Depart USA to Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv 

Group arrives in Tel Aviv in the late afternoon.  As you begin your journey in this ancient land, notice that the mountains have hidden secrets and the old ruins have legends. For 3,000 years on this small patch of land, men have toiled and battled; prayed and worshiped; and added their own small humanity to the history of this country. Listen and let the land of Israel tell you the stories of its past. Tonight, we will gather at the hotel for dinner and if time permits, we’ll enjoy an evening stroll on the beach. 

Caesarea - Mt. Carmel - Megiddo –Nazareth Village

“And on the morrow, they entered into Caesarea; Cornelius thy prayer is heard.” Enter Caesarea, remains of a city founded by Herod, residence of Pontius Pilate and a prison for Paul. Sit in the well- preserved amphitheater overlooking the blue sea and hear the story of Paul’s conversion of the Centurion. The scenery begins to change to the beautiful green pastures and high rolling hills of the Jezreel Valley as we approach Mt Carmel where the prophet Elijah and the priests of Baal contested their faith. Not far away is Megiddo, the tragic site of ancient bloody battles where nations were won and lost. Upon these same tragic fields, the great and terrible last battle of Armageddon will be fought. We journey next to Nazareth, the quaint town where Jesus spent his childhood, learned his earthly vocation as a carpenter and “grew and waxed strong in spirit.” We will visit a recreated town from Christ’s time and visit with the villagers to learn what life was like for Jesus as a boy. Next we’ll make our way towards the Sea of Galilee.

Valley of the Doves - Mount of Beatitudes – Tabgha – Capernaum – Sea of Galilee – Jordan River

Today we walk where Jesus walked in the Valley of the Doves, followed by a visit to the Mt. of Beatitudes where He gave his Sermon on the Mount and you will be able to see how he could address so many people at once. From here we will visit Tabgha, site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. There is a beautiful Byzantine mosaic in the floor you will not want to miss. Capernaum is where Jesus lived and recruited his first followers among the fishermen. The well-preserved city will amaze you as you sit in the synagogue and imagine Jesus’ teaching and performing miracles for the masses.  This afternoon you will sail upon the Sea of Galilee to view the area of Jesus Christ’s early ministry. As the wind carries your boat, note the halo of mountains that surrounds its shores. Our last visit today will be at the Yardenit Baptismal Site on the banks of the Jordan River. It is here that people from around the world, representing diverse denominations, still come to be baptized.

Tel Dan – Banias –  Kursi

We will start our day with a visit to Tel Dan. This Nature Reserve is one of Israel’s most beautiful parks and archaeological site. Tel Dan hosted both an ancient Canaanite civilization and the Israelite tribe of Dan. We’ll continue north to Banias.  Besides a place of great natural beauty Banias is the site of ancient Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus demanded to know of His disciples who people were saying He was.  Our last stop will be Kursi, the site of the Miracle of the Swine. We will end our day with an evening fireside at the hotel.   

Mt. Tabor – Gideon Springs – Beit She’an - Dead Sea

 “And he lifted up his hands and blessed them while he blessed them; he was carried up into heaven.” Mount Tabor is one of the mountains traditionally claimed to be the site of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. You will thrill to the almost hair-raising taxi ride up the mountain, but once at the summit, you will feel the peace and calm of the surrounding valley. This afternoon we will travel to the ancient tel of Bet She’an, where 6,000 years of civilization seem to unfold among the ruins. It is believed to be the very Bet She’an of the Old Testament where King Saul of Israel was fastened to the city wall without his head by the Philistines.  Next we drive to the David Spa Hotel at the Dead Sea.  As we leave the fertile valleys of the Galilee, we enter the strange and barren desert of the Dead Sea. Once the Biblical Lands of Moab and Edom, the Dead Sea basin has been a refuge to prophets, zealots and outcasts throughout time. While at the Dead Sea, you cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy a dip in the buoyant waters and bathe in the wonderful medicinal mud! Even Cleopatra sent her slaves to retrieve this magical mud in order to preserve her legendary beauty. 

