Today you’ll arrive at Ben Gurion airport where you will be met by our representative and be transferred to your hotel in Tel Aviv for the night.
Dinner
This morning we’ll depart Tel-Aviv, drive along the coastal plain to Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region, and visit the excavations of the ancient city, the Roman theatre and aqueduct. From Caesarea we’ll head to Muhraka, the site of confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, along the way enjoying spectacular views of the Jezreel Valley and the lower Galilee. At Megiddo, thought to be the site of Armageddon, you’ll learn the site’s impressive history as you visit the archaeological excavations, including the beautifully-preserved water supply system. In Acre you’ll visit the remarkable underground Crusader City and crypt, walk through the Old City, recognized by UNESCO as world heritage site , the local market and harbor. Tonight we’ll sleep at Kibbutz Lavi.
Dinner
After a short tour of Tiberias we’ll enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and visit the Yigal Alon Centre where the “Jesus Boat”, an intact 1st century fishing craft, is displayed. At Capernaum we’ll visit the remains of the 2nd century synagogue and at Tabgha, the site of the Miracle of Loaves and Fishes, visit the Church of Multiplication with its beautiful 4th century mosaic floor. We’ll drive next to the Mount of Beatitudes, the site where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, the Springs at Banias and tour the Golan Heights before returning to Kibbutz Lavi for the night.
Lunch
Dinner
This morning we’ll drive to Cana to visit the Wedding Church, where Jesus performed his first miracle, the turning of water into wine, and continue to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation, Joseph’s Workshop and Mary’s Well. You’ll visit Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan river and the Roman city of Beit Shean’s newly excavated amphitheatre . We’ll make our way to Jerusalem along the beautiful Jordan Valley.
Dinner
This morning we’ll drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city, visit the Church of All Nations, King David’s Tomb and the Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Entering the Old City you’ll walk through the Cardo, the ancient Roman road, visit the Jewish and Christian quarters, view the Temple Mount and walk along the Via Dolorosa and the Bazaar to visit the Church of Holy Sepulchre. From the Old City we’ll drive to the Garden Tomb and enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance. Tonight we’ll stay in Jerusalem.
Dinner
This morning’s drive will take you to Ein Karem to visit the Church of Visitation and Yad Vashem, moving memorial to victims of the Holocaust. We’ll visit Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed, and the fascinating model of Jerusalem as it looked during the Second Temple period. From Jerusalem we’ll drive to *Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus, visiting Shepherds’ Field, Manger Square and the remarkable Church of the Nativity. We’ll return to Jerusalem for the night.
Dinner
Today we’ll drive through the Judean hills to the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found, and continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada, last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D. You’ll ascend Masada by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod, inspired not only by the walls, cisterns and Palace, but by unforgettable views of the Roman camps and desert below. Continuing to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, you’ll have the opportunity to float in the dense water and cover yourself with the mineral-rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects. We’ll return to Jerusalem for the night.
Dinner
Traveling south through the stunning Negev desert, we’ll stop at Timna, a large geologic and archaeological park, marveling at the copper mines and multi-colored rock formations, among them the outstanding Solomon’s Pillars.
Continuing to Eilat, the southernmost resort city on the shores of the Red Sea, you’ll visit the Underwater Observatory marine park and enjoy the opportunity for a close- up look at the rich life of the Gulf of Eilat. We’ll overnight in Eilat.
Dinner
After border formalities, we’ll drive straight to Petra, the astonishing rose-red city built by the Nabateans. Petra was renowned for its massive architecture, pools, dams and water channels. The visit begins with the possibility of a short horseback ride to the entrance of the Siq, a walk of about 1.2 km that will bring you to the monuments Petra is famous for: the treasury, royal tombs, the court, the Roman theatre, Qasser el- Bint and many others. The city itself is almost 45 square km and is considered to be a wonder of the world. After the visit, we’ll have time for a nice lunch before driving back to border. On the way, we’ll pay a visit to Aqaba and have a chance explore. We should return to the border around 18:00 and cross back to Eilat for the night.
Dinner
This morning we’ll depart Eilat via Mitzpe Ramon and gaze into the crater, a true geological wonder. In Sde Boker we’ll see Ben Gurion’s Hut and grave overlooking the magnificent Zin Valley. A highlight for today is a camel ride and visit to an authentic Bedouin camp where you’ll experience Bedouin hospitality and a delicious traditional lunch. At Hatzerim we’ll visit Israel’s Airforce Museum to view the planes and equipment and hear the history of this storied fighting force. We’ll continue on to Tel-Aviv for the night.
Lunch
Dinner
Today you’ll transfer to Ben Gurion airport for your departure.
