Classic Israel Tour - 9 Days
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN ISRAEL Day 2: TEL AVIV / JAFFA / CAESAREA / HAIFA / ACRE
Breakfast and in the early morning, departure from the city of Tel Aviv bordering the Mediterranean Sea until reaching Jaffa, an ancient port of Israel, today famous for its artists' quarter and for its archeology. Visit to the Church of San Pedro. We continue north along the coast, passing through Caesarea Maritima, the ancient Roman capital, where the apostles preached the word of God to the Gentiles. We will continue to Acre. We will visit this beautiful city with its Templar rooms from the 11th century.
Accommodation: Acre
Day 3: NAZARETH / HAMAT GADER
Breakfast. In the morning, visit of Nazareth: where the miracle of the Immaculate Conception was made flesh in the Virgin Mary. Visit to the Basilica and Grotto of the Annunciation, Fountain of the Virgin, Church of Saint Joseph. Lunch en route. In the afternoon, continuation to Hamat Gader Hot Springs and SPA
Overnight: Tiberias
Day 4: MT. BEATITUDES / TABGHA / CAPERNAUM / SEA OF GALILEE / TIBERIAS
Breakfast and departure to the Mount of Beatitudes, scene of the Sermon on the Mountain. Visit to Tabgha (multiplication of loaves and fishes). Chapel of the Primacy of Peter. Capernaum, the “City of Jesus”, where the ruins of the 4th century synagogue and the House of Saint Peter are visited. Lunch en route. In the afternoon, a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee, where we evoke the Gospels: Jesus walked on water (John 6: 19-21) calmed a storm (Matthew 8: 23-26) and showed the disciples miraculous fish (Luke 5: 1-8; John 21: 1-6). At the end of the afternoon, if time permits, visit Magdala, the birthplace of Mary Magdalen. Dinner and accommodation in Tiberias.
Overnight: Tiberias
Day 5: NAZARETH / JERICHO / QUMRAN / DEAD SEA / JERUSALEM
Breakfast and departure towards the south along the Jordan River. Visit to Kasser al-Yahud, where we will remember the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, where it will be possible to renew the baptismal promises. Visit to the Jericho oasis where we will see the Mount of Temptation. Known as the oldest city in the world, Jericho was the protagonist of important moments in both the Old and New Testaments. Lunch en route. In the afternoon, visit the archaeological site of Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Take advantage of the afternoon at the Dead Sea to enjoy and bathe in its extremely salty waters, the lowest place on the planet. (420 m below sea level). We continue to Jerusalem. Arrival in the Holy City and welcome prayer. At the end of the day, visit the Western Wall, the holiest site for the Jewish people, with its views of the Temple Mount. Dinner and accommodation.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 6: JERUSALEM / CITY OF DAVID / MOUNT ZION
The first day in Jerusalem is dedicated to learning about its foundation and the Old Testament era by exploring the City of David. Below the visitor center we assess possible remains of King David's palace, and underground we walk from the Gihon Fountain along a Canaanite tunnel to the Pool of Siloam, also known for the miracle that Jesus performed to heal a blind man (John 9).
After a lunch break in the Jewish Quarter, well visit the possible place of the interrogation and arrest of Jesus by the High Priest in the Herodes Quarter. We end the day with a visit to a selection of Christian holy sites on Mount Zion: site of the " last supper " (Cenacle), site of the " Pentacost " event, and resting place of Mary (Dormition Abbey )
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 7: JERUSALEM / MOUNT OLIVES / HOLY SEPULCHER / VIA DOLOROSA
Breakfast. Visit to the Mount of Olives. Grotto of the Pater Noster, Church of the Ascension, walk to the small Franciscan chapel of Dominus Flevit and the garden of the olive trees of Gethsemane. Tomb of Mary, Basilica of the Agony and grotto of betrayal.
Lunch en route. Visit to the Church of Santa Ana, the probatical pool of Bethesta, where the paralytic walked again thanks to the miracle of Jesus, the Chapel of the Flagellation and Lithostrotos. Lunch en route. We will follow the footsteps of Jesus along the Via Dolorosa to the Holy Sepulcher: visit the Basilica of the Resurrection, Calvary and the Sepulcher. Free time to explore the Arab market in the old city of Jerusalem. Return to the hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and accommodation.
Day 8: JERUSALEM
On the last day, we will visit the Israel Museum and learn about the Dead Sea Scrolls in the "Shrine of the Book" ", evaluating Jerusalem at the time of Jesua in the Model of the Second Temple and in the Archaeological Museum. We will see related artifacts with the story of Jesus.
