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. We have a short drive to our hotel in the Netanya area in time for dinner and overnight.

This morning, we depart for the Galilee to visit Biblical sites at Caesarea Maritima, where Peter proclaimed the Good News to the Roman Centurion (Acts 10). We also see 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 Precipice. 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 Magdala before continuing to 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. Dinner and overnight are back in Tiberias.

After breakfast, we travel north to the Golan Heights for a beautiful view of northern Israel’s landscape. Then we head to Caesarea Philippi where Peter confessed, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13-16). We embark on a short hike to Tel Dan to see the altar of Jeroboam before heading to Gideon Springs. Next, we visit Beit Shean, one of the best-preserved Decapolis Roman cities. This is where King Saul and his sons’ bodies were hung from the city walls after being defeated by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:10-12). Finally, we ascend to the majestic city of Jerusalem in time for dinner and overnight. “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:1-2 NASB).

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 Al-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 Sepulchre. 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.

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 for a short swim or float. Time and conditions permitting, we’ll include a visit to Qasr Al-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. We continue with a short walk to the original steps that Jesus climbed as he entered the Temple area. If time permits, we will visit the newly excavated Pool of Siloam and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. We end our day in worship at Golgotha and the Garden Tomb. Dinner and overnight are in Jerusalem.

In the morning, we have leisure time in Jerusalem and then we depart the city late morning/early afternoon for the Elah Valley to see the brook where David slew Goliath. From here, we continue our drive to visit Jaffa. We then return to Jerusalem for dinner and our last overnight.

This morning we transfer to Ben-Gurion Airport for our flight back home. 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.

Our Egyptian adventure begins as we cross the Taba border. Before tomorrow’s ancient explorations, we’ll settle into our hotel in St. Catherine, enjoy dinner, and rest.

In the early morning hours, we will gather in the hotel lobby (2:00 a.m.) to begin our ascent of Mount Moussa, the biblical Mountain of Moses, where tradition holds that Moses received the Ten Commandments. Those who choose not to climb can relax at the hotel. The climb, following the Path of Moses with its nearly 4,000 steps, will take about three hours, culminating in a breathtaking sunrise at the peak. After descending, we will visit St. Catherine’s Monastery, built around what is believed to be the site of the Burning Bush, and home to priceless works of art. Later, we will transfer to Sharm El Sheikh airport for a short flight to Cairo, where we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we will explore some of Egypt’s most iconic ancient sites. We will begin at the Pyramids of Giza, where we will marvel at the Great Pyramid of Cheops, enter the King’s Chamber, and visit the Solar Boat Museum to see a 4,500-yearold cedar wood boat. Nearby these pyramids stands the majestic Great Sphinx. Next, we will visit the Necropolis of Saqqara to see King Zoser’s Step Pyramid, the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt. Our day will conclude in Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, where we will view the impressive limestone Colossus of Ramses II. We return to Cairo for dinner and overnight.

Our day will begin with a visit to the Museum of Antiquities, home to the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic treasures, including the famous golden treasures of Tutankhamen. We will then proceed to the Citadel, where we will explore the opulent Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Our journey continues with visits to the ancient Suspended Church and the Church of St. Sergius, built over the cave where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed. We will also visit the Synagogue of Ben Ezra, where, according to tradition, Moses was saved by Pharaoh’s daughter. Finally, we will stroll through the lively Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a bustling market full of traditional crafts and souvenirs, before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

On our final day, we will transfer to Cairo Airport for our return flight to the U.S.A., arriving home later the same day, carrying with us the memories of our remarkable journey through Egypt.