We start the day at Mount Carmel (Muchraka) where Elijah challenged the false prophets of Baal. Mt. Carmel was a High Place of worship to the false god Baal and Asherah during the period of Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings. It has a spectacular view of the Jezreel Valley, which is also known as the Valley of Armageddon. 

Next, we will visit the Mt of Beatitudes. Situated on a beautiful hilltop overlooking the Sea of Galilee, you are standing at the traditional site of the Lord Jesus’ longest single teaching recorded in the NT starting with, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…”

Then we will head over to Magdala and visit the incredible archeological site of a first century synagogue where Yeshua definitely would have taught! Magdala was a major port city on the Sea of Galilee during the time of Yeshua. Located just north of Tiberius, on the northwestern shore of the sea, Magdala was an important trade city with prosperous fishing. In Christian circles, Magdala is best known as the hometown of Mary Magdalene.

We finish this amazing day with an exciting private boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where the Lord Jesus walked on water and calmed the storm. This is a very special time of reflection and worship as we think about everything the Lord has done here in this place and continues to do even now.

Drive Through Cana to your Galilee Hotel for Dinner & Overnight

We begin our day with an exciting journey to Mt. Hermon. All of the Biblical evidence points to Mt. Hermon as being the real place where the Transfiguration of Jesus took place. Although none of the gospels mention the name or location of the mountain where the Transfiguration took place, all of them record that the event took place right after Jesus and his disciples visited Caesarea Philippi, which is located at the base of Mt. Hermon. Furthermore, in 2 Peter 1:18, Peter states that the Transfiguration happened on “The Sacred Mountain.” The name Hermon is derived from a root word which means Sanctified. Therefore, Mt. Hermon literally means Sacred Mountain.

Next we'll head down to the base of Mt. Hermon and visit Casarea Philippi and the beautiful Banias Springs. This was the location Jesus chose to ask His disciples, and all who would read His words, “who do you say that I am?”

Caesarea Philippi/Banias Springs has been associated with intense false god worship and evil for many years.  Banias was a worldwide gathering place of worship to numerous false gods, and was literally considered the “Gate of the Underworld (Hades)” by the known world at that time. The disciples were very uncomfortable coming to this eerie, demonic, dark place, and no good Jew would have even considered coming here.  However, Jesus purposefully brought His disciples here to embed within their hearts the imperative truth of who He was, what the mission of His church would be, and the astounding power His church would have over evil through Him.  We will hear some precious truths about the history of this place and also the victorious side of this that Jesus / Yeshua would have been bringing to the attention of His followers.

After our time at Banias we'll be visiting the biblical site of Tel Dan. Dan is an ancient city mentioned in the Bible, described as the northernmost city of the Kingdom of Israel, and belonging to the tribe of Dan. According to 2 Kings 10:29 and 2 Chronicles 13:8, Jeroboam erected two golden calves as gods in Bethel and Dan.  

We will then get to spend some time reflecting on all of the things we have seen today as we make our way to the unforgettable Arbel Cliffs. Arbel has the most amazing views of the Sea of Galilee, and many scholars believe Mount Arbel is the place where Messiah gave the Great Commission mandate to go into all the world and make disciples of all the nations! 

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in the Galilee.

Our first stop today will be the active archeological site of El Araj. Since the dig began in 2014, this site has brought forth strong evidence of being the true Bethsaida of the Bible. Bethsaida was a town along the shores of the sea of Galilee and was a well-known fishing town. In fact, the name actually means “House of Fishermen”. Three famous fishermen were from this town, the disciples Peter, Andrew and Phillip (John 1:44). This is also where Jesus healed the blind man (Mark 8:22-26) and nearby one of the most famous of the miracles of Jesus took place, the feeding of the five-thousand (Luke 9:10-11). Bethsaida was also spoken of directly by Jesus in Matthew 11:21.

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.”

Then we will make our way to Capernaum. This became the hometown of Jesus after He moved from his boyhood home of Nazareth. Situated on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum is strategically located on the Via Maris Road, connecting Egypt to the Middle East and the Northern Empires. No wonder the Lord Jesus chose this First Century Jewish town as the headquarters of his ministry. It might appear that Christ set up His ministry base in a remote place. However, just the opposite was true. He chose the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee (and Capernaum was located at a key place along the Via Maris) as a center stage so His message would reach as many as possible in the world. By spending most of His ministry time in the northern Galilee area, Christ’s miracles traveled by word of mouth to the ends of the earth. This laid the groundwork and sowed the seeds of the gospel to the rest of the known world. 

