Holy Land Journey with Dr. Thomas Jackson | Feb 20, 2023
Join Dr. Thomas Jackson for an 11- day Holy Land Journey on February 20, 2023, starting at $3998* from New York, NY. You will see Caesarea by the Sea, Mount Carmel, Megiddo, Nazareth, Sepphoris, Sea of Galilee, Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Mt. Hermon, Golan Heights, Chorazim, Jordan River and so much more.
What's Included
- All Inclusive Pricing
- First Class Hotels
- Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches
- Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
- Entrance and Program Fees
- International Airfare from NY
- Overseas Airport Transfers
- Select Meals on Itinerary
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 February 20 - Depart for the Holy Land
Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on an overnight flight.
Day 2 February 21 - Arrive in the Holy Land
You are welcomed at the Tel Aviv airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Netanya to enjoy dinner and overnight.
Day 3 February 22 - Caesarea by the Sea, Mount Carmel, Megiddo, Nazareth & Sepphoris
Visit the Roman Aqueduct and Theatre at Caesarea, a center of early Christianity (Acts 10) and where Paul was imprisoned for two years (Acts 23: 22 Continue north along the Mediterranean coastline to Mt. Carmel where Elijah defeated the priests of Baal (1 Kings 18). Visit Mount Carmel and recall Elijah’s dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal (I Kings 18). Follow an ancient caravan route through the Jezreel Valley to Tel Megiddo, an exciting archeological dig with layers of twenty different cities, all built on top of each other. Travel to Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood home (Luke 26). Enjoy a visit the Church of the Annunciation and stand atop Mt of Precipice, where Jesus was rejected by those from his hometown synagogue (Luke 4:29). End your day exploring Sepphoris, the cosmopolitan Roman capital of Galilee until Herod Antipas built Tiberias. It is heralded as the traditional birthplace of Mary.
Day 4 February 23 - Sea of Galilee
Pass through the Valley of the Doves and see Mount Arbel (Isaiah 9:2) on your way towards the Sea of Galilee. This was a major pathway in the time of Christ. He and his disciples passed through this valley as they walked through the Galilee. Enjoy Communion in Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:1-3), visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue. Enjoy lunch together before crossing the waters of the Sea of Galilee on a very special boat ride, complete with an onboard worship service. At Kibbutz Nof Ginosar, see the 2,000-year-old “Ancient Boat,” a rare example of the kind of boat in which Jesus might have sailed. Stop for lunch and enjoy the famous Fish Lunch. 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 text of the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus preached there (Matt. 5-7). Explore the Church of the Fish and the Loaves at Tabgha, traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke 9:10).
Day 5 February 24 - Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Mt. Hermon, Golan Heights, Chorazim & Jordan River
At the ruins of Tel Dan, see the altar built by King Jeroboam I (I Kings 12:25-30) and learn about where the “House of David” fragment from the First Temple Period was discovered. Continue to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter told the Lord, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!” (Matt.16: 16). View Mount Hermon, probably the site of the Lord’s Transfiguration (Matt. 17: 1- 9). A scenic drive along the Golan Heights will give you some beautiful views of Syria and Jordan, as well as, Israel. Travel to Chorazim and walk the streets of the reconstructed village listed as “city of woe” by Yeshua (Matthew 11). Visit and commemorate the baptism of our Lord at the Yardenit Baptismal site, where the Jordan River exits the Sea of Galilee on its journey southward (Matt. 3).
Day 6 February 25 – Beit Shean, Shechem, Shiloh, Caiaphas House, Upper Room
Start your day at the ruins of Beit Shean where the bodies of Saul and his sons were displayed on the walls there after they were killed in battle (I Sam. 31: 10,12). Beit Shean is also noted for having the best-preserved ancient Roman theatre in Israel. Today visit modern day Nablus (ancient Shechem) and see Jacob's Well where Christ encountered the Samaritan woman (John 4). Visit Shiloh the newly refurbished and rebranded Tel of Shiloh, where the archeological remains of the Tabernacle Lie. This visit includes the newly finished visitor’s center, which includes a viewing station as well as an interactive multi-media presentation in which visitors can pick any number of historical guides to give explanations of different parts of the ancient site. 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).
Day 7 February 26 - Jericho, Qumran, Masada & the Dead Sea
Head to Jericho to visit the ruins of the ancient city Joshua conquered (Josh. 6:20). Off in the distance, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matt. 4:1). Stop in Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 by a Bedouin shepherd. Enjoy a visit to Masada, the spectacular mountaintop fortress built by Herod that later became the final tragic stronghold of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans. Ride the cable car to the top to explore the fortress and look down upon the remains of the Roman camps and siege ramp below. On the way to Jerusalem, stop at the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest spot-on earth, for an opportunity to take a quick dip in the mineral-laden waters.
