TEL AVIV, ISRAEL (Sun) After arrival check into your hotel. Enjoy this evening's welcome drink with your travelling companions, hosted by your Tour Director.
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TEL AVIV-CAESAREA-MEGIDDO-MUHRAQA-HAIFA. (MON) Start your tour of the Holy Land with Caesarea, the perfect place to learn about the Roman and Crusader presence in the country. Visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER and the impressive CRUSADER FORTRESS, and admire Herod's Stadium and harbour. In the afternoon, travel to the ancient fortified city of Megiddo, regarded as one of the most important biblical sites in Israel. This is the famous battleground where armed struggles of Assyrians, Canaanites, Egyptians, Greeks, Israelites, Persians, Philistines, and Romans took place. According to the New Testament, Armageddon will serve as the gathering place for an army that will fight in the battle that causes the return of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:10). Next, continue along the coast through Baron Edmond de Rothschild's vineyards and apricot groves to the slopes of the scenic Carmel mountain range. At Muhraqa, site of Prophet Elias' contest of faith with the priests of Baal, enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the fertile Jezreel Valley. Via the Druze village of Daliyat el-Carmel you reach Haifa, a city with a long history dating back to biblical times. (B,D)
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HAIFA-ACRE-NAZARETH-CANA-KIBBUTZ. (TUE) Enjoy a visit to the golden-domed BAHA'I SHRINE, the world centre of Baha'i faith. Next, visit Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at the northern end of the lovely Bay of Haifa. Acre became the capital of the Crusader kingdom after its conquest by Richard the Lionheart. Marvel at the forbidding Ottoman fortress and tour the excavated part of the immense underground CRUSADER CITY with its secret passageways and the vaulted crypt of the Knights of St. John. On to Nazareth in Galilee, chief scene of the ministry of Jesus Christ. Here, visit the contemporary CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION. Continue to ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, built over a cave known as St. Joseph's Workshop, and pass by Mary's Well and the Church of the Angel Gabriel. Next, travel on to Cana, site of the first miracle, where Jesus changed water to wine at a wedding ( John 2:1-12). Due to this, many couples renew their wedding vows at this sacred place. Also see an ancient fisherman's boat said to be from the time of Christ before arriving at the Kibbutz. Time to relax or to swim before dinner. This evening you are invited for a LECTURE ON KIBBUTZ LIFE. (B,D)
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KIBBUTZ-MOUNT OF BEATITUDES-TABGHA-CAPERNAUM-SEA OF GALILEE-BET SHE-AN-JERUSALEM. (WED) Heading towards the Sea of Galilee, visit the MOUNT OF BEATITUDES, where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Next, visit the CHURCH OF THE MULTIPLICATION OF LOAVES AND FISHES at Tabgha as well as the CHURCH OF ST. PETER'S PRIMACY, where Jesus instructed Peter "to feed my lambs and tend my sheep" (John 21:15-19). At this place, warm springs used to flow into the sea, attracting fish, which is why Peter came here to earn a living. On to CAPERNAUM, where Jesus recruited his first followers among the fishermen. Afterwards, enjoy a 45-minute CRUISE on the Sea of Galilee. Via the ruins of Kursi, which memorialise two of Jesus' miracles, arrive at the Jordan River and visit a BAPTISMAL SITE. Then, visit the ancient city of Bet She'an with its fine ROMAN and BYZANTINE RELICS. The city is located at the foot of Mount Gilboa, where King Saul and his son died by their own hands in battle with the Philistines. On the way to Jerusalem, stop for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Holy City, considered one of the oldest places in the world with a history dating back as far as 4000 BC. (B,D)
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JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO EIN KAREM, BETHLEHEM AND THE GARDEN TOMB. (THU) This morning, drive to Ein Karem and visit the CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST and the CHURCH OF VISITATION, said to be built over the home of John the Baptist's parents. Enjoy a beautiful view of the valley and the surrounding wooded hills. Continue to Bethlehem and see Shepherd's Field, where the angels announced the birth of Jesus. Next, visit the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY, which stands on the site where Jesus was born. On the way back to Jerusalem, visit the GARDEN TOMB, where you will enjoy the scenery of the beautiful holy garden. Tonight, perhaps an optional Israeli folklore show with dinner? (B)
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JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO THE OLD CITY (FRI) After a panoramic view from the MOUNT OF OLIVES over the old and modern parts of the city, start your guided walking tour. Via the Chapel of Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, arrive at the GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE. Here, see the Rock of Agony, where Jesus prayed his last prayer before his arrest. Nearby are the Cave of the Assumption of Mary and the Cave of Betrayal. Follow the Stations of the Cross along the VIA DOLOROSA to Golgotha, and visit the CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE. Erected over the site of the crucifixion, this church is shared by six Christian communities. Walk past the Temple Mount, from where you can see the Dome of the Rock, a splendid mosque on the holy mount. On to the WAILING WALL, the most holy shrine in the Jewish religion. Then, stroll through the restored Jewish quarter to MOUNT ZION and visit the UPPER ROOM, the TOMB OF KING DAVID, and the HOUSE OF CAIAPHAS, where Jesus was kept the night after he was arrested. (B,D)
