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) to visit Nazareth Village, 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 as embark on a short hike to Tel Dan to see the altar of Jeroboam. Afterwards, we head to Caesarea Philippi where Peter confessed, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13- 16). Then we’ll travel north to the Golan Heights for a beautiful view of northern Israel’s landscape. As we descend back into the Galilee area, we head to Gadara and Bethsaida (time permitting) before making concluding our day on the Sea of Galilee! We board our private replica wooden “Jesus Boat” to set sail on the Sea of Galilee. Dinner and overnight are back in Tiberias.

We begin this beautiful day reflecting and worshiping at the Mt. of Beatitudes before we head to Capernaum, Jesus’ base for His early ministry. We then make our way to Magdala, Tabgha (the traditional site of the feeding of the 5000), and the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter. Afterwards, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an optional baptism in the refreshing Jordan River! 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).

Today, we start 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’ll have the opportunity for lunch in Bethlehem (not included) and then visit an olive wood shop run by a local family of Palestinian Christians! As we head back into Jerusalem, 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. Just down the road, we’ll have a time for prayer in the ancient olive grove, 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. Afterwards, we conclude our day on the beautiful Mt. of Olives to behold the famous, breathtaking panorama of the Holy City. We have dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

This morning, we descend to one of the lowest points on Earth to the Dead Sea Region, before wescale Masada (by cable car) up to King Herod’s astonishing fortress. Here we survey the ruins of the fortifications, waterworks, the synagogue, temples, and palaces. From here we continue to Ein Gedi, where David hid from King Saul, and we hike the rocky path to one of the most beautiful spots in the region. We stop for lunch (not included) before making our way to Qumran, the settlement of the Essenes. They were the first century sect who authored the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were later found in one of these very caves. Afterwards, we make a special stop at the Dead Sea for a short swim or float before returning to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.

Our day begins through the Zion Gate and beyond the Western Wall: 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 Sepulchre, considered to be one of the holiest sites in all of Christianity. This is thought to be the site where Jesus was crucified and buried before He rose from the grave! We then circle back to the Western (Wailing) Wall, the holiest site in Judaism, for a time of prayer before entering the vast tunnel system that lies inside. After a stop for lunch (not included), we take a short walk to the original steps that Jesus climbed as he entered the Temple area. 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 the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. Dinner and overnight are again in Jerusalem.

We begin this morning at Golgotha and the Garden Tomb. After group prayers, we’ll have some time to walk the gardens and reflect, before we have free time back in Jerusalem to explore and shop. After lunch (not included), we drive West to the Elah Valley to see the brook where David slew Goliath. From here, we continue our drive to Jaffa. Farewell Dinner and overnight are again in Jerusalem.

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