DAY 1 – Arrival in Tel Aviv
Welcome to Tel Aviv! On arrival at the airport meet and greet by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Check-in and relax. Enjoy a sumptuous welcome dinner in the evening.
DAY 2 - TEL AVIV–JAFFA–CAESAREA–NAZARETH–CANA–HAIFA
Stop in Jaffa for a walk through the beautifully restored ancient port. Later, we continue our tour of the Holy Land to Caesarea, the perfect place to learn about the Roman and Crusader presence in the country. Further visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER and the impressive CRUSADER FORTRESS, and admire Herod’s stadium and harbor. On to Nazareth visit the contemporary CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION and then Cana, the site of the first miracle where Jesus changed water into wine at a wedding. End your day excursion in Haifa, a city with a long history dating back to biblical times.
DAY 3 - EXCURSION TO THE MOUNT OF BEATITUDES–CAPERNAUM–SEA OF GALILEE
Start your day with a visit to the golden-domed BAHA’I SHRINE, the world center of Baha’i faith. On the way towards the Sea of Galilee, visit the MOUNT OF BEATITUDES, where Jesus delivered his Sermon. Then proceed to CAPERNAUM, where Jesus recruited his first followers among the fishermen via the ruins of Kursi. Later in the evening arrive at the Jordan River and visit the BAPTISMAL SITE, followed by a relaxing [LF] CRUISE on the Sea of Galilee.
DAY 4 - HAIFA–VALLEY OF ELAH–LATRUN–BETHLEHEM–JERUSALEM
Drive into the ancient land of the Philistines and the Valley of Elah. Stop at the site of David’s victory and hear about this biblical event. Later, hear the tale of Samson and Delilah as you travel through the land of the Dan tribe to the wide Valley of Ayalon. Further in Latrun, visit the MONASTERY OF THE TRAPPIST MONKS. Enroute stop for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Holy City of Jerusalem, considered one of the oldest places in the world. Proceed to Bethlehem and visit the Shepherd’s Field and the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY, which stands on the site where Jesus was born. Overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 5 - JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO THE ISRAEL MUSEUM, YAD VASHEM, AND MOUNT ZION
Visit the ISRAEL MUSEUM with the Shrine of the Book, and the Dead Sea Scrolls, followed by the YAD VASHEM MEMORIAL created to commemorate the six million martyrs of the Holocaust. Continue to MOUNT ZION, and visit the UPPER ROOM, where Jesus and his disciples had the last supper, and then the TOMB OF KING DAVID.
DAY 6 -JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO THE OLD CITY.
This morning, visit the GARDEN TOMB. After viewing a stunning panorama of the city from the revered MOUNT OF OLIVES, start your guided walking tour via the Chapel of Dominus Flevit. Later, arrive at the GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE near to which are the Caves of the Assumption of Mary and of the Betrayal. Follow the Stations of the Cross along the VIA DOLOROSA to Golgotha, and visit the CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE. Also see the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock, a splendid mosque on the holy mount and further continue to trail along the WESTERN WALL which is the most holy shrine in the Jewish religion.
DAY 7 - JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO MASADA AND THE DEAD SEA.
Drive through the Judean wilderness to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the surface of the Earth. Enjoy the scenery as you follow the road and catch glimpses of the caves of Qumran, where the precious Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Ascend by cable car to the spectacular cliff-top FORTRESS of Masada, and later around lunchtime, reach one of the comfortable Dead Sea resorts to experience the feeling of buoyancy in the heavy water. Return to Jerusalem to enjoy a farewell dinner to commemorate an unforgettable journey through the Holy Land.
DAY 8 - JERUSALEM
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Tel Aviv.)