Israel & Jordan with Victory Baptist Church & Pastor Vincent Sawyer

The day has arrived, and we begin our overnight journey from MIA to Israel.

Arrive at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport. Meeting and assistance after passport control. Once everyone has their luggage you will be escorted to the arrival hall where your guide and driver await you. Drive directly to your hotel for dinner and overnight near the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. We suggest you get to bed as early as possible – tomorrow begins our exciting exploration of Israel!

Overnight: Tel Aviv, Israel. Metropolitan or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach through the city of Jaffa, viewing Old Jaffa, believed to be the oldest port city in the world and where cedars from Lebanon arrived to build Solomon’s Temple. Peter stayed in Jaffa at the house of Simon the Tanner. St. Peter’s Church marks the traditional site of Peter’s vision of the Great Sheet. We continue along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea (entrance included), where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter. After a worship time at the Roman Amphitheatre, we begin our tour that includes: the hippodrome, a film on the history and the remains of this famous port city, and an aqueduct. We then make our way to Mt. Carmel (entrance included), where Elijah issued his challenge to the false prophets, and we enjoy a breath-taking panoramic view of Haifa Bay and the Western Galilee region. Next, we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo (entrance included), the Armageddon battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. We will view remains from Solomon’s days, before we drive through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we visit the Nazareth Village (entrance included) – a wonderful recreation of Biblical times with costumed guides – as well as visiting the Mt. of Precipice, where the Nazareth townspeople attempted to throw Jesus off, but He passed unharmed through their midst. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next three nights on the Sea of Galilee. 

Overnight: Tiberias, Israel. Ein Gev Kibbutz or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We begin our touring day at Mount Arbel (entrance included) a landmark that overlooks the Sea of Galilee, where natural caves were used as shelters for rebels against Herod. We continue to Tabgha (with its beautiful fourth century Mosaic floor) and the site of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. Next we drive to Capernaum (entrance included) to view the excavations of the sea-side village and Peter’s home, before travelling to Magdala (entrance included), known as the hometown of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation of the First Century Synagogue and well-preserved village makes Magdala one of the most interesting Biblical sites in Israel. We then make our way to Ginosar and our wooden boat ride across the Sea of Galilee (included). Being on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples. We stop in to view the Jesus Boat (entrance included), a fishing vessel from the time of Christ which was recently unearthed, and then we return to our hotel and prepare for this evening’s special dinner of St. Peter’s Fish.

Overnight: Tiberias, Israel. Ein Gev Kibbutz or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we will visit two valuable northern sites. Dan (entrance included) is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of pagan sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi (entrance included) is the site where Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” and Peter proclaimed, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Caesarea Philippi (also called Banias) was also a center of pagan worship. We make our way back toward the Sea of Galilee, stopping in Chorazim (entrance included) where Jesus rebuked the citizens for their lack of faith, and then stopping at the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached “The Sermon on the Mount.” We conclude our day at the Yardenit Jordan River site, where anyone wishing to be baptized may do so. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Tiberias, Israel. Ein Gev Kibbutz or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we will make our way to the northern Israel/Jordan border. Once all of the paper work is taken care of, we will meet our Jordanian guide and driver and begin our tour in the country of Jordan with a visit to Jerash (entrance included), the Greco Roman city known as Gerasa in ancient times and located 45km north of Amman. Entry to the site is through the imposing Hadrian Arch erected to honor the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. A tour of the city will includes visits to the Hippodrome, the Oval Forum with its 56 Ionic columns, the Temple of Zeus, the 5000 seat South Theater, the Colonnaded Street and the Temple of Artemis. We then continue on to Mt. Nebo (entrance included), where Moses was shown a view of the Promised Land. Driving south we make our way to the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea. Check into your hotel. Enjoy the facilities the hotel has to offer, as well as an interesting dip in the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth. Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Dead Sea, Jordan. Crown Plaza or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we will continue touring the country of Jordan with a drive south, stopping first (if time allows) to view the beautiful Wadi Rum. We then continue to Petra (entrance included), the capital city of the Nabatean Arabs, one of the most famous archeological sites in the world and Jordan’s national treasure. Petra –which means Rose Red city, gets its name from the color of the rocky mountains the city is carved into. The city prospered in the 1st century AD through the trade of frankincense, myrrh, and spices. The Romans annexed the thriving city, but abandoned it in the mid-4th century after a strong earthquake hit the city. The city was rediscovered by a Swiss explorer Johannes Burckhardt in 1812. Today Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is visited by thousands of people every day.
Visit Highlights: • The Siq.• Al Khazneh (The Treasury) a temple with an ornate 45m-high Greek-style façade.• Royal tombs.• Amphitheatre.• Colonnaded street.• Qasr Al Bint.• Extra free time to explore, or visit the “Dier” or monastery. We will now make our way to the 7 Wonders Bedouin Camp. Enjoy dinner and overnight under the Jordanian stars, experiencing life as a Bedouin.

