March 7th & 8th, Wednesday & Thursday…Days 1 & 2

Dallas to Atlanta ... Atlanta to Tel Aviv

Flight arrives in the early afternoon on Thursday!

~Depending on our fight arrival time, we hope to visit the Mediterranean

Sea Coast’s ancient port of Joppa. Here Jonah set sail to escape God’s call and later Peter had his roof-top vision at Simon the Tanner’s home. We will absorb the local color in the quaint streets of this artist colony and enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean sunset. Overnight Tel Aviv…rest well.

March 9th, Friday…Day 3

MED. COAST / MT. CARMEL

LOWER GALILEE

~Visit ancient Roman Caesarea Maritina of Paul’s imprisonment and Peter’s “Gentile Pentecost”.  Sit in the theater where Paul  was tried and walk thru the Roman ruins, beside the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.

-Driving to a peak on Mt Carmel, we will visit Muhraka, where Elijah had his contest with Jezebel’s Baal prophets.

~From Mt. Carmel we view the Valley of Jezreel and discuss the Elijah’s conflict with Ahab and with the Baal prophets.

~Visiting ancient Megiddo we recall the 21 battles of the OT that were fought in this valley. The view is an unforgettable panorama of prophecy as the Armageddon battlefield of Revelation spreads before our eyes. We will view the Canaanite ruins, the cultic altar (for human sacrifice), visit the chariot stables of King Solomon and Ahab, and descend into the ancient water tunnel of Megiddo. 

~Crossing the Valley of Jezreel we pass Mt. Moreh and Nain where Jesus raised the widow’s son to life.  En Dor is located at the base of Mt. Tabor and is where King Saul visited the witch the night before his death on Mt. Gilboa.

Entering Nazareth we proceed to Nazareth Village which was reconstructed to resemble the boyhood town of Jesus. Then we will go to the mountain to view the valley where the Nazarenes wanted to “throw Jesus down”.

~We drive thru traditional Cana, where Jesus called Nathanael and later performed His first miracle.

~Descending to the Sea of Galilee (686’ below sea level) we proceed to our seaside hotel. Overnight (1st night) on the Sea of Galilee.

Enjoy the beginning of the Sabbath at the Sea of Galilee where Jesus

lived and ministered.

March 10th, Saturday (Sabbath)… Day 4

SEA OF GALILEE AND THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

We begin our first orientation of the important sites of Jesus’ Galilean ministry as we drive past Migdal, the home of Mary Magdalene, to enter the beautiful Valley of Ginnosar where Jesus preached and healed.

~Next stop is Tabgha, the traditional site where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish and fed the 4,000.

~Skirting the shore of the Sea of Galilee we view the natural amphitheater (Sower’s Cove) where Jesus often taught the hungry crowds who came to Him. It was probably here that our Risen Lord met His disciples after they had fished all night.

~Capernaum, the headquarters of Jesus’ ministry for 2 ½ years in Galilee, will highlight our day. Here Jesus was the Teaching Rabbi of the synagogue. Here He called His disciples, taught many parables, performed miracles, raised Jairus’ daughter to life, and taught on The Bread of Life in the synagogue.

~Busing into Lower Galilee we pause to overlook the Mount of Beatitudes and recall Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount”.

~We proceed to the basalt town of Korazin.  Here we will visit the synagogue where Jesus taught and view the Seat of Moses. In this chair Jesus unrolled the scroll before reading the prescribed Shabbat Scripture for the week.

~After a lunch of St. Peter’s Fish on the eastern shore at Ein Gev we will view the Gentile Decapolis of Jesus’ day. Nearby we see Kursi, where Jesus healed the demoniac, and cast the demons into a herd of swine that rushed into the Sea.  

~On this east side of the Jordan we drive north to Bethsaida, the home of Peter, Andrew, James and John of Zebedee’s fishing company. Local authority, Mendel Nun, believed that in Jesus’ day the fishing village of Bethsiada was located near where the Jordan River entered the Sea of Galilee. Perhaps the fishing village was on the shore while the city was at the present excavation.

~Driving west our bus climbs to first century Gamala. This unique mountain and ruin has been called The Masada of Galilee. Here nearly 10,000 died in the Roman conquest of Galilee. Our guide will “talk” us through the history of Gamala from a mountain overlooking this incredible historical ruin (small binoculars needed?). Lack of time and physical strength of some in our tour group will not allow us to actually climb the difficult path to the abandoned city. Returning through the southern Golan Heights we pause at Kefr Heruv (Karrob) for a sunset view the Sea of Galilee from the eastern side.

