Biblical journey to Israel and Jordan Explore the fascinating Petra, Jerash, Mt. Nebo, Madaba with our Best of Israel Tour

Day 1: Arrive Israel
We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where we will be met by our Israeli guide who will accompany us during our entire stay in Israel. We travel northward to our hotel for one night in the coastal area near Tel Aviv. The remainder of the day is free to walk along the Mediterranean, relax, and have dinner. The time is right for a personal devotional with the sunset over the “Great Sea.” Enjoy a time of prayer of thanks for safety and the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and a good night’s rest.

Day 2: Caesarea, Megiddo & Mt Carmel
After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre, harbor/palace area and aqueduct, and then journey on to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. We will have free time, dinner and overnight lodging for the next three nights in the Tiberias area on the Sea of Galilee.

Day 3: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Bethsaida, Corazim, Capernaum
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites emphasizing the loss of God's blessing on Israel. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of pagan worship and Caesarea Philippi which is also the site of Peter’s Confession. Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum formed what has been called the "evangelical triangle," because most of Jesus’ miracles in Galilee were performed in these cities. Of special interest are the ruins of a 1st century synagogue in Corazin, the House of the Fisherman in Bethsaida and Peter’s home in Capernaum.
 

Day 4: Galilee Experience, Jordan River, Golan Heights
Today we begin the day at the Galilee Experience, a multi-media presentation on 4,000 years of history in the Galilee. After we visit at the Jordan River Baptismal site. Tour the Golan Heights, with it’s valleys, grazing land and snow capped mountains. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
 

Day 5: Cana, Mt. Arbel, Nazareth, Mount of Beatitudes
We begin our day drive through the hills of Galilee takes us through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we visit the Nazareth Village - a wonderful recreation of Biblical times with costumed guides. Continuing toward Tiberias we drive up to Mt. Arbel for a spectacular view of the northern Sea of Galilee allowing for an excellent time of teaching on the region of Jesus' ministry. This afternoon we travel on to the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Gallilee followed by a relaxing boat cruise. A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the visit the famous Fisherman Boat from the days of Jesus, a conclusion to a wonderful day. Overnight.
 

Day 6: Jordan River Baptism Site, Jordan: Jarash, Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Petra
We begin our day with a visit to the Jordan River Baptismal site. Next we travel southward to Beit-Shean crossing the border to Jordan.
Jerash, the Pompei of the East. Jerash has been covered by sand for centuries, the
main reason why it is still so well-preserved. You will enter Jerash through the
monumental South Gate and find yourself wandering around in a Roman city. You
will walk in the Oval Plaza surrounded by colonnades, visit the Roman theatre and
Byzantine churches with mosaic-covered floors.
Madaba is famous for the unique mosaic map of the Holy Land, which can
be found in Saint George's church floor.
Mount Nebo is the place where Moses looked over the Holy Land and the Dead
Sea. That is the place where Moses was seen for the last time; therefore we
consider this place as burial place for Moses.

Day 7: Petra: Visit Petra, Transfer to Arava Border for Depature to Israel.
After breakfast, Your Guide will Take you to Visit Petra .No visit of Jordan will be
complete without having seen the capital of the ancient Nabatean kingdom, Petra.
The long-lost city of Petra, carved entirely by man into the rose-red sandstone
rocks, puts your imagination to the test. It's a mystic and glorious place, an eternal
tribute to a lost civilization. Petra was the central meeting point of the Nabatean
spice routes which originated from the Persian Gulf, Western Arabia and the Red
Sea. About two thousand years ago Petra became the capital of the Nabatean
Empire. The city was so renowned that one of its kings, Aretas IV, is even
mentioned in the Bible. The natural richness of the mountainous area combines in a
superb way with the refined culture and massive architecture of the Nabateans, who carved their theatre, temples, faחades, tombs, monasteries, houses and roads entirely into the rose-red sandstone rocks. No wonder UNESCO placed Petra on its World Heritage List. Then after Visiting Petra Transfer to Arava Border for Crossing to Israel for Departure.

Day 8: The Judean Wilderness: Qumran, Ein Gedi, Masada and climb down the Old Roman Ramp
Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next, we visit Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Our lodging for the next five nights will be in Jerusalem.
 

Day 9: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times, Holocaust Museum
Passing by the Protestant Cemetery, we visit the "Upper Room" just outside the Zion Gate where the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His breast and where later Thomas cried, "my Lord & my God." An interesting and educational time awaits us at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of centuries old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and a then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem will help to prepare you for what you will experience in the following days. We conclude the day with a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, for a needed reminder of what the Jews have suffered as a people.
 

Day 10: Jesus' Steps
Today we walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from a top the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here. Next we visit the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was beaten and spit upon. See a pit where he may have been held for the evening and the ancient hillside steps he walked as he was taken to be condemned. On our way into the city we will visit the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders. We move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’s Church.
 

Day 11: City of David, Jeremiah's Cistern, Hezekiah's Tunnel
We begin our sightseeing just outside the Dung Gate on the southeastern hill below the Temple Mount in the City of David. It was during the time of Solomon that the city limits expended past this part of Jerusalem. We visit Gihon Springs, the original water source for Jerusalem, view new excavations including a typical Israelite four-room house, the lower city wall and the cistern where Jeremiah was imprisoned. A highlight today will be a water walk through the incredible Hezekiah's Tunnel to the pool of Siloam, the place of Jesus' miracle in John 9. Before returning to our hotel, our guide will take us to an overview of the city from the hillside overlooking Jerusalem and the Gehenna Valley. This meaningful teaching time will bring together the many things that you have seen to date.
 

Day 12: Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost, Bethlehem
While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our guide will explain the differing opinions on the route that Christ was led and the actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study. The climax of the day is the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise. This afternoon we visit the Southern Wall Excavations. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place that Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. We will enjoy a challenge from God’s word and a song before an optional time this afternoon. Those who wish may stay in the city marketplace for shopping, while others may choose to spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ, with a visit to Bethlehem*.
 

Day 13: Home
We enjoy our final meal and continue to the airport for our flight home. Returning home with unforgettable memories and new friends that are forever.
Important Note: Although the itinerary above obviously emphasizes the spiritual aspect of this marvelous country, our guides are also experts in and passionate about the miracle of the return of the Jews and the restoration of the state of Israel. This fact, along with many modern day topics (military, politics, education, and other rounded information.

*This is subject to local conditions at the time of the tour