Your journey begins today by boarding your flight to Israel. You can rest easy knowing that all the arrangements have been made for your arrival.

Arriving in Tel Aviv and stepping onto the Holy Land is an exhilarating experience. An incredible sensation of spiritual awareness is felt as soon as you step off the plane. Upon arrival, your local guide will escort you to your touring vehicle and transfer you to your hotel.
—Dinner and overnight accommodations at your hotel.

Following breakfast, it’s time to head north up the coastal plain to the former Roman capital of Judea, Caesarea. You will visit the aqueduct, view archeological excavations, and marvel at the amphitheater of this great Roman city. Your next stop is Mt. Carmel (Muhraqa), where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal (1 King 18:20-40). Enjoy the fantastic view of the Jezreel Valley and lower Galilee. After lunch, you will continue to Tel Megiddo, the site scholars have identified as the Valley of the Armageddon. In Tel Megiddo, you will explore archaeological excavations and the old water supply system. Your final stop will be Acre, a city that has been inhabited for 1000s of years and is known for its deep-sea port and underground Crusader city. Here, you can view a 2000-year-old wine press and experience what an active 1st-century farm was like.
—Dinner and overnight accommodations at your hotel.

Your day begins by sailing across the Sea of Galilee in a boat modeled after those Jesus would have encountered when he ministered in northern Israel. Afterward, you will continue to Capernaum, where you will visit the remains of an ancient 2nd-century synagogue. Your next stop will be Tabgha, where the Miracle of the Fish and Loaves occurred. While there, you will visit the church of Multiplication with its’ ornate 4th-century mosaic floor. Next, you will visit the Mt. of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Take in the breathtaking vistas of the Sea of Galilee as you pass Beth Saida, the hometown fishing village of Peter, Andrew, and Philip. You will continue around the Sea of Galilee’s shores to Kursi, the “Gergesa” of Matthew’s Gospel, where the evangelist locates the miracle of the swine. You will also enjoy a traditional St. Peter’s fish lunch (not included) before continuing to the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Here, at the modern site known as the “Yardenit,” you may renew your baptismal vows before returning to your hotel for the evening.
—Dinner and overnight accommodations at your hotel.

After breakfast, your tour begins in Cana, where you will see the Wedding Church, where Jesus performed His first miracle of turning water into wine (John 2.1-11). Afterward, you will continue to the village of Magdalena, the home of Mary of Magdalene. Here, excavations can be viewed from the time when Mary Magdalene lived in the village. Afterward, you will travel south to Nazareth, where you can view a 2000-year-old wine press and experience what first-century farm life was like. Your journey continues to Beit Shean, also known as the Scythapolis, where you will view Roman and Byzantine ruins, including the colonnaded streets, bathhouses, and the ancient theater. It was in this ancient city where Saul and Jonathan were nailed to the walls (1st Samuel 31.10, Judges 1.27). You will then continue heading south via the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem, stopping in Jericho for a late lunch (not included). From afar, you can see the cliff-hanging Monastery of St. George of Choziba. Finally, it’s on to Jerusalem! Upon arrival in The City of Gold, we head to our hotel for the evening.
—Dinner and overnight accommodations at your hotel.

Today, you will tour the Old City of Jerusalem, beginning on the Mount of Olives, to reflect on Jesus’s ascension to Heaven from the town of Bethany, located on the slopes of this mount. Enjoy the panoramic view of the old city as we continue down “Palm Sunday Road” to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before his arrest (Mathew 26:36) (Mark 14:32). Your visit to the Old City begins as you enter via the Lion’s Gate. You will visit St. Anne’s Church, which dates back to the times of the Crusaders, and the pool of Bethesda (John 5). You will also walk down Via Dolorosa, where Jesus carried his Cross. After lunch, you will visit King David’s tomb and the Upper Room of the Last Supper (Acts 1:12). Next, you will visit the house of Caiaphas, also known as the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, and take a moment to explore. Your final visit for the day is the Friends of Sion Museum, where you will learn how biblical figures, businessmen, and academics have forged a bond between the Jewish and Christian people.
—Dinner and overnight accommodations at your hotel.

After breakfast, your day begins in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, where you will visit the Western Wall – Judaism’s holiest site. You will view the area’s excavation tunnels and learn about the construction of the Temple 2000 years ago by King Herod. Afterward, you will visit the Garden Tomb and proceed to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, where Christ was born. Finally, you will visit Shepherds’ Field before returning to your hotel for the evening.
—Dinner and overnight accommodations at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will travel to the lowest point on earth as you drive through the Judean desert towards the Dead Sea. You will stop at the ancient Essene city of Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947. Afterward, you will continue along the coast of the Dead Sea to Masada. You’ll take a cable car up to the summit and walk around the ancient fortress that served as the last Jewish stronghold in their rebellion against the Romans (following the destruction of their 2nd Temple). Fancy floating on water? Now’s your chance! Besides floating in the Dead Sea, you can also cover yourself with the mineral-rich mud known to heal certain ailments (weather permitting).
—Dinner and overnight accommodations at your hotel.

This morning will be free for you to explore. Your spiritual director or coordinator may have some sites to suggest. Following lunch, you will pay a visit to Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist. Ein Karem is also home to the Spanish Style Church and Mary’s Well, the location at which Mary met her cousin Elizabeth and proclaimed ‘The Magnificat.” Enjoy your last afternoon in Jerusalem.
—Dinner and overnight accommodations at your hotel.

Following breakfast, it is time to head to Ben Gurion International Airport for your flight home.