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 Netanya 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). Depending on the weather, we make our way to Kursi for a Jeep Ride in the Golan Mountains. 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, where you will have an opportunity to be baptized. 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). Then we have dinner (included) at the Genesis Experience. Finally, we ascend to the majestic city of Jerusalem in time for 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 depart Jerusalem and drive to Shilo, the site of the Tabernacle and the first capital of the Israelite Kingdom. Then we return to Jerusalem and visit the original steps that Jesus climbed as he entered the Temple area, the Southern Steps. We make our way to walk part of the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Drive to 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 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. 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. Before returning to Jerusalem, we stop at the renowned Dead Sea for a swim or float. We return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.

Today we will visit the Israel Museum, including the Shrine of the Book and the miniature model of Jerusalem (1:50 scale model of 1st century Jerusalem as it would have appeared in Jesus’ time) and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. Then we proceed to Golgotha and the Garden Tomb for a time of worship. We finish our sightseeing at Bethlehem, as we pass by Rachel’s tomb on the outskirts and then visit the Church of Nativity and Shepherd’s Field. Dinner and overnight are in Jerusalem.

Today we will visit the 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 ElAqsa Mosque and the magnificent Dome of the Rock. Then we return to the Western Wall with an opportunity to walk the Temple Tunnels. Next, we visit the City of David and 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. Anyone wanting to stay dry can walk through Hezekiah’s shaft. If time permits, we will visit the newly excavated Pool of Siloam. Then we will have a visit to the Pilgrimage Tunnel (pending opening date). Afterwards, we will join in a sifting project. Time permitting, we continue with a drive to Jaffa for sightseeing. Then we return to our hotel in Jerusalem for Farewell Dinner and last night in Jerusalem.

This morning, we transfer from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport for our flight back to the U.S.A. We arrive back in the U.S.A. same day. 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.