Depart the USA

Arrive in Tel Aviv - Welcome Dinner

Arrive in Tel Aviv. Transfer to the hotel. Tonight will be our “Welcome to Israel” meeting to go over the itinerary and meet everyone in the group.

Caesarea - Mt. Carmel - Megiddo - Nazareth

Today we travel to Caesarea and recall the story of Paul preaching to King Agrippa. Not far away, the road rises to Muhraqa (Mt. Carmel), the site of the prophet Elijah’s contest with the priests of Baal. After a lunch stop at a local Druze Restaurant, we head to Megiddo. We continue to Nazareth, the town where Jesus Christ “grew and waxed strong in spirit…” In Nazareth, we explore the Church of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s carpentry shop, and The Synagogue Church. Our last stop is Mt. Precipice, where, in addition to enjoying the spectacular view, we discuss the transfiguration. We end our day at our hotel by the shores of Galilee, our home for the next three nights.  

Valley of the Doves - Magdala - Sea of Galilee - Tel Dan - Caesarea Philippi

This morning we walk a short distance in the Valley of the Doves to experience the route Jesus would have taken from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee. We then visit the Magdala Center where we explore a 1st century synagogue. On the Sea of Galilee, we board a replica of an ancient fishing boat and then enjoy a delicious lunch of St. Peter’s Fish. This afternoon we pass Tel Hazor and Tel Dan on our way to the Banias Waterfall. Our lunch stop will be at a unique Lebanese restaurant near the gate into Caesarea Philippi. After lunch, we enter Caesarea Philippi, where the Savior asked his disciples, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” We then drive to Mt. Bental which offers a gorgeous and sweeping view north to Mt. Hermon and the road to Damascus. We drive by Bethsaida—home of Peter, Phillip, and Andrew before returning to our hotel. After dinner, we enjoy an inspiring devotional.

Mount of Beatitudes - Tabgha - Primacy of Peter - Capernaum - Bet She'an

Our first stop is the Mount of Beatitudes. Hear again the words of the “Sermon on the Mount.” We then visit Tabgha, the church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, and view a 5th Century Byzantine mosaic floor.  Next is the Church of the Primacy of Peter followed by Capernaum—where Jesus lived and recruited His future apostles. This afternoon we arrive at the beautiful ruins of Bet She'an where King Saul and his sons were hung from the walls.

Bethabara - Qumran - Dead Sea - Jerusalem

Our day begins as we journey to see the traditional baptismal site on the Jordan River. We then continue on to Masada and take the aerial tram up to Herod’s mighty fortress. Following lunch on our own, we visit the caves of Qumran where the precious Dead Sea Scrolls were found. 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!  Next, we drive to Jerusalem (the city of gold), where we check in to our hotel for the rest of our nights in Israel. 

Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity - Israel Museum

Today we drive to the little town of Bethlehem. First, we spend some time in the shepherd’s field as we contemplate the events that took place near there so many years ago. Next, we visit the Church of the Nativity to remember the birth of Christ. We enjoy a unique lunch in a Bedouin tent restaurant overlooking the shepherds’ field. After lunch, we discover the treasures of the Israel Museum. First, we see the Holy Land Model, a unique scale model of Jerusalem as it was at the time of Christ. We then visit the Shrine of the Book, the site chosen to house the priceless Dead Sea Scrolls. We end our visit exploring the fascinating Israeli artifacts housed in the museum.  Dinner followed by an opportunity to explore on our own.

Temple Mount - Pool of Bethesda - Via Dolorosa - Last Supper Room - House of Caiaphas

Our first stop of the day is the Temple Mount to see the Muslim Mosque and Muslim shrine—Dome of the Rock. Next, we experience the incredible acoustics of St. Ann Church. At the Pool of Bethesda, we marvel once again at Christ’s miracles. In the Old City, we will see the area where the Antonia Fortress once stood and where Christ was scourged. We then walk the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. After a break for lunch and/or shopping, we walk by Hezekiah’s “Broad Wall” and then head to the Room of the Last Supper to recall the poignant last moments of Christ with His beloved disciples. Our next stop is the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was imprisoned before His final day in mortality. 

Davidson Center Archaeological Park - Sifting Project - Western Wall - Hezekiah's Tunnel

This morning we get our hands in the dirt as we have a special opportunity to participate in a sifting project of dirt taken from under the Dome of the Rock or the City of David. Here we can find a bone, pottery, and possibly an ancient coin!  Next, we visit the amazing Jerusalem Archaeological Park, we see the ancient southern steps leading to the temple mount that Christ must have tread. From here we visit the Western Wall.  The Western Wall, also known as the “Wailing Wall” or the “Kotel”, is the most religious site in the world for the Jewish people. Our last stop will be at 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. Tonight, will be free time for shopping and exploring the Old City.

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

This morning we travel up Mount Scopus to attend sacrament services at the BYU Jerusalem Center.  Following lunch, we stop at the Mount of Olives overlook for an excellent panoramic view of the incredible city.  Next we visit to the Garden of Gethsemane (and Orson Hyde Park if you want to walk UP the hill) and the Church of All Nations. Here we walk among ancient olive trees and feel the spirit of that sacred area. Our final stop is the beautiful Garden Tomb, believed by some to be the site of Jesus’ burial. Next to the Garden, there is a limestone hill that many revere as Golgotha, the site of the crucifixion. 

After our farewell dinner, we transfer to the airport for our return flights to the USA

Arrive Home

Welcome Home!!