The day has arrived and we depart from Miami (MIA) on an overnight journey to Israel. Overnight in flight.

Today we arrive in Israel at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. Time permitting, we visit the ancient town of Jaffa where Peter had his vision on the rooftop of the house of Simon the Tanner. Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner together at the hotel. Overnight Tel Aviv area. Herods Herzliya or similar. D.

After breakfast, we depart Herzliya and travel north along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea Maritima (included), where we explore the magnificent Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader ruins. Here we reflect on the story of the baptism of Cornelius, the first Gentile convert to Christianity, and the travels of the Apostle Paul that helped make Caesarea the springboard of the Gospel to the Western world. We continue to Mount Carmel, visiting Muhraqa, the traditional site where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal, and consider the lessons drawn from this dramatic account in 1 Kings 18. From there we drive to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation, built over the traditional site of Mary’s home where the angel announced that she would bear a Son called Immanuel. We also ascend Mount Precipice, the brow of the hill overlooking the Jezreel Valley, where we reflect on Christ’s rejection in His hometown and consider the significance of the Valley of Armageddon mentioned in Revelation 16:16. We then continue to the Sea of Galilee. Overnight Sea of Galilee area. Leonardo Plaza or similar. B, D.

After breakfast, we travel to Tel Dan (included), where we walk to the headwaters of the Jordan River and explore the high place of the ancient city. Continuing to Caesarea Philippi (included), we stand in the dramatic setting where Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ. Nearby we visit the beautiful Banias Waterfall before driving through the rugged landscapes of the Golan Heights and enjoying sweeping panoramic views of the region. Our day concludes at the Yardenit Baptismal Site on the Jordan River, where those who wish may have the opportunity to be baptized, subject to confirmation. Overnight Sea of Galilee area. Leonardo Plaza or similar. B, D.

After breakfast, we begin our day at the ancient boat museum (included), where a recently discovered 2,000-year-old fishing vessel offers insight into life on the Sea of Galilee in the time of Jesus. We then sail across the Sea of Galilee aboard a replica of such a boat (included). Continuing to the Mount of Beatitudes, we reflect on the Sermon on the Mount before visiting Capernaum (included), the center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry. In Tabgha we visit the site traditionally associated with Christ’s appearance to His disciples after the Resurrection at the Church of the Primacy of Peter. We conclude the day in Magdala (included), the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Overnight Sea of Galilee area. Leonardo Plaza or similar. B, D.

After breakfast, we depart the Galilee region and travel south through the Jordan River Valley. Our first stop is Gideon’s Spring (included), where Gideon chose the 300 men who would accompany him into battle. We then visit Beit She’an (included), the capital of the Decapolis, where we explore the impressive ruins of the Roman and Byzantine cities and recall the biblical account of King Saul and his sons whose bodies were displayed on the city walls. Continuing south, we stop at Bet Arabah, also known as Qasr al Yahud or Gilgal, traditionally associated with Israel’s crossing into the Promised Land and the baptism of Jesus. In Jericho we visit Tel Jericho (included), viewing the site of the ancient city conquered in the days of Joshua and looking toward the Mount of Temptation while also seeing the sycamore tree traditionally connected with Zacchaeus. We then continue to Jerusalem. Overnight Jerusalem. Cassia or similar. B, D.

Following breakfast, we travel into the Judean Desert to visit Masada (entrance and cable car included), the desert fortress built by King Herod the Great and later the site of the Jewish Zealots’ final stand against the Romans. After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we continue to Ein Gedi (lookout and parking fee included), the oasis where David encountered King Saul and where many of the Psalms were written. We then visit Qumran (included), the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and where the Essene community once lived. Time and weather permitting, those who wish may float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea (beach access included) before returning to Jerusalem. Overnight Jerusalem. Cassia or similar. B, D.

After breakfast, we begin at the Western Wall, the holiest accessible site in Judaism and a section of the retaining wall of the Temple Mount. We then ascend the Temple Mount where the Jewish Temple once stood until its destruction in 70 AD and reflect on Jesus’ ministry in the Temple courts while viewing the Dome of the Rock. Continuing to St. Anne’s Church (included), one of the finest preserved Crusader churches, we also visit the nearby Pools of Bethesda where Jesus healed the lame man as recorded in John 5. We then travel to Bethlehem and visit Shepherd’s Field, where angels announced the birth of Christ. In Manger Square we enter the Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional site of Jesus’ birth, and view the grotto marking this sacred place. Overnight Jerusalem. Cassia or similar. B, D.

After breakfast, we begin on the Mount of Olives, taking in a panoramic view of Jerusalem before walking down the Palm Sunday Road and stopping at Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over the city. We then proceed to Mount Zion to visit the Cenacle, commemorating the Upper Room where Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples. Continuing to the Israel Museum, we visit the Shrine of the Book (included), where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed, and view the Model City of Jerusalem depicting the city as it appeared in the first century AD. In the City of David (included), we visit the Pool of Siloam and walk along the Pilgrimage Road. We conclude the day at the Davidson Center and the Southern Wall excavations, gathering at the teaching steps where rabbis once instructed their disciples. Overnight Jerusalem. Cassia or similar. B, D.

After breakfast, we begin at the Garden of Gethsemane, where among ancient olive trees we see the Rock of Agony where Jesus prayed and reflect on the events of the night before His crucifixion. Walking through the Kidron Valley, we see Absalom’s Tomb, the Gihon Spring, and the Water Gate. We then visit the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu (included), traditionally associated with the House of Caiaphas, where Jesus was held overnight. Entering the Old City, we visit Ecce Homo (included), associated with Pilate’s words “Behold the Man,” and see the Lithostratos pavement before walking the Via Dolorosa toward the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. In the afternoon we visit the Garden Tomb (donation included), where we reflect on Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, view Golgotha and the Empty Tomb, and celebrate communion together. Your flight home may depart either late tonight or the following day. If the following day and an overnight is required, overnight Jerusalem. Cassia or similar. B, D.

Your flight home may depart the previous night or today. If today and time allows, breakfast is included today. Either way, later today we will arrive back home, returning with unforgettable memories of our journey through the Holy Land. B.