Day 8 February 27 - Jerusalem & Bethlehem
Make your way to the Old City and visit the Southern Steps of the Herodian Temple where you can walk where Christ walked. Visit the Western (Wailing) Wall. Visit the Western Wall Tunnel Excavations. Outside of the modern city walls, Walk the Cardo, visit the City of David and journey through time to see the Gihon Spring, Hezekiah's Tunnel, and the Pool of Siloam. Return to the Old City and visit the brand-new site Pilgrim Road which is a tunnel that connects the city of David to the Davidson Center. Visit the Davidson Center where you can see the Temple and its rituals recreated via exhibits and a movie. In Bethlehem, gaze out over Shepherds Field and visit the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace (Matt. 1: 18-25). Visit the Church of the Nativity, built above the cave and considered the world’s oldest functioning church (Matt. 1: 18-25).
Day 9 February 28 - Jerusalem
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) and visit the Church of All Nations. Explore the Israel Museum and its First Century Model of the City of Jerusalem. Another highlight is the museum’s Shrine of the Book exhibit showcasing the Dead Sea Scroll book of Isaiah. Return to the Old City for an afternoon free to explore on your own.
Day 10 March 1 - Jerusalem
Walk the Temple Mount (conditions permitting), once the site of the Temple of Solomon (II Chronicles 3) and home to the Dome of the Rock. See where Jesus healed on the Sabbath at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5: 1-31), Visit the Church of St. Anne, Walk the Via Dolorosa ("the Way of the Cross") to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (John 19), 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 (John 20)
Day 11 March 2 - Return to the USA
Return to the USA a changed person after fulfilling the dream of a lifetime by seeing and feeling the places you have only read about in your bible
Enhance Your Journey
Cairo & Exodus Extension
Cairo & the Route of the Exodus Extension
(TUE Return) Day 10 – Jerusalem to Mount Sinai
Travel in the footsteps of the Holy family as you travel along the ancient caravan route from Jerusalem to the Sinai desert. Cross the border and check in to your hotel near Mt. Sinai for dinner and rest.
Day 11 – St. Catherine’s Monastery
This morning you can opt to climb Mt. Sinai, where tradition says that Moses received the Ten Commandments. Everyone will experience a visit to fortified St. Catherine's Monastery, built in the 6th century, and one of the oldest working monasteries in the world with the world's oldest continually operating library. Both the Codex Sinaiticus and Syriac Sinaiticus, important early Biblical manuscripts were discovered here. Even Mohammed found refuge here, and the site is sacred to all three monothesitic religions. Remember the story of Moses and the burning bush which tradition places inside the monastery. Continue to Sharm el Sheik for dinner and overnight at your hotel located on the shores of the Red Sea.
Day 12 – Route of the Exodus
Trace the route of the Exodus along the eastern Sinai coast to Wadi Feiran where the Children of Israel withstood the Amalekites. Travel to Elim where the Children of Israel camped by the oasis of 70 palm trees. Your final stop of the day will be Marah by the Red Sea where the “waters were bitter.” Continue to Cairo for dinner and a four night stay.
Day 13 – Memphis, Saqqara, the Great Pyramids & the Sphinx
Travel south to view Joseph’s River and Lake, created by Joseph during the period of the seven years of famine. Visit a grain silo of the kind established under Joseph’s rule to store grain during the seven years of famine. Tour the rural region of traditional Egyptian farming and stop at an old corn watermill. Travel as Abraham did to Memphis (Biblical Noph) and on to Sakkara where you will see the Step Pyramid, the world’s oldest stone structure. See the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
Day 14 - Cairo
This morning visits the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities to view the unique collection of Pharaonic art and the renowned treasures of King Tutankhamen. Tour the Old City and see the Citadel of Saladin, built-in 1183 A.D., and view the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. In Old Cairo, visit the Abu Serge Church built over the traditional site of the house where the Holy Family lived during their stay in Egypt. Prepare for your return flight home.
Day 15 - Return to USA
Nile Cruise Extension
Day 10 – Jerusalem to Mount Sinai
Travel in the footsteps of the Holy family as you travel along the ancient caravan route from Jerusalem to the Sinai desert. Cross the border and check in to your hotel near Mt. Sinai for dinner and rest.
