Upon arrival at Tel Aviv airport, transfer to our hotel in the Galilee for dinner / overnight. We begin to feel the spirit of this land enchanting us, as we will be visiting sites from the Bible sharing the experience of walking in the footsteps of Jesus. (D)

We start our day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. We visit Ginnosar to view the fishermen’s boat, found on the shores of the Sea Galilee, which dates to Jesus’ time. We continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount to reflect on the event that took place here. On to Tabgha, site of the Miracle of the fishes and loaves, to see the chapel built over the rock commemorating the primacy of Peter. We then visit Capernaum, the city of Jesus and Peter. There we will see the house of Peter and see an ancient synagogue, here Jesus preached and it is here he gathered his disciples. We then drive across the Jordan River to the land of Gaderenes – visiting Kursi site of the miracle of Demons and Swine. In the afternoon we drive north to Caesarea Phillipi, now called Banias, here Peter made his confession of faith, and identified Jesus as the Messiah. And Jesus said, You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church. Matt.16-17-18. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B)(D)

Today we drive via Cana of Galilee to Nazareth and visit the Church of the Annunciation and Mary’s Well. On to Muchraka, the location of Elijah’s altar during his confrontation with the false prophets of Baal. Continue via the Valley of Armageddon to the excavation at Tel Megiddo. On to Caesarea, built by Herod the Great in 22 B.C. Visit the Roman Theater, the Aqueduct and Herodian Port. It was here that Cornielius was baptized by Peter. (Acts 10:24-28). It was here that Paul was brought to trail (Acts 25) Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B) (D)

This morning we drive along the Sea of Galilee and arrive at Yardenit, the Baptismal Site on the Jordan River. We continue to the old Roman city of Beit Shean to visit the Roman Ruins. From here we drive down the Jordan Valley bypassing Jericho, on our way to Bethlehem. We will have time for lunch, visit the Church of Nativity and Shepherds’ Field. Proceed to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (B) (D)

This morning we enter the Old City through St. Stephen’s Gate visiting the Pool of Bethesda, the Chapel of the Flagellation, and the Ecce Homo Arch. Continue through the Bazaar to the last stations of the Cross Via Dolorosa, visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and view the Gabbatha pavement. Continue to the Jewish Quarter visiting the Cardo, the “Wide” wall built by King Hezekiah and the Herodian mansion then proceed to the Temple area and Mt. Moriah and see the Dome of Rock, visit the Western Wall, the Ophel Archaeological park and Museum. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B) (D)

Leave Jerusalem, drive via the Inn of the “Good Samaritan” and arrive at the shores of the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth. We drive along the Dead Sea to Masada, the fortress where the Jewish Zealots held off the armies of the Romans before choosing suicide over surrender. Continue to Ein Gedi, where King David found shelter from the wrath of King Saul. After lunch, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a short “float” in the Dead Sea. Continue to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 in a cave and return to Jerusalem for dinner overnight. (B) (D)

Full day of leisure to pursue personal interests, or to shop. (B) (D)

Drive by the Knesset to the Israel Museum, visiting the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and see the model of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple. Drive to Mount Scopus to view the impressive home of the Hebrew University. Continue our drive to the Mt. of Olives for an outstanding view of Jerusalem. Visit the Chapel of the Ascension, Garden of Gethsemane, and Church of All Nations. Drive along the Kidron Valley and see the Tombs of Absalom, Zechariah and James. We continue to Mount Zion to visit the Room of the Last Supper and King David’s Tomb. We end our day with a visit to the Garden Tomb where we have and orientation beside Calvary and also where our Communion service will be held. (Mark 15:42-47). (B) (D)

Today our journey ends with good memories as we head home. We arrive home the same day.

7-9 x underwear, socks,
2-3 x loose, lightweight trousers or skirts– one full length and one cropped pair would be ideal!
3-4 x shorts – preferably below knees in length
2 x long, loose shirts
4-5 x t-shirts or tops
2-3 evening tops
1-2 x swimming gear
1-2 x sweater or cardigan
1-2 x sandals or flip flops
1-2 pairs of comfortable walking/running shoes
1 x pair of more formal shoes
1 rain/wind-proof jacket
2-3 sweaters or other colder-weather gear
sunglasses
sun hat
toiletries
1 x beach bag
1 x day bag
1 x evening bag
Phone, camera and any other electronics needed
passport and travel docs
insurance Specific packing notes for religious sites:
Cover shoulders: avoid strapless tops, spaghetti straps tops and vests (both men and women)
Avoid above the knee skirts and shorts (men and women)
Avoid exposing excessive cleavage, a waist/belly or back
Do not wear slogans or prints that may be perceived as offensive

Internet connectivity on your mobile device is available throughout most of the country, but unless you have unlimited roaming, your bill may leave you a nasty surprise. If your mobile phone allows for it, and you are in need of constant connectivity, you can always purchase a local SIM card and a prepaid plan. This provides you with. Local phone number and internet access, allowing for your mobile phone to double as a modem through the mobile hotspot function. Another option that might work best is to rent out a mifi device, which create a wifi network that you and your party can use to stay connected while you’re in Israel. Almost every hotel has internet access – in-room and/or wi-fi and/or at its Business Center. Internet cafes are to be found everywhere too. There are public phones throughout Israel. You will need to buy a “Telecard” magnetic card to use them: they’re readily available at newsstands, supermarkets, post offices or at your hotel front desk.

Most of the hotels are kosher so there’s dietary restrictions of no meat products in the morning or dairy products in the evening. But there’s such a vast variety and abundance of delicious foods at all the meals that it’s unlikely you’ll miss those items.

You will purchase your lunches at the restaurants the Tour Guide will take your group and there you may tip if you desire but in some cases it’s not necessary.  Most people are probably familiar with Falafel which fried ground chick peas served with salad in pita.

Meat eaters will love Shawarma which is meat sliced off a spit and served in pita (similar to gyros). Both are inexpensive, filling meals. Lots of other Mediterranean specialties like Shishlik (shish kebab), Baklava (sweetmeat made of dough, honey, and nuts) and Moussaka (baked eggplant, minced meat, onion and parsley) will stimulate your taste buds.

The Americanization of Israel also means you’ll find such familiar names as McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut and Dunkin’ Donuts.

The water in Israel is safe to drink; nevertheless, it is different from what you are used to and people with sensitive stomachs may want to stick to bottled water. Also, Israelis don’t usually put ice in their drinks, so if you want some, ask for kerakh. Cold bottled water is provided on the bus at a modest price.