Day
1
SUN I TEL AVIV
Arrive at Ben Gurion airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Tel Aviv. (D)
Day
2
MON I TEL AVIV I CAESAREA I MEGIDDO I HAIFA I ACRE I GALILEE
Depart Tel Aviv and drive along the coastal plain to Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region; visit the excavations of the ancient city, the Roman theatre, and aqueduct. Proceed to Muhraka, the site of confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal; enjoy the spectacular view of the Jezreel Valley and lower Galilee. Continue to Megiddo, identified as the site of Armageddon, and learn the impressive history of this battlefield as you visit the archaeological excavations. Next, it’s on to Acre to visit the remarkable underground Crusader City and crypt; walk through the Old City, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Continue to Kinar Galilee Hotel for overnight. (B,D)
Day
3
TUE I GALILEE I TIBERIAS I CAPERNAUM I BANIAS I GALILEE
After a short tour of Tiberias, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and visit the Yigal Alon center where the “Jesus boat,” an ancient fishing boat from the 1st century, is displayed. Continue to Capernaum to visit the remains of the 2nd century synagogue. Stop at Tabgha, the site of the Miracle of the Loaves & Fishes, and visit the Church of the Multiplication with its 4th century mosaic floor. Proceed to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Drive to the Banias Springs and tour the Golan Heights. Return to Galilee for overnight. (B,D)
Day
4
WED I GALILEE I CANA I NAZARETH I BEIT SHEAN I JERUSALEM
Today, head out to Cana to visit the Wedding Church where Jesus performed his first miracle turning water into wine. Continue to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation, Joseph’s workshop, and Mary’s well. Proceed to Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan River. Next, stop at Beit Shean to visit the newly excavated Roman city and amphitheater. Drive along the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem for overnight. (B,D)
Day
5
THU I JERUSALEM - OLD CITY
After breakfast, drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city; visit the Church of All Nations, King David’s Tomb, and the Room of the Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Enter the Old City and walk through the Cardo, the ancient Roman road. Visit the Jewish and Christian quarters and view the Temple Mount. Then take a stroll along the Via Dolorosa and drive to the oriental Bazaar to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Next, drive to the Garden Tomb and enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B,D)
Day
6
FRI I JERUSALEM – NEW CITY & BETHLEHEM
Today’s adventure commences in Ein Karem with a visit to the Church of the Visitation. Proceed to Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Holocaust. Visit the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book, the place where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed, and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Proceed to Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus. Here you will explore Shepherds’ Field and walk through Manger Square to visit the remarkable Church of the Nativity. Return to Jerusalem for your overnight stay. (B,D)
Day
7
SAT I JERUSALEM I QUMRAN I MASADA I DEAD SEA I JERUSALEM
Mystery and history unfolds before you today starting with a drive through the Judean hills to the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. Continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D. Ascend Masada by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod. Here you will discover the remains of the walls, see the water cistern, and visit Herod’s Palace before descending. Continue on to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Enjoy the opportunity to float in the unsinkable water and cover yourself with mineral rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects. Return to Jerusalem for overnight. (B,D)
Day
8
