Founder & Lead Pastor, Antioch Christian Fellowship
Founder & Executive Director, Level Up Philly
The day has arrived and we depart the New York area (JFK or EWR) on an overnight journey to Israel.
Today we arrive in Israel at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. We will be met by our guide and driver, who will bring us to our hotel. D.
Overnight Tel Aviv. Dan Panorama or similar.
After breakfast we start our day by visiting the ancient port city of Joppa, also known as Jaffa. This is where Peter received his vision of the sheet on the rooftop of the house of Simon the Tanner. Explore the narrow streets, visit St. Peter’s Church, and admire the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Joppa is also known for its association with the prophet Jonah. We continue our journey to Caesarea Maritima, an ancient Roman city on the Mediterranean coast. Visit the archaeological site, which includes a well-preserved theater, Herod’s Palace, and the remains of the harbor. Discover the biblical connections to Caesarea, such as the conversion of Cornelius through the preaching of Peter. We head inland to Megiddo, an archaeological site known for its stunning views of the Jezreel Valley. Explore the excavated ruins, including the ancient city gate, palace, and water system. We journey to Nazareth and start by visiting Mount Precipice, believed to be the site where an angry mob attempted to throw Jesus off a cliff. From here we enjoy a view of the Armageddon Valley. Then we experience a glimpse of life in Nazareth during biblical times by visiting Nazareth Village, a living history museum that recreates the village as it would have been in the time of Jesus. Take a guided tour through the reconstructed first-century village, witness demonstrations of ancient crafts, and gain insights into the daily life and customs of Jesus’ time. We depart for the Sea of Galilee, passing Cana, the site of Jesus’ first miracle. B, L, D.
Overnight Sea of Galilee. Setai or similar.
This morning we experience a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, before driving to Caesarea Philippi, an ancient city located near the base of Mount Hermon. We explore the archaeological site, including the remnants of temples dedicated to the Greek god Pan and the Roman emperor Augustus. This site is also significant for Christians as it is the location where Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:13-20). We visit Tel Dan, the northernmost city in biblical Israel. We visit the impressive ancient city gate of Tel Dan, also known as “Abraham’s Gate,” believed to be the entrance to the biblical city of Dan, along with the ancient altar site of Jeroboam, used for the worship of the golden calf (1 Kings 12:28-30). We visit the area where the headwaters of the Jordan River flow, just a short distance from Tel Dan, before heading back to the Sea of Galilee area where we visit Capernaum, Jesus’ Galilean ministry base. We visit the ancient synagogue and the house of Peter’s mother-in-law. B, L, D.
Overnight Sea of Galilee. Setai or similar.
This morning we leave the area of Galilee, heading south. We drive to the ancient fortress of Masada, situated on a rocky plateau overlooking the Dead Sea. Masada holds great historical significance, and is most notably associated with the Jewish Zealots’ last stand against the Roman forces in 73-74 CE. The group held out against the Roman siege but ultimately chose mass suicide over surrender. This event remains a symbol of Jewish resistance and resilience. We visit Ein Gedi, the a natural oasis where David hid from Saul. B, L, D.
Overnight Jerusalem. David Citadel or similar.
This morning we visit the Pool of Bethesda. This site holds significance for Christians because it was the location of a miraculous healing performed by Jesus, as described in John 5. After a break for lunch, embark on the Via Dolorosa, the traditional path that Jesus is believed to have taken on the way to his crucifixion. This path ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Then it’s on to the Mount of Olives, where we take in panoramic views of Jerusalem and discuss the significance of this mountain to the biblical narrative and to Christ’s second coming. We visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus spent his final hours before his arrest. Finally, we make our way to Caiaphas’ House, also known as St. Peter in Gallicantu. We see stairs that Jesus himself would have walked on, and visit the dungeon where it is believed Jesus was held captive. B, L, D.
Overnight Jerusalem. David Citadel or similar.
This morning we visit the Western Wall and ascend the Temple Mount, a revered site in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This is the former site of the Jewish Temples, and the current location of the Dome of the Rock. We visit an Arab spice market before driving to Allenby Bridge and crossing the border into Jordan. Once in Jordan we drive to the Dead Sea, where we check into our resort. B, L, D.
Overnight Jordan Dead Sea. Crowne Plaza or similar.
This morning we depart early in the morning for Petra, the ancient Nabatean city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We walk through the Siq, a narrow canyon that leads to the Treasury, the iconic facade carved into sandstone cliffs. B, L, D.
Overnight Jordan Dead Sea. Crowne Plaza or similar.
Today we depart the Dead Sea area and make our way to Amman or Tel Aviv, from where we will fly to Rome. Your flight to Rome may depart either today or the following morning. B, L, D.
If the following morning and an overnight is required, overnight Amman, hotel TBD OR overnight Tel Aviv, Renaissance or Dan Panorama or similar.
Today will be spent at leisure in Rome. You may wish to visit landmarks like the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Piazza Navona. You might choose to stroll through the neighborhood of Trastevere, exploring its shops and cuisine. In the evening we will gather together for a group dinner. B, D.
Overnight Rome. Hotel Artemide or similar.
Today we visit the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. As you explore this ancient amphitheater, reflect on the early Christian martyrs who suffered and died for their faith. After the Colosseum,we head to the nearby Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. These ancient ruins provide a glimpse into the life and culture of ancient Rome. We make our way to the Mamertine Prison, also known as the Carcere Mamertino. This historic prison is associated with the imprisonment of Peter and Paul. Descend into the underground chambers and contemplate the faith and resilience of these apostles during their captivity. We see the remains of the Temple of Mars the Avenger. We drive by the Circus Maximus, a site of early Christian martyrdom. Then it’s on to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest and highest-ranking of Rome’s four major basilicas, and the nearby Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), which are believed to be the steps that Jesus climbed during his trial before Pontius Pilate. We visit the Church of San Lorenzo in Palatio before moving on to the Church of the Three Fountains. This church is built on the site where, according to tradition, the apostle Paul was martyred by beheading.
Overnight Rome. Hotel Artemide or similar.
This morning we make our way to the airport and begin our journey home. Later today we arrive back in the New York City area (JFK or EWR).
