We begin the day by driving into the Golan Heights. Stopping on the northeast corner of the Sea of Galilee, we are able to see the area of Bethsaida (the home of Peter, Andrew, and Philip, see John 1) and the location where the Feeding of the 5,000 took place (John 6). Our next site is Gamla, a Jewish city that was taken by the Romans during the Revolt in the 60’s A.D. Here we hike down the trail to see a first century synagogue (one of seven that date to the first century), as well as the ruins of the city, called the “Masada of the north.” Close by is the site of Qatzrin, a partially reconstructed Talmudic village. We see what a typical village looked like during the days of Jesus. Sitting in a reconstructed stone house, we’ll read from Mark 2 about the lame man being lowered down to Jesus through the roof. Next, we drive through a few Druze villages to the base of Mt. Hermon (Psalm 133). Here, we will take the ski lift to the top and relish in the great view. We then either hike down the nature trail (time permitting) or ride the ski lift back down. Returning to our bus, we drive past Caesarea Philippi (where Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Mt. 16) to the amazing nature preserve and archaeological site of Dan. This is also where the largest of the sources of the Jordan River begins. We walk through this quiet national park and hear the stories that took place here (Judges 18, 1 Kings 12). We end the day by driving to the Upper Galilee and “Hill 713.” A 25- 30 minute walk leads us to one of the best views of the region of the Galilee! We’ll then drive back to our hotel in Tiberias. After a late dinner, we enjoy a free night.

Day 5 – Monday, June 10: Arbel, Yardenit, Magdala, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride, Mt. of Beatitudes

We begin the day by visiting Arbel, a mountain on the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee. We will have the 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 the top is the best there is of the whole Sea of Galilee below! Driving south to the southern end of the Sea of Galilee, we arrive at Yardenit. You will have the opportunity to reaffirm your baptism in the waters of the Jordan River. From here we drive to back to the NW corner of the lake to Magdala, the home of Mary Magdalene. Here we will see another 1st century synagogue. Jesus must have taught from here! Among the other ruins are ritual baths. After lunch (not included) we see Capernaum, the home center of ministry for Jesus here in Galilee. Here we read about the many stories related to the ministry of Jesus in the 4th-5th century synagogue. We also spend some reflection time on the shoreline. It was in this area where Jesus called His first disciples. Next, we drive to the Mt. of Beatitudes where we hear the words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 5. Time permitting, we enjoy a reflective walk down to the shoreline. We end the day visiting Nof Ginnosar where a 2,000 year-old boat was discovered in 1986. From here we board our own boat for a time of worship and reflection out on the water. We return to our hotel for a late dinner and another free evening.

Day 6 – Tuesday, June 11: Jericho, Qumran, Wadi Qelt, Mt. of Olives, Quiet Reflection, Western Wall (Shavuot Eve)

We begin the day by driving south in the Jordan Valley all the way to Jericho. Here 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). Next, we drive to Qumran and the settlement of the first century sect known as the Essenes, the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls. You will have the opportunity to explore the cliff area where some of the first Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. On the way, we will make a stop overlooking the Wadi Qelt. This is the heart of the Judean Desert. We will hike to the stand-alone hill (optional) where we will hear the words of Isaiah 40 and Psalm 23. In the mid-afternoon, we drive to Jerusalem. As we drive to Jerusalem, we will make a brief stop on the Mt. of Olives for a spectacular view of the Old City. Last, we stop for quiet reflection on the slopes of Mt. Scopus to consider the Garden of Gethsemane event in the life of Jesus. We check in to our hotel and then walk into the Jewish Quarter after dinner and continue on to the Western Wall.

Day 7 – Wednesday, June 12: Masada, Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea (Shavuot)

This morning we depart Jerusalem and drive to Masada. Once we arrive we will take the cable car to the top. Masada was one of the “palace-fortresses” built by King Herod. We survey the ruins of the fortifications, waterworks, synagogue, temples and palaces. From here we proceed to Ein Gedi, where David hid from King Saul. As we continue, we enjoy a walk to some of the waterfalls in the canyon. Getting wet will be refreshing! To end the day, you will have the chance to float in the sea’s unique salt and mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea! We then drive west towards Jerusalem. We return to our hotel for overnight.

Day 8 – Thursday, June 13: City of David, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Southern Wall Excavations, Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum & Memorial

We begin the day by visiting the City of David and the new excavations of David’s palace. Those who want will take an optional adventurous walk through the water of Hezekiah’s Tunnel (1,720 feet long). Be sure to bring a flashlight and water shoes to walk through the tunnel. We then sit on the steps of the Siloam Pool and listen to the story of John 9. From here, we walk up through an exposed Herodian drainage channel that takes us to “Robinson’s Arch” and the southern wall excavations. From here we grab a quick bite for lunch in the Jewish Quarter. We then drive to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum and Memorial. We drive either to get dropped off back at the hotel or at Ben Yehuda Street and walk back to the hotel. Dinner is on your own either at Ben Yehuda or near the hotel.

Day 9 – Friday, June 14: Wadi Qelt, Free Afternoon in Jerusalem, Old City

Hike in the Wadi Qelt to the St. George Monastery, Free afternoon in Jerusalem Today we will drive back to the Judean Desert and enjoy a hike down into the Wadi Qelt. This exhilarating hike will take us down to the St. George monastery. We will hike the trail that overlooks Jericho. We return to Jerusalem for a free afternoon in the Old City. We grab dinner on our own before returning to our hotel for overnight.

Day 10 – Saturday, June 15: Garden Tomb, Israel Museum, Old City, Rampart Walk, Free Time

We begin the day with a worship and communion service at the Garden Tomb. This is an alternative site for the crucifixion and burial location of Jesus. We then drive to the Israel Museum to see a 1:50scale model of Jerusalem and the archaeological wing of the museum. In the afternoon we drive into the Old City where we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Next, we will enjoy the ramparts, as we walk on top of the walls of the Old City built in 16th century AD. We enjoy some free time and dinner on our own before returning back to the hotel. (Note: some may have a late night flight home and will need to get to the airport).

Day 11 – Sunday, June 16: Arrive Home

Today we catch our flights back to the States. After going through U.S. Customs, we board our domestic flight back home.