12 Day Sample Itinerary

Day 1

With much excitement and anticipation, pilgrims prepare to leave on the transatlantic flight to Tel Aviv, Israel.

Day 2

After completing the transatlantic flight, pilgrims eagerly board modern air conditioned coaches for a trip to Tiberias. Pilgrims will check into a four-star hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Overnight: Tiberias (dinner)

Day 3

Mt. Tabor - Pilgrims will visit the Basilica of the Transfiguration, the site where Jesus was transfigured. The view from atop Mt.Tabor is one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Israel. Tel Megiddo -This Tel consists of twenty civilizations built one on top of another. The Jezreel Valley surrounds the Tel, giving the pilgrims an in-the round view of where the Battle of Armageddon will take place. Nazareth - Jesus grew up in the village of Nazareth until his ministry began at the age of 30. In Nazareth, the pilgrim will see the Basilica of the Annunciation, the workshop of Joseph, and Mary's well. Zipori (Sepphoris) - These ruins date back to the first Temple period and give the pilgrim an intimate view of the remnants of a complete pre- Roman Jewish town along with a Roman theatre. It is the home of the famous Mona Lisa of the Galilee. Overnight: Tiberias (breakfast, dinner)

Day 4

Capernaum - A fishing village which served as home during Jesus' ministry. Visit the house of Peter, a disciple of Jesus. Also located in Capernaum is one of the oldest synagogue ruins in the Galilee. Tabgha - Church of the Multiplication. This is where the feeding of the five thousand took place. The simple Chapel of the Primacy stands on the shore of the lake. It was built on the spot where the risen Christ appeared to his disciples who were fishing on the lake. Bethsaida - Bethsaida was a small fishing village in the Galilee. It is said that Jesus was seen walking on the water from here. Chorazin - Many works of Jesus took place in Chorazin. The city was condemned by Jesus because of the inhabitants disbelief.(Mt:11) Sea of Galilee boat ride - Enjoy a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee and then stop off at the Jordan river for a time of spiritual blessing and baptism. Overnight: Tiberias (breakfast, dinner)

Day 5

Gamla - At Gamla, pilgrims will walk the ruins of an ancient city destroyed by the Romans in 67AD. Sit in the ruins of the synagogue that Jesus more than likely taught in. Listen to the distant waterfalls and marvel at the large vultures and eagles that soar on the heights above. Tel Bental - Stand atop a volcano that rises 1400 feet above sea level and see the plains of Syria where many modern and ancient battles have been fought. To the north the snowcapped Mt. Hermon rises in the distance. Tel Dan - An ancient city and is the source of one of the largest branches of the Jordan River. In biblical times it marked Israel's northern border. It is now located in 100 acres of a glorious nature reserve. Caesarea Philippi (Banyas) - "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus asked his disciples this question at this very spot. And Peter said, "Thou are the Christ, the Son of the Living God". And Jesus replied, "Upon this rock I shall build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it". (Matthew 16:16-18) Overnight: Tiberias (breakfast, dinner)

Day 6

Qumran - This area is the location of the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found by a young shepherd boy. Legend has it John the Baptist once studied here with the Essenes. EnGedi - En Gedi was a source of renewal and strength for David and his men as they fled King Saul. "As a deer panteth after the water brooks, so my soul panteth after thee, my God.." (Psm 42:1) Dead Sea -The Pilgrims briefly visit and experience the warm waters of the Dead Sea with the salt content 28 times stronger than any ocean and is said to offer many medicinal remedies. Massada - Once the Palace of Herod, and later on a refuge for Zealots, it is considered by some the Gamla of the South. Eventually conquered by the Romans, Massada offers a magnificent view of the Dead Sea and surrounding area. The Small Crater - Coaches will take the Scorpion Accent, which was originally a Roman road, to the rim of the Small Crater. Atop the rim pilgrims will experience the awesomeness of God, this is truly a place of worship. Overnight: Jerusalem (breakfast, dinner)

Day 7

Full day along the Coastal Plains Caesarea - Caesarea is the site of one of Herod's magnificent and opulent palaces. But most importantly it is the Mediterranean port from which the Apostle Paul departed on his missionary journeys. At the end of his ministry he was taken from this port in shackles, heading to Rome, the place where it is believed that he was martyred. Mt. Carmel - Standing on top of Mt. Carmel the pilgrim will observe the place Elijah defeated the 450 prophets of Baal. In addition, from the top of the Muhraka Monastery, the pilgrim will observe another excellent view of the Jezreel Valley. Haifa - The breathtaking view of the Haifa Harbor can be captured from the beautiful Persian Gardens of the Baha'i Temple. Also found in Haifa is the Tomb of the Prophet Elisha and the cave that Elijah lived in. Overnight: Jerusalem (breakfast, dinner)