For lunch we will go to the Mahane Yehudah market. After a break for lunch we continue to the Church of John Baharim and \ or the Church of the Visitation in Ein Karem, the hometown of John the Baptist (Luke 1). We end with a visit to the Israeli national monuments at "Yad Vashem " and / or Mount Herzel.
Day 9: JERUSALEM / EMMAUS / BEN GURION AIRPORT
After breakfast, we will visit Emmaus-Nicopolis, where Jesus appeared after his resurrection according to Luke (24: 13-31). Transfer to Ben Gurion airport
Israel at Glance Tour - 3 Days
Day 1: GALILEE
On our first day we will explore Galilee, an area where almost two-thirds of the New Testament takes place. We begin in Jesus' hometown: Nazareth. Strolling through the local market, we will visit the Church of the Annunciation (Luke 1) and the “Church of the Synagogue” (Luke 4). Then we will continue to Cana to learn about the "first miracle of Jesus" (John 2), and after lunch we visit "The city of Jesus" - Capernaum. If time permits, we can also visit the Mount of Beatitudes, Magdala, the "Church of the Primacy of Peter" or the exhibition "Ship of the Sea of Galilee", before returning.
Accommodation: Tel Aviv OR Jerusalem
Day 2: JERUSALEM
We will start our day by driving to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity and see a bit of the modern Palestinian city. Upon returning from Bethlehem, we will drive to the Mount of Olives Viewpoint, visit the Chapel of the Ascension and pass the Church of the Pater Noster, Dominus Flevit and the Garden of Gethsemane. Next, we park by the Jaffa Gate, walk past Saint James's Cathedral in the Armenian Quarter, and visit the site of the Last Supper (Cenacle), King David's Tomb on Mount Zion, and the Dormition Abbey. Now we enter the Jewish Quarter and after a possible lunch break and a visit to the western wall, we join the traditional Catholic path known as the "Stations of the Cross" (in Latin - Via Dolorosa), from the place of the trial of Jesus, to the place of his crucifixion, burial and resurrection - Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Day 3: CAESAREA / JAFFA
Our third day will be dedicated to important sites in Christian history along the Mediterranean coast. First we go to Caesrea, where we review the wealth of the finds, and especially those related to Paul's prison (Acts 23-26) and the baptism of Cornelius by Peter (Acts 10). Next, we drive to Jaffa. By visiting the House of Simon the Tanner and / or the Catholic Church of St. Peter, we note Peter's experience in Jaffa (Acts 10: 9-16). If time permits, we also visit Emmaus-Nicopolis, where Jesus appeared after his resurrection according to Luke (24: 13-31).
Galilee Tour - 2 Days
DAY 1
VISIT TZIPPORI
We begin our day with a visit to the magnificent site of roman period city where Jesus probably came with his father to learn how to read and write, beeing the center of Jewish scholars of the Galilee at the time of Jesus . Mosaics, Theater Sinagogue and other archeological findings will give us a sense of the life Jesus had at hes early years
EXPLORE NAZARETH
Upon reaching Nazareth we park the car near the main attractions, dress modestly, and continue on foot. Today Nazareth is mostly Muslim, but its main attractions for most visitors relate to Jesus and Christian history. We first visit the remarkable Roman-Catholic Church of Annunciation. This church is believed to be over the home of Mary Mother of Jesus. It also sanctifies the very place where, by Christian tradition, an angel appeared to Mary and announced that she has been impregnated by the holy spirit. The Church of Annunciation is the biggest church in Israel possibly in the Middle East and is quite a remarkable structure. It also has a display of numerous icons devoted to Mary. They are donations from many countries all over the globe.
Near by is another, humbler in size, church devoted to Joseph, the (step) father of Jesus. It is said to also be the place where Jesus grew up. It bears some archaeological finds, some of which can be appreciated at the local archaeological museum.
Behind the churches, lies the market of the old city of Nazareth (the “Suq”). In addition to the butcher, the coffee grinder, and pickled olive stands, the market is also where another holy Christian site located, (with a one-of-a-kind name), the “Synagogue Church“. This church is said to be built over the very place where a synagogue stood in the time of Jesus, and where Jesus preached for the first time about his Messianic role (Luke 4). Time permitting, we could also visit Mary’s Well, the Greek-Orthodox Saint Gabriel Church, or Mount of Precipice.
