Day 1 – Wednesday, July 28: Depart U.S.A.

Tour members meet for our flight. After dinner is served, sit back, relax, and enjoy the on-board entertainment as we prepare for this exciting adventure of a lifetime.

Day 2 – Thursday, July 29: Tel Aviv, Netanya

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, we meet our local Israeli representative who assists us with baggage and transfers us to our motor coach. We arrive in Netanya at our hotel for dinner. Following dinner, you will have the opportunity to take a stroll on the beautiful shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 3 – Friday, July 30: Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Megiddo, Sepphoris, Precipice of Nazareth, Tiberias

After an abundant breakfast buffet, we journey north along the coast to Caesarea, built 2000 years ago by King Herod. We walk through the ancient theater, the Crusader city and the fantastic aqueduct that served as a backdrop for the book of Acts. From here we drive northeast to the Carmel Range. We will enjoy our first view of the Jezreel Valley from here. We will read 1 Kings 18 about Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal here. Next, we descend to the Jezreel Valley and to the archaeological site of Megiddo (1 Kings 9:15). We will see impressive Canaanite and Israelite walls, gates, and a water system. From here we drive a few miles to the north of Nazareth to Sepphoris. This was the most prominent Jewish city in the Lower Galilee in the days of Jesus. We’ll see impressive mosaics here plus a great view of the Beit Netofa Valley (and Cana in the distance). We end the day by visiting the Precipice of Nazareth (Luke 1,4). Here we will enjoy another view the Jezreel Valley (and the Hill of Moreh and Mt, Tabor). We will also introduce the life and ministry of Jesus as we listen to him teaching in His hometown synagogue (Luke 4). We drive to Tiberias and to our hotel for the next three nights. Following dinner, we will enjoy a brief “orientation” on the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee.

Day 4 – Saturday, July 31: Gamla, Syrian Border, Mt. Hermon Gondola Ride to Top, Caesarea Philippi, Dan

We begin the day by driving into the Golan Heights. We drive around the north end of the lake to get to the eastern side and our first stop, To the north on the plateau of the Golan Heights is the site of Gamla. This was a first century Jewish city that was the first to be attacked by the Romans in 66-67 AD. There will be an opportunity for those who want to hike down (and back up) to the first century synagogue (only one of 7 or 8). Driving along the northern border, we will stop and look into southern Syria. Here we will learn about the modern wars of Israel, primarily the 1967 and 1973 wars with Syria. Next, we drive to Mt. Hermon (Psalm 133) and to there ski resort. We will all take the gondola up to the top. An option will be offered to hike down the rugged and rocky trail back to the bus. Others will descend back down on the gondola. From here we drive west of the slopes of the Golan Heights and visit Caesarea Philippi. It was here where Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Matt. 16). Nearby is the amazing nature preserve and archaeological site of Dan. This is one of the sources of the Jordan River. We walk through this quiet national park impressive Old Testament city and hear the stories of disobedience that took place here (Judges 18, 1 Kings 12). We end the day by driving back through the Huleh Valley to our hotel in Tiberias. After dinner, we meet to review the day.

Day 5 – Sunday, August 1: Arbel, Yardenit, Magdala, Capernaum, Boat Ride

We begin the day driving a short distance to the trailhead of Arbel, a mountain on the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee. We have another option to hike to the top of this 800-foot cliff (the bus will take others to the top from the other side). The view from here is the best there is of the whole Sea of Galilee below! Next, we travel to the southern end of the Sea of Galilee and enjoy optional baptism in the Jordan River at Yardenit. Next, we drive north to visit ancient Magdala. There is a 1st century synagogue here where, no doubt, Jesus taught! We continue to Capernaum, the home center of ministry for Jesus here in Galilee. Here we read from Mark 1 and 2, Luke 7, and John 6 in the 5th century synagogue. We will read Matthew 4 and Mark 9 by the shoreline. We end the day with seeing the “Jesus boat” from the first century. It is displayed at Nof Ginnosar. This was a wooden vessel found here along the shores of Galilee in 1986. We then enjoy our own boat ride on the Sea of Galilee at dusk. This includes reflective and peaceful worship service. We return to our hotel for dinner.

