The Holy Land of Israel

Your knowledgeable guide will deliver you to your hotel in the Old City of Jerusalem. After a chance to rest, you will gather for an early dinner and review your itinerary for the week. 

Your private guide will take you on an evening tour of Jerusalem. View the city at night, beautifully lit as the old and new city blend with stone and light dancing under the night sky.

Begin your day at the major pilgrimage site of the Mount of Olives, where Jesus ascended into Heaven. Reflect on the auspicious moment as you gaze over the city of Jerusalem and begin your journey back in time.

Descend to the Church of Agony and the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas betrayed Jesus.

Visit the Western (Wailing) Wall, the Church of St. Anne and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – where Jesus was crucified.

Your private tour will take you through Zion Gate and the room where the Last Supper took place. View the site of King David’s tomb and the Church of Dormition.

On the drive to Bethlehem, pass through the Judean Desert and the Jordan Valley before stopping in Jericho, the oldest city and longest continually-inhabited city in the world. Ride the cable car to the top of the Mount of Temptation where Jesus prayed and fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. Wander the streets of Jericho taking in the shops, stop for lunch at a typical Palestinian restaurant.

On to Bethlehem to explore the Church of the Nativity and the grotto where Mary gave birth to Jesus. Manger Square is a bustling city square that is the heart of Bethlehem. Visit the Milk Grotto and the Old Bethlehem Museum before heading back to your hotel.

Today your journey begins with a visit to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Your docent will guide you through the exhibit of the Dead Sea Scrolls along with other displays. Attend an interactive lecture about Israel’s art, history, and architecture.

After lunch, journey to the Dead Sea, known for its therapeutic powers. Rejuvenate in a mineral rich mud bath before floating in the hypersaline waters of the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea is beautiful way to soak up the sun, relax and reflect on your journey. The health benefits of the Dead Sea are legendary.

This morning your guide will take you to Bethany, a small pilgrimage city on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives where Lazarus was buried. Climb the steps down to the vestibule to the burial chamber. Stand where Jesus stood when he called Lazarus from the grave. 

The afternoon is your to explore Jerusalem. Revisit some of your favorite sites, shop and enjoy the beautiful city.

Travel to the boyhood home of Jesus, Nazareth. Your tour will start at the Church of the Annunciation. This is where the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary.

Your next stop is the Sea of Galilee. Relive the story of the five loaves and two fishes in the Gospel according to John. Spend time walking along the Sea of Galilee. Feel the presence of Jesus and his apostles as you retrace their journey.

You will visit the Jordan River, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Celebrate the renewal of your baptismal vows where Jesus, himself, was baptized.

Your final stop of the day is Mt. Tabor, the site of the transfiguration of Jesus.

Settle into your hotel in Tel Aviv. Enjoy a dinner with your tour mates, celebrating your last night in the Holy Land.

Tel Aviv is a modern city in the midst of the most amazing history. Spend the morning exploring the ancient port of Jaffa. 

For lunch, meet your group of a walking tour of downtown, exploring the vibrant street art and shops. Or head off to the shore for an afternoon at the beach.

As you leave Tel Aviv, you will want to return over and over again.