Holy Land Featuring Israel & Petra, Jordan

DAY 1 – Fly to Tel Aviv, Israel

DAY 2 – Tel Aviv
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, we are met by our tour leader and coach driver. We then drive to Jaffa the ancient seaport from which the Prophet Jonah fled from God (Jonah 1:2) and the city where Peter stayed with Simon the Tanner and restored Tabitha (Dorcas) to life (Acts 9:36-43).  Afterwards we transfer to our hotel for check-in, dinner, group meeting and a good night’s sleep. Tal Hotel or similar, Tel Aviv (B,D)

DAY 3 – Galilee
This morning we visit Caesarea to explore this Roman bridgehead to the East, which became the Christian springboard to the West.  It was here that Cornelius the Centurion and his household were saved and baptized (Acts 10). It was also here that Paul made his defense before Festus and King Agrippa prior to his final journey to Rome (Acts 25 & 26). Then we continue on to the city of Haifa and ascend Mt. Carmel, site of Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal (I Kings 18). We then drive to the mound of Megiddo, Har Megiddo in Hebrew, which gave its name to Armageddon (Rev 16:16). After surveying the Plain of Jezreel, we proceed to Nazareth, to visit part of the ancient village and to see the Church of the Annunciation.  We view Mount Tabor where Barak awaited Sisera (Judges 4) and which many believe to be the site of the Transfiguration (Mt. 17). We go on to Cana, commemorating Jesus’ transformation of water into wine (John 2). For those who would like they may renew their vows. We end the day in Tiberias our home for the next two nights. Royal Plaza or similar, Tiberias (B,D)

DAY 4 – Galilee
Our morning begins after a breakfast buffet. We travel north into the Golan Heights area where we discover the Road to Damascus (Acts 9) and view Mount Herman at Caesarea Philippi, where Peter confessed “You are the Christ” (Mt. 16:13-20). We enter the 2,000 year old remains of Capernaum (Lk. 4:31-37) and stand in what is left of the synagogue in which our Lord ministered and see Peter’s house. Continuing on, we drive around the Sea of Galilee, passing the area of Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene. Then we visit the traditional site on the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached His Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7); Tabgha, commemorating the feeding of the 5,000 (Lk. 9); Mensa Christi, where the Lord appeared to the disciples after the resurrection (Jn. 21); and the country of the Gadarenes (Matt. 8:28-34). Our day ends with a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee and the stop to see the 2000 year old Jesus boat. Royal Plaza or similar, Tiberias (B,L,D)

DAY 5 – Dead Sea
After breakfast we stop at the Jordan River for a time of spiritual blessing and an opportunity for baptismal remembrance.  Then we journey south to Jerusalem, as our motor coach takes us through the Jordan Valley. Our first stop is to visit the tel of Bet Shean, where the bodies of King Saul and his sons hung from the city gates (I Sam. 31). We spend some time at the luxurious Roman city of Bet Shean.  We follow the fertile Jordan Valley southward, our guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey,” the Kibbutz system and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho, the ancient Canaanite city destroyed by the power of God (Josh. 5-6). It is the oldest known inhabited city in the world, before coming to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, where Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan as well as the area where the children of Israel led by Joshua entered the Promised land. Our day ends at the Dead Sea – the lowest place on earth. We have an opportunity to spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before dinner. Ganim Hotel or similar, Dead Sea (B,D)

DAY 6 – Jerusalem
Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada, the spectacular mountaintop fortress built by Herod, which is famous for being the last stronghold of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans. We will learn what freedom meant to the Jewish who fled there Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, “Spring of the Goat,” an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next, we visit Qumran, the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and the tel of ancient Essene community. This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham’s Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time: a reliving of life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, and authentic food. Ramada Hotel or similar, Jerusalem (B,D)

DAY 7 – Jerusalem
After breakfast, our first stop is the Pater Noster Church the traditional site where Jesus taught his disciples the Lord’s Prayer (Lk. 11).  Next, we visit the Mount of Olives (Lk. 19:28-40 & II Sam. 15:30-36). We see olive trees that date back to the time of Christ, the Site of the Ascension (Acts 1) and take time to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt. 26:36-56).  Then we proceed to Mount Zion on the south side of Jerusalem, King David’s city. We see the Upper Room (Lk. 22:7-38), view the traditional tomb of King David, and proceed to Caiaphas the High Priest’s house (Jn. 18), where we walk through some of the ancient rooms. Then we proceed through the Lion’s Gate (Stephan’s Gate) and walk part of the Via Dolorosa and visit Church of the Holy Sepulcher.  This evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel. Ramada Hotel or similar, Jerusalem (B,D)

DAY 8 – Jerusalem
This morning we see a part of Herod’s temple and pray at the Western Wall. We walk up onto the original temple mount platform where King Herod’s temple stood and visit the Dome of the Rock. We walk through the Old City, visiting the Pool of Bethesda (Jn. 5), and viewing the shops and the unique way of life that these ancient customs and lifestyles have maintained. We proceed to Pilate’s Judgment Hall in the Fortress of Antonia (Jn. 18:28—19:26). We see the games of the soldiers still etched in its stone floor, sense the agony of Christ’s crucifixion at Gordon’s Calvary (Lk. 23:50—24:12) and experience the exhilaration and reality of the resurrection at the Garden Tomb. Ramada Hotel or similar, Jerusalem (B,D)

DAY 9 – Jerusalem
Our morning begins with a visit to the Israel Museum where we see a scale model of Jerusalem and review what we have seen in this holy city and learn more about the Dead Sea scrolls.  Then we visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum.  We are reminded of a part of history never to be forgotten.  This afternoon we cross into Bethlehem (Lk. 2) and see the shepherd’s fields and Christmas Church. We enjoy lunch with Christian friends in Bethlehem before returning to Jerusalem. Ramada Hotel or similar, Jerusalem (B,L)

DAY 10 – Amman, Jordan
An early departure from our driver takes us to Sheikh Hussein Border. After completing passport formalities we enter the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. We travel to Jerash, one of the best preserved and most complete provincial Roman cities. Jerash, Gerasa of Roman Times, was one of the cities of the Decapolis, a confederation of 10 Graeco-Roman cities dating from the 1st century BC situated in Jordan, Syria and Israel. Along the colonnaded street we see the Temple of Zeus, the Forum, and Hadrian’s Arch.  We overnight in Amman. Imperial Palace Hotel or similar, Amman (B,D)

DAY 11 – Petra
We follow the King’s Highway through the land of the Moab.  We view to the east the hilltop fortress of Machaerus, the place where John the Baptist was beheaded to the amazing city of Petra.  We walk through the “Siq,” an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone, to the city of Petra. 2000 years ago the Nabateans carved a city out of the rose red rock and the Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh we are surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra’s carved and built structures. We overnight in Petra known to be inhabited by the Edomites – the descendents of Esau. Beit Zaman Hotel, Petra (B,D)

DAY 12 – Jerusalem area, Israel
Our first stop today is Mount Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Then we drive to the town of Madaba, the biblical Madaba. Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics and at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George.  As we travel north we view the Plains of Moab, the area where the tribes of Israel camped before crossing the Jordan and picture Bethany beyond the Jordan, the place where Jesus was baptized. We cross back into Israel and drive to Jerusalem area for dinner before driving to the airport. (B,D)

DAY 13 – Return
We depart Tel Aviv Airport early on our flight home. (B)