Email: travelbybenny@aol.com
Day 1: Departure
Today we embark on our Journey to the Holy Land. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…tomorrow you will be walking where Jesus walked!
Day 2: Arrive Israel
We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where we will be met by our Israeli guide who will accompany us during our entire stay in Israel. We travel northward to our hotel for one night in Tel Aviv. Start your trip with visit to the Old City of Jaffa, home of Simon the Tanner. The remainder of the day is free to walk along the Mediterranean, relax, and have dinner. The time is right for a personal devotional with the sunset over the “Great Sea.” Enjoy a time of prayer of thanks for safety and the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and a good night’s rest. Overnight in Grand Beach Hotel Tel Aviv. Dinner
Day 3: Caesarea, Megiddo & Nazareth
Start your day with drive north along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct, and then journey on to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Ba’al. Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next two nights in Maagan Kibbutz hotel on the Sea of Galilee. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Capernaum, Hazor, Caesarea Philippi & Jordan River Baptism Site
After breakfast start your day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum and the ruins of the ancient synagogue that dates to the first century. Continue to Mt. of Beatitudes; Drive to Hazor, an ancient Canaanite city that was rebuilt by King Solomon. Ascending the Golan Heights to Caesarea Philippi located at the foot of Mt. Hermon. Visit the former Syrian fortifications and overlook Syria from Mt. Bental. Descent to the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee to Kursi; where some say that Jesus cast out the demons from the man of Gedara. End the day at Yardenit, the baptism site on the Jordan River. Dinner and overnight: Maagan Kibbutz hotel on the Sea of Galilee. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Kibbutz Ginosar, Beit Shean & Dead Sea
Visit Kibbutz Ginosar on the Sea of Galilee to see an excavated boat from the time of Jesus. Continue to Cana, the site of Jesus’ first miracle, and to Nazarethand the Church of Annunciation.
Next we travel southward to Beit-Shean / Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the intertestamental period, the city was renamed the "Scythopolis." Archaeologists have uncovered a huge number of ruins of the Roman/Byzantine Scythopolis. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis - a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey,” the Kibbutz system and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho, view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world, before coming to our lodging for the evening at the Dead Sea – the lowest place on earth. Spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before dinner. Dinner and overnight: Leonardo Dead Sea Hotel Ein Boqek. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls.
Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next, we visit Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Drive to Jerusalem, upon entry to Jerusalem we will stop and have a special “Shechiyanu Service” at the Haas Promenade. Our lodging for the next four nights will be in Jerusalem. Overnight in Ramada Royal Hotel. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: Around Jerusalem, Old City, Western Wall Tunnels
Today we walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here. Next we visit the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was beaten and spit upon. 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. Continue to Mount Zion and visit the room of the last supper and nearby King David's Tomb. Enter the Old City by Zion Gate for our walking tour to the Jewish Quarter through the Roman Cardo wonderfully restored to its appearance at the time of Christ. Proceed to the Western Wall and visit the Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman Street where our Lord was led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders. We move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, 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, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’s Church. See the southern steps at Davidson Center. Continue to the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Dinner and overnight: Ramada Royal Hotel Jerusalem. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: New City, Bethlehem
Today we will visit the New City of Jerusalem. Pass by the Knesset Israel's Parliament House and its giant menorah. Visit Yad Vashem, Holocaust Museum. Continue to the Israel Museum to view the Dead Sea scrolls and the model of Jerusalem from the Second Temple. Afternoon you spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ, with a visit to Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity. Overnight in Ramada Royal Hotel Jerusalem. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9: Neot Kedumim, Mini Israel
Drive via the Elah Valley where David slew Goliath to Neot Kedumim, a biblical landscape reserve located just outside of Jerusalem. Here you will have a unique introduction to the natural treasures and beauty of ancient Israel. Continue to visit Mini Israel, a miniature park displaying hundreds of models of buildings and landscapes from around the country. Return to Jerusalem. Overnight in Ramada Royal Hotel. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: Free day in Jerusalem
Enjoy full day of leisure to pursue personal interests, or to shop. After late check out Dinner on a way to the airport. After Dinner departure transfer to airport for flight to USA. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11: Flight Back Home
Today our journey ends with good memories as we head home. Arrival the same day.