Overnight: Little Petra, Jordan. 7 Wonders Camp or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we will make our way to the Jordan/Eilat Southern Border. After crossing over to Israel we travel to the Tabernacle in the Desert (entrance included), built according to specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai. When visiting the Tabernacle you are not only stepping into history but you are embarking on a spiritual journey that will stay with you for the rest of your life. It is an opportunity for you to experience the Bible first-hand. We will enjoy a relaxing free afternoon in Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat on the beautiful Red Sea. We will take a boat ride together (entrance included), and then can choose to go snorkeling or stroll along the Promenade.

Overnight: Eilat, Israel. Leonardo Royal Resort or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we begin our trip to Jerusalem, driving north along the Arava Highway to the fortress of Masada (entrance & cable car included). We will ascend by cable car to visit the remnants of Herod’s Palace, his bathhouse, azznd a first-century synagogue. Masada is the site where in 73 A.D the Zealots made their last stand against the Roman Legion. We then visit Ein Gedi, known as the Springs of David rich in flora and fauna, and walk to a lovely waterfall (entrance included). Here we can see several caves, one of which may be the cave where David hid from King Saul. From here we proceed to Qumran (entrance included) where we view Cave # 4, which contained the greatest quantity of Dead Sea scrolls. It is now time to make our way up to the historic golden city of Jerusalem. Time to check into our hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Jerusalem, Israel. Grand Court or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we begin our tour with a visit to the Israel Museum (entrance included), where a view of the Jerusalem Model will prepare us for our 3 days in Jerusalem. The Shrine of the Book allows us to view the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the most important archeological finds of the 20th century. We will then spend a solemn time at the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center. From there, we continue to the City of David (entrance included), where we have the exciting experience of walking through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, ending at the Pool of Siloam.

Overnight: Jerusalem, Israel. Grand Court or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we will visit the Western Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels (entrance included) leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, the massive stones (including the world’s largest cut stone), water supply, and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. We move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate (Church of the Flagellation), hear of those who conspired against Him, and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda (entrance included), St. Stephen’s Gate and St. Anns’s Church. This afternoon we visit the Southern Wall excavations (entrance included). This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Solomon’s Porch, steps which led to the Temple Mount during the time of Jesus, as well as purification pools have been unearthed. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money changers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place where Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. We then visit the Temple Institute, where we will see the many items prepared for a future Temple in Jerusalem. We spend the remainder of the day focusing on the birth of Christ with a visit to Bethlehem, stopping at the Shepherd’s Field and time permitting visiting a Christian-owned shop. Return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Jerusalem, Israel. Grand Court or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we walk where Jesus walked. We begin the day with a panoramic view of the Old City, the Eastern Gate, Mount Moriah, and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and then walk to the Garden of Gethsemane, where we will see 2,000 year old olive trees that date back to the time of Christ. Next, we visit the “Upper Room” just outside the Zion Gate where Jesus and His disciples celebrated Passover just before He would be arrested and crucified as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” We spend time at the House of Caiaphas (entrance included) where Jesus was beaten and spit upon. We see a pit where He may have been held for the evening and the ancient hillside steps He walked as He was taken to be condemned. While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering ending with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We then exit the Old City of Jerusalem through the Damascus Gate for the climax of the day and of our time in the Holy Land at Golgotha (“place of the skull”) and the Garden Tomb (entrance included), where we celebrate our Lord’s resurrection with communion and a time of praise. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Jerusalem, Israel. Grand Court or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for return flight home, filled with memories of your life-changing visit!