Shalom & welcome to Israel! Upon your arrival to Ben Gurion International Airport, you will be met by your Israeli Guide, who will accompany you during your entire stay in Israel.
We will start the day by traveling northward along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and via the city of Caesarea and Haifa, Israel’s largest port city, built on the slopes of Mt. Carmel. (Time permitting) We will visit the famous Persian Hanging Gardens for a view of the Bahai Shrine. Make a brief halt at the Elijah cave at Stella Marris.
Later we will drive to the hotel for check-in, dinner and overnight in North.
Today morning after breakfast, we will visit Cana, where Jesus performed His first Miracle, changing water into wine at the wedding feast. Then on to Nazareth, the boyhood town of Jesus and home of Mary and Joseph and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation built over the grotto where Archangel Gabriel appeared to announce that she would bear a son, Jesus. We will make a brief stop by Joseph’s workshop.
In the afternoon, we will drive through the landscapes of Galilee and later for a ride in a replica of a Galilean fishing boat of that time, on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus calmed the storm and walked on the water. Visit Capernaum – the center of Jesus’ ministry after he left Nazareth, stop at Tabgha- the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, and continue to the expressive Church of the Beatitudes, where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount. We make a brief halt at St. Peter’s house, the Church of Primacy of Peter, and the place where Jesus bestowed St. Peter with His authority. This believed to be the place where Jesus dined with His disciples. The flat Rock known as Mensa Christ or Christ’s table commemorates this event.
Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast and check out from the hotel, we drive to Yardenith, the traditional baptismal site on the Jordan River we continue along the Jordan Valley to the lowest point on the earth Dead Sea, located 400 meters below Sea level.
First, we will visit the ancient city of Jericho, believed to be the oldest city on earth and view from here Mt. Quarantal, where Jesus spent 40 days when Satan tried to tempt him. It is also the place where Jesus stopped on this way to Jerusalem, on the Eve of the Passover and were Jesus cured the man during his stay at Zacchaeus house. Visit the Qumran caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Make a brief stop at a private beach and take the opportunity to float in the salty buoyant water, rich in minerals (towels and swim dress necessary).
On to the golden city Jerusalem via the Judean Desert and on to your hotel in Bethlehem for check in, dinner and overnight.
After breakfast today, we will visit Ein Karem – the town of Judah and birthplace of John the Baptist, son of Elizabeth & Zechariah and the Church of Visitation. We then visit Mt Zion the cynical, the room for the last supper and King David’s Tomb. We also visit the Church of St. Peter Gallicantu the site where the High Priest imprisoned Jesus before he was turn over to the Romans and the church of Dormition.
Onto Bethlehem, it was here that the angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds of Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod; also, here David tended his flocks until he anointed King of Israel. Visit the Church of Nativity and the Manger Square; view the Shepherds Fields
Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
We start in the morning by visit the Mt of Olives to the Church of Ascension, which commemorates the assents of Jesus to heaven, the Paternoster church, according to tradition, lye’s the cave where Jesus brought his decuples and spoke to them about the mystery of the end. Then continue to the panoramic view of Jerusalem and from there, by foot to Dominos Flevit where Jesus wept over eminent destruction of Jerusalem. The chapels built in the shape of a tear as a poignant reminder to this event, and then visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed while Judah betrayed him to the Romans. Visit the basilica of agony.
We then go to the pools of Bethesda, where Jesus held the crippled man, and from there we take the Via Dolorosa (Way of Grief), traditionally accepted as the last route trodden by Jesus.
Follow the 14 Stations of the Cross to Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified marking significant events along the route. You will see the Pilate’s Judgments Hall, the Chapel of the Flagellation where, according to tradition, the Roman soldiers scourged Jesus.
The last four Stations of the Cross are inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher visible from the distance, wish is two silver domes, also “The Tomb” widely believed to be part of the stone that covered Jesus Tomb. In the afternoon, we go through the Jewish quarter to the Wailing Wall, which is the holiest place for the Jewish religion.
Back to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast check-out at the hotel, time permitting we will drive and have a magical intro to Tel Aviv, experiencing the busy beach line and the magical combination of business and pleasure which Tel Aviv is famous for.
We will Continue to Old Jaffa, an 8000-year-old port city; Visit the ancient ruins and walk along the restored artists’ quarter. Visit Carmel Market, Neve Tzedek and Sheinken, the lively and colorful street especially known for the unique shops, café life, and youthful ambiance.
Later you will be transferred for your departure flight to Ben Gurion Airport.
Shalom & Goodbye we hope to welcome you soon back to Israel!
