A trip to Israel is a desire for many people. There are several reasons to go, but the greatest is to feel the passion for God's Word in the land where it all took place. This trip will involve varied places and experiences, beginning in Jaffa, where Jonah's unwillingness to obey God sent him to a fish-ride resulting with an amphibious landing. Mt. Carmel will come alive as you visualize Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal while you hear the scriptural account of the contest. The sight of the Valley of Megiddo will imprint the screen of your mind as you know that this will one day be the place of the last great bloody battle as foretold in Revelation.
Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus, will show the places of childhood experiences; and Cana will come alive as the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry and miracles. Galilee will enrich your understanding to the proximity of the places Jesus often traveled and taught.
The sea, the towns, and the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the "Sermon on the Mount" will collectively bring the Bible into living Technicolor. The Jordan Valley will afford the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River and Gideon's Spring will allow you to taste and touch the pure water in the place where Gideon's final 300 men were chosen because of their carefulness.
Hosanna Road descends to the Garden of Gethsemane; and with each point of reference in scripture, Old Jerusalem seeps with biblical background and insight. Golgotha and The Garden Tomb seize your heart, and the witness of God's Holy Spirit confirms your assurance of the resurrected Christ.
Masada, the ruins of Herod's Palace, and Qumran, the place associated with the scribes who copied the Dead Sea Scrolls, each provides a very different landscape. Even a personal float in the Dead Sea is an option that will truly amaze and exhilarate you.
When back in Jerusalem, the Western Wall will become a highlight to witness and participate in prayer at the western support wall of the Temple Mount. The Via Dolorosa, the way of suffering, was Jesus' traditional route to the cross as He faced His crucifixion. Visiting the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the nearby Shepherd's Field will help you to see how close the shepherds were to the newborn King of the Jews. Isn't that ironic? He appeared first to those that were available - and He still does.
DAY 1: Depart for Israel!
DAY 2: Arrive in Tel Aviv, proceed to Old Jaffa, welcome dinner
DAY 3: Caesarea by the Sea, Mt. Carmel, Megiddo, Mt. Tabor, Nazareth and the Church of the Annunciation, Sea of Galilee
DAY 4: Sail the Sea of Galilee, Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Golan Heights, go to the top of Mount Bental
DAY 5: Baptismal site on the River Jordan, Qasr Al Yahud, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem
DAY 6: Mt. of Olives, Old Jerusalem City, Gethsemane, Mt. Zion and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, Room of the Last Supper, Tomb of King David, Garden Tomb & Golgotha, Friends of Zion Heritage Center
DAY 7: Qumran, Ruins of Harod's Palace at Masada, Ein Gedi, AHAVA factory, float in the Dead Sea
DAY 8: Lions Gate, Via Dolorosa, the Chapel of the Flagellation, Old City bazaars, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Wailing Wall
DAY 9: Yad Vashem, Israel Museum, Shrine of the Book, Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity, New City of Jerusalem and Knesset, Farewell Dinner
DAY 10: Welcome home!