Journey Through the Holy Land

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

Walking by Faith Your journey starts today as you depart Tel Aviv to reach Jaffa and join a guided walking tour of the ancient port city. Continue to Caesarea and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour that includes the Roman Amphitheater and Crusader fortress. Later, stop at UNESCO-listed Megiddo, also known as the Battle of Armageddon, for an orientation tour before driving to Mount Carmel, mentioned in the First Book of Kings. Stop at Muhraqa for a photo before arriving at 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.

Fishers of Men Today a fascinating excursion awaits. First on the agenda is a guided visit of the city of Cana, where Jesus attended a wedding and changed water into wine. Continue to Nazareth, visit the Church of the Annunciation and St. Joseph’s Church in the city where Jesus lived and worked as a carpenter. Later, enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee) and see an ancient fishing boat said to be from the time of Christ. 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.

Blessed are the Peacemakers A multitude of biblical locations await you today. This morning, visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. At Tabgha visit the Church of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Church of St. Peter’s Primacy before continuing to Capernaum and Magdala, in each location you will have an orientation tour followed by free time. Reach the Jordan River to visit a Baptismal site, and lastly, en-route to Jerusalem, pass by the ancient Roman Archaeological Site of Bet She’An. (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.

Joyful News Today, join an excursion that takes you to some iconic locations. Drive to Ein Karem and 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. Continue to Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity, built on the site where Jesus was born. Later, return to Jerusalem and 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.

The Passion & The Promise Today, explore the sacred sites of Jesus’ final days on Earth in Jerusalem. Follow your Local Guide for a guided walking tour of the Old City featuring 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. The rest of the day and this evening is at leisure. (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.

The Cradle of Christianity Enjoy a full day at leisure in Jerusalem, with time to attend a worship service. Explore independently to soak up the atmosphere of the “Holy City” or perhaps join an optional excursion. (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.

A Soldiers’ Stronghold & the Sea of Salt Today, travel through the Judean wilderness towards the Dead Sea. Admire the views as you ascend by cable-car to the spectacular clifftop fortress of Masada. Continue to a Dead Sea resort and spend free time this afternoon floating in the waters of the Dead Sea. Later return to Jerusalem and enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. (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.

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