Day 1 Sunday

WELCOME TO THE HOLY LAND!

VIP Welcome at Ben Gurion Airport

After landing, a Shalom Israel Tours representative will be waiting to welcome you as you exit the plane. Your party will be transported in a private vehicle to the flight staff passport control, continue to luggage identification and transfer to your luxury chauffeured vehicle.

Welcome Transfer to Tel Aviv

Stretching along a beautiful beach strip of the Mediterranean Sea for 100 years, Tel Aviv is considered the face of modern Israel. Nicknamed “The White City” for its abundance of Bauhaus style architecture, Tel Aviv was declared a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2003.

Old Jaffa Port & Market

Jaffa is filled with New Testament history, including the events of Jonah’s journey, Tabitha’s resurrection, and Peter’s conversion of the gentiles. The streets are lined with quaint cafes, unique art galleries and a number of churches, including the impressive Church of St. Peter.

Overnight: Tel Aviv Hotel Options

Day 2 Monday

ISRAEL’S COAST – ANCIENT PORTS

Ancient City of Caesarea Ruins

The ruins of Roman and Crusader structures in Caesarea tell the story of this once Christian port town. Highlights include the ruins of a Hippodrome, Roman theater, shop-lined Byzantine Street, Greek mosaic inscription, and Crusader cathedral dedicated to St. Paul.

Megiddo National Park

Learn about the history of the biblical period and visit Armageddon. An impressive water system commissioned by King Solomon and expanded by King Ahab is tall enough to walk through. Other finds at the site include a Late Bronze Age gate, palace and ancient stables.

Nazareth Holy Sites

Next we’ll continue our tour with a short drive to Nazareth, the town where Jesus spent his childhood.  Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, Mary’s Well and the Church of St. Gabriel.  Visit the Blessed Cave, view Mary and Joseph’s house.

City of Cana

Nestled in the Galilee, Cana is famous for being the location where Jesus turned water into wine – an event known as his first miracle. Tour the Franciscan Wedding Church and the ancient Cana ruins, which contain remnants dating all the way back to the Byzantine era.

Dinner & Overnight: Northern Hotel Options

Day 3 Tuesday

THE GALILEE & HER HOLY SEA

Jesus Boat Museum

A restored first-century boat fished out of the Sea of Galilee is on display and demonstrates the type of boat that Jesus and his disciples, some of whom were fishermen, would have used to travel around the Galilee. The story of the boat’s miraculous discovery is also told.

Golan Heights Jeeping Adventure

Jeep tours take you off the road to hard-to-reach places, such as streams, fields and mud tracks. The Golan is green and lush, with small villages nestled into the hills. Learn about the biblical and historical importance of the Golan sites while enjoying a bumpy jeep ride.

Caesarea Philipi, Banias Springs

A peaceful spot for prayer and reflection, Caesarea Philipi is home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Israel. See where Jesus cured the woman from Paneas and asked the disciples who they thought he was. Visit the Crusader tower and a still-active water mill.

Capernaum National Park

Visit the remains of a Second Temple period fishing village and its synagogue, and imagine the lives of those who dwelled there. We’ll learn about the location where Jesus selected his Apostles and the modern day church that stands where the house of Peter once stood.

Mount of Beatitudes

The Mount of Beatitudes sits on a hilltop at the northern point of the Sea of Galilee, this is where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount.  A Byzantine church was erected near the current site in the 4th century, and it was used until the 7th century.

Dinner & Overnight: Northern Hotel Options

Day 4 Wednesday

THE JORDAN VALLEY – HIGHWAY OF KINGS

Tiberias & The Sea of Galilee

The center of Jesus’ ministry, this large freshwater lake is also a popular recreational site, famous for its swimming and boating. Stroll along the shores of the lake and enjoy one of the many gourmet restaurants (fish is popular) with romantic views of the Sea of Galilee.

Bellvoir Castle Fortress

A reconstructed Crusader-era castle, Bellvoir is the most complete standing example of a fortress from the Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem. The huge towers, moat and drawbridge are particularly impressive. The towers here provide a gorgeous view of the Jordan River.

Beit She’an National Park

The fully excavated theater and town of Beit Shean tell the story of daily life in the time of Jesus. See the remains of the town, with its colonnaded streets and elaborate bathhouses. Learn about the history of the city, inhabited over the years by pagans, Jews and Christians.

Qasr el Yahud Jordan River Baptizing

One of only two organized outdoor baptismal sites in Israel, this is a must-see for pilgrims. Purify yourself in the water where the Israelites crossed the Jordan, Elijah ascended to heaven and Jesus himself was baptized. Dedicated areas are set up here for prayer sessions.

Ascend to Holy Jerusalem

Welcome to the holiest city in the world! Here you will touch the Western Wall, walk through the diverse and beautiful streets of “new” Jerusalem, and enjoy the city’s sounds, smells, and tastes; experience the people of Jerusalem, their diversity and vibrant culture.

Jerusalem Mount of Olives

This historic and deeply religious site near the Holy Temple holds a power and significance which will take your breath away. Look upon the walled Old City of Jerusalem, the Golden Gate, the Kidron and Hinnom valleys, the City of David, Mount Zion and the Temple Mount.

Overnight: Jerusalem Hotel Options

Day 5 Thursday

HOLY JERUSALEM & BETHLEHEM

The Wailing Wall

Stop at the Wailing Wall to say a prayer and leave a note in the cracks between the stones of the wall that supported the Temple Mount in ancient times. A symbol of exile and destruction, it is now a joyous location celebrating the Jewish return to reunified Jerusalem.

Via Dolorosa and Stations of the Cross

Walk in the final path of Jesus, starting at the location where Pontius Pilate sentenced Jesus. There are fourteen Stations of the Cross that line the Via Dolorosa, ending with the final station – the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where the crucifixion took place.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Located in the Old City’s Christian Quarter, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest site in Christian faith. It is here that Jesus was crucified and later buried. At the center of the church is the Stone of Unction, the location where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial.

Bethlehem & Church of the Nativity

It is at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem where we will learn about the birth of Jesus. It is one of the world’s oldest churches and houses the Grotto of the Nativity, the spot where the birth took place, marked by a 14-point silver star flanked by majestic silver lamps.

Bethlehem Milk Grotto

This is the location where the Holy Family hid during the Slaughter of the Innocents. Here Mary nursed baby Jesus, and where a small drop of milk fell, turning the grotto white. The rocks are said to increase fertility and the quantity of milk provided by visiting mothers.

Overnight: Jerusalem Hotel Options

Day 6 Friday

FAREWELL FOR NOW…WE’LL MISS YOU!

Morning at Leisure in Jerusalem

Filled with marvelous boutique shops, cafes, Judaica and souvenir stores, Jerusalem is the best place to relax, shop and indulge. Explore the store-lined streets of King George and Jaffa Street or head to the German Colony to the chic and fabulous Emek Refaim Street.

Farewell Transfer…We’ll Miss you!

Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your temporary departure from Israel…Bye for now!