Saturday: En Route
Depart the USA on your transatlantic flights to Israel.
Sunday: Tel Aviv
Arrival to Ben Gurion Airport where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Tel-Aviv and Dinner at your hotel. (D)
Monday: 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 the lower Galilee. Continue to Megiddo, identified as the site of Armageddon; learn the impressive history of this battle field as you visit the archaeological excavations including the well-preserved water supply system. On to Acre to visit the remarkable underground Crusader City and crypt; walk through the Old City recognized by UNESCO as world heritage site, the local market and harbor. Continue to Kibbutz Lavi for dinner and overnight. (B.D)
Tuesday: Galilee
After a short tour of Tiberias to visit the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee; 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 fish and loaves, and visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4th century mosaic floor. Proceed to Mount of Beatitudes, the place where Jesus delivered the sermon on the mount. Drive to Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan River. Dinner and overnight at Kibbutz Lavi. (B.D)
Wednesday: Jerusalem
Drive 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 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 amphitheatre. Drive along the Jordan valley to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (B.D)
Thursday: Jerusalem
Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city; visit the Church of All Nations, King David’s Tomb and Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Enter the Old City ; walk through the Cardo, the ancient roman road; visit the Jewish and Christian quarters; view the Temple Mount; visit the Western Wall and walk along the Via Dolorosa and the oriental Bazaar to visit the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Next, drive to the Garden Tomb and enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Jerusalem. (B.D)
Friday: Jerusalem
Drive to Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist; Visit the Church of Visitation and the Church of Saint John the Baptist. Visit the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and the Scale Model of the ancient city of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Proceed to Bethlehem (Subject to security conditions) birthplace of Jesus; visit Shepherds’ field; walk through Manger Square to visit the Church of Nativity. Return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (B.D)
Saturday: Jerusalem
Drive through the Judean hills to Qumran caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found; Continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D; ascend Massada by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod; visit the remains of the walls, water cistern and Herod’s Palace; descend by cable car. Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth; enjoy the opportunity to float in the unsinkable water and cover yourself with the mineral rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects. Return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (B.D)
Sunday: En Route
End of 7 Night Program
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to the USA arriving the same day.
EILAT EXTENSION:
Sunday: Jerusalem/Eilat
Travel south through the Negev desert; stop at Timna, a large geological and archaeological park; marvel at the multi-colored rock formations and copper mines; view the outstanding King Solomon’s pillars. See the Methuselah Tree in Ktura, a date palm grown from a 2000-year-old seed found at Masada. Continue to Eilat, the southernmost resort city on the shores of the Red Sea; visit the Underwater Observatory marine park, built into a coral reef and enjoy the opportunity for a close up look at the rich life of the Gulf of Eilat. Dinner and Overnight Eilat. (B.D)
Monday: Eilat
Day at leisure OR join the optional day tour to Petra (Jordan) including lunch, returning to Eilat. (B.D or B.L.D).
Tuesday: Eilat – Tel Aviv
Depart Eilat via Mitzpe Ramon; stop to gaze into the Ramon crater, a geological wonder. Proceed to Kibbutz Sde Boker and see Ben Gurion’s hut and grave overlooking the magnificent Zin valley. Continue for a visit to an authentic Bedouin tent; Learn about the Bedouin hospitality and enjoy a light lunch. Arrive in Tel Aviv for dinner and Overnight Tel-Aviv. (B.LL.D)
Wednesday: En Route
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight special assistance is provided for check-in services.
