Israel and Jordan Biblical Tour

Depart.

On arrival at Ben Gurion Airport you will be met by our Israeli guide who will accompany you during our entire stay in Israel. Travel northward to your hotel for first night in the coastal area of Tel Aviv. The remainder of the day is free to walk along the Mediterranean, relax and have dinner.

Overnight in Tel-Aviv.

After breakfast, travel by private bus along the coast of the cost of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. See the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct. Then journey on to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah hid from King Ahab, and through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. In the afternoon, continue on to Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, and then via Mt. Tabor, site of the transfiguration of the Lord. From here view the geographic layout of Jesus’ early ministry.

Overnight in Tiberias which is located around the Sea of Galilee.

Following breakfast, travel to Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s Confession. A relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee with the view of the Golan Heights brings to life the experiences of the fishermen disciples. In Capernaum, visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue and Peter’s home. Then travel on to the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea where our guide will reenact Jesus’ famous “Sermon on the Mount”. This evening we take a walk along the Sea Of Galilee promenade and enjoy the beautiful water fountain, music and sound show.

Overnight in Tiberias.

Today, we begin our sightseeing with a visit to the Jordan River Baptismal site, and then turn southward via Kibbutz Beit-Alpha where to visit the beautiful mosaic floor showing the Zodiac. Depart for the Jordanian – Israeli border at Sheikh Hussein. We cross the Jordan river and drive to Jerash – Gerasha of ancient times, one of the best preserved and most complete of the cities of the Decapolis. We continue to Amman, the capital of modern Jordan. Here we do a short city tour of the Old and New City.

Overnight in Amman.

Depart Amman. We travel south to Petra – the spectacular Rose Red capital of the Nabateans recently chosen as one of the Seven wonders of the world. We enjoy a tour of Petra.

Overnight in Petra.

Our first stop this morning, is Mount Nebo – Moses, the “friend of God” looked from here into the promised land on to Madeba – visit the Mosaic map of the Holy land from 4th century found in an ancient Byzantine church. Transfer to Allenby bridge near Jericho to enter into Israel.

In the afternoon visit Jericho the oldest city on earth, travel to Jerusalem, visit the Inn of the Good Samaritan and the village of Bethany.

Overnight Jerusalem for the remaining nights.

Today you will walk where Jesus walked. Begin at the Mount of Olives and enjoy the amazing view of both the old and the new city of Jerusalem. View Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives. Visit the Ascension site. Proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be taken back in time to have a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus’ prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here.

Next, we enter the Old City through Stephen’s Gate, and visit the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus cured a cripple. We move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and be reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering. View the Church of the Sepulcher before we arrive at the climax of our tour – the Garden Tomb. Your faith, that blessed hope and communion with Christ, will take on a tremendous new meaning today.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

An interesting and educational day of touring awaits us today beginning at a scale model of the ancient city of Jerusalem and the Shrine of the Book (with time to enjoy the museum), including the Dead Sea Scrolls an absolute miracle of God’s preserved Word. Walk through an accurately detailed smaller version of Biblical times in Jerusalem model as well as the architecture and décor of the Temple. Next visit the house of Caiaphas and the “Upper Room” where the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His Breast and where later Thomas cried; “my Lord and my God”. From here we will visit the ancient Roman Cardo, the Herodian Mansion, and the Western Wall. Later those who wish will visit the marketplace in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

We begin our day in Bethlehem, the site of the nativity.

Our next stop is the Southern Wall Excavations in Jerusalem. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher, eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard, have been unearthed. It is in this courtyard that Jesus likely drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. Later we will visit the Yad Vashem Museum and memorial to the Holocaust.

Overnight Jerusalem.

Drive along the west coast of the Dead Sea to Masada. Cable car ride to the mountain top fortress. Hear the history of the famous zealot stand. Visit Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Afterwards proceed to Ein Gedi, “Spring of the Goat”, an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant water supply, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. (1 Sam 23:29; 24 Song of Songs 1:14). Enjoy a short swim in the Dead Sea.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Departure.

Today, you are at leisure to revisit any sites of particular interest to you, to shop or just enjoy the Holy City of Jerusalem.

Transfer to the airport to meet return flights to the USA.