Your journey begins as you depart the USA.

Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to Bethlehem for dinner and your overnight stay. (D)

Visit the baptismal site of Qasr el Yahud, where tradition says Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Travel to Jericho (the oldest city in the world) and visit the ruins of the ancient city conquered by Joshua (Joshua 6:1, 2 & 20). In the distance, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). Continue to Qumran, the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery. End your day with the opportunity to take a dip in the mineral-laden waters of the Dead Sea.

Explore one of the most exciting archaeological digs in Israel, the Herodion, the palace-fortress and final resting place of Herod the Great. In Bethlehem, visit the cave where Jesus was born (Luke 2:1-7) and the Church of the Nativity. Gaze out over Shepherds’ Field, where angels first proclaimed the Good News.

Visit the Roman aqueduct and theater at Caesarea, a center of early Christianity where Paul was imprisoned for two years (Acts 10). View Mount Carmel, the site of Elijah’s victory over the prophets of Baal (I Kings 18). Travel the ancient caravan route through the Jezreel Valley to Tel Megiddo, an exciting archaeological dig with layers of twenty different cities built on top of each other.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee (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). Experience a special onboard worship service as you sail across the Sea of Galilee. Visit the Church of the Loaves and Fish in Tabgha, the traditional location of the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17). As you pray in the Chapel of the Primacy, remember how Peter professed his devotion to the risen Christ three times (John 21). In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene, visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue.

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 on to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter told the Lord, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!” (Matt.16:16). A scenic drive along the Golan Heights will give you some beautiful views of Syria and Jordan as well as Israel.

Begin your day with a visit to Cana, the site of Christ’s first miracle (John 2), before stopping in Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood home (Matthew 2:23). Continue past Tel Dothan, thought to be the place where Joseph found his brothers with their flocks (Genesis 37). Beit She'an is a city continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years. The uncovered ruins date back to the Greek / Roman city that was part of the Decapolis of Jesus’ day. See colonnaded streets with marble sidewalks, Roman public baths, and a theater.

Stand on the Mount of Olives and enjoy a remarkable view of the Golden City of Jerusalem. Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven from this place (Acts 1:9-12). Walk to the Garden of Gethsemane and pray beneath the ancient olive trees (Matthew 26:36-44). On Mount Zion, visit the Upper Room, revered as the site of the Last Supper (Mark 14:12-26) and St. Peter in Gallicantu, the home of the High Priest Caiaphas, where Jesus was held after His arrest (Matthew 26:57).

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem along the Cardo, once the main street of the city. Explore the Davidson Center and the Southern Wall Excavations, including the Teaching Steps and the Western Wall. Remember how Jesus healed on the Sabbath when you visit the Pool of Bethesda (John 5: 1-18). At Herod’s Antonia Fortress (Luke 23:1), see where Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate. Walk the Via Dolorosa (“the Way of the Cross”) and remember the Lord’s sacrificial love at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Share communion together at the Garden Tomb in celebration of His Resurrection.

Return to the USA or Enjoy an Extension