Day 1 – Saturday, November 9: Depart U.S.A.

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

Day 2 – Sunday, November 10: 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 take a short drive to our hotel in Netanya for dinner and overnight beside the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. On the way (time permitting), we make a brief stop in Jaffa, the home of the Jonah and Peter’s stories (Jonah 1, Acts 9 & 10).

Day 3 – Monday, November 11: Caesarea, Megiddo, Precipice of Nazareth, Nazareth Village, 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 through the Carmel Range (1 Kings 18) to the archaeological site of Megiddo (1 Kings 9:15; Rev. 16:16). We continue driving through the Jezreel Valley to the precipice of Nazareth (Luke 1 and 4). Here we are introduced to the life and ministry of Jesus in this area. We end the day at the Nazareth Village to help us visualize the “small town Jewish culture” of the days of Jesus. Driving through Cana (John 2), we finally arrive at the outskirts of Tiberias (John 6:23) and arrive at our “kibbutz-hotel” located right on the Sea of Galilee shoreline. After dinner, we enjoy sitting together for a time of fellowship and worship.

Day 4 – Tuesday, November 12: Hippos, Yardenit/Jordan River Baptism, Kinneret Cemetery, Magdala, Chorazin, Trail Walk to Capernaum

We begin the day by driving into the Golan Heights. We drive to the other side of the lake to the remarkable site of Hippos (Sussita). This was one of the Decapolis cities. Among the impressive Roman ruins, we will also enjoy a spectacular view of the lake from this eastern side! We will consider the Mark 5 story here. At the southern end of the lake is the Lower Jordan River. At a place called Yardenit, you will have the opportunity to reaffirm your faith through baptism. This is an optional experience (with a fee of $15 for the rental of a gown and towel. You also get a certificate). Located at the southwest corner of the lake is the Kinneret Cemetery. Here will learn about the early Jewish settlers in the land and the life of a Ukrainian Jews named Rachel. From here, we drive to Magdala (north of Tiberias) to see another ancient synagogue that dates to the First Century. Mary “Magdalene” was from here (Luke 8). After lunch, we visit Chorazin. Located on this NW corner of the Sea of Galilee, this ancient city was one of the three cities condemned by Jesus (Matthew 11). We see the basaltic ruins and synagogue which dates to the 2nd-3rd centuries. As an optional experience, we will enjoy a walk on a new trail that connects Chorazin and Capernaum (our last stop of the day). This Jewish town was used as the home center of ministry for Jesus in the Galilee. Here, we read from the Gospels about the many things that took place here (Mark 1, 2 9; Luke 7, 8;  John 6) in the 4th-5th century synagogue. We return back to our hotel for dinner and a free evening.

Day 5 – Wednesday, November 13: Gamla, Qatzrin, Bental, Caesarea Philippi, Dan

We spend the day primarily in the Golan Heights today! Driving north around the lake our first stop is Gamla. This was a First Century Jewish city with a synagogue. It was a city taken by the Romans in 67 AD during the First Revolt. We will look down to the site from above. Near 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 (that happened at Capernaum) about the lame man being lowered down to Jesus through the roof. Driving along the northern border, we will stop and look into southern Syria from Bental, an old military outpost. Here we learn about the modern wars of Israel, primarily the 1967 and 1973 wars with Syria. Next, we drive past Mt. Hermon (Psalm 133) and descend the Golan Heights and visit Caesarea Philippi. It was here Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Mt. 16). Nearby is the amazing nature preserve and archaeological site of Dan, one of the sources of the Jordan River. We walk through this quiet national park 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. We’ll enjoy dinner and a time of reflection on the shoreline of the lake.

Day 6 – Thursday, November 14. Optional Sunrise Hike to “Hill 713,” Arbel,  Mt. of Beatitudes, Ancient Boat, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride

We begin the day with an optional pre-dawn hike to “Hill 713.” It is located in the Upper Galilee. We return to the hotel for a later breakfast. Following breakfast we see the 1st century wooden boat discovered in 1986 held in the museum on the grounds of our hotel. We will then enjoy our own boat ride on the lake. Next is Arbel, a mountain on the NW corner of the Sea of Galilee. An option will be given 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 on top is the best there is of the whole Sea of Galilee! We will take some time to reflect upon Matthew 5-7 here. Following a late lunch, we will visit the Mt. Of Beatitudes. We reflect more upon the kingdom principles of Matthew 5-7 here. We return to our hotel for dinner and a free evening in preparation for driving south tomorrow.

Day 7 – Friday, November 15: 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. After checking into our hotel, you will have the opportunity to “float” in the Dead Sea before dinner. We overnight here for one night.

Day 8 – Saturday, November 16: Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran, Wilderness of Judah, Jerusalem

Following breakfast (and if you want a sunrise “float” in the Dead Sea), 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, and we enjoy a walk to some of the waterfalls in the canyon. 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), you will have the opportunity to explore the cliff area above the site where the aqueduct begins. In 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 and dinner, there is an optional walk to the Western Wall. You won’t want to miss this experience!

