14 Day Israel & Jordan, A Journey for the Believer

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Israel
Depart for Israel

DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Tel Aviv
Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to your hotel. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Monday - Caesarea, Galilee
Begin your pilgrimage to the Holy Land with a drive northwards along the Plain of Sharon, the Mediterranean and old coastal road. The first stop will be the ruins of Caesarea Maritima, built by Herod and where Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, based his seat of government. This is also where Cornelius lived and was baptized (Acts 10); where Paul embarked to Tarsus (Acts 9.30) and where Phillip preached (Acts 8.40). Then, travel north and ascend Mt. Carmel to view the Carmelite Monastery, the "Place of Sacrifice" where the Prophet Elijah had an encounter with the Priests of Baal (1 Kings 18:17-40). Admire panoramic views of the Jezreel Valley to the town of Nazareth, the hill country of Galilee where Jesus grew to manhood (Matt. 2:23). Here, visit the Church of the Annunciation, before proceeding to your hotel for overnight
Overnight: Galilee Region
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Tuesday - Day in the Galilee Region
This morning, visit Banias the site of ancient Caesarea Philippi, where Peter made his confession of faith in Christ (Matt.16.16). Continue on to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached His famous "Sermon on the Mount" (Matt 5). From here, travel to Capernaum, the town where Jesus chose His first disciples among the humble local fisherman. View the remains of Peter's house and the synagogue site where Jesus taught and worshiped (Mark 1:21, Luke 4.31). The day continues with a lunch stop at St. Peter's Restaurant before you venture towards Tabgha, the sight of the multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes (John 6). At Ginosar, stop to see "Jesus Boat", an archaeological treasure recovered from the waters of the Galilee, dating back to the first century. You will have the opportunity to take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, before driving back to your hotel for dinner
Overnight: Galilee Region
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Wednesday - Yardenit Baptismal Site, Beit She'an, Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, Garden Tomb
Begin at the headwaters of the Jordan River, the Yardenit, where Christian visitors come to renew their faith with a traditional Baptism. Continue southward to the ruins of Beit She'an, where the Philistines hung the bodies of Saul and his sons on the walls of Beit She'an (1 Sam 31:10-12). Proceed south toward Judea, through the lush Jordan Valley passing by the ancient city of Jericho. Arrive at the Holy City of Jerusalem for observation of the city from the Mount of Olives with its panoramic view of the entire Old City. Tracing the footsteps of Jesus, view part of the Palm Sunday route on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. End the day just outside the city walls with a visit to the Garden Tomb. A rock formation resembles a skull (Golgotha) and the site accords with the biblical data of the area where Jesus was buried. Arrive at the hotel in time for dinner
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Thursday - Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jewish Quarter, Bethlehem
This morning, visit the Western Wall Tunnels, which stretch along the Western Wall of the Temple Mount. Visit the Pool of Bethesda and the Crusader Church of Saint Anne and walk under Ecce Homo Arch. Then, retrace the steps of Jesus with a walk along the Via Dolorosa before reaching the final station of the Cross at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Enter the Jewish Quarter and the Cardo of the Old City. This afternoon, take a short drive to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, built over the cave of Christ's birth, as well as Shepherd's Field and the plains of Boaz. Finally, visit one of the famous Bethlehem gift shops before returning to the hotel
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Friday - Israel Museum, Yad Vashem
Begin the day with a drive by the Knesset and the Big Menorah, symbols of the State of Israel. Next visit the Shrine of the Book at Israel Museum, where some of the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept. See the Model City, a 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. Continue to Yad Vashem, a museum built in memory of the 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis during World War II. This afternoon, continue to Mt. Zion to visit the House of Caiaphas the high priest, where Jesus was interrogated the night of His betrayal (Mark 14.53-65). You will also visit the King David Tomb and the Upper Room, the traditional location of the Last Supper
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Saturday - Day in Jerusalem
Today, spend a full day at leisure in Jerusalem or join the optional tour where you will have the opportunity to visit Masada and the Dead Sea. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
Optional: Full Day Masada and Dead Sea
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Sunday - Travel to the Dead Sea (Jordan)
Begin the journey to Jordan at the Allenby Bridge border crossing where you'll be escorted through formalities and met by your new Tour Manager. Visa for Jordan is required but arranged free of charge. Israel departure tax of $50-$60 is payable locally.* Travel to the Dead Sea, and along the way stop to visit Bethany, the site of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. Afterward, continue to your hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea for dinner and overnight
*Please visit Visa and Entry Fee/ Departure taxes page for more details
Overnight: Dead Sea
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Monday - Madaba, Mount Nebo, Kerak Castle
Today, depart for Petra. En route, explore the mosaic city of Madaba, where an ancient map of the Holy Land is set into the floor of Saint George's Church. Afterward, visit Mount Nebo, the reputed burial site of Moses, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Proceed to the city of Kerak, situated on the King's Way. The city is known for its Crusader Kerak Castle, dating back to the 12th century. Tour the imposing fort that consists of stone-vaulted halls and endless passageways. Arrive in Petra in the afternoon, and check into your room. Tonight, dinner is the hotel
Overnight: Petra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Tuesday - Explore Petra
This morning, enter the "rose red" city hand-sculpted from a mountain range by the Nabateans in the 3rd century BC. Begin your walk through the "Siq", a winding canyon road. At the end, you'll gaze at Petra's most extraordinary monument, the towering Treasury rising over 140 feet. Beyond, discover soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a theater, and burial chambers, all remnants of a once great Nabatean culture. Spend time at leisure before returning to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Petra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Wednesday - Umm ar-Rasas, Mukawir, Amman City Tour
Begin the day with a visit to the ancient city of Umm ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ruins and view a collection of beautifully preserved mosaic floors. Continue to Mukawir, and tour the remains of the fortress, perched on a hill, overlooking the Dead Sea. Later, head back and embark on a city tour of Amman, often referred to as the "White City" because of the white stone used to build the houses. The tour will take you to the museums, the Citadel, the Roman Amphitheater, the souks, and the city's modern district
Overnight: Amman
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Thursday - Jerash, Anjara, Umm Qais
Travel north to the city of Jerash, the best-preserved example of Roman civilization in Jordan. Jerash, part of the Decapolis (the ten large Roman cities of the East) has been called the Pompeii of the East for its unique state of preservation. The city features theaters, churches, temples of Zeus and Artemis, a Nymphaeum and colonnaded street. Afterward, head to Anjara, the biblical city featuring the shrine of the Lady of the Mountain Church. Later, explore the remains of Um Qais, a former Decapolis city and view its theaters, plazas, and mausoleum. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Amman
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Friday - Depart Jordan
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast