The Holy Land & Petra

Today we depart from the U.S. to Tel Aviv, Israel. Enjoy on-board meals and entertainment as we cross the Atlantic Ocean on our way to Israel.

Arrive in Israel. Meet a representative that will assist you through customs. Meet your guide and proceed for a short tour of Jaffa (Joppa) to visit the location of Simon the Tanner’s House. Continue to Caesarea, once a proud Roman port city dating back to the time of Pontius Pilate. View Herod’s Palace and the monumental Roman amphitheater built in the days of Christ. From here we drive to our hotel located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. A refreshing Jaffa orange juice will be waiting for you upon arrival.
Overnight – Netanya (D)

After breakfast begin with a visit to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah held a contest against the false prophets of Baal. Next, travel to Megiddo, overlooking the plains of Armageddon, and visit the site of the 21 superimposed cities. Travel to Nazareth where Jesus spent the silent years of his life. Visit the Church of Annunciation and Mary’s well. Afterwards, visit Cana, site of the first miracle where Jesus turned water to wine. A short visit to Sepphoris before we drive to our hotel.
Overnight – Tiberias (B,D)

After breakfast, the first stop will be Mt. Beatitudes. Near here, Jesus gave the Beatitudes and taught on many occasions. Here he also performed many of the miracles. Travel to Tabgha where Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the fish and loaves and fed 5,000. Nearby, we will visit the Church of Primacy where Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection. Continue to Capernaum where much of the Galilean Ministry took place. Afterwards, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and hear how Jesus calmed the stormy sea and walked upon these waters. Enjoy a traditional St. Peter’s fish lunch. We will now drive to Beit Shean and view the well-preserved mosaic floor and ancient ruins.
Overnight – Tiberias (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we begin the day with a short tour of a Kibbutz and explore this unique way of life. From here we ascend the Golan Heights. Our guide will explain why this area is so vital to Israel’s security. Visit the sacred site of Caesarea Philippi and view Mount Hermon from a high meadow. Not far from here is Tel Dan. This site is identified with the Biblical City of Dan, the northernmost city in the Kingdom of Israel. The Dan Nature Reserve is one of the three sources of the Jordan River. We will now descend the Golan Heights and visit Bethsaida, Magdala and Gadarenes. We end the day with a visit to the Church of Transfiguration atop Mt. Tabor. We will now return to our hotel in Tiberias.
Overnight – Tiberias (B,D)

After breakfast, drive through the Jordan Valley to Masada. Ascend by cable car. Our guide will take us on a fascinating tour of this mountain where 960 Jewish defenders organized the last resistance against the Roman Conquerors. Descend Masada and travel to the Dead Sea for an optional float in the salty waters. We continue to Kibbutz Ein Gedi to view King David’s Waterfalls and then for a short visit to Qumran, the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We will now ascend the Judean Hills to the Eternal City of God – Jerusalem.
Overnight – Jerusalem (B,D)

After breakfast, we drive to the crest of Mt. of Olives where the entire city of Jerusalem unfolds before us. We will now visit the Old City of Jerusalem. Jews, Christians and Muslims alike know the Biblical and historical importance of the Old City of Jerusalem. Today’s walking tour includes: The Garden of Gethsemane, Pools of Bethesda, Upper Room of the Last Supper, Ecce Homo Arch, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Western Wall, Cardo, Jewish Quarters and Oriental Bazaars.
Overnight – Jerusalem (B,D)

After breakfast, we begin with a visit to the Model of the Herodian City of Jerusalem dating back to the time of the Second Temple followed by a visit to the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept. Travel to the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) and continue to Yad Vashem – Memorial to the six million Jews that lost their lives in the Holocaust. From here we drive to Shepherds Field and to Bethlehem for a visit to the Church of Nativity and Manger Square. We will have the opportunity to browse through an authentic souvenir store where olive wood and antique items are on display. Next, we drive to the Garden Tomb where a communion service will be held.
Overnight – Jerusalem (B,D)

Breakfast in hotel. Today we will explore additional sites in the Old City of Jerusalem, as time permits, such as the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Dominus Flevit, St. Stephen Church, the Church of All Nations, the Church of St. George the Martyr, St. Anne Church, the Monastery of the Holy Cross, the Church of Our Father, the Jerusalem Archaeological Park around the Temple Mount, the Tomb of Absalom and the Tomb of Zechariah.
Overnight – Jerusalem (B,D)

After an early breakfast in the hotel, we transfer from Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge to cross the border into Jordan. Drive to Madaba. Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, especially a large Byzantine-era mosaic map of the Holy Land. From here we ascend Mt. Nebo, believed to be the burial site of Moses. Continue to our hotel near Petra.
Overnight – Petra (B,D)

After breakfast meet your guide and private coach and drive to the ancient city of Petra. Enter Petra for a guided tour of this fascinating Nabatean city carved in red rocks. Enjoy lunch in Petra.
Overnight – Petra (B,L,D)

Breakfast in hotel. Early this morning, we depart Petra and drive back to Allenby Bridge to meet our Israeli guide and coach and drive back to Jerusalem. The rest of the day is free for optional activities.
Overnight – Jerusalem (B,D)

This entire day is free for rest and relaxation. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner and say SHALOM to your guide and driver.
Overnight – Jerusalem (B,D)