The object of this journey is to show you the opportunities that Israel has to offer Christian Communities! To be “right here” where Jesus walked and more specifically to introduce you to those sites relating to the life and ministry of Jesus while covering the geography and archaeology of the Holy Land. While this tour should be understood as a “Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus,” an opportunity to enrich your understanding of the Gospels through gaining a sense of place and history it is also an opportunity to put a face on Israel. Ultimately the goal would be to enhance your appreciation for and understanding of the Gospels while gaining knowledge of Israel “Today”. Your ministry and more importantly your congregations will be blessed.
PASTOR LEAD A GROUP WITHIN 18 MONTHS OF THIS JOURNEY YOU’LL GET A REFUND! OF $938!!! AND YOUR AND YOUR SPOUSE’S TRAVEL (THEN) WILL BE ENTIRELY FREE OF CHARGE!!
FLIGHTS ARE AVAIALBLE FROM ACROSS NORTH AMERICA LIST THE DOMESTIC AIRPORT YOU ARE FLYING FROM ON YOUR APPLICATION PLEASE AND CONTACT AVIE avie@ihtours.com 1877 999 8868 EXT. 424 FOR DETAILS.
Day 1 – Monday February 5 – TORONTO
At 2pm meet in Pearson International Airport Toronto at the Air Canada check in counter for the nonstop flight to Israel. Depart at 5pm on the non-stop Air Canada flight from Toronto to Tel Aviv, meals served on board.
Day 2 – Tuesday February 6 – WELCOME TO ISRAEL
Arrive in Tel Aviv at 10:15am meet your tour guide. Drive north through the Plain of Sharon, along the Mediterranean shore on the old coastal road known as the Via Maris, which linked Egypt and Babylon, en route to the Galilee. Stop at Caesarea the largest port in the Mediterranean built by King Herod the Great. Here Pontius Pilate had his seat; Cornelius lived and was baptized (Acts 10); Paul embarked to Tarsus (Acts 9:30) and Philip preached (Acts 8:40). Visit the Roman Theatre, the Hippodrome, and the Crusader City. View the audio visual architectural reconstruction presentation. Balance of the day will be at leisure. 1 night hotel –Haifa or Akko [Dinner]
Day 3 – Wednesday February 7 – MOUNT CARMEL / GALILEE
Drive along the Jezreel Valley visit Muhraka (the burned place) on Mt. Carmel where the prophet Elijah challenged the 400 false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:30) en route to Megiddo one of King Solomon’s fortified city kingdoms (1 Kings 9:15; 10:26), with impressive ruins of some 21 levels of civilization. From here the Books of Daniel and Revelation will come alive as you read about the final Battle of Armageddon, while viewing the fertile plains of the Jezreel Valley. Proceed to Nazareth, the boyhood town of Jesus, visit Nazareth Village relive life in a village depicting the time of Jesus and view the Church of the Annunciation. Continue via Cana site of the first miracle changing water into wine. End the day emulating the disciples with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee to Kibbutz Ginnosar and visit the ancient boat from the time of Jesus that was discovered in the Sea of Galilee. 2 nights hotel –Sea of Galilee [breakfast & dinner]
Day 4 – Thursday February 8 – JESUS’ MINISTRY IN THE GALILEE
Drive north along the foot of the Golan Heights to visit Banias, one of the sources of the Jordan River, site of ancient “Caesarea Philippi” where Peter made the confession of faith in Christ (Matt; 16:16). Continue to Chorazin a village from Jesus’ time with ruins of a First Century Synagogue one of three villages Jesus prophesied over “Woe to thee….” Continue to the Mt. of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered “The Sermon On The Mount” (Matt.5) where you walk down the mountain visit the Church of the Primacy of Peter. Proceed to Capernaum centre of Jesus’ Ministry in the Galilee and the site of many of his miracles (Mark 2:4; Matt.8:5; 14-7; 9; 1-7; 17: 18). See the remains of St Peter’s house and the ancient synagogue where Jesus taught and worshipped (Mark 1:21; Luke 4:31). Time permitting stopping at Kursi ruins of an impressive Byzantine monastery near the miracle of the demonic man and the swine. [breakfast & dinner]
Day 5 –Friday February 9 – ROAD TO JERUSALEM