Day 9 – Sunday, November 17: Mt. of Olives, Old City, Pool of Bethesda, Holy Sepulcher Church, Shephelah: Azekah, Beth Shemesh, Gezer

We get our first glimpse of Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives, beholding a breathtaking panorama of the Holy City. We walk down the “Palm Sunday” route to the Garden of Gethsemane. Next, we enter the Old City of Jerusalem through the Lion’s Gate (St. Stephens) and visit the Pools of Bethesda (John 5). We also enjoy some marvelous singing in St. Anne’s church from the Crusader period. Our walk through the Old City will take us to the Christian Quarter and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We will eat lunch nearby (not included) In the afternoon, we drive west to the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah. We begin by visiting Azekah and see where David fought Goliath (1 Samuel 17). As we listen to the story, we see how this famous battle took place in the Elah Valley below. From here, we drive to Beth Shemesh and the Sorek Valley. It was here where the Ark of the Covenant was returned by the Philistines (1 Samuel 6). If time permits, we end the day at Gezer and the Aijalon Valley. Here we see ruins from Solomon’s day and beyond. The famous “Gezer calendar” was found here. We drive back to Jerusalem for dinner and another optional walk.

Day 10 – Monday, November 18: Judean Desert – Wadi Qelt Hike, Israel Museum, Yad Vashem, Jerusalem

We begin the day early departure with a drive eastward to the Judean Desert. First, we will drive to a panoramic view of the Wadi Qelt. Then, we will enjoy an optional hike deep into the canyon of the desert. Many of the psalms were written within the context of this barren place (Psalm 23, 63). An option will be given to walk on the canyon trail below all the way to Herodian Jericho. Those not wanting to hike will drive to Jericho on a scenic road. We return to west Jerusalem with a visit 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. Close by is Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum. We see the Children’s Memorial and walk through the museum on our own. We drive back to our hotel for dinner and a free evening.

Day 11 – Tuesday, November 19: City of David, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Southern Wall Excavations, Western Wall, Free time, Garden Tomb

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 through an exposed Herodian drainage channel that takes us to “Robinson’s Arch” and the southern wall excavations. We walk on a Roman street and ascend the Temple steps. We eat lunch in the Jewish Quarter (not included) and enjoy a few hours of free time. Our day ends at the Garden Tomb for Communion, and we return to our hotel for a Farewell Dinner. Then we transfer to the airport for our return flight home. (Passengers with Jordan extension return to the hotel for overnight)

Day 12 – Wednesday, November 20: Arrive Home

We arrive back in the U.S.A. After going through U.S. Customs, we board our domestic flight at the end of a life transforming trip!

OPTIONAL JORDAN EXTENSION

$1477.00 PER PERSON Price is based on minimum of 15 travelers for price to be valid (Includes: Visa & Border taxes of $81 & Gratuities of $65)

Day 12 – Wednesday, November 20: Allenby Bridge, Mt. Nebo, Machearus, Petra

We begin the day by driving south to the Jordan Valley where we make the crossing from Israel to Jordan across the Allenby Bridge. After border formalities, we meet our Jordanian guide and bus and drive to Mt. Nebo to stand where Moses stood and viewed the Holy Land (Deut. 34). Here you can take in a breathtaking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. We continue to Machaerus, one of Herod’s palace-fortresses. It was here where John the Baptist was beheaded (Mark 6). In the late afternoon, we drive south down the Desert Highway to Petra, where we spend the night. We arrive at our hotel and enjoy a late dinner together.

Day 13 – Thursday, November 21: Petra, Wadi Rum

We arrive this morning at the entrance of Petra and spend most of the day within this red-rose ancient city. We are in the heart of the Seir Mountains, Land of Edomites, mentioned in the Bible in Genesis. These mountains house the Aaron Peak, the highest in Petra and the burial place of Moses’ brother Aaron. A walk through the Siq, the main entrance to Petra, brings us to the first monument “The Treasury” “Al-Khazneh” a dramatic site. This well-preserved monumental tomb appears in the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” A walk further down through the outer siq with all its tombs and burial chamber brings us to one of the largest theaters in Jordan. A 3000-seat theater from the early first century is carved in the sandstone mountains at the bottom of the High Place of Sacrifice Mountain. Apparently, some sacrificial rituals had taken place here. From here we walk uphill to the Royal Tombs for a great view of the lower part of Petra with all its Roman remains. There will be the option to walk to the “Monastery” of Petra and/or the High Place. Leaving the site of Petra in mid-afternoon, we drive south to Wadi Rum. Here we enjoy an amazing jeep ride in the desert. We then stay in Wadi Rum at Captain’s, a Bedouin Village. We enjoy dinner together and a devotional time under the stars. It will be a unique experience!

Day 14 – Friday, November 22: Southern Border Crossing into Israel, Red Sea, Timnah, Makhtesh Ramon, Tel Aviv

Following breakfast, we leave Wadi Rum and drive to the southern border to cross back into Israel. Greeted once again by our Israeli guide and bus, we make a brief stop to see the coral reefs of the Red Sea. We will have a chance to swim in these crystal-clear waters. From here, we drive north through the Aravah (Rift Valley) to Timnah. In ancient days, this was a copper mine of the Egyptians. We also walk through a full-size replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle. Continuing north, we drive back to the Tel Aviv area through the Makhtesh Ramon, Israel’s “Grand Canyon.” We also drive through the Desert of Zin (Numbers 13) where the 12 spies explored the land. We have dinner in the Tel Aviv then we transfer to the airport for our return flight home.

Day 15 – Saturday, November 23: Arrive Home

We arrive back in the U.S.A. After going through U.S. Customs, we board our domestic flight back to our homes at the end of a life transforming trip!