10-Day Tour of Israel

Tour members meet for our flight to Israel. After dinner is served, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the on-board entertainment to prepare for this exciting adventure of a lifetime.

In Tel Aviv, we proceed through customs and security and meet our agent who assists us to our motor coach. Then we will visit Biblical sites at Caesarea Maritima, where Peter proclaimed the Good News to the Roman Centurion (Acts 10). We have a short drive to our hotel in Netanya in time for dinner and overnight.

This morning, we visit Megiddo and Mt. Carmel, where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Time permitting, we will stop at the Druze Village for a short lunch break (not included). Then we continue to Nazareth (Jesus’ childhood home), Cana (location of Jesus’ first miracle - John 2), and the Mt. of Precipitation. We then arrive in Tiberias for dinner and overnight near the Sea of Galilee.

Nothing compares to watching the sun rise over the Sea of Galilee! We begin today at Tabgha (the traditional site of the feeding of the 5000) and the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter. We then spend time reflecting and worshiping at the Mt. of Beatitudes and then head to Capernaum, Jesus’ base for His early ministry. Afterwards, we board a replica wooden “Jesus Boat” to set sail on the Sea of Galilee. For those interested, our lunch stop includes the option of ordering the special St. Peter’s Fish (not included). After lunch, we head to Gadara and Bethsaida (time permitting) before making our way to the Jordan River for a time of baptisms (optional). Dinner and overnight are back in Tiberias.

After breakfast, our day will start with a drive north to Khorazin, about 900 feet above the waters of the Sea of Galilee north shores. From Khorazin, we see the breathtaking views across the lake, with Bethsaida and Capernaum in sight. Today, the impressive Khorazin National Park comprises some 25 acres of fascinating ruins. We continue driving north to Tel Dan and its refreshing springs, one of the sources of the Jordan River. Next, we walk through this impressive Old Testament city. We will relax here with time for meditation. Nearby is Caesarea Philippi (Banias) where Peter confessed Christ’s divinity. Here we visit the stunning remains of a first-century AD palace belonging to Agrippa’s II. We leave Galilee and begin our journey to the Dead Sea for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we drive to Qumran, the settlement of the Essenes. They were the first century sect who authored the Dead Sea Scrolls. From here, we head to Ein Gedi where David hid from King Saul. We then travel south along the western shore of the Dead Sea toward Masada where we ascend by cable car up to King Herod’s astonishing fortress. Afterwards, we make a special stop at the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on earth) for a short swim or float. Time and conditions permitting, we will include a visit to Qasr El-Yahud, the newly excavated site where tradition holds that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. If possible, we will also include a short visit to Jericho. Dinner and overnight are again in Jerusalem.

After breakfast, we visit the Shrine of the Book Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and the fascinating 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem as it would have appeared in Jesus’ time. Next, we drive to the City of David, and then we go on a short walk to Hezekiah’s Tunnel (conditions permitting). Be sure to bring a flashlight and water shoes to walk through the tunnel. Anyone wanting to stay dry can walk through Hezekiah’s shaft. If time permits, we will visit the newly excavated Pool of Siloam and then proceed with a short walk to the original steps that Jesus climbed as he entered the Temple area and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. Dinner and overnight are in Jerusalem.

We begin today on the beautiful Mt. of Olives to behold the famous, breathtaking panorama of the Holy City. Our pilgrimage proceeds down the Old Palm Sunday Road to the ancient olive grove at the Garden of Gethsemane. Then we continue to the Church of the Agony (Church of All Nations) where tradition says Jesus prayed before his arrest. We enter Jerusalem through the Zion Gate and proceed to the Western (Wailing) Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. Beyond the wall lies the 35-acre temple area purchased by King David (2 Samuel 24:18-25), which is called the Temple Mount. This area is the third holiest shrine in Islam, housing both the El-Aqsa Mosque and the magnificent Dome of the Rock. From the temple area, we make our way to St. Stephen’s Gate to walk the Via Dolorosa – including St. Anne’s Crusader Church, Pools of Bethesda, the Pavement (where Jesus stood while being tried by Pilate), Ecce Homo Arch, and the ancient Cardo. We continue to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We continue for a worship at Golgotha and the Garden Tomb. We finish off our sightseeing with a visit to Bethlehem as we pass by Rachel’s tomb on the outskirts and then visit the Church of the Nativity and Shepherds’ Field. We have dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

In the morning, we will have time at leisure time in Jerusalem for shopping and exploring in the Old City. Time permitting, we will visit the Elah Valley to see the brook where David slew Goliath. Then we continue our drive to Jaffa for a special Farewell Dinner. We transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our flight back to the U.S.A.

We arrive back in the U.S.A. at the close of an unforgettable tour. We take home wonderful memories of the Old and New Testament, a renewal of our faith, and a greater understanding of the life of our Lord.