Masada - Ein Gedi - Qasr El Yahud - Qumran - Jerusalem

We begin our day with a visit to Masada. From the desert floor, ascend by cable car to the spectacular cliff-top fortress of Masada, where a community of 960 Jews preferred death at their own hands to the indignity of surrender to the overwhelming Roman forces. Our next stop will be Ein Gedi.  Ein Gedi is an Oasis and nature reserve and is believed to be the place where David hid from King Saul.  Buried in the beige limestone bluffs, the ruins of Qumran still tell the story of the essences, a reclusive Jewish sect that buried the now famous Dead Sea Scrolls. Our last stop today is Qasr El Yahud. Qasr al-Yahud is the western section of the traditional site of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist on the Jordan River This evening we will journey to the beloved city of Jerusalem. 

Mt Zion – Israel Museum –Bethlehem

This morning we visit Mt Zion and the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was arrested before being trialed. To experience the cold, dismal cells and feel the sorrow and grieving of such a place brings understanding and gratitude to our hearts. Next, we will discover the treasures of the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book, the site chosen to house the Dead Sea Scrolls. This unique building is shaped like the ancient pottery in which the precious scrolls lay hidden for thousands of years. While there we will get to see the Holy Land Model, a scale model of Jerusalem at the time of Christ. The model visually explains the layout of the ancient city as well as the design and magnitude of the Second Temple.  Following lunch, music, bells and churches appropriately adorn the little town of Bethlehem for it was here that the Light of the World was given life. Pilgrimages, sacred holidays and festivities occur all year long to celebrate the birth of Christ. Tradition holds that the small humble inn with just a stable for lodging was located where the Church of the Nativity now stands. Shepherds still tend their flocks on the fields overlooking Bethlehem just as they did over 2,000 years ago when the angel appeared bringing them glad tidings of great joy. Gathered on these fields, we sing the beloved hymns and listen to the wondrous story - a moment not to be forgotten.

Western Wall - Dome of the Rock Old City - Old Jerusalem - Davidson Archaeological Park - Church of the Holy Sepulcher

The Western Wall is the most important site in all of Jewish civilization because these rough massive stones are all that is left of the great Second Temple. Revered and honored, the Jews wait and hope for the day they will rebuild their third and final temple upon these sacred remnants. Above the wall is Mount Moriah where the Islamic shrine, the Dome of the Rock, is located. Entering the oldest quarter of Jerusalem, follow the winding alleys and crowded streets to the Pools of Bethesda and learn about their importance. We will discover the ancient city beneath the modern streets where the old paving stones are carved with Roman games at Antonia Fortress. Located in the old quarter of Jerusalem is the site believed to be the Room of the Last Supper. Devoid of gilded statues or ornate chapels, the quiet simplicity and elegance of this room helps one to focus on the words of Christ and the poignant last moments with his beloved disciples.

Valley of Elah - Ein Karem Village - Hezekiah's Tunnel - Free Time in the Old City

This morning we will see Ein Karem Village.  Christian tradition places the birth of John the Baptist in this picturesque village. Our next stop will be Emek Haela.  Emek Haela is best known as the place described in the Bible where the Israelites were encamped when David fought Goliath.  After lunch we will drive to the City of David to explore the ancient waterway of Hezekiah’s Tunnel!  When Jerusalem was preparing defenses against the approaching Assyrian army in the 8th century B.C.E., King Hezekiah decided to protect the water source by diverting its flow deep into the city with an impressive tunnel system. This engineering feat was accomplished by digging a 1,750-foot tunnel into the mountain we can explore today.  After this adventure will be free time in the old city to revisit sites or to finish up shopping for treasures to take home.

Sacrament Services at the BYU Jerusalem Center - Mount of Olives – Gethsemane – Garden Tomb

This morning we will attend sacrament services at the the BYU Jerusalem Center. Next, we visit the Mount of Olives on whose slopes the Garden of Gethsemane lies nestled. Feel the powerful spirit in the Garden as you envision the momentous events, which took place at this sacred site. After lunch we will stop at the beautiful Garden Tomb, there is a limestone hill, which many revere as Golgotha, site of the crucifixion. Just around that hill is an old cemetery with an ancient tomb that once held the Savior’s mortal body and saw its glorious resurrection. There is a sign on the door of the tomb that says, “Do not look for Him here for He is risen”. You will never forget this moment as you look for Him, not in the tomb but within your own life. Tonight we will have a farewell dinner together as we prepare to leave the land we have grown to love to travel back home. After clearing immigration and customs, you will transfer to the connecting gate for your flight back home with memories to last a life time. 

Arrive USA. Welcome Home!!