Overnight (2nd night) at the Sea of Galilee.

At the close of the Sabbath, and after your evening meal, you may stroll Tiberias for dessert and coffee.

 

March 11TH, Sunday… Day 5

SEA OF GALILEE BY BOAT / JESUS’ YESHIVA / ACCO / JORDAN BAPTISM

~For the hearty ones of our tour we will begin the Lord’s Day with a striking view from the top of Mt. Arabel looking toward the north end of the Sea of Galilee. This incredible sunrise view, and not to be forgotten devotional time with Our Lord, will long linger in our hearts.

~After viewing the Jesus Boat we will embark from Ginnosar for a morning boat tour of the north end of the Sea of Galilee. Now from the sea we will view the important places of Jesus’ ministry, recall the storms on the sea, His miracles, and His teaching by the Sea (Sunday’s Sermon). We will pause near the natural amphitheater where we believe Jesus often taught large crowds.

~Busing to Lower Galilee, we head to Sepphoris, the Roman capital of Galilee during Jesus’ ministry. We believe Our Lord attended Jewish yeshiva/seminary at the Sepphoris synagogue. He was recognized as a well educated, honored Rabbi. The Galilean Rabbinical Council evidently was the group to appoint Him as Teaching Rabbi for the synagogues at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee. Spreading below Sepphoris is well watered Netofa Valley where we believe Cana of Jesus day was located (Cana means “place of reeds”).

~After lunch in ancient Acco we will visit the Crusader ruins of the city, walk the Mediterranean Sea walls, stroll through the underground Crusader passages, view the fortresses and moats. We will learn of this Crusader capital of the Holy Land and of Israel’s military feats during the War of Liberation (1948).

~A visit to Beit Shearim in the Jezreel Valley brings us to burial caves of the second century AD. Then the city was home to Israel’s Sanhedrin. The Mishna was compiled here. In burial caves there are over 200 sarcophagi with Jewish carvings.

~Driving to the southern end of the Sea of Galilee our tour will close the day at Yardan baptismal site on the River.  Your baptism in the Jordan River needs to be arranged with Bob, or another pastor, beforehand.

Overnight (3th night) at the Sea of Galilee  

March 12th, Monday… Day 6

HULEH BASIN / UPPER GALILEE / GOLAN HEIGHTS

~Entering Upper Galilee we drive thru the Huleh Basin, pass ancient Hazor, and proceed to OT Laish/Dan.

~Walking through the Dan Nature Preserve, you will be amazed by the beautiful headwaters of the Jordan River.           

~We will visit OT Dan, the Hill of the Judge. The excavations include the altar where the golden calf was worshiped by Israel under Jereboam. We will walk through the city and view the amazing “Cyclop” walls.

~We drive to Caesarea Philippi where Peter said to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”. Jesus brought his disciples to this Roman cultic center near “the gates of hell”. Here He asked, “who do you say that I AM?”

~We believe our Lord was Transfigured on Mt. Hermon. Our bus will drive through the Hermon Foothills as we view the snow caps of Mt. Hermon.

~Overlooking the Jordan Valley from the Golan, Yehuda will explain the Arab/Israel conflicts from 1948-1967.

  ~Driving along a section of the Damascus Road we recall Rabbi Saul  meeting our Risen Lord and his conversion.

~We make our way to the present capital of the Golan Heights, Qazrin for lunch.

~After a late lunch we will visit Qazrin’s reconstructed NT Village to view life as it was in the days of Jesus.

~Driving through the Golan tableland we better understand the agricultural and strategic military importance of the Golan Heights to Israel. It will remain in Israel’s hands. Returning the Sea, we view the Jordan River near the Sea of Galilee.

Overnight (4th night) at the Sea of Galilee.

Evening Options: See Tiberias’ diamond center or enjoy coffee by the moonlight at our sea side hotel.

Warning: You may leave part of your heart at the Sea of Galilee…use your last evening and last morning well.

March 13th, Tuesday… Day 7

JORDAN VALLEY / WILDERNESS OF JUDEA / DEAD SEA

~Descending from the Sea of Galilee we begin our drive through the Jordan River Valley to the amazing OT and Roman ruin of Beit Shean, the only Decapolis city west of the Jordan. The excavations reveal a first century Roman city with temples, baths, a black basalt theater, and a hippodrome. Strolling the streets you will experience first-hand this incredible Roman city of Jesus’ day. The OT tel rises above the Roman ruins to the east. There Saul and Jonathan’s bodies were hung on the city gate.

