Your journey begins when you depart the USA on your overnight international flight.

Welcome to the Holy Land! Upon arrival at the Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your Tiberias hotel for dinner & a good night’s rest.

Start your day at the recent excavations of Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. At Kibbutz Nof Ginosar, see the ancient boat, a fishing vessel from the time of Jesus, which was raised from the bottom of the Sea of Galilee. Set sail across the Sea of Galilee for a special time of worship on the water. Explore Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee, including the ruins of the synagogue built over the one in which Jesus taught. Visit the ruins of Beit Shean, a city that was continuously inhabited for 5000 years and was one of the Roman cities Jesus passed on his way from Galilee to Jerusalem. Finally, gather at the River Jordan, where you can remember or renew your baptism.

This morning, walk the streets of Chorazim, listed as a “city of woe” by Jesus (Matt. 11). Travel north to Tel Dan, one of ancient Israel’s boundary markers - “From Dan to Beersheba.” Close by is Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus traveled with His disciples and where nearby Peter made his great confession to Jesus, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Drive on the slope of Mount Hermon to Nimrod’s Fortress. It was in this area that many believe the transfiguration took place. Travel through the Golan Heights and better understand their strategic importance to the security of Israel. Gamla is considered the Masada of the north, a city that succumbed to the Roman army as they made their way to Jerusalem. Also in this area are the mysterious Dolmens, stone monuments presumed to be grave site markers that date back to the time of Abraham.

Bid the Galilee farewell and head west to Mount Precipice overlooking Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus. Stand on Mount Carmel, where Elijah defeated the prophets of Ba’al. Follow the ancient caravan route to Tel Megiddo, an exciting archeological dig with its layers of twenty different cities built on top of each other, overlooking the Plains of Armageddon. Arrive at the coastal port city Caesarea Maritima, where Cornelius became the first gentile convert and where Paul was imprisoned before being sent to Rome for trial. Continue to Jerusalem and check into your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Travel south to Masada, the spectacular mountaintop fortress of Herod the Great, famous as the final stronghold of the Jewish Rebellion. Take the cable car to the top and peer down at the Roman Camps and siege ramp below. At Qumran, learn about the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the mysterious Essenes community that once lived there. At the oasis of Ein Gedi, recall how David sought refuge from Saul. Finally, take the opportunity to float in the renowned salt and mineral-laden waters of the Dead Sea.

Start your day atop the Mount of Olives, where you can take in a breathtaking view of the “Golden City” of Jerusalem. It was from this mountain that Jesus ascended to Heaven 40 days after the resurrection. Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane among the olive trees as Jesus did the night He was betrayed with a kiss. On Mount Zion, visit the traditional site of King David’s Tomb and the nearby Upper Room. Also, enter the House of the High Priest Caiaphas, where it is believed Jesus was imprisoned prior to the crucifixion. This afternoon, go to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, and look out over Shepherds’ Field, where the angels proclaimed “good tidings of great joy!”.

Pray alongside the Jewish faithful at the Western Wall. Take a step back in time in the Rabbi’s Tunnel, where stonework dates from the Second Temple Period. Visit the Southern Wall Excavations, including the Teaching Steps, some of which remain from the time of Christ. At the Temple Institute, learn about the Jewish temple and see replicas of the instruments used for worship and sacrifice. Walk through the City of David excavations, including Hezekiah’s Tunnel, an amazing engineering feat that was dug from both ends to meet in the middle. Peer down Warren’s Shaft, thought to have served as a freshwater drawing point for the city and could have been how Joab entered the city and opened it to David’s forces.

Explore the Old City of Jerusalem, including the Cardo, where ancient and modern are mingled together. See the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath. Visit the Lithostrotos at the Convent of the Sisters of Zion. This area of pavement constructed with large slabs is associated with the condemnation of Jesus by Pilate. The pavement also has a Roman “King’s Game” board carved into it to use for a dice game that recalls the casting of lots for Jesus’ clothing after His crucifixion. Finally, gather at the Garden Tomb to share communion as you reflect on the agony of the crucifixion & the glory of the resurrection!

Return home with a transformed faith and memories to last a lifetime!