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JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO MASADA AND THE DEAD SEA. (SAT) Drive through the Judean wilderness to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the surface of the Earth. Enjoy the scenery as you follow the road between the salty water and majestic desert mountains. Catch glimpses of the Caves of Qumran, where the precious Dead Sea Scrolls were found.Ascend by cable car to the spectacular clifftop FORTRESS of Masada, and hear how 960 Jewish zealots preferred death at their own hands to the indignity of surrender to overwhelming Roman forces. Around lunchtime, reach one of the comfortable Dead Sea resorts. You will have plenty of time here to experience the feeling of buoyancy in the heavy water. Then, back to Jerusalem. (B,D)
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AT LEISURE IN JERUSALEM. (SUN) A full day at leisure with time to attend Mass in one of the Jerusalem churches. Later, maybe join your Tour Director on an optional excursion featuring the synagogue of Hadassah Hospital with its famous Chagall windows, representing the 12 sons of the Patriarch Jacob, who formed the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Continue to the Israel Museum with the Shrine of the Book and the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest Bible in the world, and the model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period. Also visit the famous Holocaust Memorial at Yad Vashem. (B)
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JERUSALEM-VALLEY OF ELAH-LATRUN-JAFFA-TEL AVIV. (MON) Take the scenic winding road through Wadi Sorek towards the ancient land of the Philistines. In the Valley of Elah, stop at the site of David's victory over the Philistine champion, Goliath, and hear about this biblical event (Samuel 17:1- 58). Later, refresh your memory with the tale of Samson and Delilah ( Judges 16:1-20) as you proceed through the land of the Dan tribe to the wide Valley of Ayalon. At strategic Latrun you visit the MONASTERY OF THE TRAPPIST MONKS. Then, stop near the ruins of the basilica that is said to be the site of EMMAUS, where Jesus manifested himself to two of his disciples (Luke 24:13-35). Continue along the Mediterranean shore and stop in Jaffa for a walk through the beautifully restored ancient port, where medieval pilgrims started their strenuous 2-day trek to Jerusalem. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travelling companions of an unforgettable journey through the Holy Land. (B,D)
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TEL AVIV. (TUE) Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Caesarea: Visit the Roman amphitheater and the Crusader fortress
Megiddo: Visit the biblical site
Muhraqa: Panoramic view of the Jezreel Valley
Haifa: Visit the Baha'i Shrine
Acre: Visit the underground Crusader city
Nazareth: Visit the Church of the Annunciation and St. Joseph's Church
Cana : Visit the site of the first miracle
Kibbutz:Lecture on Kibbutz life
Mount of Beatitudes: Visit the site where Jesus delivered his Sermon
Tabgha: Visit the Church of Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes and the Church of St. Peter?s Primacy
Capernaum: Visit the site where Jesus recruited his first followers
Sea of Galilee: Enjoy a cruise; visit a baptismal site on the River Jordan
Bet She'an: Admire its Roman and Byzantine relics
Ein Karem: Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of Visitation
Bethlehem: Visit the Church of Nativity
Jerusalem: Visit the Garden Tomb; a panoramic view from the Mount of Olives; guided walking tour, visit the Garden of Gethsemane, follow the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa; visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Wailing Wall, and walk through the Jewish Quarter to Mount Zion, visit the Upper Room, the tomb of King David, and the house of Caiaphas
Masada: Ride a cable car and visit the cliff-top fortress
Dead Sea: Visit one of the resorts
Valley of Elah: Visit the site of David's victory over Goliath
Latrun Area: Visit Monastery of the Trappist Monks in Latrun and Emmaus
Jaffa: Walking tour of the ancient port
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Meals: Full Israeli breakfast (B); 6 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome drink and a farewell dinner in Tel Aviv.
Meals Breakfast - 9 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 6
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
77
USD
Name:THE NIGHT SPECTACULAR AND MID-EASTERN DINNER Location:JERUSALEM Details:Join us for an unforgettable night. Enjoy a mid-eastern dinner in one of the fine restaurants in the city. Later enjoy an unforgettable night and hear the story of Jerusalem with the Night Spectacular show in the Tower of David.
77
USD
Name:HADASSAH HOSPITAL SYNAGOGUE AND ISRAEL MUSEUM Location:JERUSALEM Details:Visit the SYNAGOGUE of Hadassah Hospital with ist famous Chagall windows, representing the 12 sons of the Patriarch Jacob, who fromed the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Continue to the ISRAEL MUSEUM with the Shrine of the Book and the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest Bible in the world, and the model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple period. A visit to the Holocaust Memorial at Yad Vashem is also included.
Optional Excursions
