Day 1 – RALEIGH, NC Depart from Raleigh-Durham International Airport with connection to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Dinner and breakfast are served on board.
Day 2 – GALILEE Upon arrival at Tel Aviv airport, we transfer to our hotel in the Galilee for dinner and overnight. We begin to feel the spirit of this land enchanting us. Today we will be visiting sites from the Bible sharing the experience of walking in the footsteps of Jesus. (D)
Day 3 – GALILEE 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. In the afternoon we drive north to Caesarea Phillipi, now called Banias, where Peter made his confession of faith, and identified Jesus as the Messiah. And Jesus said “thou art Peter upon this rock I will build my church”. Matt.16-17-18. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B)(D)
Day 4 – GALILEE 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)
Day 5 – JERUSALEM This morning our first stop is in the ancient city of Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene. Here we find a complete first century town and synagogue where it is believed that Jesus himself visited, taught and preached at this synagogue. We continue to Yardenit, the Baptismal Site on the Jordan River. We continue to the old Roman city of Beit Shean to visit the impressive Roman Ruins. From here we drive down the Jordan Valley bypassing Jericho, on our way to Bethlehem. We will have time for lunch and shopping. Visit the Church of Nativity, the Milk Grotto and Shepherds’ Field. Proceed to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (B)(D)
Day 6 – JERUSALEM 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 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)
Day 7 – DEAD SEA SITES This morning we drive past the Inn of the “Good Samaritan”, and arrive at the shores of the Dead Sea – the lowest point on the earth’s surface. 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)
Day 8 – JERUSALEM Full day of leisure to pursue personal interests, or to shop. (B)(D)
Day 9 – JERUSALEM 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 an orientation beside Calvary and also where our Communion service will be held. (Mark 15:42-47). (B)(D)
Day 10 – RALEIGH, NC Today our journey ends with good memories as we head home arriving the same day or otherwise, proceeding to Egypt.
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