After this we'll head south along the Jordan River Valley - The Jordan Valley extends from Syria to the Red Sea and continues through a large portion of Eastern Africa. At its southern extremity, the Jordan Valley connects with Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The Jordan Valley has traditionally been a North-South transport corridor, and is crossed by important land routes in the East-West direction.

Next, we will visit the fascinating area of the children of Israel's camp at Gilgal. During the time of Joshua, after the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, the Israelites made their first encampment “on the eastern edge of Jericho” in a place that would later be called “Gilgal”. The name “Gilgal” (meaning “circle of stones” in Hebrew) was given based on God’s pronouncement in Joshua 5:9: Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from

you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day.

It is here where Joshua was commanded to place 12 stones as a lasting memorial of the Jordan River crossing, and to commemorate the renewal of the covenant between God and His chosen people. The Tabernacle erected there stood for 14 years. 

Modern archaeologists have located Gilgal stone structures across the Jordan River Valley and in the foothills of the Samaritan Mountains. Artifacts found at these sites date to the early Israelite period, and even more curiously, the stone rings are formed in the shape of a footprint or a sandal. Researchers believe these oddly shaped structures connect to an ancient custom that marries the idea of walking the land by foot with the legal possession or inheritance of that land.

The most notable of these gilgalim structures can be found at Bedhat esh-Sha’ab, located in the Jordan Valley, approximately two miles northwest of the Damiyeh Bridge, just across the Jordan River. This site is considered to be the original site where the Israelites encamped after crossing the Jordan and setting foot in the Promised Land.

Then we head to Qsar al Yehud - the real area where Jesus was baptized, and where the children of Israel crossed before the battle of Jericho. 

Next, we will visit the ancient settlement of Qumran where one of the greatest archeological discoveries of history was made - The Dead Sea Scrolls. 

Check into Dead Sea Hotel to enjoy the Spa

Dinner & Overnight

We begin our day by visiting the amazing and historical site of Masada where we will journey up to the top in a cable car with incredible views of the Dead Sea. Masada was one of 3 fortified fortresses that King Herod built for pleasure purposes and from which to protect his territories. He built Masada in about 24 BC. Masada was fortified with elaborate water cisterns that were fed by diverting water from the nearby mountains. It even had swimming pools and many of the luxury’s life afforded at that time. Masada is unforgettable!

Then our cups will overflow as we spend time at Ein Gedi National Park where David hid from King Saul and spent much of His time becoming the sweet Psalmist of Israel. You'll identify with David as you hike where he hiked and even enter the caves he hid in. 

Return to the Hotel and enjoy the Dead Sea Spa

Dinner and Overnight

This morning we will go to visit Tel Arad, a place full of biblical history.  

"When the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim, he fought against Israel, and took some of them captive. And Israel vowed a vow to the Lord and said, “If you will indeed give this people into my hand, then I will devote their cities to destruction.” And the Lord heeded the voice of Israel and gave over the Canaanites, and they devoted them and their cities to destruction..." Numbers 21:1–3

For lunch today, we will visit the well known Cafe Ron El Perched high on a mountaintop overlooking the magestic Judean Hills. We will enjoy a relaxing lunch with a beautiful view and amazing foods to enjoy.  This is a place where Tabitha is especially excited to go.  It is the favorite restaurant of her dear friend Ahava who we helped to make Aliyah to Israel and she passed away in 2021.  We are very excited to share this special place with you.

Next we head to the mysterious site of the Susiya Ruins where a 5th century synagogue and mosaic exists that has the name Yeshua in it! Our dear friends Marcelyn and Robert Brecka will be joining us today to share with us all about what makes this place so special.  We can't wait to share this site with you as many tour groups do not go here.

Next we will visit Tel Azaka / Ellah Valley described in the Bible where the Israelites were encamped when David fought Goliath. The valley is named after the large and shady terebinth trees which are indigenous to it. 

Next we will visit the Adullam Cave. The Cave of Adullam was originally a stronghold referred to in the Old Testament, near the town of Adullam, where future King David sought refuge from King Saul.

Next we will make our "Aliyah" (Ascent) Up to Jerusalem to check into our Jerusalem Hotel for Dinner and Overnight.

Our first stop today in Jerusalem will be the The Tomb of Lazarus and then we will go to the Mount of Olives where  our Lord ascended, and where He will return! We will follow the Palm  Sunday Path that our Master road when He made His triumphant entry into  Jerusalem as King riding on a donkey. 