SEE CANA – SITE OF THE FIRST MIRACLE
Located 6 miles north of Nazareth, Cana is recorded in the New Testament as the place Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine during a wedding (John 2). Enter the Roman Catholic “Wedding church,” in the heart of Cana. It is built over an ancient synagogue. Among others, it presents a big stone vat that was used in the wedding, according to local tradition. The Greek-Orthodox church across the road presents another stone vat that claims to be used in the wedding. Conveniently, several souvenir shops offer local wine from the region.
MOUNT TABOR
Mount Tabor is believed to be the site of The transfiguration of Jesus. The new testament described how Jesus is transfigured and becomes radiant in glory upon a mountain(Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36). We will visit the beutifull Franciscan Churche on top of Mount Tabor with its magnificent panoramic view.
Overnight: Tiberia Hotel
DAY 2
VISIT TABGA AND MOUNT OF BEATITUDES
As we drive towards the Sea of Galilee, we pass by the medieval battle field of Horns of Hattin. This is where Saladin set a deadly trap to the Crusader forces about 800 years ago.
At Tabgha, we can review the church that marks the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish (Luke 9), and near it, the chapel marking where Jesus appointed Peter to lead the early church (John 21).
On the hill above lies a magnificent set of gardens around an octagonal church that marks the Sermon on the Mount. The site, known also as “Mount of Beatitudes” is a great place to read Matthew 5 and contemplate on the revolutionary and social messages of Jesus.
VISIT CAPERNAUM
The most significant site in the area for Christianity is undoubtedly Capernaum. About 2,000 years ago, Jesus settled in this small fishing village by the Sea of Galilee and laid the foundation of Christian faith. We will review the main archaeological discoveries at the site, including the ancient synagogue of the village, and the church believed built over the home of Peter. Time permitting, we can also visit Capernaum’s Greek-Orthodox Church of the Twelve Apostles and a hidden gem – Capernaum’s Mausoleum.
BETHSAIDA AND CHORAZIN
Bethsaida was the home of three of Jesus’s disciples (John 1:44). Perhpas, due to some opposition to Jesus both, Bethsaida and Chorazin were cursed by him (Mat. 11). Both were then later abandoned and their location was forgotten. Ancient Chorazin was discovered in the 19th century, and is now a national park. The location of Bethsaida is still an archaeological mystery. However, two archaeological expeditions are claiming to have found ancient Bethsaida.
MAGDALA AND THE ANCIENT “BOAT OF GALILEE”
Another optional way to end the tour is visiting the hometown of Mary Magdalene – Magdala. This thriving Jewish city was conquered by the Romans in 67 CE and later abandoned. Archaeological research in recent years at the site yielded a wealth of finds, including a 2,000 year old synagogue. This synagogue may have been attended by Mary Magdalene, and maybe even Jesus himself.
Near the shores of ancient Magdala, another rare archaeological discovery was made in 1986, when the water level was low. Traces of a small wooden vessel proved to be of a first century CE fishing boat. Known as Sea of Galilee Boat, this exceptional find is a good illustration of boat making and fishing in the time of Jesus. The boat is on display in a Kibbutz, where one can also join a short Sail on the Sea of Galilee experience.
TIBERIAS AND A BAPTISM CEREMONY
Finally, there is an option of reviewing the antiquities of Tiberias and having a baptism ceremony at the Jordan River at “Yardenit”.
Galilee in the footsteps of Jesus Tour - 1 Day
Our Day Trip Departs from either Haifa / Tiberia/ Acre. We will begin with a drive to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation (Luke 1) and then well continue to Cana (John 2); from Cana we will head to the Mt of Beatitudes (Matthew 5) and then on to Capernaum (the town of Jesus where you’ll visit the synagogue and the house of St. Peter) and Tabgha (here Jesus made the miracle of the fishes and loaves (Luke 9)).
From Tabgha, along the Sea of Galilee, to the Jordan River where you’ll visit the Baptismal Site. We then proceed to drive under Mt. Tabor and you will see, as you drive, the Church of Transfiguration (Luke 9).
Our journey will continue through the Jezreel Valley, passing by the place where the battle of Armageddon is prophesized to take place (Revelations 16:16) and then back to our Departure City.
Our price includes your guiding, transportation and all of your entrance fees. Lunch, personal expenses, travel insurance and your tip to your guide is not included in this fee.
Price : $550 for one to four people.
For each additional passenger the cost is an additional $60.