~At the foot of Mt. Gilboa , where Saul and Jonathan died, we will visit Gideon’s Spring and Pool. Here God chose the 300 men for Gideon’s army.

~An hour and a half drive takes us through the beautiful Jordan River Valley.  The country of Jordan lies to our east. The Mountains of Samaria rise to the west.

~Passing ancient Jericho (now in PLO hands) we recall her Biblical significance before we descend to the Dead Sea. To our west the mountains of Wilderness of Judea tower above us.

~The Dead Sea, 1,300’ below sea level, is the lowest point on planet earth. The rainfall here is less than 4” per year. This area is truly “a dry and thirsty land”.

~We will view and discuss the location of ancient Gilgal which lies just north of the Dead Sea. Gilgal was, and is, the largest of all Jewish cities (to this day).

~Near here where the Jordan River enters the Dead Sea was the location where John the Baptist ministered and where Our Lord was baptized.

~Skirting the west side of the Dead Sea we note the cave where archaeologist, Vendyl Jones, searched for the Ashes of the Red Heifer and the Temple Treasures at Wadi ha Kippah. Some say the movie Indiana Jones was written about Vendyl’s experiences…but embellished by Hollywood.

~After lunch we visit the ruins of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Our guide will tell the story of the Sect of the Wilderness of Judea who lived here. Because of their writings many today believe this was a “pre-Christian” community.

~From the overlook of Ein Gedi/the Spring of the Wild Goats we recall David hiding from King Saul in the mountain caves near the springs and pools.

~Just south of our hotel lies the area where Sodom and Gomorrah once thrived. Today the area is worked by chemical mining operations covering the entire southern end of the Sea.

Overnight (1 night). Relax and enjoy the Dead Sea spas.

March 14th, Wednesday… Day 8

MASADA / WILDERNESS OF JUDEA / JERUSALEM

Option: ~Our “bravest tour warriors” may hike to the top of Mt. Masada (discuss arrangements please, it is not an easy hike).

~The “more sensible” will take the cable car to the top about 8:00A.M.

~The “really weary” may enjoy the hotel spas and take a taxi to meet our bus after the others have visited Masada.

~Masada is perhaps the most important mountain in history. You will hear the incredible story of the Jewish Freedom Fighters who held out against the Romans in 73AD.  The story of the struggle, the excavations, and the view from the top over the Wilderness and the Dead Sea will long burn in your memory as a highlight of the tour. From here one can also see modern Jordan, Edom, the Arabah Valley, and the Negev to the south.

~We drive past NT Jericho, the site of Herod’s Winter Palace and enter the awesome Wilderness of Judea.

Note: Jericho is under Palestinian control and we will not visit there this tour.

~Traveling beside the ancient Jericho Road of Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan, we ascend 3,500’ thru the Wilderness of Judea to…

The Holy City of Jerusalem.

~From the Mount of Olives we have an incredible panoramic view of the Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, the Golden Gate, the ancient Walls of Jerusalem, and the Kidron Valley. Our guide will present a marvelous presentation of the Biblical and historical events related to the most important city in our world... Jerusalem.  His overview will cover pre-Biblical Jerusalem through the OT and NT events in the city. He will update us from Biblical events to the present.

~We walk down the traditional path of Jesus’ Triumphant Entry and make our way to the brink of the Kidron Valley to worship in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Here we will recall the trials and suffering of our Lord Jesus, before He took up His cross and made His way to Calvary.

We will proceed to our Jerusalem Hotel (1st night).

Note: While in Jerusalem…

Our guide, Yehuda Hecht, and his family have lived in Jerusalem since the 12th century AD. He has carefully planned our itinerary choosing the best days and times to experience his hometown. We expect that every site will be seen but not necessarily in our itinerary order. We leave Jerusalem in his capable hands. Yehuda must coordinate scheduling of our visits to Rabbi’s Tunnel and Shabbat open sites. Thus, every itinerary in Jerusalem is different.

March 15th, Thursday…Day 9

JERUSALEM’S OLD CITY / TEMPLE MOUNT / VIA DOLOROSA

JUDEAN HILLS and HERODIUM

~If the political situation allows, we will begin our day on the Temple Mount for a lecture about the Temple’s historical background. Here we will see the Moslem Mosque of El Aksa and the Dome of the Rock. We will view the Dome of the Spirits, where likely the Holy of Holies stood on Mt. Moriah/Mt. Zion. This would have been the location of Solomon, Zerubbabel, and Herod’s Temples. Here Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac, and the mount became the site for sacrifices for the nation of Israel across the pages of the Hebrew Scriptures. Our Lord laid down His life at the north end of this mount, Psalm 48:2. Finally we will view the Golden Gate facing the Mount of Olives.

