Italian Holy Land Tour, May 1-6, 2023

DAY 1

Arrive to Tel Aviv. The Mediterranean coastline is visible from both sides of the plane. Shalom, you are in Israel and will be assisted with Immigration and Customs by a tour representative. Transfer by deluxe coach to your hotel in or near Tel Aviv.

Dinner and overnight Netanya

 

DAY 2

After another great Israeli breakfast buffet, step aboard the boat for a calm cruise on the sea and an incredible worship service. Disembark at Ginosar to visit Capernaum, the town of Jesus. Visit the home of the Apostle Peter where Jesus healed his mother-in-law. A few footsteps away, we visit the ancient synagogue where Jesus taught. Continue to Tabgha, the site of the multiplication of the fishes and loaves. A short bus ride takes us to the Mount of Beatitudes where we hear the words of Jesus on the mount where he first spoke them.  Lunch time provides an opportunity to enjoy St. Peter’s fish on the shores of the lake at Kibbutz Ein Gev. End the day at the Jordan River Baptismal site.  (Those who opt to be baptized will be required to rent a robe and towel. The $15.00 charge (not included) includes a Baptismal Certificate.) Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Dinner and Overnight: Tiberias

 

DAY 3

Leaving Galilee, drive to Beit Shean to visit one of the best preserved Roman Amphitheaters in Israel. Extensive excavations have uncovered eighteen layers of civilization. Ancient Beit Shean is where King Saul’s body was nailed to the wall. Leaving Beit Shean we continue south observing the city of Jericho from the coach. Travel along the site of Qumran and view the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a shepherd boy. Continue south toward Masada through the wilderness of Judea. Biblically, it was a place of refuge for King David when fleeing from Saul. Arrive at the hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea in time to float in the salt water at the lowest place on the face of the earth. Travel on to Jerusalem.

Overnight and Dinner: Bethlehem

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DAY 4

The first day in Jerusalem begins with a drive to the Mount of Olives where the New Testament comes alive. A breathtaking view of Jerusalem from the Garden of Gethsemane places the Biblical events in perspective. Visit the Church of All Nations and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane with a grand view of the Eastern Gate and the Kidron Valley.

 

Board the coach for lunch in Bethlehem, then visit the Shepherd's Fields, the Church of the Nativity, and fields of Boaz and Ruth. After shopping in Bethlehem, return to the hotel.

Dinner and Overnight: Bethlehem

 

DAY 5

We arrive at Mount Zion. Visit the room of the Last Supper, the site of the Upper Room, the Tomb of King David and the House of Caiaphas. If time permits, proceed to the Knesset (the Israeli House of Parliament) and to the Shrine of the Book to view the Dead Sea Scrolls. Visit the Holy Land Model to view Jerusalem as it was in the time of Christ.

Dinner and Overnight: Bethlehem

 

DAY 6

Today, visit to the Garden Tomb and Gordon’s Calvary where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. A Communion service is available for our group as we overlook the Tomb. Proceed to the Holy City. The walls enclose many of the Holy sites. Walking through the Dung Gate, we approach the Temple area on Mount Moriah. Visit the Western Wall, and then up to the Dome of the Rock enclosing the Rock of Sacrifice. Visit the Church of Saint Anne, the Pool of Bethesda, the Lithostrotos and Pilate’s Judgment Hall..We return to Ben Gurion Airport for return flight back home. Next year in Jerusalem!