Day 6 – Monday, August 2: Optional Sunrise Hike in the Upper Galilee (“Hill 713”), Hippos, Solar Eclipse Watch, Khirbet Cana

We begin the day with an optional pre-dawn hike to the Upper Galilee and “Hill 713.” We will be able to see the entire width of Israel from here. We return for a breakfast. At 9 a.m., we drive to Hippos/Sussita (on the SE corner of the lake). This was a Decapolis city that had a commanding view of the Sea of Galilee. There are no less than five-six ancient churches built here in the Byzantine Period. We will read the story from Mark 5 here. From here (or from Peace Vista or En Gev), we will then spend time together watching the unique Solar Eclipse (It starts at 11:38 a.m. and ends at 2:22 p.m.). In the afternoon, there will be an optional drive to the real biblical Cana / “Khirbet Cana” (those not wanting to do so will be taken back to the hotel). It is located in the Lower Galilee. Jesus was here at least twice (John 2 and 4). We drive back to the hotel for dinner and our last overnight here in Tiberias.

Day 7 – Tuesday, August 3: Beth Shean, Shiloh, Jericho, Dead Sea

We begin the day by driving south to the Jordan Valley to the site of Beth Shean (1 Sam. 31), an impressive Roman city of the Decapolis. Driving south along the Jordan Valley and then turning west into the area of Samaria, we visit the rather new excavations of Shiloh. This is where the Tabernacle once stood. Here we see impressive archaeological ruins dating to the days of Samuel. Driving past Bethel (Gen. 12, 28) and through the Desert of Pareth (Jeremiah 13), our next stop is Jericho. After a late lunch here (not included), we climb the tel (ancient mound) to see portions of the fortification wall that supported the mud-brick walls that “came tumblin’ down” (Joshua 6). From here we drive to the southern end of the Dead Sea to our hotel. After checking in, we will have the opportunity to “float” in the Dead Sea either before dinner or early tomorrow morning before breakfast. Dinner and overnight along the Dead Sea.

Day 8 – Wednesday, August 4: Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran, Wilderness of Judah, Jerusalem

Following breakfast this morning, we begin our drive northward along the western coastline of the Dead Sea to Masada. Here we ascend high upon the wilderness mountain by way of cable car to the fortress built by King Herod. We survey the ruins of the fortifications, waterworks, synagogue, temples, and palaces. An optional walk down the Snake Path will be offered. Our next stop is Ein Gedi, where David hid from King Saul, where we’ll enjoy a walk to some of the waterfalls in the canyon. For those who don’t want to hike through the canyon, an option will be provided to see the Talmudic synagogue. Finally, we visit Qumran and the settlement of the first century sect known as the Essenes, the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Over the lunch hour (weather permitting), we will have the opportunity to explore the cliff area above the site where the aqueduct begins. En route to Jerusalem, we end the day with a brief stop at Wadi Qelt. Here we hear the words of Isaiah 40 and Psalm 23 in the context of the Judean Desert. From here we drive the rest of the way to Jerusalem for overnight. After checking into our hotel, we stop for dinner before an optional walk to the Western Wall. This is a once in a lifetime experience we don’t want to miss!

Day 9 – Thursday, August 5: Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Eastern Gate, Pools of Bethsaida, Herodium, Shepherd’s Fields, Bethlehem

