Depart the USA on an overnight flight.

Begin this first full day in-country at the ruins and harbor at Caesarea-by-the-Sea, the imperial center for the Roman government in the land and a centerpiece of Christian origins. Climb to the top of Mount Carmel and relive the famous contest between Elijah and the Prophets of Baal. Roll into Galilee and climb to the top of Mount Arbel. From there, take in the glory of Galilee and its famous sea. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.

Travel to Sepphoris, the “ornament of all Galilee” and Roman capital of the region in the time of Christ. Continue to Nazareth Village to contemplate a “living museum” of life in the first century. Visit the Church of the Annunciation, built over the boyhood home of Jesus. Stroll through the shops of modern Nazareth before returning to Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

Dawn comes early at Magdala, an industrial site on the edge of the Sea of Galilee. View impressive remains that illustrate the fishing industry from the time of Christ. From Magdala, travel to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered a most memorable sermon. Continue to sites associated with the ministry of Jesus, including the Primacy of Peter, Tabgha, and Capernaum. Conclude this relaxing day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.

Experience the beauty of the far north. Leave the Sea of Galilee behind and travel to the site of Dan. Here, an Israelite “high place,” gate complex, and fortification walls are visible. Continue to the birthplace of the Jordan River at Panias, named after the goat-god, Pan. Consider the nearby site of Caesarea Philippi, where Peter declared Jesus to be the Christ. Finally, climb into the heights of Mount Hermon, a snowy peak that marks the highest spot in all the Heartland. From Nimrod’s Fortress, built in the Crusader period, take in an impressive view of the Upper Jordan Valley. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.

Travel to Yardenit for a personal experience with the Jordan River. Contemplate how the Israelites crossed this body of water on their way into Canaan. Much later, Jesus was baptized in this river by John. Travel to the ruins of Jericho, where the walls came tumbling down! Think about the faith put on display in this amazing place. Finally, drive deep into the desert for dinner, a swim in the Dead Sea, and a memorable overnight in Ein Boqeq (Dead Sea).

Drive from our desert encampment to a desert castle. See Masada, a mountain fortress of Herod the Great and the battle site of the First Jewish Revolt. Continue to Shepherds’ Field, sing a Christmas carol, and remember that somewhere in these hills, the angels appeared to the frightened shepherds with an announcement of Good News. Travel to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem built over the site honored as the birthplace of Jesus. Finally, continue to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight near the Old City walls.

Stand on the Mount of Olives for a view of the Old City of Jerusalem; walk down the Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane. Enter the Old City and walk the path of the Via Dolorosa. Along the way, visit the Pool of Bethesda, the Church of St. Anne, and Ecce Homo. As a triumph of the pilgrim experience, visit the site dubbed the most sacred in all Christianity: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus are celebrated. Conclude the day with a stop for reflection at the Garden Tomb. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Enter one of Jerusalem’s gates and consider the role of this famous place as sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Walk on the Temple Mount where Solomon’s glorious temple once stood, and Muslims continue to pray today. Experience the Western Wall, a place of meditation and celebration. Walk up the stairs that Jesus and the Apostles undoubtedly traveled as they visited the temple. Go underground and witness Jerusalem’s earliest remains, including a Canaanite wall, the possible site of David’s palace, and a spectacular water system (conditions permitting) that terminates in the Pool of Siloam. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Spend this relaxing last day putting it all together. Head to the Israel Museum for a morning visit. Discover a magnificent model of Jerusalem in the NT period. Explore the largest collection of antiquities in the country. After lunch, travel back to the Old City for some free time of your own, drinking coffee, shopping, and sightseeing in Jerusalem’s narrow streets. Clean up, pack, dine, and prepare for evening transfer to the Tel Aviv airport.

Return home with memories to last a lifetime!