2013 Classical Holy Land Tour
Israel - Jordan November 23- 30, 2013 “For the LORD your GOD is bringing you into a good land”- Duet 8:7
DAY 01: (23 Nov) ISRAEL (Arrive Tel Aviv- Transfer to Jerusalem) Arrive at Ben Gurion International airport in Tel Aviv in the afternoon. Meet and greet at the airport .We are transferred to our Hotel in Jerusalem. Check in and rest and get ready for “the journey of a life time�. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Jerusalem.
DAY 02: (24 Nov) ISRAEL (Jericho-Dead Sea- Masada- Ein Gedi) After an early breakfast we visit the village of Bethany where we shall see the Tomb of Lazarus (John 11:38-44) and the Church of Bethany which is built over the house of Martha & Mary. We then cross the Judean desert and enter Jericho, believed from carbon tests to be the oldest city in the world. It is also the place where Jesus stopped on his way to Jerusalem on the eve of the Passover and where Jesus cured the blind man during His stay at Zacchaeus' house. After this we visit the Mount of Temptation (Matthew 4: 1-4) where Jesus was tempted by the devil. We also visit the Sycamore tree (Luke19:1-10) which Zacchaeus had climbed to see Jesus. Later we drive to Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. We descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth (1305 ft. below sea level). We make a stop at a private beach, and take the opportunity to float in the salty buoyant water, rich in minerals. Later after lunch we drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada. Here you will learn about the heroic story of the Jewish fighters. Ascend by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod, where the Zealots of the first century made their last stand against the Romans. Visit the remains of the walls, palaces, synagogue, water cisterns, mosaic floors, roman baths and other findings. Descend by cable car. We end the day with our visit to Ein Gedi an Oasis in Israel (1 Sam 23:29) which served as one of the main places of refuge for David as he fled from Saul. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Jerusalem.
DAY 03 : (25 Nov) ISRAEL (Ein Karem-Mt.Zion- Bethlehem) After breakfast we proceed to the village of Ein Karem - the city of Judah where we visit the birthplace of John the Baptist, son of Elizabeth & Zechariah, Mary’s spring and the Church of Visitation (Luke 1:39-56). Proceed via the Monastery of the Cross to Mt. Zion. Visit the Cenacle the room of the Last Supper (Matt 26:17-29) and the Tomb of King David. This is also believed to be the place of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).We also visit the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu which symbolizes Peter's Denial of Jesus (Luke 22:54-62) as He had prophesied at the Last Supper. Later we visit the House of the high priest, Caiphas, where Jesus was imprisoned. Visit the Pit (Dungeon) below the house of Caiphas. We then enter Bethlehem and take lunch. Bethlehem is located in the Judah province (Luke 2:15). It was here that the Angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds of Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod. Here David tended his flocks until he was anointed King of Israel. Get a memorable chance to visit the Church of the Nativity- (the birthplace of Jesus).This church is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world .Thereafter also visit the Manger Square, Shepherds field Crusaders Cloister Grotto of St. Jerome. After our day tour we visit a Christian store to buy olive wood souvenirs from Bethlehem. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Jerusalem.
DAY 04: (26 Nov) ISRAEL (Mt. of Olives- Gethsamane-Old City) After breakfast we ascend the Mt. of Olives overlooking the Holy City of Jerusalem. Visit the Church of the Ascension, (Luke 24:50-51) which commemorates the ascent of Jesus to Heaven. The Pater Noster Church, (Matt 24:3) where according to tradition, lies the cave where Jesus brought his disciples and spoke to them about the mystery of the end. It is also believed to be the place, where Jesus gave the Lord's Prayer to his disciples (Matt 6:9-13). We will stop at the Chapel of Dominius Flevit, where
Jesus wept over the imminent destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41- 44). The chapel is built in the shape of a tear as a poignant reminder to this event. After lunch we visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed while Judas betrayed him to the Romans (Luke 22:39-46).Take a look at Olive trees in the garden which are more than 100 years old. Visit the Basilica of Agony (Church of all Nations), which stands out from afar. After lunch we pause at Pools of Bethesda where Jesus healed the crippled man and then we take the Via Dolorosa (Way of Grief) (Mark 15:1- 47), traditionally accepted as the last route trodden by Jesus. Follow the 14 Stations of the Cross to Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified marking significant events along the route. We will see the Pilate's Judgment hall; the Chapel of the Flagellation where, according to tradition, the Roman soldiers scourged Jesus and placed a crown of thorns on His head the Ecce Homo Arch and the Convent of the Sisters of Zion. Early tradition held that Pontius Pilate stood here and thundered "Ecce Homo!" which means "Behold the man!" which is what Pilate said when he presented Jesus to the crowd. Below the Convent is the Lithostrotos where Jesus was publicly tried and where the Roman soldiers mocked him. We make a brief halt for lunch. The last 5 Stations of the Cross are inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher visible from the distance, with its two silver domes. Also "The Tomb" widely believed to be part of the stone that covered Jesus Tomb. We will also be visiting the Garden Tomb believed by many to be the tomb of Jesus himself. Be a part of a special Holy Communion service in the Garden Tomb. We then visit The Wailing Wall.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Jerusalem.
