Day 1: Sunday, April 12 – Depart U.S.A.

We will meet for our flight, settling in with dinner and on-board entertainment as we begin our journey.

Day 2: Monday, April 13 – Tel Aviv, Netanya

Upon arrival in Tel Aviv, our local guide will greet us and assist with our transfer to our seaside hotel in Netanya. Dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by an optional walk on the beautiful Mediterranean beach.

Day 3: Tuesday, April 14 – Caesarea, Megiddo, Beth Shean, Nazareth, Tiberias

After a hearty breakfast, we will travel north along the coast to explore the ancient ruins of Caesarea, built by King Herod. We
will visit the historic theater, palace, and hippodrome. Journeying through the Carmel Range, we will visit Megiddo, the site of Armageddon, and then on to Beth Shean, a well-preserved Decapolis city. We will pass by Mt. Gilboa and the Hill of Moreh before heading to Nazareth’s precipice, where we will reflect on Jesus’ ministry. Our day will end in Tiberias at a hotel on the Sea of Galilee’s shore.

Day 4: Wednesday, April 15 – Hippos, Qatzrin, Syrian Border, Caesarea Philippi, Dan

Our day begins with a drive through the Golan Heights, stopping first at Hippos for stunning views of the Sea of Galilee. We will visit Qatzrin, a reconstructed Talmudic village, and then head to the Syrian border to learn about Israel’s modern conflicts. At Caesarea Philippi, we will recall Jesus asking, “Who do you say I am?” before visiting the nature preserve at Dan, an Old Testament city. We return to Tiberias for dinner.

Day 5: Thursday, April 16 – Optional Hike, Arbel, Yardenit, Magdala, Capernaum, Boat Ride

Early risers may join an optional hike in the Upper Galilee for panoramic views of Israel. After breakfast, we will visit Arbel, where a hike to the top offers the best views of the Sea of Galilee. We will continue to Yardenit for an optional Jordan River baptism, then visit Magdala and its first-century synagogue, where Jesus likely taught. In Capernaum, we will explore the home of Jesus’ ministry, and end the day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, enjoying a reflective worship service at dusk.

Day 6: Friday, April 17 – Jordan Northern Border Crossing, Jerash, Mt. Nebo, Machaerus, Medeba

Crossing into Jordan, we will visit Jerash, the best-preserved Roman provincial city. We will then travel to Mt. Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land, followed by a visit to Machaerus, the site of John the Baptist’s beheading. We will spend the night in Medeba.

Day 7: Saturday, April 18 – Petra

Today will be spent exploring Petra, the ancient red-rose city, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We will walk through the Siq to the Treasury, visit tombs, and explore the theater. Optional hikes to the Monastery or High Place will be available. Dinner and overnight in Petra.

Day 8: Sunday, April 19 – Return to Israel, Red Sea, Timnah, Dead Sea

Returning to Israel, we will visit the Red Sea, with an optional swim at Coral Beach. We will then drive to Timnah to see ancient copper mines and a replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle before heading north to the Dead Sea. After checking into our hotel, we can enjoy a float in this unique body of water.

Day 9: Monday, April 20 – Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran, Jericho, Wilderness of Judah

We will start our day at Masada, ascending the fortress by cable car to explore Herod’s palaces. Next, we will visit Ein Gedi, where David hid from Saul, and then on to Qumran, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls. After visiting Jericho, we will ascend to Jerusalem, stopping for a breathtaking view of the Judean Desert. Dinner and an optional walk to the Old City and Western Wall will follow.

Day 10: Tuesday, April 21 – Mt. of Olives, Pool of Bethesda, Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulcher, Herodium, Bethlehem

Our day begins with a panoramic view of Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives. We will walk down the Palm Sunday route to the Garden of Gethsemane, then enter the Old City to visit the Pool of Bethesda and walk the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. In the afternoon, we will visit Herodium and end the day in Bethlehem, visiting the Shepherd’s Field and shopping for olive wood.

Day 11: Wednesday, April 22 – Shiloh, Shephelah (Lowlands) of Judah: Gezer, Beth Shemesh, Socoh/Azekah

We will start by visiting Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stood for 300 years. We will then explore the ancient ruins of Gezer and Beth Shemesh before heading to Socoh/Azekah, where David fought Goliath. We will return to Jerusalem for dinner.

Day 12: Thursday, April 23 – Old City: Western Wall Tunnels, Jewish Quarter, Herodian Mansion, Israel Museum, Yad Vashem

Our day in the Old City begins with a visit to the Western Wall Tunnels, followed by a tour of the Jewish Quarter and Herodian Mansion. In the afternoon, we will visit the Israel Museum and Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum. Dinner and an optional walk will follow.

Day 13: Friday, April 24 – City of David, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Southern Wall Excavations, Free Afternoon, Garden Tomb

We will explore the City of David, with an optional walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel. After visiting the Southern Wall excavations, we will enjoy a free afternoon before ending the day with communion at the Garden Tomb and a farewell dinner.

Day 14: Saturday, April 25 – Return Home

We will arrive back in the U.S., completing our journey with memories to last a lifetime.

This is a wonderful combined trip. With Dr. DeLancey’s guiding experience, you will connect the land with the Bible at every site. You also see the entire length of the country of Israel, from north to south! There are many extra (and optional) walking/hiking options along the way too for the more active person.