Israel Christian Tours

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Tel Aviv

  Welcome to Israel, a Middle Eastern country, which is regarded as the biblical Holy Land! On your arrival in Tel Aviv, your private driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. With the rest of the day at your leisure, enjoy a time of prayer for the people of the "Promised Land" and a good night's rest.

  Tel Aviv

• Day 2: Tel Aviv - Caesarea - Nazareth

  After breakfast, travel by private vehicle along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. You will also see the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct here. Later, continue your journey to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Next, you will pass through the Jezreel Valley and reach Megiddo, which is the Armageddon Battlefield according to the Book of Revelation. The area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, is your last stop today. A visit to the Nazareth Village will give you a chance to experience what Nazareth was like at the time of Jesus.

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• Day 3: Nazareth - Dan - Bethsaida - Capernaum - Magdala - Tiberias

  The morning journey will take you to Dan, where the children of Israel fell to the depths of alternative sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter's Confession and pagan worship. Passing Bethsaida (known as the birthplace of three of the Apostles Peter, Andrew, and Philip) and the Mount of the Beatitudes (where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount), you will return to Tiberias for a St. Peter's Fish Lunch (other selections available).

  In the afternoon, hop on an ancient Fisherman Boat followed by a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. A brief scripture reading and devotional prayer onboard bring to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples. Disembark at Capernaum and visit the house of Peter, followed by a visit to Magdala, the home town of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation of the synagogue built in the first century and the well-preserved village makes Magdala one of the most interesting Biblical sites in Israel.

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• Day 4: Tiberias - Jerusalem

  Start the day at the Yardenit, the famous baptismal site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the waters of the Jordan. The administration of the site provides baptismal robes at a cost, changing rooms and stairways to walk down into the waters are also available.

  Later, about an hour's drive will take you to Bet Shean, once a large city in the Roman-Byzantine Empire. From the remains of the theater, street of tall columns, bathhouses and so on that survived the massive earthquake in 749 AD, you can still feel the splendidness of this ancient Roman city. After that, take a scenic drive to Jerusalem for the night.

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• Day 5: Jerusalem - Dead Sea - Jerusalem

  Drive southward from Jerusalem and through the Judean wilderness, you will get a glimpse of the Caves of Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Alight and take a cable car up to the mountain-top fortress of Masada. Follow your tour guide to explore the surviving camps, fortifications, and attack ramps and listen to the heroism history that happened in the siege of Masada.

  Around lunchtime, reach a comfortable resort by the Dead Sea. Spend some time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before returning to Jerusalem.

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• Day 6: Jerusalem

  If conditions permit, you will visit the Temple Mount this morning. Followed by a visit to the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels will lead you through the Second Temple era. Exit the tunnel and move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. From here you will also see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann's Church.

  This afternoon, continue your visit to the Southern Wall Excavations. The excavations, such as the first-century street, trumpeting stone, and southern steps, would give you a better understanding of the Temple Mount. Finally, spend the remainder of the day at Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus.

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• Day 7: Jerusalem

  Today, you will walk where Jesus walked. Begin the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and then move on to the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? Here you will walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection. Passing by the Protestant Cemetery, you will visit the "Upper Room" just outside the Zion Gate. While walking along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, your tour guide will explain the differing opinions on the route that Christ was led and the actual place of crucifixion and burial. The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb, where you will celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise.

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• Day 8: Jerusalem, Departure

  After breakfast in the hotel, a private transfer is provided to take you to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport for your home-bound flight. Say goodbye to Israel!

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