We will depart from the USA, and upon arrival in Israel, we will be greeted and transferred to the Vert Lagoon Hotel in Netanya. Here, we enjoy a delightful dinner together and a well-deserved sleep.

We start our day by exploring the Crusader Tunnel in Acco, located in the area of the Tribe of Asher. Then we’ll visit Mount Precipice in Nazareth, where Jesus’ hometown attempted to kill Him. Next we’ll enjoy a traditional first-century meal at Nazareth Village (not included), experiencing the flavors of Jesus’ day. Our journey continues to Sepphoris, the new city where Joseph and Jesus may have worked as carpenters. Dinner and overnight at the Gomeh Hotel on the Sea of Galilee.

Our day begins with a visit to the new excavations by the Sea of Galilee at Bethsaida, the hometown of Philip, Andrew, and Peter. We then head to Gamla, often called the “Masada of the north,” and see the impressive view. At Kursi, we’ll reflect on the passage of Jesus casting demons into the swine. We will explore in the Decapolis the site of Hippos/Sussita, perhaps the “city on a hill” Jesus mentioned. After the breathtaking view atop Mount Arbel’s cliff, those who wish can follow Wayne down the cliff on an optional hike. Dinner and overnight at Gomeh Hotel.

We will visit Hazor, the city conquered by Joshua and later by the Assyrians. At the Hulah Nature Reserve, we’ll consider how birds can teach us about our walk with God. We’ll explore Nimrod’s Fortress on Mount Hermon, the likely site of Jesus’ Transfiguration. Next we’ll enjoy the historical and panoramic views from Mount Bental. We end the day with a treat! An optional rafting adventure on the Jordan River will provide a unique way to experience this historic waterway. Dinner and overnight at Gomeh Hotel.

This morning, we stroll through the biblical gardens of Neot Kedummim, experiencing the flora and fauna of the Bible. In Bethlehem, we’ll visit the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born, and the Shepherd’s Field, where the good news was first heard. We’ll see Solomon’s Pools, an ancient water reservoir system for Jerusalem. Our day ends with a visit to En Kerem, the hometown of John the Baptist. Dinner and overnight at the Cassia Hotel in Jerusalem.

This morning, we discuss Jerusalem’s significant geography outside the Jaffa Gate. We’ll visit the newly renovated Citadel Museum, the best museum of Jerusalem’s history. A Ramparts Walk from Jaffa Gate to Dung Gate will provide unique views of the Old City. We will pray at the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. Our journey continues to the new excavations at the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed the blind man, and we’ll walk up the Pilgrims Path to the Southern Excavations—where we’ll walk (literally) where Jesus walked. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

We begin at the fascinating stalactite caves in Beth Shemesh. Next at Socoh, we’ll overlook the Elah Valley, the site of David’s battle with Goliath. We will drive by the Levitical city of Libnah. And dig this! At Mareshah, we’ll participate in a real archaeological dig, so bring some dirty clothes! We’ll see the strategic city of Lachish as well as Gezer’s boundary stone, understanding their importance in the Bible. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Early morning takes us to the Temple Mount, reflecting on its biblical significance past and future. We’ll enjoy a private time in the Grotto of Gethsemane. We will see the Kidron Valley, known as the “Valley of Decision.” From the Judean Wilderness overlook, we’ll consider its role in the lives of David, John the Baptist, and Jesus. We will visit the Good Samaritan Museum, and in Bethany we’ll descend to Lazarus’ tomb and the home of Mary and Martha. Overnight in Jerusalem.

This VERY special day begins in the Dothan Valley, where Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. We continue south to Samaria/Sebaste, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. At Shechem we’ll see Abraham’s first stop in the land and discuss this city’s amazing history. At Jacob’s Well, we’ll read Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Today offers a free day in Jerusalem to explore at our own pace. Or you can join Wayne for an optional ten-mile hike on the Israel Trail from Tel Azekah to Beit Guvrin. Other options for the day in the Old City include the Herodian Mansion and the Burnt House. We will meet for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sharing our favorite memories. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Those not participating in the Egypt extension will depart for home, carrying memories of a lifetime!

We transfer to the airport for our flight to Cairo. We then have a short flight to Luxor, where we will be assisted through customs, introduced to our guide and driver, and travel to our hotel near the Nile River for a delicious dinner and a well-deserved rest.

We’ll get an early start at the Valley of the Kings, the burial place of many pharaohs, including those before and after the Exodus. We’ll visit the amazing Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the daughter of pharaoh who found Moses in the Nile. Then, we’ll visit the amazing Karnak Temple and discover why Egypt always wanted to control the land of Israel. Overnight in Luxor.

This morning we fly to Cairo and drive south to the Red Pyramid, the Bent Pyramid, and the Black Pyramid, the latter of which Joseph would have constructed for Pharaoh Sesostris III. In Cairo, we’ll visit St. Sergius Church where tradition points to a cave where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus stayed when in Egypt. Then we’ll enjoy an authentic Felucca ride on the Nile River. Overnight in Cairo.

Our morning begins exploring the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, the Pyramids of Giza. We’ll also visit the Sphinx, marveling at these enduring symbols of ancient civilization. We then continue to the new Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of ancient artifacts including the treasures of King Tutankhamun. From here, we visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, where we’ll see the Royal Mummies Hall and come face-to-face with some of Egypt’s most significant rulers. After some time to shop in Cairo’s Bazaar, we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we depart Egypt for our flight(s) home.