Today we embark on our Journey to the Holy Land. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…tomorrow you will be walking where Jesus walked!
Day 2: Arrive Israel
We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where we will be met by our Israeli guide who will accompany us during our entire stay in Israel. We travel northward to our hotel for one night in Tel Aviv. Start your trip with visit to the Old City of Jaffa, home of Simon the Tanner. The remainder of the day is free to walk along the Mediterranean, relax, and have dinner. The time is right for a personal devotional with the sunset over the “Great Sea.” Enjoy a time of prayer of thanks for safety and the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and a good night’s rest. Overnight in Grand Beach Hotel Tel Aviv. Dinner
Day 3: Caesarea, Megiddo & Nazareth
Start your day with drive north along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct, and then journey on to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Ba’al. Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next two nights in Maagan Kibbutz hotel on the Sea of Galilee. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Capernaum, Hazor, Caesarea Philippi & Jordan River Baptism Site
After breakfast start your day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum and the ruins of the ancient synagogue that dates to the first century. Continue to Mt. of Beatitudes; Drive to Hazor, an ancient Canaanite city that was rebuilt by King Solomon. Ascending the Golan Heights to Caesarea Philippi located at the foot of Mt. Hermon. Visit the former Syrian fortifications and overlook Syria from Mt. Bental. Descent to the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee to Kursi; where some say that Jesus cast out the demons from the man of Gedara. End the day at Yardenit, the baptism site on the Jordan River. Dinner and overnight: Maagan Kibbutz hotel on the Sea of Galilee. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Kibbutz Ginosar, Beit Shean & Dead Sea
Visit Kibbutz Ginosar on the Sea of Galilee to see an excavated boat from the time of Jesus. Continue to Cana, the site of Jesus’ first miracle, and to Nazarethand the Church of Annunciation.
Next we travel southward to Beit-Shean / Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the intertestamental period, the city was renamed the "Scythopolis." Archaeologists have uncovered a huge number of ruins of the Roman/Byzantine Scythopolis. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis - a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey,” the Kibbutz system and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho, view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world, before coming to our lodging for the evening at the Dead Sea – the lowest place on earth. Spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before dinner. Dinner and overnight: Leonardo Dead Sea Hotel Ein Boqek. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls.
Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next, we visit Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Drive to Jerusalem, upon entry to Jerusalem we will stop and have a special “Shechiyanu Service” at the Haas Promenade. Our lodging for the next four nights will be in Jerusalem. Overnight in Ramada Royal Hotel. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: Around Jerusalem, Old City, Western Wall Tunnels
Today we walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here. Next we visit the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was beaten and spit upon. 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. Continue to Mount Zion and visit the room of the last supper and nearby King David's Tomb. Enter the Old City by Zion Gate for our walking tour to the Jewish Quarter through the Roman Cardo wonderfully restored to its appearance at the time of Christ. Proceed to the Western Wall and visit the Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman Street where our Lord was led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders. We move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, 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, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’s Church. See the southern steps at Davidson Center. Continue to the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Dinner and overnight: Ramada Royal Hotel Jerusalem. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: New City, Bethlehem
Today we will visit the New City of Jerusalem. Pass by the Knesset Israel's Parliament House and its giant menorah. Visit Yad Vashem, Holocaust Museum. Continue to the Israel Museum to view the Dead Sea scrolls and the model of Jerusalem from the Second Temple. Afternoon you spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ, with a visit to Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity. Overnight in Ramada Royal Hotel Jerusalem. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9: Neot Kedumim, Mini Israel
Drive via the Elah Valley where David slew Goliath to Neot Kedumim, a biblical landscape reserve located just outside of Jerusalem. Here you will have a unique introduction to the natural treasures and beauty of ancient Israel. Continue to visit Mini Israel, a miniature park displaying hundreds of models of buildings and landscapes from around the country. Return to Jerusalem. Overnight in Ramada Royal Hotel. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: Free day in Jerusalem
Enjoy full day of leisure to pursue personal interests, or to shop. After late check out Dinner on a way to the airport. After Dinner departure transfer to airport for flight to USA. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11: Flight Back Home
Today our journey ends with good memories as we head home. Arrival the same day.
In the footsteps of Jesus
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
