Day 1 – Depart UK/Arrive Tel Aviv
Fly from the UK to the modern metropolis of Tel Aviv, overlooking the breathtaking Mediterranean coastline. Built on the ancient port of Jaffa, Tel Aviv is home to one of the oldest harbours in the world and the hub for innovation and progress in the modern State of Israel. Reception, orientation, and rest.
Depart Tel Aviv and drive along the coastal plain to Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region; visit the excavations of the ancient city, the Roman Theater and aqueduct. Proceed to Muhraka, the site of confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal; enjoy the spectacular view of the Jezreel Valley and the lower Galilee. Continue to Megiddo, identified as the site of Armageddon; learn the impressive history of this battle field as you visit the archaeological excavations, including the well-preserved water supply system. Onto Acre to visit the remarkable underground Crusader City and crypt; walk through the Old City, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, and visit the local market and harbor. Continue to Kinar Galilee hotel for overnight.
After a short tour of Tiberias, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee; visit the Yigal Allon Center where the “Jesus boat,” an ancient fishing boat from the 1st century, is displayed. Continue to Capernaum to visit the remains of the 2nd century synagogue. Stop at Tabgha, the site of the Miracle of Fish and Loaves, and visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4th century mosaic floor. Proceed to Mount of Beatitudes, the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Drive to the Banias springs and tour the Golan Heights. Return to Kinar Galilee hotel for overnight.
Drive to Cana to visit the Wedding Church, where Jesus performed his first miracle turning water into wine. Continue to Nazareth to visit the Church of Annunciation, Joseph’s workshop and Mary’s well. Proceed to Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan River, followed by a stop at Beit Shean to visit the newly excavated Roman city and amphitheater. Drive along the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem for overnight.
Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city; visit the Church of All Nations, King David’s Tomb and Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Enter the Old City; walk through the Cardo, the ancient roman road. Visit the Jewish and Christian quarters; see the Jewish Wailing Wall; view the Temple Mount; walk along the Via Dolorosa and the oriental Bazaar to visit the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Next, drive to the Garden Tomb and enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance. Overnight Jerusalem.
Drive to Ein Karem to visit the Church of Visitation; proceed to Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Holocaust. Visit the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed, and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Proceed to *Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus; visit Shepherds’ Field; walk through Manger Square to visit the remarkable Church of Nativity. Return to Jerusalem.
Drive through the Judaean Hills to Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found; continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD; ascend Masada by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod; visit the remains of the walls, the water cistern and Herod’s Palace; descend by cable car. Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth; enjoy the opportunity to float in the unsinkable water and cover yourself with the mineral rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects. Overnight in Jerusalem.
To Ben Gurion airport for return flight to the UK
