Your spiritual pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on an overnight flight.

Today, you will be welcomed to the Holy Land by our airport representative and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy dinner before you rest.

Visit  Bethlehem. Visit  the cave revered as the place where Jesus was born (Matt. 1: 18 - 25; Luke 2: 1- 7). The Church of the Nativity, which was constructed on this site, is the world’s oldest functioning church. *If the group can not enter Bethlehem: City of David & Free Time in Jerusalem Walk the excavations of the City of David and see the recent discoveries.  Touch the steps of the Pool of Siloam, uncovered in 2004 at the base of the City of David.

Travel to Jericho and visit the ruins of the ancient city, which was conquered by Joshua (Josh. 6: 1, 2, 20). From Jericho, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matt. 4: 1-11). Visit Qumran, site of the Dead Sea Scroll discovery, to learn about the mysterious community of the Essenes who once lived on the shores of the Dead Sea. Visit Ein Gedi, where David sought refuge from Saul. Visit the shores of the Dead Sea, where those who wish may float in the mineral-laden waters.

Conditions permitting, walk the  Temple Mount, once the site of the Temple of Solomon and home to the Dome of the Rock.  See where Jesus healed on the Sabbath at the  Pool of Bethesda (John 5: 1-31). Walk the Via Dolorosa (“the Way of the Cross”) to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built over the traditional sites of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. At the Garden Tomb, share communion together and experience the reality of the Resurrection.

Stand on the Mount of Olives for a remarkable view of Jerusalem (the Golden City). Jesus stood here before ascending into heaven forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:9-12). In the Kidron Valley across from the walls of Jerusalem, pray as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36). Continue to Mount Zion  to visit the  House of the High Priest Caiaphas,  where Jesus was questioned the night of His betrayal (Matt. 26:57). Recall the events of the Last Supper as you visit the traditional location of the Upper Room (Mark 14:12).  Spend time in prayer at the Western Wall (the only remnant of the Second Temple of Jerusalem) and sit on the Teaching Steps where Jesus taught.

Pass through the  Valley of the Doves  on your way towards the Sea of Galilee. This was a major pathway in the time of Christ, and He and his disciples passed through this valley as they walked the Galilee. In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene, visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue. Cross the waters of the Sea of Galilee on a very special boat ride, complete with an onboard worship service.  Visit Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee, and visit the synagogue built on the site where Jesus taught (Matt. 4:13, 23). On the Mount of Beatitudes, contemplate the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt. 5-7).  End your day at the Jordan River’s Yardenit Baptismal Site.

Depart Tel Aviv and return to the USA.