DAY 05: (27 Nov) ISRAEL (Jaffa-Haifa –Mt.Carmel-Kibbutz-Galilee) This morning we leave Jerusalem and travel to Jaffa, (Acts 9: 36-43 & 10:1-23) to see the house of Simon the Tanner and visit St. Peter's Church. We then travel north to Haifa, Israel's largest port city in the north .The city is built on the slopes of Mt. Carmel. Visit the famous Persian Hanging Gardens for a view of the Bahai Shrine. Visit the Stella Maris Church which is built on the cave where Elijah stayed. Then we continue to Muhraqa, (1 Kings 18:20-40) the place of sacrifice and the site where Prophet Elijah defeated the false prophets of Ba'al. After lunch we have a special visit to the Kibbutz. Our day tour ends at Tiberias nestled on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus performed many miracles. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Tiberias.
DAY 06: (28 Nov) ISRAEL (Galilee –Capernaum-Cana-Nazareth) After breakfast get set to explore the charm and beauty of the blessed area of Galilee. We proceed for a memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee in a replica of a Galilean fishing boat of the time of Jesus. It was this sea where Jesus calmed the storm and walked on the water. The Lord also ministered in and around the Sea of Galilee. We drive through the landscapes of Galilee to Capernaum - the center of Jesus' ministry (Matt.8:5-13) where we visit the Synagogue and House of Peters Mother in law. We then stop at Tabgha - the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish, (Matt 14:15-20).We then visit the expressive Church of the Beatitudes, where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:1-20).We make a brief halt at St. Peter's house, the Church of Primacy of Peter and the place where Jesus bestowed St. Peter with His authority (Matthew 16-19). This is believed to be the place where Jesus dined with His disciples. The flat rock known as Mensa Christ or Christ's table commemorates this event. Behind the church we get an opportunity to dip our feet in the Sea of Galilee. After lunch we drive to the village of Cana (John 2:111), where Jesus performed His first Miracle, changing water into wine at the
wedding feast. Take an opportunity to taste and buy the famous Cana wine. Then we move on to Nazareth, the boyhood town of Jesus and home of Mary and Joseph and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation built over the grotto where Archangel Gabriel appeared to announce Mary that she would bear a son, Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). We also stop by Joseph's workshop. We then visit Jordan River and stop at Yardenit (Matt.3:13-17) the traditional baptismal site. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Tiberias.
DAY 07: (29 Nov) JORDAN (Galilee-Jordan Border- Mt Nebo-Amman) After breakfast we leave Tiberias and drive to the Sheikh Hussein Border (Jordan). At the border we will be met by our Jordanian guide who will help us through the visa and immigration formalities. After a 2 hrs scenic drive we reach Madaba, the city of Mosaics�, only 30kms south of Amman. Madaba is repeatedly mentioned in the old Testament as Medeba (Numbers 21:30).This lovely town is home of St. George’s Church which houses the Madaba Map, a 6th century Byzantine Mosaic map showing ancient Palestine, Egypt, Jerusalem and other holy sites. After lunch we continue to Mt.Nebo, (Deut 34:1-7) the most revered site in Jordan. Mt. Nebo is presumed to be the site of Moses death and burial place. On top of the mountain is a Franciscan Church with beautiful 4th and 6th century mosaics. Visit the Serpent Monument near the Church. From a platform in front of the church you can take in a breathtaking view like Moses across the Jordan valley and the Dead Sea, Jericho to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. This is also the place from where God showed Moses the promise land from a distance. We then drive south to Petra. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Petra.
DAY 08: (30 Nov) JORDAN (Petra tour- Amman Airport) After breakfast enjoy a full day tour with lunch. Enjoy visit to Petra- a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra which means rock is the most visited site and a symbol of Jordan. It was established as the capital city of the Nabataens around the 6th century BC. Visit this rock-carved rose-red city with horse ride included in the tour. Petra was built by the Nabataens, a nomadic tribe that arrived in the region from Arabia almost 2,000 years ago. The fortress-like city of Petra became an important and very rich stronghold by offering shelter to passing caravans. It is called "the rose-red city half as old as time". Petra remained lost to the world for centuries, hidden in the mountains of southern Jordan. A short walk will bring you to the entrance of the Siq, a very narrow, ancient riverbed that winds its way down through the gorge for approximately 2.5 kms. The towering walls of rock reach a height of almost 100 metres and at the final turn you will be dazzled by the appearance of Petra's Treasury, 45 metres tall, 27 metres wide and carved out of solid rock. You will then proceed beyond the Treasury and marvel at the towering temples, royal tombs, carved Roman theatre, burial chambers, paved streets, various sized houses and public buildings. In the evening we drive to Amman airport. Take dinner at a restaurant on the way to airport. Late night we arrive at the airport to board our flight back home.
Journey of a lifetime ends with blessed memories.
Weather (November): Autumn This is a nice season of the year, with very comfortable weather. Temperature is usually between 20 to 25 Degrees. Don’t forget to carry a pair of light woolen clothes as it can be cold sometimes.
Shopping • ISRAEL Nazareth Cana Tiberias Jerusalem Bethlehem • JORDAN Amman
Souvenirs, Jewellery Wine for Holy Communion. Dates, Honey, Chocolates, Olive Oil & Milk products. Clothes, Dry fruits, Dead Sea products, Diamonds, Cosmetics Medical products and Souvenirs. Olive wood souvenirs. Dead Sea products, Carpets and Souvenirs
Foreign Exchange You may use US Dollars for all your transactions while on tour. Currency Israel Jordan
New Israeli Shekel (NIS) - 1 USD=4 NIS approx Jordanian Dinar (JD) - 1 USD= ½ JD approx
(Mentioned above are just approx. rates and are subject to fluctuation)