Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Panama City Beach
Your Host
The day has arrived and we depart ECP on an overnight journey to Israel. Overnight in flight.
Today we arrive in Israel at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. We drive to our hotel where we enjoy a welcome dinner together. Overnight Tel Aviv area. Herods or similar. D.
We start our day by visiting the ancient town of Jaffa where Peter had his vision on the roof top of the house of Simon the Tanner.* We travel towards Caesarea Maritima (included), where we will have a brief visit to this magnificent city with Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader ruins. Here we will elaborate on the story of the baptism of Cornelius, the first gentile convert into Christianity, and on the travels of Paul — those events that led Caesarea Maritima to become a springboard of the Gospel’s spread to the West. We continue to Mount Carmel (included) and consider the contest between the Prophet Elijah and the false prophets of Baal, discussing the reasons why the prophet chose that place for the contest, and the lessons we learn from the story. We travel to Megiddo (included) – a strategic city overlooking the gathering place for the world’s end-time armies (Armageddon). Overnight Sea of Galilee area. Ron Beach or similar. B, D.
After a buffet breakfast we will visit the ancient boat museum containing a recently discovered 2000-year old fishing boat (included). Later, we’ll sail on the Sea of Galilee aboard a replica of this historic boat (included). We visit Magdala (included), the hometown of Mary Magdalene, which also boasts the remains of a First Century synagogue. We’ll proceed to the Mt. of Beatitudes and discuss the Sermon on the Mount. We continue to Tabgha, where Jesus appeared to his disciples for the third time after his resurrection. Visit Capernaum (included), Jesus Galilean ministry base. Our final stop for the day will be at the Jordan River, where we will have an opportunity to be baptized in the same river as was Jesus. Overnight Sea of Galilee area. Ron Beach or similar. B, D.
After a buffet breakfast we visit Tel Dan (included); we walk to the head of the springs that form the main source of the River Jordan. We visit the high place of the city, featuring the Israelite four-horned altar dating back to the time of King Jeroboam I and King Ahab, and the high place where the golden calf was placed. We visit the city gates which are considered the best example of Old Testament city gates, and the 1800 BC gate known as the Abraham Gate. Next, visit Caesarea Philippi (included), where Peter made his famous confession of Christ. We visit the high place to include the grotto marking the gates of Hades, Herod’s Palace and the Roman bridge. As we traverse the rugged terrain of the Golan Heights, we’ll be treated to panoramic views of the landscape, including Paul’s legendary route to Damascus. This region is marked by its tumultuous history and recent conflicts between Israel and Syria. Overnight Sea of Galilee area. Ron Beach or similar. B, D.
After a buffet breakfast we depart the Sea of Galilee region and begin our journey south along the Jordan Valley. We visit Beit Shean (included), also known as Scythopolis in the Roman period, where we explore the impressive remains of this Decapolis city and reflect on its layered biblical and classical history. We continue to Gideon’s Spring (included), where Gideon selected 300 men for battle, considering the faith and obedience that marked this decisive moment in Israel’s history. Next we travel to Jericho and visit Tel Jericho (included), the first city captured by Joshua in the conquest of the Promised Land. We will see the traditional site of the sycamore tree, recalling Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus. We then make our way to the Dead Sea. Upon arrival, we will have access to the hotel’s facilities, including the beach.* Overnight Dead Sea area. David Grand or similar. B, D.
We drive to Masada (included), ascending by cable car to the mountaintop fortress built by King Herod the Great. Here we explore the remains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and recount the dramatic stand of the Jewish Zealots against Rome in AD 73/74. We continue to Ein Gedi (included), the desert oasis where David spared King Saul’s life. As we overlook this wilderness refuge, we reflect on the psalms and the themes of mercy and trust forged in hardship. Next we visit Qumran (included), where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947. We will see the caves and the remains of the Essene community who preserved these ancient manuscripts, deepening our understanding of the world of the Bible. Overnight Jerusalem. Dan Panorama or similar. B, D.
We begin our day with an orientation over the Holy City from the Mount of Olives, identifying key locations within the Old City and connecting them with biblical events and the promises concerning Christ’s return. We walk down the Palm Sunday Procession Road, stopping at Dominus Flevit, recalling Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem. We continue to the Israel Museum (included), where we view the detailed Second Temple model of Jerusalem and visit the Shrine of the Book, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls. We also explore the archaeological wing, paying special attention to artifacts that illuminate the biblical narrative. In the afternoon we visit the City of David (included), exploring Hezekiah’s Tunnel and the Pool of Siloam. We follow the recently opened Pilgrimage Road, tracing the path worshipers once walked toward the Temple. We conclude the day at the Southern Wall Excavations and Davidson Center (included), walking on the very stones from the Second Temple period and gathering at the Teaching Steps where rabbis instructed their disciples. Overnight Jerusalem. Dan Panorama DLX or similar. B, D.
After a buffet breakfast, we ascend the Temple Mount*, the site where the Jewish Temples once stood, reflecting on its profound biblical and historical significance. We proceed to the Pool of Bethesda and St. Anne’s Church (included), remembering the healing ministry of Jesus in this sacred setting. Continuing into the Jewish Quarter, we visit the Temple Institute (included), where preparations and educational efforts related to the Temple are presented. We conclude our day at the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. Overnight Jerusalem. Dan Panorama DLX or similar. B, D.
We visit the Garden of Gethsemane, reflecting on Jesus’ agony and surrender on the night of His arrest. We visit St. Peter in Gallicantu (included), the traditional site of the house of Caiaphas, recalling Peter’s denial and the events surrounding Jesus’ trial. We then walk the Via Dolorosa*, tracing the traditional path that Jesus took to the cross. Our journey culminates at the Garden Tomb (donation included), where we gather in worship and remembrance at the place traditionally associated with Jesus’ burial and resurrection. Your flight home may depart tonight or the following day. If the following day and an overnight is required, overnight Jerusalem. Dan Panorama DLX or similar. B, D.
Your flight home may depart either the previous night or today. If today and time allows, breakfast is included today. Either way, later today we will arrive back at ECP.
For those continuing on to Jordan, we depart Jerusalem and cross the border at the historic Allenby Bridge, with departure fees included. En route to Petra, we stop at Mount Nebo, the mountain from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. Dinner and overnight in Petra, Petra Moon or similar (B, D)
After breakfast and check-out, we spend the day exploring Petra, the ancient rock-carved city and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Afterward, we transfer to Amman. Your flight home may depart late tonight or the following day. If the following day and an overnight is required, overnight Amman, Amman International 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 in Los Angeles (LAX).