 ~Standing at the Lion’s Gate we focus on the importance of Israel returning to the Holy City in June of 1967. That was “the end of the Age of the Gentiles”. Our guide, Yehuda, led his battalion thru this gate in that important war.

~We then proceed to the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the lame man. Here we will visit the Crusader Church of St. Anne and experience the incredible acoustics.

~ Nearby is the Tower of Antonia, or Praetorium, and Pilate’s Judgment Hall. Here our Lord Jesus was tried before Pilate, beaten by the Roman Cohort, received the crown of thorns, and took up His cross. We will see the King’s Game inscribed on the Pavement stones near Pilate’s Judgment Seat. The Ecce Homo Arch, nearby, is where Pilate told the Jews, “Behold, the man”.

~The Ecce Homo begins the traditional Via Dolorosa, which continues to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the traditional Catholic site of Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection. After passing the Stations of the Cross we visit the church.

Visit the Old City Bazaar of Jerusalem and have lunch.

JEWISH QUARTER/ NEW JERUSALEM

~In the afternoon we visit the Southern Excavations of the Temple Complex, the Temple entrance of Jesus’ day.

~Then, we will descend Mt. Ophel, through King David’s City, the Jebusite water system, David’s Tomb, walk thru Joab’s Tunnel, and exit at the new excavations of the Pool of Siloam (near Hezekiah’s Tunnel).

Note: Possible arrangements can be made to walk thru Hezekaiah’s Tunnel exiting at the Pool of Siloam. This is a wet tunnel about knee-deep. Digging from both ends, the workers meet in the middle beneath Mt Opel. The trek is an unforgettable 45 minutes. One must plan ahead, with old tennis shoes, a towel, and flash light.

We overnight at our Jerusalem Hotel (2nd night).

March 16th, Friday…Day 10

THE PASSION WEEK…STEPS OF JESUS

~Our tour day begins at the House of Caiphas, the place of Jesus’ early trials. Here Peter denied Him three times. This is where, we believe, Jesus was caned by the Jews with 39 stripes.

~The Citadel, Herods Palace, is where the Wise Men asked Herod about Jesus’ birth. Here Jesus was first brought before Pontius Pilate, and then Herod Antipas for His early trials.

~We will visit The Burn House to illustrate a home similar to where Jesus’ Last Passover and The Lord’s Supper took place. In such a home, our Risen Lord first appeared to His disciples, and then a second time with Thomas present. Pentecost began in this area with “the mighty rushing wind”.

~We stroll through the Jewish Quarter to the Cardo to view a section of Nehemiah’s Wall, and perhaps visit the Temple Institute (with an incredible collection of Temple items to be used for worship in the Third Jewish Temple).

Shop the Jewish Cardo.

CALVARY / THE GARDEN TOMB

~After lunch, we drive past the Damascus Gate to Calvary and the Garden Tomb.  We believe this is the most reliable site for Jesus’ Crucifixion, Burial, and Resurrection.  Here in the Garden we will Worship and Celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Afterwards there will be time allowed for personal time in the Garden.

~Our bus can drop those who desire at the Dung Gate to visit the Wailing Wall for late afternoon worship with Jews from around our world. Shabbat begins at sundown. Taxi back to the hotel on your own..

We proceed to our Jerusalem Hotel (3rd night), for our special Shabbat meal.

March 17th, Saturday...Day 11, “Shabbat Shalom”

HERODIUM/ BETHLEHEM / VALLEYS OF ELAH and SOREK

~ The Herodium is the mountain that Herod moved to build his palace. Jesus referred to the “kings in their palaces” and Herod had two palaces in this location. The Herodium was to be the place of his elaborate funeral. His tomb has only recently discovered. From the rim we have an incredible view of Bethlehem, the Wilderness of Judea, and the Negev.

~ We enter Bethlehem thru the Israeli/Palestinian check point and will met by our dear friend Suzan Sahori, who has arranged for our Arab guide for the day. We will briefly visit the traditional place of Jesus’ birth, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem Square. The church was built by Queen Helena and is the second oldest in the Christian world.

~From the church we will proceed to traditional Shepherd’s Field in Beit Sahori. We will shop at olive wood shops and enjoy an incredible Arab meal at The Tent. Wow! You won’t forget this incredible meal. We will spend the balance of our afternoon in olive wood factories and shop for gifts from some for the world’s most beautiful olive wood carvings.