Then we will enter the Garden of Gethsemane and remember our Savior's  great anguish as He was pressed and sweat blood in prayer to the  Father. 

Next we will visit Dominus Flevit, a building located halfway down  the western slope of the Mount of Olives and marks the traditional place  where Jesus wept over the future fate of Jerusalem.

We will visit the historical City of David where all the history of Jerusalem began. We will watch a 3D Movie and visit Hezekiah's Tunnel. Recognized at a premier archeological site worldwide due to the great volume of findings and the advanced excavations’ technology, it all started roughly 130 years ago when a British archeological expedition led by Charles Warren arrived to Jerusalem. In his digging, was discovered the first evidence of the original City of David located just below the rise of the Temple Mount.

Next we will head to the Southern Steps of Temple Mount including Davidson Center.

The Southern Steps are also called the “Speaking Steps,” this place was also a popular spot for traveling teachers and rabbis, including Jesus, to address the crowds. Some Bible scholars believe this is the location of the first apostolic message recorded in the book of Acts chapter 2. Following a fiery short message, Peter said, “Let the whole house of Israel know for sure that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah. And when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked, ‘what should we do?’”

After this we will head to the most sacred site in Jerusalem, the Western Wall. Standing at the epicenter of Jewish longing, worship and prayer, you can sense the rich deposit of thousands of years of faith and devotion to God focused at this very spot. 

Upper Room & Western Hill Mt. Zion

Dinner and overnight at our Jerusalem hotel.

This morning, we will visit Shiloh, the historic place where Hannah prayed for a son. God heard her prayers and blessed her with Samuel. 

"And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. And the child was young. 25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. 27 For this child, I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there." 1 Samuel 1:24–28: 

Next we will visit Beit El, popularly known as Bethel.  Bethel means “House of God.” It was near Bethel that Abraham built one of the first altars mentioned in the Bible, and there he: “invoked the name of the Lord.” 

Genesis 12:8: From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD.

Mt Gerazim with Shechem overview  Shechem is the place where God first appeared to Abraham after he entered the Promised Land. 

Genesis 12:4–7: So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. 

Of all the events that happened at Shechem, Jesus summed up God’s desire for us when He told the woman at the well, “The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 2:23–24). 

Mt Ebal overview

Sabestia is another site we will discover together today before heading to the tomb of Samuel.

Nabi Samuel is a historical site on a mountain top 6 miles from Jerusalem’s old city. A tradition that developed in the Byzantine period places here burial of prophet Samuel. Being sacred to Jews Christian and Muslims, the structure over the sacred tomb is a both a mosque, a synagogue, and a former church.

Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem

This morning we will visit the Lion's Gate and then on to St Anne's Church / Pool  of Bethesda where a sick man was healed by Jesus.  Bethesda means  “House of Mercy” and was known as a place of healing.. According to the  Gospel of John, Bethesda was a bathing pool with five porticoes or  porches. Remains of part of these porticoes can still be seen today. 

Ecce Homo/Antonia Fortress The Antonia Fortress was a citadel built by Herod the Great and named for Herod's patron Mark Antony, as a fortress whose chief function was to protect the Second Temple. It was built in Jerusalem at the eastern end of the so-called Second Wall, at the north-western corner of the Temple Mount.

Next we will visit Herod's Palace at Jerusalem, Herod's Palace was built in the last quarter of the 1st century BC by Herod I the Great, King of Judea from 37 BC to 4 BC. It was the second most important building in Jerusalem, after the Temple itself, in Herod's day and was situated at the northwestern wall of the Upper City of Jerusalem the Western Hill.

Next we will visit the Gabbatha area which is known to be where Jesus was tried before Pilate.

Next we will follow the Way of the Cross - This is considered by many  to be the painful path that Jesus walked on his way to the cross.

We will have a chance to visit the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem including the Cardo and Broad Wall.

Then we will visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum for a sobering and life-changing time of learning and remembering the history and the atrocities done to the Jewish people during the Holocaust.

Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

This morning we will visit Bethlehem including the Shepherd's Fields.  Bethlehem is known to be the birth place of Jesus our Lord!  "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?" Matthew 2:1

We will make our way to Herodian and then to the Garden Tomb.

Visiting the Garden Tomb for a special time of worship and communion, is one of the highlights of our time in Israel.  We are going to experience a very sweet time of remembering our Lord together as we worship, sing, and praise Him for all He has done for us in resurrecting from the grave.

Farewell Dinner

Transfer to airport with a lifetime of memories