Day 1 New York, NY
Depart from a New York area gateway to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Dinner
and breakfast are served on board.
Day 2 Galilee
Upon arrival at the Tel Aviv airport, we transfer to our hotel in the Galilee
for dinner and overnight. Already we begin to feel the spirit of this land
enchanting us, as we will be visiting sites from the Bible and share the
experience of walking in the footsteps of Jesus. (D)
Day 3 Galilee
We start our day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. A visit Ginnosar to
view the fishermen's boat, found on the shores of the Sea Galilee which dates to
Jesus' time. We continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the
Mount to reflect on the serene beauty and the event that took place here. On to
Tabgha, site of the Miracle of the fishes and loaves ,to see the chapel built
over the rock commemorating the primacy of Peter. Wethen visit Capernaum, the
city of Jesus and Peter. There we will see the house of Peter and see an ancient
synagogue, here Jesus preached and it is here he gathered his disciples. We then
drive across the Jordan River to the land of Gaderenes - visiting Kursi site of
the miracle of Demons and Swine. In the afternoon we drive north to Caesarea
Phillipi, now called Banias, here Peter made his confession of faith, and
identified Jesus as the Messiah. And Jesus said thou art Peter upon this rock I
will build my church. Matt.16-17-18. Return to our hotel for dinner and
overnight. (B)(D)
Day 4 Galilee
Today we drive via Cana of Galilee to Nazareth and visit the Church of the
Annunciation and Mary's Well. On to Muchraka, the location of Elijah's altar
during his confrontation with the false prophets of Baal. Continue via the
Valley of Armageddon to the excavation at Tel Megiddo. On to Caesarea, built by
Herod the Great in 22 B.C. Visit the Roman Theater, the Aqueduct and Herodian
Port.It was here that Cornielius was baptized by Peter. (Acts 10:24-28). It was
here that Paul was brought to trail ( Acts 25) Return to our hotel for dinner
and overnight. (B) (D)
Day 5 Jerusalem
This morning we drive along the Sea of Galilee and arrive at Yardenit, the
Baptismal Site on the Jordan River.We continue to the old Roman city of Beit
Shean to visit the impressive Roman Ruins From here we drive down the Jordan
Valley bypassing Jericho, on our way to Bethlehem.We will have time for lunch
(on your own and shopping) Visit the Church of Nativity, the Milk Grotto and
Sheperds' Field. Proceed to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (B)
(D)
Day 6 Jerusalem
This morning we enter the Old City through St. Stephen's Gate visiting the
Pool of Bethesda, the Chapel of the Flagellation, and the Ecce Homo Arch.
Continue through the Bazaar to the last stations of the Cross Via Dolorosa,
visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and view the Gabbatha pavement. Continue
to the Jewish Quarter visiting the Cardo, the "Wide" wall built by King Hezekiah
and the Herodian mansion then proceed to the Temple area and Mt. Moriah and see
the Dome of Rock, visit the Western Wall, the Ophel Archaeological park and
Museum. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B) (D)
Day 7 Masada
Leave Jerusalem. drive via the Inn of the "Good Samaritan", arrive at the
shores of the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth. We drive along the Dead Sea
to Masada, the fortress where the Jewish Zealots held off the armies of the
Roman Empire before choosing suicide over surrender. Continue to Ein Gedi, where
King David found shelter from the wrath of King Saul. After lunch (on your own),
we will have the opportunity to enjoy a short "float" in the Dead Sea. Continue
to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 in a cave and then
return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (B) (D)
Day 8 Jerusalem
Full day of leisure to pursue personal interests, or to shop. (B) (D)
Day 9 Tel Aviv
Drive by the Knesset to the Israel Museum, visiting the Shrine of the Book
where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and see the model of Jerusalem at the time
of the Second Temple. Drive to Mount Scopus to view the impressive home of the
Hebrew University. Continue our drive to the Mt. of Olives for an outstanding
view of Jerusalem. Visit the Chapel of the Ascension, Garden of Gethsemane, and
Church of All Nations. Drive along the Kidron Valley and see the Tombs of
Absalom, Zechariah and James. We continue to Mount Zion to visit the Room of the
Last Supper and King David's Tomb. We end our day with a visit to the Garden
Tomb where we have and oreientation beside Calvary and also where our Communion
service will be held.(mark 15 42:47) Enjoy a farewell dinner before being
transferred to the airport. (B) (D)
Day 10 New York, NY
Today our journey ends with good memories as we head home. Arrival the same
day.