Itinerary

DAY 1 – TUES. – DEPARTURE FROM THE USA.

DAY 2 – WED – ARRIVAL IN TEL AVIV, ISRAEL.
Upon arrival at the airport, you are met, assisted and transferred to your hotel in Tel Aviv for dinner and overnight.  Enroute visit the restored ancient port of JAFFA (JOPPA) from where Jonah sailed and where Peter had his house-top experience in the home of Simon the Tanner. (D)

DAY 3 - THURSDAY - TEL AVIV -  GALILEE
Your first full day touring begins with a drive along the coastal highway northward to CAESAREA, capital of the Roman Procurators of Judea. Visit the remains of the ancient AQUEDUCT, THEATRE and the CRUSADERS' MOAT. Visit HEROD’S PALACE and HIPPODROME. Then travel into the edges of the Carmel Mountain range to reach MEGIDDO where EXCAVATIONS have unearthed twenty layers of civilization, most likely the site of Armageddon of the Book of Revelation. Continue to MUHRAKA where Elijah defeated the priests of Ba'al and then proceed to HAIFA, ascending to the top of MOUNT CARMEL, "home" to the Prophets Elijah and Elisha, to enjoy the panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. (B,D)

DAY 4 – FRIDAY -  GALILEE
Drive to CAPERNAUM, TABGHA and the MOUNT OF BEATITUDES. Visit KORAZIM and the ancient JEWISH SYNAGOGUE. Then continue through the GOLAN HEIGHTS to reach DAN, the northernmost limit of Jesus' travels and to BANIAS (ancient Caesarea Philippi) at the foot of MOUNT HERMON. At Banias, a holy place where Jesus won a ringing profession of faith from Peter, find the source of the JORDAN RIVER. Descend through the Golan back to the eastern shores of the Sea of Galilee to reach KIBBUTZ EN GEV where you can enjoy the beauty of the area. Stop at the beautiful BAPTISMAL SITE which has been constructed where the Jordan flows from the lake. Drive along the shoreline to TIBERIAS, a therapeutic spa dating from Roman times. Spend some time walking along the beautiful SEA OF GALILEE promenade. Board a boat to travel on the SEA OF GALILEE to  KIBBUTZ NOF GINOSAR where you will see a recently discovered fishing vessel dating from the time of Jesus.  Take part in the GALILEE EXPERIENCE. Visit the NAOT SHOE FACTORY. Return to Tiberias for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 5 – SATURDAY - GALILEE
Before leaving the Galilee your travels will take you to CANA, where Jesus blessed the marriage feast, and NAZARETH, boyhood home of Jesus. Visit NAZARETH VILLAGE. Continue to SEPPHORIS, the 1st century capital of the Galilee. Visit KYRIAT SHAMON. Back to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure (B,D)

DAY 6 – SUNDAY – GALILEE - JERUSALEM
Drive through the JEZREEL VALLEY to reach BET SHEAN, an ancient city dating from at least the time of King Saul, to view the beautiful MOSAICS, the remains of a ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE and the ongoing EXCAVATIONS of this DECAPOLIS capital, SCYTHOPOLIS. Stop at GIDEON’S SPRING. Situation permitting. Continue through the RIFT (JORDAN) VALLEY to reach JERICHO, the oldest known city in the Western World. From the excavated "tel," view the lush, green Jordan Valley, ELISHA'S FOUNTAIN and QARANTAL, the MOUNT OF TEMPTATION. Stop at MOUNT GILBOA. Begin your ascent to the golden city of JERUSALEM by driving through the JUDEAN WILDERNESS, passing the lunar-like landscapes of WADI QELT. Upon arrival in Jerusalem, enjoy your first dramatic view of the GOLDEN CITY when you stop at the HAAS PROMENADE. Visit ST STEPHEN’S MONASTERY. Transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 7 – MONDAY - JERUSALEM.
Descend this morning through the JUDEAN WILDERNESS and below sea level to reach the shores of the DEAD SEA, the lowest spot on Earth. Stop at the GOOD SAMARITAN INN enroute. Travel along the water's edge to reach MASADA, King Herod the Great's fortress/palace built in the midst of desert. Ascend by CABLE CAR to the summit to view the exquisitely- restored archeological remains of the palace complex. Learn the story of the Jewish zealots who committed suicide atop Masada in 73 A.D. rather than becoming slaves to their Roman conquerors. Continue to KIBBUTZ EIN GEDI where you may personally sample the unique buoyancy of the highly therapeutic DEAD SEA WATERS and/or enjoy a climb into the kibbutz's majestic NATURE PRESERVE. Stop at AHAVA FACTORY (better for Dead Sea waters. Enroute back to Jerusalem, view QUMRAN, the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. (B,D)

DAY 8 – TUESDAY – JERUSALEM.
Begin this special Sunday attending the WORSHIP SERVICE at the GARDEN TOMB. Then visit MOUNT ZION to see the UPPER ROOM, the TOMB of KING DAVID and the CHURCH OF PETER IN GALLICANTU (Caiaphas' House). Tour the MODEL CITY which explains "the look" of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus.  At the SHRINE OF THE BOOK, located on the grounds of the Israel Museum, see the original manuscripts of the DEAD SEA SCROLLS and visit the ISRAEL MUSEUM. Visit YAD VASHEM, Israel's memorial to the Holocaust, spending time touring the complex and walking along the AVENUE OF THE RIGHTEOUS, where trees have been planted to commemorate the many Christians who helped save lives of Jews during World War II. After dinner in the hotel, drive around the ILLUMINED WALLS. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B,D)

DAY 9 - WEDNESDAY – JERUSALEM.
Today's very special program begins with your ascent to the top of the MOUNT of OLIVES. Visit the CAVE OF THE MOUNT OF OLIVES. Visit the SOUTHERN STEP EXCAVATION AREA. Visit the GARDEN of GETHSEMANE. Cross the KIDRON VALLEY, passing the tombs of ABSALOM, ZECHARIAH and ST. JAMES. Enter the OLD CITY through the Zion Gate passing the Armenian Quarter. Visit the restored JEWISH QUARTER. Walk along the excavated CARDO, the ancient main street of Jerusalem, which dates from the time of Jesus. View the remains of NEHEMIAH'S WALLS and then descend to the area of the TEMPLE MOUNT. View the remaining WESTERN WALL. Visit the WESTERN WALL TUNNELS. Continue to the Crusader CHURCH of ST. ANNE. See the POOL of BETHESDA, PILATE'S JUDGMENT HALL and the LITHOSTROTOS. See the ARCH of ECCE HOMO (Behold the Man) and then follow the VIA DOLOROSA to the CHURCH of the HOLY SEPULCHRE. End this very rewarding day with a Communion service at the GARDEN TOMB before returning to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 10 - THURSDAY – JERUSALEM.
Full day at leisure. Return to the Old City for last minute shopping, or go back to some of the sights that you want to see once more before your departure from this very special city. FAREWELL DINNER followed by a late transfer to the Ben Gurion International Airport. (B,D)

DAY 11 – FRIDAY - EN ROUTE BACK TO USA.
After midnight or early morning board your departing flight.