Israel 9 Days – 8 Nights

After breakfast, drive along the scenic coast to the Roman city of Caesarea. Visit the amphitheater and historic ruins of this ancient port. Next, continue to Muhraka on Mount Carmel, where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal (1 Kings: 18). From here, travel to the lower Galilee city of Nazareth where Jesus grew up.   Visit the stunningly beautiful Church of the Annunciation and then proceed to Cana, the site of the first miracle where Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). Here it is possible to renew marriage vows in the Wedding Church.

Finally, drive to Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, take an inspirational boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Then visit the Boat Museum, where you can see the “Jesus Boat,” which was brought up from the bottom of the Sea of Galilee. Next, visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount (Luke 6:20-49). Continue to Tabgha, the site of the feeding of the multitudes, and then to Capernaum, where Jesus preached in the Ancient Synagogue. End the day of touring with a visit to Yardenit traditional baptism site.

Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.

Start the day with breakfast. Drive along the Jordan Valley to biblical Jericho, the first city conquered by Joshua in the Promised Land (Joshua 6:12-25), where you will view the Mount of Temptation. Continue to Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and then travel to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth and check in to your hotel. While here, you can enjoy floating in the waters of the Dead Sea, which have unique healing powers.

Dinner and overnight Dead Sea.

After a relaxing breakfast and time to further enjoy the waters of the Dead Sea, visit majestic Masada and ascend by Cable Car to inspect the fortress and ruins of Herod’s palace, which later served the Zealots when they resisted the Roman onslaught.   Descend by Cable Car and then drive to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus (Luke 2:7), to visit the Church of Nativity, Manger Square, and the Shepherds Fields. Drive to Jerusalem hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning after breakfast, drive up the Mount of Olives for a magnificent panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem. Walk along the Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-56).   Visit the Church of All Nations. Visit the City of David and see the excavations of the original City of David, the place where Jerusalem was first established outside the walls of the Old City. Visit the Wailing Wall. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Enter the beautiful Old City of Jerusalem and visit the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus cured the Paralytic man (John 5:1-3). Visit the Church of St. Anne and walk along the Via Dolorosa following the Stations of the Cross. Continue to Mt. Zion, the Hall of the Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-25), and the Tomb of King David. Tour the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, built on the site of the house of the High Priest Caiaphas. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Spend the day at leisure.

Drive to picturesque Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist, followed by a visit to Mini Israel and see a scaled-down replica of the main buildings and landmarks in Israel. Transfer to Airport for your departure.