~Returning to Israel’s side, we proceed to our hotel for the evening meal. After our meal…

~Some may want to take a taxi to the center of Jerusalem to see how Israelis celebrate the close of Shabbat.. You can enjoy shopping, street music, and incredible sweets at side walk cafes.

Jerusalem Hotel (4th night).

March 18th, Sunday… Day 12

THE NEW CITY OF JERUSALEM / SHEPHELAH

~Driving to the New City of Jerusalem we will spend our morning at Yad Vashim (the Holocaust Museum).

Warning…you will not come out the same person you were when you entered.

~Then, we proceed to the Israel Museum to study the amazing Model of 1st Century Jerusalem, the Shrine of the Book (museum of the Dead Sea Scrolls), and drive past the Bronze Menorah and Israel’s Kenesset.

After lunch…

~We take the winding road through the Shephelah passing terraces and watch towers to a small wadi called the Valley of Elah. Here David slew Goliath and routed the Philistines. You will not want to miss Yehudah’s lecture here.

~We return passing the area of Samson’s exploits, viewing his birthplace at Zorah. Nearby, Eshtaol is the location of his tomb. Both overlook the Valley of Sorek where he courted Delilah.

~Stopping at Beth Shemesh, we will recall that the Ark of the Tabernacle being pulled on a Philistine cart thru this Valley, returning to Israel. To our northwest is Timnah where Samson celebrated his marriage to Delilah. Nearby was the Cave of Adullam where David retreated from Saul and trained his renown “mighty men”. As we return to Jerusalem we take the beautiful winding road thru “Little Switzerland” of Israel, as we return to Jerusalem.

NOTE: Be prepared for a special gift and word of “Thanks” to our Guide and Driver in our closing Share Time.

Overnight at our Jerusalem Hotel (5th night).

March 19th, Monday… Day 13

RABBIS TUNNEL / WAILING WALL / RETURN FLIGHT

~Yehuda will try to schedule our visit to the Rabbi’s Tunnel on our last day.  Here we will get a close-up view of the enormous

Herodian stones supporting the Temple Complex of Jesus’ day.

~Returning to the Wailing Wall we will worship and join in the celebrations of Bar Mitzvahs for the Jewish young men.

~We stroll thru the excavations south of the Temple Mount. Jesus walked on these stones as He went to worship at the Temple.

~After lunch, Yehuda will take us to Ammunition Hill for an lively description of the Six Day War of June ’67. Expect a “not to be forgotten” experience. Yehuda was in a IDF reconnaissance unit and was the first Jew in 1967 to enter the Old City of Jerusalem. Israel’s entrance through the Lion’s Gate (marking the “End of the Age of the Gentiles”) was prophesied by Jesus.

~ We will round out our day strolling the unique streets of Jerusalem’s Jewish Market/Mahane Yehuda.

~Departing Jerusalem we will have our last Israeli meal in Abu Gosh, John the Baptist’s home town. Then, we head to the airport for our return flight.

“Shalom Israel!”

Delta flight departs Israel just before mid-night…

Overnight… compliments of Delta Airline…

Tuesday, March 20th, Day 14…

Meanwhile, back to reality…arrive in Atlanta about dawn, go through customs, and board final flights home.

NOTE: If you can’t go on this tour… Please share this itinerary, and encourage a friend, or family member to go with us.

Help them fulfill a dream of their lifetime.

Experience Forty Centuries in Eleven Days.

March 7-20th for $ 3,993.*

Eleven Full, Thrilling, Study Days in Israel

Expect: Deluxe First Class Hotels, Deluxe Coach and Incredible Food and Services

For a Tourist…Israel may be the safest place on earth.

Why should you choose our tour?

It is Not... a typical "canned tour", visiting only 3-4 sites per day.
It is Not... a traditional "Pilgrimage to the Holy Land", visiting numerous churches.
Our Focus is... God’s Word, His Land, our Jewish Messiah, And... Understanding God’s Miracle Israel,
and His People.

Trip Details...

Deposits of $500 per person are due Sept. 30th (the 44 places are filling fast).

Final balance is due December 15. Your departure city will affect your balance.

Deposit and Prices Include...

Tour flights, hotels, guide, driver, air conditioned bus, personal audio receiver, and all entrance fees.

Prices Don’t Include...

Cancellation Policy...

For any Tour DeviaTions or CanCellaTions, ConTaCT us asaP.

Initial contact, please call Bob Ross at 972-596-8748

For further tour information or questions, please contact…

Gil Travel: Kathy 800-223-3855 or our agent, Anna Evenzahav at 800-801-4795

Register Today! We have one Study Tour in 2012 with only 44 Places. Don’t Delay.