall within the Old City. (REGIONS to study: Lower Galilee, Jezreel Valley, Carmel Range, Sharon Plain, Hill Country of Judah).

We start the day with an orientation to Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives. We then follow the traditional Palm Sunday Road to the church known as the Dominus Flevit (“the Lord weeps”). We stop to read the passages related to this area (Luke 19, Acts 1, Zechariah 14). After viewing the Golden Gate, we walk downhill to Gethsemane, where we take time to meditate on the Gospel text. From here, we enter the Old City, where we first visit the Pools of Bethesda (John 5) and St. Anne’s Church, perfectly preserved from the Crusader period with remarkable acoustics. We then walk the Via Dolorosa to the Holy SepulcherChurch, one of two possible locations for Christ’s crucifixion and burial. In the afternoon, we visit Herodium, located on the edge of the Judean Desert, where Herod the Great was buried (Matthew 2). We see the brand-new excavations related to Herod’s tomb! We end the day by visiting the Shepherds’Field in Bethlehem. We step into a cave and read from Luke 2 as well as sing a few Christmas carols. We will also stop at an olive wood factory and store. We return to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and another walk. (REGION to study: Hill Country of Judah.

We begin the day by entering the City of David and the excavations of David’s Palace (2 Samuel 5) Those who want to can take an optional adventurous walk through the water of Hezekiah’s Tunnel (1,720 feet long, 2 Kings 20, 2 Chronicles 32, Isaiah 8 & 37). We then sit on the steps of the Siloam Pool and listen to the story of the blind man healed by Jesus (John 9). From here, we walk to the southern Temple excavations on the “Pilgrim Road.” This brings us to the southwest corner of the Temple and the southern steps. We see the massive stones erected by King Herod and sit on the very steps used by Jesus and His disciples. From here, we visit the Jewish Quarter for lunch on our own. We will also visit Shorashim where we hear Moshe, an Orthodox Jew, talk about his faith. We also will visit the Herodian Mansion. This was a very large house complex (perhaps a priestly family in the days of Jesus?). We end the day by walking on the Rampart Walls (optional) of the Old City. Those who don’t care to do this will enjoy some free time in the Old City. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. Tonight is a free night to explore the city on your own. (REGION to study: Hill Country of Judah).

We begin the day with a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum. It will be a reflective time as we hear and see the stories of the tragedies of World War II and the killing of 6 million Jews. Nearby, wedrive to West Jerusalem, where we visit the Israel Museum and the spectacular Jerusalem Model of the Second Temple Period. Dr. DeLancey will take us around the archaeological display, seeing the highlighted artifacts from sites we visited. In the afternoon, we visit the Garden Tomb. This location is the Protestant alternative site for the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. We will enjoy some worship and Communion here as we end the trip. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight as we prepare for our departure home tomorrow. (REGION to study: Hill Country of Judah).

In the morning, we load the bus and drive to the airport for our flight home.