Visit Yardenit baptism centre on the Jordan River. Travel south to Beit Shean, where the body of King Saul and his sons were placed on the walls by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:10), later known as Scythopolis, capital of Decapolis. View the largest archaeological dig in the land of Israel. Drive through the Jordan Valley, where the desert now blooms with flowers and vegetation of every description (Isaiah 35:1-2). Pass Jericho, the oldest town in the world which you will see from a distance. Then ascend through the Judean Desert to the Holy City. Sabbath permitting stop at Genesis Land to experience Abraham in the wilderness, enjoy camel rides and folklore. Continue to Jerusalem of Gold stopping on Mt Scopus as the Galileans did to recite a Psalm of Ascent and enjoy the first view of the Holy City. End the day in Bethlehem visit the Church of the Nativity the birthplace of Jesus. 5 nights hotel – Jerusalem [breakfast & dinner]
Day 6 – Saturday February 10 – DEAD SEA
Drive through the Judean desert to the lowest point on earth at the Dead Sea (over 1300 feet below sea level). Stop at Qumran, home of the Cult of the Judean Desert, where a shepherd boy discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls (1947) in a nearby cave. Proceed to Masada. Ascend by cable car to the summit of King Herod the Great’s desert fortress, later the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in the revolt against Rome (73 A.C.E.) Travel north along the Dead Sea, stop to float on the Dead Sea the saltiest body of water in the world – you cannot sink! Then ascend through the Judean Desert Wilderness to Jerusalem. [breakfast & dinner]
Day 7 – Sunday February 11 – JERUSALEM – OLD CITY
Drive to the top of Mount of Olives, for a panoramic view of Jerusalem. Tracing the footsteps of Jesus, stroll down the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane or the Church of All Nations. Continue across the Kidron Valley the Valley of Jehoshaphat walk along the path of Palm Sunday to the Pools of Bethesda at St. Anne’s Church and along the Stations of the Cross through the “Suk” the colourful bazaars, alleyways and market places to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Continue walking through the Old City walking to the Jewish Quarter visit the Roman / Byzantine / Crusader Street called the “Cardo.” Continue down the “Upper Hill” view the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque built on the Temple Mount. Stop at the Garden Tomb for communion. [breakfast & dinner]
Day 8 – Monday February 12 – NEW JERUSALEM
Visit Yad Vashem, national memorial and Museum of the Shoah, pay tribute to the six million victims of the Holocaust in Europe during the Second World War. Visit the new Museum, the Children’s Memorial and walk along the Avenue of the Righteous Amongst the Nations commemorating those who risked their own lives to save Jewish souls. Continue to the Israel Museum to visit the Shrine of the Book housing the Dead Sea Scrolls the oldest Bible manuscripts and the Model of ancient Jerusalem describing the city from the Second Temple Period, the time of Jesus. Visit King David’s City including the G area, Warren’s shaft, the Canaanite tunnel and the Pools of Siloam. Continue to the Southern Wall Archaeological Park to visit the impressive excavations along the South Western Wall of the Temple Mount. Continue to the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest spot walk back in time through the Western Wall Tunnels under the city. Visit the Upper Room (Room of the Last Super), King David’s Tomb and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, built on the site of High Priest Caiaphas’ home. [breakfast & dinner]
Day 9 – Tuesday February 13 – JERUSALEM
Spend a day of leisure in this fascinating city. Re-visit sites of interest, the Old City, shop in the bazaars or walk through the new city along Jaffa Road and Ben Yehuda Street. Visit one of the many Museums that Jerusalem has to offer or simply relax at the hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the hotel. [breakfast & dinner]
Day 10 – Wednesday February 14 – CANADA
Transfer to Ben Gurion airport for your flight to the USA. Depart from Tel Aviv at 11:55am on the non-stop Air Canada flight to Toronto arriving at 4:55pm, meals served on board.
WANT A SMARTPHONE OR SIM CARD IN ISRAEL ORDER ONLINE HERE
** THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY IN THE ORDER YOU VISIT**
***HOTELS AS LISTED OR SIMILAR***