We get our first glimpse of Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives, beholding a breath-taking panorama of the Holy City. We walk down the “Palm Sunday” route to the Garden of Gethsemane. We consider Jesus’ words, “Not my will, but yours be done” in a quiet olive tree orchard overlooking the eastern wall and gate of the Old City. We then walk to the Eastern Gate of the Old City and through the St. Stephen’s Gate (also called Lion’s Gate to the Pools of Bethsaida (John 5). We also enjoy some marvelous singing in St. Anne’s church from the Crusader period. Afterwards, we’ll then drive to Herodium, a palace-fortress built by Herod the Great. This site would serve as his burial place in 4 BC. We will see the remarkable “Reception Room” before the option climb to the top of this artificial mountain. We leave the site by descending through the impressive cistern system. We then drive to Beit Sahour for lunch (not included) before we visit to the Shepherd’s Fields. We will descend into a cave to reflect upon the words of Micah the prophet and the birth narrative of Luke 2. We will also sing carols in the Chapel of the Shepherds. To end the day, we drive to Bethlehem where we’ll visit an olive wood factory and store owned by a local Arab family. We drive back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 10 – Friday, August 6: Yad Vashem, Israel Museum, Shephelah: Gezer, Beth Shemesh, Socoh, Jerusalem

We begin the day once again by driving to the western part of Jerusalem, this time to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum. Here we will hear some of the stories of the Holocaust as well as see the Children’s Memorial. We will then walk through the museum on our own. Next, we drive to the fascinating Israel Museum. We will see a 1:50 scale model of Herodian Jerusalem as it would have appeared in Jesus’ time. We will also walk through the Shrine of the Book to see some of the Dead Sea scrolls. Lastly, we will also explore some of the artifacts in the archaeological museum. In the afternoon, we drive west to the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah. We begin by visiting Tel Gezer and the Aijalon Valley. Here we see ruins from Solomon’s day, where the famous “Gezer calendar” was found. From here, we drive south to the Sorek Valley and to the site of Beth Shemesh. It was here where the Ark of the Covenant was returned by the Philistines (1 Samuel 6). Samson was also from this area. Finally, we drive further south to the Elah Valley and the site of Socoh. We will read from 1 Samuel 17 and see the actual battlefield where David fought Goliath. We drive back to Jerusalem for dinner, overnight, and another optional walk.

Day 11 – Saturday, August 7: City of David, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Southern Wall Excavations, Western Wall, Jewish Quarter, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Garden Tomb, Flight Home (depending on airline schedule)

We begin the day by visiting the City of David and the new excavations of David’s palace. You will have the option to experience an adventurous walk through the waters of Hezekiah’s Tunnel (1,720 feet long). We then sit on the steps of the Siloam Pool and listen to the story of John 9. From here, we walk up the Pilgrim Road that takes us to “Robinson’s Arch” and the southern wall excavations. We walk on a Roman street and ascend the Temple steps. Close by is the Western Wall. We will take some time to see the massive stones placed here as well as to pray before walking to the Jewish Quarter. Here we will enjoy a conversation with a good friend named Moshe, an Orthodox Jew. We will hear him share about his Jewish faith and customs. Within the Christian Quarter of the Old City is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This church built in 325 AD preserves the most likely location for the crucifixion and burial site of Jesus. To end the day, we visit the Garden Tomb. Located just outside the northern walls of the Old City, this is an alternative suggested location for the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. We will enjoy a brief Worship & Communion service here. We return to our hotel for a Farewell Dinner. Depending on airlines schedules, we will either then transfer immediately following dinner to the Ben Gurion airport for our night flight home, or enjoy one last overnight in Jerusalem before flying home tomorrow.

Day 12 – Sunday, August 8: Transfer to Airport, Flight Home (or Optional Archaeological Dig)

Depending upon airlines schedules, we will transfer in the morning to Ben Gurion Airport for our return flight back to the U.S.A.

Day 12 – Sunday, August 8 – Saturday, August 14: Optional Week-Long Archaeological Dig

Cost: Approximately $1,000 – $1,200, depending on the site.

Arrangements will be made on your own with the help of Dr. John. If you have interest in the dig, please contact Dr. John. The cost includes dig fees, room and board, and transportation to the site and to the airport. The total cost of this unique dig experience will depend on the site that is chosen. Payment will be through the dig team and Dr. John. The dig (again, depending on the site), will most likely be from Monday – Friday, with the flight home either Friday night or Saturday morning (depending on the airline schedule).