Journey Through the Holy Land - Faith-Based Travel

Day 1

ARRIVE IN TEL AVIV, ISRAEL Welcome to Tel Aviv!
This evening, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2

TEL AVIV–JAFFA–CAESAREA–MEGIDDO–MUHRAQA–SEA OF GALILEE Walking by Faith
JAFFA Begin with a guided walking tour in Israel’s ancient port city.
CAESAREA Guided sightseeing includes the Roman Amphitheater and the Crusader fortress.
MEGIDDO Take an orientation tour before driving to Mount Carmel.
MUHRAQA Photo stop en route to Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. (B,D)
118 mi / 183 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Explore the ancient port of Jaffa, where legendary biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon, and St. Peter took place. The Israeli city traces its roots to 1800 BCE, with mythological tales of Andromeda and Perseus. Today Jaffa features picturesque alleys, art galleries, unique boutiques, ancient buildings, and wonderful landmarks.

Day 3

SEA OF GALILEE. EXCURSION TO CANA & NAZARETH Fishers of Men
CANA Take a guided visit to the city of Cana, where Jesus changed water into wine for the legendary wedding here.
NAZARETH Visit the Church of the Annunciation and St. Joseph’s Church in the city where Jesus lived and worked as a carpenter.
SEA OF GALILEE CRUISE Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Tiberias, see an ancient fishing boat said to be from the time of Christ, then enjoy some free time this afternoon and evening. (B,D)
39 mi / 62 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
MIRACLES IN THE MAKING In the New Testament, much of Jesus’ early ministry is reported to have occurred on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke describe how ordinary fishermen, Simon, Andrew, John, and James were recruited by Jesus here. Many of Jesus’ miracles were performed on these waters, including walking on water, miraculous catching of fish, calming the storm, and feeding the multitude in nearby Tabgha, as well as the Sermon on the Mount. It is also here that John recounts the third appearance of Christ following his death and resurrection.

Day 4

SEA OF GALILEE–MOUNT OF BEATITUDES–TABGHA–CAPERNAUM–MAGDALA–JORDAN RIVER–BET SHE’AN–JERUSALEM Blessed are the Peacemakers
MOUNT OF BEATITUDES Visit the site where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount.
TABGHA Visit the Church of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Church of St. Peter’s Primacy.
CAPERNAUM Take an orientation tour followed by free time.
MAGDALA Take an orientation tour followed by free time.
JORDAN RIVER Visit a Baptismal site on the river where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.
BET SHE’AN Pass the Ancient Roman Archaeological Site en route to Jerusalem. (B,D)
134 mi / 216 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Stand on the hill in Northern Israel, recognized for more than 1600 years as the site where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount -moral teachings through proverbial blessings.

Day 5

JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO EIN KAREM, BETHLEHEM & THE GARDEN TOMB Joyful News
EIN KAREM Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of Visitation, honoring Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth to share the news of the Immaculate Conception.
BETHLEHEM Visit the Church of the Nativity, built on the site where Jesus was born.
JERUSALEM Visit the Garden Tomb, believed to be the tomb from which Jesus rose from the dead. (B,D)
34 mi / 55 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SACRED SITES The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is perhaps the most sacred of sites in Christianity and the oldest major church in the Holy Land. This basilica and UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the holy Nativity Grotto, considered to be the cave in which Jesus was born and was laid in a manger. As the oldest continuously visited church in Christianity, the Church features the Altar of the Nativity, placed above the 14-point silver star marking the cave where Mary gave birth. Visible through the center of this star lies an actual rock, upon which it is believed Mary rested.

Day 6

JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO THE OLD CITY The Passion & The Promise
JERUSALEM A guided walking tour of the Old City includes the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Via Dolorosa. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, see the Western Wall, Mount Zion, the Upper Room, and the Tomb of King David. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
JESUS’ FOOTSTEPS Walk the sorrowful path of Jesus along Jerusalem’s Via Dolorosa, where he carried the cross to his crucifixion on Calvary. Follow the stations of the cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in commemoration of the Passion of Christ.

Day 7

JERUSALEM The Cradle of Christianity
JERUSALEM Enjoy a free day to explore. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SACRED SITES Considered the cradle of Christianity, the city of Jerusalem has been a Christian pilgrimage site for 2,000 years. It is mentioned in the Old Testament and was the site of significant events in the life of Jesus, brought here shortly after his birth. This is where he cleansed the temple of merchants and gamblers and years later shared the Last Supper with his apostles.

Day 8

JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO MASADA & THE DEAD SEA A Soldiers’ Stronghold & the Sea of Salt
MASADA Ascend by cable-car to the clifftop fortress of Masada.
DEAD SEA RESORT Spend free time this afternoon floating in the waters of the Dead Sea before returning to Jerusalem.
JERUSALEM Enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel this evening. (B,D)
125 mi / 200 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Explore the extraordinary cliffs of Masada, where the rebels fought against Rome and gave their lives in a desperate fight for freedom. Also known for the site of King Herod’s palace, Masada is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Park, and worldwide pilgrimage site. Below the plateau of Masada lies the Dead Sea, where you’ll float weightlessly atop the salt-rich waters of the desert.

Day 9

JERUSALEM Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Tel Aviv.) (B)