Day 8

A full day has been planned for all to enjoy. Mt. of Olives - The first stop after breakfast will be the Mt. of Olives where Jesus ascended into heaven. Take a moment to reflect back to that day and time while gazing upon the panoramic view of the Holy City. Look toward the Eastern Gate, and envision the triumphant return of the Lord in all His glory. Tomb of the Prophets - The pilgrims press on to their next destination, the tombs of Zachariah, Haggai, and Malachi.

Garden of Gathsemane - Walk the short distance from the tomb of the prophets to the Garden of Gathsemane. Pray among the olive trees as the Lord did nearly 2,000 years ago. What an impact this very night has had on the world when the Son of God submitted to the will of his Father. Mt. Zion - Pilgrims will go up to Mt. Zion and visit the Upper Room where Jesus served the Last Supper. Envision Jesus and His disciples lounging at a low table, listening to the Master as He taught about the New Covenant. In addition to the Upper Room, Mt. Zion is where it is believed that the tomb of King David is located. From Mt. Zion walk into the Old City with all of its sights, sounds, and smells. Pilgrims will visit the Jewish Quarter, The Cardo (3,000-year-old street), and Catros House. Overnight: Jerusalem (breakfast, dinner)

Day 9

Temple Mt. - After a hearty breakfast the pilgrims will go up on the Temple Mount. This is the most sacred piece of land in the entire world. Here is where the Temple of the Most High God once stood in mighty splendor and could be seen from miles away. The Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. The Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosques have stood there since the 7th Century. Western Wall - The pilgrim will have a wonderful time of prayer and meditation at Israel's most sacred site. Let your request be known unto God and place the written prayers in the cracks between the stones. Rabbi's Tunnel - This tunnel runs underground along the base of the Temple Mount. It was an aqueduct that was used to bring fresh water from outside into the Temple area to clean the altar after the sacrifices. The next site, the Antonia Fortress built by Herod and named for his mentor and friend Marc Anthony. This is where the Romans soldiers brought those who had been arrested and awaited either trial or punishment. Near the Antonia Fortress is the Crusader Church of St. Anne built in 1140 AD along side the Pools of Bethesda. The largest pool measures 350 feet long, 200 feet wide, and 40 feet deep. This is a beautiful and peaceful part of the old city where scripture tells us Jesus healed a crippled man (Jn 5:8-9). Yad Vashem - The last stop of the day will be the Holocaust Museum. Overnight: Jerusalem (breakfast, dinner)

Day 10

Today Pilgrims will visit St. Peter's Church Galicantu, which means at the cock crow. The church recalls the 3 times Peter denied the Lord before daybreak found in the Matthew.26:75. The church is believed to have been built over the house of the High Priest Caiaphas. This was one of the places Jesus was taken after he was arrested. The next stop will be the Wilson Archaeological Park below the Temple Mount near the Dung Gate. The Davidson Center is also located there. This building has three floors and houses a theatre gallery. This gallery contains a screening of a unique high-definition 10 minute digital video (the first available in Israel), describing the Jewish pilgrimage to Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. The last stop of the day will be at the Garden Tomb where many Protestants believe Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected from the dead. It is one of the most beautiful and peaceful locations in Jerusalem where the pilgrim can reflect on the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord while receiving communion. Overnight: Jerusalem (breakfast, dinner)

Day 11

Emmaus - The group will travel west and south to the ruins of Emmaus and visit the site where Jesus appeared to the two disciples after His resurrection. Valley of Aijlon - The Pilgrims will also view the Valley of Aijlon where the Lord caused the sun to stand still at the request of Joshua so his army could win the battle against their enemies. The tour will continue south to the Valley of Elah. It was here in the ancient land of the Philistines where David slew the giant Goliath .Time permitting the group will also visit the ruins Lachish. Overnight: Jerusalem (breakfast, dinner)

Day 12

Israel Museum - This is the largest model of pre-70 AD Jerusalem in the world. Treasures of the Temple Museum - At this museum Pilgrims will learn about the future Temple, priestly garments, utensils and musical instruments used in worship. Western Wall - Before leaving each group will spend a time of prayer, thanksgiving, and saying good-bye to this wonderful country. Lastly the group will travel to the airport, and prepare to fly home with a lifetime of memories, hoping to repeat the phrase, "next year in Jerusalem."