Evangelical 9 Days Tour

Sample Program

After breakfast, we’ll begin the day with a drive to Banias, one of the sources of the River Jordan and the ancient site of Caesarea Philippi, where Peter made his confession of faith in Christ. We’ll then head south to Western Galilee to visit Tabgha, the site of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, as well as the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his significant sermon known as “The Sermon On The Mount.”

Our journey will continue to Kibbutz Nof Ginosar, where we’ll enjoy a St. Peter’s fish lunch and visit the Yigal Alon Museum, home to the ancient “Jesus boat.” This first-century fishing boat was discovered at the bottom of Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and has been restored to its original appearance. A short boat cruise on the Sea of Galilee will be followed by a visit to Capernaum (Kfar Nachum), the center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry and the site of many miracles. We’ll see the remains of Peter’s house and the synagogue where Jesus taught and worshipped.

Before returning to our hotel, we’ll have the opportunity to be baptized at Yardenit. The evening is free to explore Tiberias

Overnight in Tiberias

After breakfast, we’ll leave Tiberias and drive south to visit the city of Beit Shean, one of the largest ongoing archaeological digs in Israel. We’ll tour the colonnaded Roman streets, mosaics, the Cardo, and the Roman bathhouses. Continuing our drive south through the lush Jordan Valley, we’ll enjoy the blossoming desert landscape described in Isaiah 35:1-2. En route, we’ll stop for a breathtaking view of St. George’s Greek Monastery. Upon our arrival in Jerusalem, we’ll stop at Mt. Scopus for a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the Old City, where we’ll say a traditional Sheyechyanu blessing to mark our arrival. Our day will continue with a visit to the House of Caiaphas, where Jesus was interrogated on the night of His betrayal. Finally, we’ll arrive at our hotel for check-in. In the evening, we’ll savor a relaxing Shabbat dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Jerusalem

After breakfast, our day will start with a visit to the Garden Tomb, believed by many to be the site of Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. We’ll then drive to the top of the Mount of Olives to enjoy a panoramic view of Jerusalem. From there, we’ll see the Golden Gates and the ancient Jewish cemetery. Descending on foot, we’ll pass the tear-shaped church of Dominus Flevit, where Jesus visualized the destruction of Jerusalem and wept, and proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane, a place of Jesus’ prayers and His arrest. Next, we’ll visit Mt. Zion to see the Upper Room and David’s Tomb, where the Last Supper was held.

At the Israel Museum, we’ll explore the model city of Jerusalem as it appeared in 66 CE, depicting the city before its destruction. In the same complex, we’ll visit the Shrine of the Book, home to the original Dead Sea Scrolls. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Bethlehem, where we’ll arrive at Manger Square and enter the Church of the Nativity, believed by many to be the birthplace of Jesus. We’ll return to Jerusalem and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Jerusalem

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the Old City and enter through the Dung Gate. Our first stop will be the Southern Wall excavations, where we’ll admire the beauty of the ruins, including the renowned Robinson Arch that led high priests into the Temple. We’ll then proceed to the Western Wall, also known as the “Kotel,” Judaism’s holiest place. Descending into the Western Wall Tunnels, known as “The Rabbi’s Tunnels,” we’ll explore passageways that reveal layers of Jerusalem’s history and the diverse dwellings of its inhabitants throughout the ages.

Exiting through the Christian Quarter, we’ll visit the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a lame man according to the Gospel of John. Continuing along the Via Dolorosa, we’ll follow the path of Jesus’ crucifixion and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We’ll then proceed to the Jewish Quarter, which was reconstructed after the unification of the city following the Six-Day War in 1967.

After lunch (at our own expense), we’ll explore the restored Jewish Quarter, with a special point of interest being the “Cardo,” the ancient Byzantine city’s heart. Leaving the Old City, we’ll visit Yad Vashem, the Israeli Holocaust memorial dedicated to the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust during Nazi Germany. Our day will conclude with a drive back to the hotel for an early dinner.

Overnight in Jerusalem

 After an early breakfast, we’ll embark on a journey towards the Dead Sea area. As we approach the shores of the Dead Sea, we’ll descend to the lowest point on Earth, approximately 1,305 feet (398 meters) below sea level. Our first stop will be Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a young shepherd boy. Continuing south, we’ll reach the legendary mountaintop fortress of Masada. We’ll ascend by cable car to explore the ancient synagogue and experience the rich history of the Jewish Zealots who made their last stand against the Romans.

Before heading back to Jerusalem, we’ll have some time to float on the unique and buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, known for their therapeutic properties. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Overnight in Jerusalem

 After breakfast (depending on our flight times), we’ll check out from the hotel and be transferred to Ben Gurion Airport for our return journey home. As we bid farewell to Israel, we’ll carry everlasting memories of our incredible journey.

Shalom!