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On this faith-based tour, travel to some of Christianity’s most important sites—with overnights in Tel Aviv, the Sea of Galilee, and Jerusalem.
In the Old City of Jerusalem, enjoy visits to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed the night before his arrest; the Upper Room, where Jesus and his disciples had the Last Supper; the House of Caiaphas, where Jesus was kept the night after his arrest; and more. Walk the last path of Jesus passing the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa. Visit the most celebrated Christian church, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, erected on the site of the crucifixion.
Spend time in the Sea of Galilee area, where much of Jesus’ ministry occurred and where he walked on water. Cruise on the Sea of Galilee and visit Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Visit the village of Cana, where Jesus changed water into wine, and Nazareth, the cradle of Christianity. Visit the Church of the Annunciation, one of the world’s most holy Christian liturgical sites, and St. Joseph’s Church, built over Joseph’s carpentry workshop.
But that’s not all…in the picturesque village of Ein Karem, where John the Baptist was born, visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, gathering spot of early Christians. Visit the ancient, fortified city of Megiddo, one of the world’s most important biblical sites—the predicted site of the Battle of Armageddon. Also visit Masada, where you’ll take a cable car to the top to see the well-preserved fortress where Jewish rebels took a stand against Roman forces 2,000 years ago. Also enjoy floating in the buoyant Dead Sea.
These are just some of the many highlights on this faith-based, Israel tour. Accompanied by fellow believers, this inspirational tour is a vacation of a lifetime!
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Itinerary
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Day 1 Arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel
Welcome to Tel Aviv. Enjoy this evening’s welcome dinner with wine, hosted by your Tour Director.
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Day 2 Tel Aviv– Jaffa–Caesarea–Megiddo–Muhraqa–Sea of Galilee
Your tour of the Holy Land begins in Jaffa with a walk through the beautifully restored ancient port, where medieval pilgrims started their strenuous 2-day trek to Jerusalem. Next is 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 harbor. In the afternoon, travel to the ancient fortified city of Megiddo—one of the world’s most important biblical sites. According to the New Testament, the Battle of Armageddon will be the final struggle between good and evil, prompting the return of Jesus to defeat the Antichrist and cast Satan into the abyss. Continuing north, pass through Baron Edmond de Rothschild’s vineyards and apricot groves to Mount Carmel, considered the most holy of all mountains in ancient times. At Muhraqa, site of Elijah’s contest of faith with the priests of Baal, enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the fertile Jezreel Valley, where Gideon led the Israelites to victory against the Midianites. Arrive at your hotel in Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
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Day 3 Sea of Galilee. Excursion to Cana & Nazareth
Much of Jesus’ ministry occurred on the shores surrounding the Sea of Galilee. It is where he recruited four of his apostles, walked on water, calmed the storm, and fed the 5,000. Today, you will see an ancient fishing boat, said to be from the time of Christ, before arriving in Cana, where Jesus changed water into wine at a wedding. Even now, many couples renew their wedding vows at this sacred place. On to Nazareth, the Virgin Mary’s home village, and where Jesus spent part of his childhood. Visit the CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION, and ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, built over Joseph’s carpentry workshop; and pass by Mary’s Well and the Church of the Angel Gabriel, where the angel Gabriel told Mary she would give birth to Jesus. Afternoon at leisure.
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Day 4 Sea of Galilee–Mount of Beatitudes–Tabgha–Capernaum–Bet She’an–Jordan River–Jerusalem
Enjoy a 45-minute CRUISE on the Sea of Galilee, then 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.” Warm springs once flowed into the sea here, attracting fish, which is why Peter came here to earn a living. On to CAPERNAUM, where Jesus recruited his first followers among the fishermen. Via the ruins of Kursi, which memorialize 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.
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Day 5 Jerusalem. Excursion To Ein Karem, Bethlehem & The Garden Tomb
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 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 on the site where Jesus was born. On the way back to Jerusalem, visit the GARDEN TOMB to bask in the splendor of the garden and pause to worship or meditate.
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Day 6 Jerusalem. Excursion To The Old City
After a stunning view of the city from the revered MOUNT OF OLIVES, start your guided walking tour. Via the Chapel of Dominus Flevit, designed in the shape of a teardrop to symbolize the tears of Christ, arrive at the GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE, where Jesus prayed the night before his arrest. Nearby are the Cave of the Assumption of Mary, believed to be the Virgin Mary’s tomb; and the Cave of Betrayal, where Judas betrayed Jesus. Follow the VIA DOLOROSA with its nine Stations of the Cross, marking the path Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. At Golgotha, visit the CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE, erected on the site of the crucifixion and which houses the remaining five Stations of the Cross. Walk past the Temple Mount to see the Dome of the Rock, which is sacred to both the Jewish and Muslim people. On to the WESTERN WALL, the only remnant of the Second Temple, then stroll through the restored Jewish Quarter to MOUNT ZION and visit the UPPER ROOM, where Jesus and his disciples had the Last Supper; the TOMB OF KING DAVID; and the HOUSE OF CAIAPHAS, where Jesus was kept the night after his arrest and where Peter denied knowing him three times.
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Day 7 Jerusalem. Excursion To Masada & The Dead Sea
Today, travel through the Judean wilderness to the Dead Sea, the planet’s lowest point on dry land. 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 rebels made their last stand against Roman forces. Around lunchtime, reach a comfortable DEAD SEA RESORT for free time to experience the incredible buoyancy in the heavy saltwater. Later, return to Jerusalem.
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Day 8 At leisure in Jerusalem
A full day at leisure, with time to attend a worship service at one of Jerusalem’s churches. Later, maybe join an optional excursion that includes a visit to the Israel Museum to see the Shrine of the Book and the Dead Sea Scrolls; the Holocaust Memorial at Yad Vashem; and the Inn of the Good Samaritan. Join your traveling companions one last time at tonight’s special farewell dinner with wine, and celebrate the blessings you experienced on your Holy Land adventure.
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Day 9 Jerusalem
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning (the nearest airport is Tel Aviv).
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Vacation Highlights
TEL AVIV
Welcome dinner
JAFFA
Walking tour of the ancient port
CAESAREA
Visit the Roman amphitheater and the Crusader fortress
MEGIDDO
Visit the biblical site
MUHRAQA
Panoramic view of the Jezreel Valley
SEA OF GALILEE
Enjoy a cruise
CANA
Visit the site of the first miracle
NAZARETH
Visit the Church of the Annunciation and St. Joseph’s Church
MOUNT OF BEATITUDES
Visit the site where Jesus delivered his sermon
TABGHA
Visit the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes and the Church of St. Peter’s Primacy
CAPERNAUM
Visit the site where Jesus recruited his first followers
JORDAN RIVER
Visit a baptismal site
BET SHE’AN
Admire the Roman and Byzantine relics
EIN KAREM
Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of Visitation
BETHLEHEM
Visit the Church of the Nativity
JERUSALEM
Visit the Garden Tomb; panoramic view from the Mount of Olives; guided walking tour, visit the Garden of Gethsemane, follow the Way of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa; visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and walk through the Jewish Quarter to Mount Zion, visit the Upper Room, the tomb of King David, and the house of Caiaphas; farewell dinner
Headsets throughout the tour (except in Jordan)
NOTES:
- Departure 0403 Palm Sunday in Jerusalem (April 09)
- Departure 0410 Good Friday (April 14) and Easter Sunday in Jerusalem (April 16)
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Meals
Full Israeli breakfast daily; 7 three-course dinners with wine, including a welcome dinner in Tel Aviv and a farewell dinner in Jerusalem
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Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Globus, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Globus, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
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Important Notes
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