9 Day Israel, A Journey for the Believer

Depart for Israel

Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to your hotel. This evening, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 7 PM, followed by a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5 PM on day 2 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Dinner

Begin your pilgrimage to the Holy Land with a drive northwards along the Plain of Sharon, the Mediterranean and old coastal road. The first stop will be the ruins of Caesarea Maritima, built by Herod and where Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, based his seat of government. This is also where Cornelius lived and was baptized (Acts 10); where Paul embarked to Tarsus (Acts 9.30) and where Phillip preached (Acts 8.40). Then travel north and ascend Mt. Carmel to view the Carmelite Monastery, the "Place of Sacrifice" where the Prophet Elijah had an encounter with the Priests of Baal (1 Kings 18:17-40). Admire panoramic views of the Jezreel Valley, also known as the Valley of Armageddon, viewing Megiddo, one of King Solomon's walled, fortified cities, with the ruins of 20 levels of civilization. Continue along the pastoral hills of Galilee to Mt. Precipice, to the town of Nazareth, the hill country of Galilee where Jesus grew to manhood (Matt. 2:23). Here, visit the Church of the Annunciation, before proceeding to your hotel for overnight Overnight: Galilee Region Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, visit Banias, one of the sources of the River Jordan and the site of ancient Caesarea Philippi, where Peter made his confession of faith in Christ (Matt.16.16). Continue on to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached His famous "Sermon on the Mount" (Matt 5). From here, travel to Capernaum, the town where Jesus chose His first disciples among the humble local fisherman. You will view the remains of Peter’s house and the synagogue site where Jesus taught and worshiped (Mark 1:21, Luke 4.31). The day continues with a lunch stop at St. Peter's Restaurant before you venture towards Tabgha, the sight of the multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes (John 6). At Ginosar, stop to see the famous "Jesus Boat", an archaeological treasure recovered from the waters of the Galilee, dating back to the first century. You will have the opportunity to take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, before driving back to your hotel for dinner Overnight: Galilee Region Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another spiritually enriching day begins at the headwaters of the Jordan River, the Yardenit, where Christian visitors come to renew their faith with a traditional Baptism. Continue southward to the remarkable ruins of Beit She’an, a city mentioned in the Bible, later a Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine city which was destroyed by an earthquake in 749 AD. It was here that the Philistines hung the bodies of Saul and his sons on the walls of Beit She’an (1 Sam 31:10-12). Walk through the incredible excavations of the largest ongoing archaeological dig in the land of Israel, with its amphitheater, colonnaded Roman streets, mosaics and Roman bathhouse. Proceed south toward Judea, through the lush Jordan Valley passing by the ancient city of Jericho. Arrive at the Holy City of Jerusalem for observation of the city from the Mount of Olives with its panoramic view of the entire Old City. Tracing the footsteps of Jesus, view part of the Palm Sunday route on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. End the day just outside the city walls with a visit to the Garden Tomb, first identified in 1849. A rock formation resembles a skull (Golgotha) and the site accords with the biblical data of the area where Jesus was buried. Arrive at the hotel in time for dinner Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Start the day by visiting Western Wall Tunnels, which stretch along the Western Wall of the Temple Mount. Visit the Pool of Bethesda and the Crusader Church of Saint Anne and walk under Ecce Homo Arch, built by Hadrian in 135 AD. Then retrace the steps of Jesus with a walk along the Via Dolorosa before reaching the final station of the Cross at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Enter the Jewish Quarter and the Cardo of the Old City. This afternoon, take a short drive to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, built over the cave of Christ's birth, as well as Shepherd's Field and the plains of Boaz. Finally, visit one of the famous Bethlehem gift shops before returning to the hotel Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin the day with a drive by the Knesset and the Big Menorah, symbols of the State of Israel. Next visit the Shrine of the Book at Israel Museum, where some of the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept. See the Model City, a 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. Continue to Yad Vashem, a museum built in memory of the 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis during World War II. This afternoon, continue to Mt. Zion to visit the House of Caiaphas the high priest, where Jesus was interrogated the night of His betrayal (Mark 14.53-65). You will also visit the King David Tomb and the Upper Room, the traditional location of the Last Supper Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, spend a full day at leisure in Jerusalem or join the optional tour where you will have the opportunity to visit Masada and the Dead Sea. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant Optional: Full Day Masada and Dead Sea Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast Due to local events and holidays, the order of sightseeing may be changed. Details to be provided locally by Tour Manager.