Day 11 – St. Catherine’s Monastery
This morning you can opt to climb Mt. Sinai, where tradition says that Moses received the Ten Commandments. Everyone will experience a visit to fortified St. Catherine's Monastery, built in the 6th century, and one of the oldest working monasteries in the world with the world's oldest continually operating library. Both the Codex Sinaiticus and Syriac Sinaiticus, important early Biblical manuscripts were discovered here. Even Mohammed found refuge here, and the site is sacred to all three monothesitic religions. Remember the story of Moses and the burning bush which tradition places inside the monastery. Continue to Sharm el Sheik for dinner and overnight at your hotel located on the shores of the Red Sea.
Day 12 – Luxor & Karnak.
This morning fly from Sharm el Sheik to Luxor, ancient Thebes which served as the Egyptian capital during the New Kingdom and time of Moses. Visit the magnificent, Temple of Luxor with its avenue of sphinx statues and mighty monumental columns Continue to the Karnak Temple which was built over 2,000 years and is the largest religious building ever constructed, and see the famed Hypostyle Hall, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tutomosis III, the temple of Amon, the Granite Scarabeus and the Sacred Lake. Board your Nile cruise ship and enjoy dinner.
Day 13 – Valleys of the Kings & Queens & Esna
This morning enjoy sunrise over the Nile River before your visit to the Valley of the Kings. Tombs were constructed here for the kings and powerful nobles of Egypt for nearly 500 years. The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, across from Thebes (modern Luxor), within the heart of the Theban Necropolis. See the Colossi of Memnon, made of sandstone brought from Gabal El Silselah. Each colossus, including the pedestal and the crown, is about 21m tall and represents King Amenhotep III. See the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of only a handful of female rulers in Ancient Egypt. Her reign was the longest of all the female pharaohs. Sail to Esna, enjoying afternoon tea before visiting the Temple of Khnum. Dinner & Overnight onboard.
Day 14 – Edfu & Kom Ombo
Visit the Edfu Temple on the west bank of the Nile. Dating to the Ptolemaic period, the temple was dedicated to the worship of god Horus represented as a falcon. It is one of the most beautiful Egyptian temples, distinguished by its huge splendid structure blending Pharaonic and Greek architecture. Enjoy lunch onboard as you sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Kom Ombo Temple. Built on a hillside, this temple was constructed in the Ptolemaic Roman era for the worship of the gods Haroeris and Sobek. It is noted for the relief engravings on its walls which show ancient surgical tools, bone saws and dentistry tools. Nearby, view the three mummified crocodiles in Hathor's chapel.
Day 15 – Aswan
Set sail on a smaller boat across the Nile to visit the temples at Philae including the Temple of Isis, one of the greatest Temples in Egypt occupying a quarter of the island. Next, visit the High Dam, one of the most outstanding architectural achievements of the twentieth century. It was constructed to replace the old Aswan dam built in 1902. The 3600 meter long dam was constructed to protect Egypt from the floods as well as provide irrigation and electricity to its citizens. View the Unfinished Obelisk, made of red granites brought from the quarries of Aswan. After exploring Aswan, fly to Cairo to check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 16 - Cairo
This morning visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities to view the unique collection of Pharaonic art and the renowned treasures of King Tutankhamen. Afterwards, visit the Pyramids of Giza, constructed over 1,000 years before the birth of Moses. See the Great Sphinx and have the opportunity to ride a camel in the desert near the Pyramids. Tour the Old City and see the Citadel of Saladin, built in 1183 A.D., and view the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. In Old Cairo, visit the Abu Serge Church built over the traditional site of the house where the Holy Family lived during their stay in Egypt. Prepare for your return flight home.
Day 17 - Return to USA
Wonders of Petra & the Dead Sea extension
Day 10 – Jerash
This morning you will journey across the Allenby Bridge on your way to Jerash, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world. Stroll through the oval piazza and wander along colonnaded streets etched by the wheels of ancient chariots. Stand in the grand theatre where an onstage whisper can be heard in the top row. Continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 11 – Petra
Begin your journey south towards Petra today. Explore the city of Petra. Its entrance passes through a long, narrow gorge known as the Siq and can only be accessed by carriage, horseback or on foot. Once inside the city, marvel at the intricate detail of a city that was cut into the cliff sides of rose-colored rock. Travel to your hotel at the Dead Sea for dinner and overnight.
Day 12 – Madaba & Mt. Nebo
Travel to Madaba, the City of Mosaics, to visit the Church of Saint George with its sixth-century, Byzantine, mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites. Continue to Mount Nebo, where Moses caught a glimpse of the Promised Land (Deut. 34). On a clear day, you can see all the way across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 13 – Free Morning at the Dead Sea
Enjoy a free morning at your hotel. Cross the border back into Israel and enjoy dinner in Jerusalem. Afterwards, you will travel to the airport in Tel Aviv to begin your journey home.
Day 14 – Return to USA
Departure Dates
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Monday, February 20, 2023From $3998*
