10 Days Tour - Divine Discovery
Shalom and welcome to Israel! After passport control and baggage claim you will meet and greet you guide who will lead you to the Tel Aviv for the first night. Will transfer you to your hotel in Tel Aviv to enjoy dinner before retiring for the night.
Our first stop will be at Caesarea Maritima. Founded some 2,000 years ago by King Herod, Caesarea was a major city in the Roman and Byzantine periods. Visit Herod’s Palace, where Apostle Paul was imprisoned and made his defense before King Agrippa (Acts 24-25). Explore the city’s harbor and learn about the conversion of the Roman Centurion Cornelius by Apostle Peter (Acts 9). Enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, then journey on to Muhraka atop Mount Carmel. Maintained by Carmelite monks, this site commemorates Elijah triumph over the Ba’al prophets (1 Kings 18). In addition to its religious significance, the site also provides sweeping vistas of northern Israel. Ending our day after around 30 minutes’ drive towards Tel Megiddo,. Look out over Tel Megiddo (Armageddon) to view one of the most important archaeological sites in Israel.
Begin your day with a visit to Capernaum, “the Town of Jesus” (Matthew 9:1). Explore the ruins of the ancient synagogue and St. Peter’s house, where Jesus performed miracles. Above, reach the Mount of Beatidudes, where Jesus delivered the ‘Sermon on the Mount’. Nearby, at Tabgha, discover the site of the feeding of the 5,000 and the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish (Luke 9). At Kibbutz Ginosar visit a 2,000-year-old boat that was abandoned, perhaps after Jesus walked on water (Mark 6). After lunch, enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. In the afternoon, explore Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene and its first-century synagogue, possibly a site where Jesus preached.
Head towards Tel Dan, an ancient city located in the far north of Israel. Arrive at Tel Dan Nature Reserve, which encompasses the archaeological site of Tel Dan and a beautiful nature reserve. Proceed to Banias, also known as Caesarea Philippi, an ancient city situated at the base of Mount Hermon. The importance of Banias in the Bible is associated with a specific event involving Jesus and his disciples, specifically Peter, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 16:13-20) and the Gospel of Mark (Mark 8:27-30).
Depart for Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown. Start your day at the Basilica of the Annunciation, the most prominent church in Nazareth. The visit Nazareth Village a re-creation of a 1st-century village, providing insight into the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of Jesus’ time.
Journey towards Mount Tabor, which rises prominently from the surrounding plains of the Jezreel Valley. The drive itself might offer scenic views of the Galilee region.
Descend through the stunning landscapes of the Jordan Valley reach the Jordan River Baptism site. By local tradition this is where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land, and centuries later Jesus was baptized. Explore this significant historical site and consider participating in a baptism ceremony.
Stop in Jericho to view the ruins of the city conquered by Joshua (Joshua 6:1, 2, 20), in the distance you can also see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11).
After a lunch break we spend the rest of the day relaxing on one of the Dead Sea beaches. You can float in the salty-water that is 8.6 times more saline than the ocean creating natural buoyance. Use the Dead Sea mud as a natural skin mask and soak up the glorious Dead Sea sun.
In Bethlehem, visit the cave where Jesus was born (Luke 2:1-7) and the Church of the Nativity. Gaze out over the Shepherds’ Field, where angels first proclaimed the Good News.
Ascend to Masada by cable car or hike up the Snake Path (depending on your group’s preference and time).Explore the ruins of King Herod’s palace complex, the Roman ramp and siege works, ancient synagogue, and other significant archaeological remains atop Masada.
Head towards Qumran to check the archaeological site, famous for the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Explore the ruins of the settlement and caves where the ancient manuscripts were found.
We follow in the footsteps of Jesus on the Mount of Olives visiting the Church of the Ascension where Christ ascended to heaven, and the nearby Church of the Pater Noster, where Christ taught his disciples the Lord’s Prayer.
See the Dominus Flevit – the place Jesus looked out over Jerusalem and wept as he foresaw its destruction. We visit the Church of all Nations and the adjacent Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested on the eve of his crucifixion.
We view the Pools of Bethesda then go into the Old City where we stop at the Church of Saint Anne plus the Convent of the Sisters of Zion. From there we walk to the 3d Station of the Cross on Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus would have taken carrying his cross toward his crucifixion on Calvary.
Visit the Temple Mount area and will view the Dome of the Rock, an iconic Islamic shrine with a beautiful golden dome, believed to be the spot where Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. Explore the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the world and a site of great importance in Islam. After touring the Temple Mount, head to the Davidson Center, situated near the Western Wall (Kotel). This archaeological park offers insights into Jerusalem’s history and the Second Temple period. Visiting the City of David in Jerusalem offers a remarkable opportunity to explore ancient Jerusalem’s archaeological remains and understand the city’s historical significance.
