Experience The Holy Land with
First Presbyterian Church, Cornelia, Georgia
Day 1- March 23, Sunday
Sunday You can sit back and relax as you depart for Israel and begin the Adventure of a Lifetime. Dinner and breakfast included on the overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2- March 24, Monday
Upon our morning arrival in Tel Aviv we will be welcomed to the Holy Land by your guide and driver. The tour will begin immediately with a stop in the old port city of Joppa, where Peter had his vision on the rooftop of Simon the Tanner's house. Then on to Caesarea-by-the-Sea for an exciting visit to this special city that was founded by Herod the Great in 22 B.C. It was the headquarters for Pontius Pilate and is considered to be the “Birthplace of Christianity!” We will then visit the medieval Crusader Fortress. Then we retreat to our lovely hotel right beside the beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea for a delicious buffet dinner and then off to bed for a good nights sleep!
Day 3 – March 25, Tuesday
After a full Israeli buffet breakfast we will drive by the Mediterranean Sea for a stop to see the impressive Roman Aqueduct which supplied Caesarea with fresh water. Then we head north to Mt. Carmel, the sight of Elijah's contest with the prophets of Baal. We will stand atop of a Carmelite Monastery which has a breathtaking view of the awesome Jezre’el plain. Our next stop of the morning is Megiddo, the chariot city of Solomon, with ruins that date back to 3500 B.C. From here we will stand overlooking the Valley of Armageddon where the Bible says the final battle will take place. We will Journey on to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we will visit the Church of the Annunciation. Then visit Cana on the way to our hotel in Tiberius for dinner and overnight.
Day 4- March 26, Wednesday
Start your day with a morning boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where you'll enjoy the rich scenery, including a great view of the surrounding shores of this beautiful and scenic lake. After docking we will be on our way to Peter’s home town, Capernaum where Jesus stayed while in this area. Nearby, we will stop at Tabgha, where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes and fed 5000. From here we will visit the Mt. of Beatitudes for a special time of reflection on the Sermon on the Mount. Our day ends with a very special Baptism Service at the headwaters of the Jordan We will have our own special place for our Baptism service where you will have the opportunity to be baptized if you chose to do so. Following our Baptism Service we will return to our hotel in Tiberius for a delicious and elegant dinner.
Day 5-March 27, Thursday
On this exciting day you will see things most visitors to Israel do not get to experience…a tour of the Golan Heights. We will visit Caesarea Philippi at the southern base of Mt. Hermon, where the source of the Sea of Galilee begins. This is marks the northern most point of Jesus' journey in the North of Israel. It is the site where Peter confessed Jesus as "The Christ, the Son of the Most High God." We will make a stop at Tel Dan and step back in time 4000 years and see the original gate where Abraham first entered the Promise Land. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.
Day 6-March 28, Friday
After breakfast, we will depart Tiberius for an incredible day. We will begin by driving south through the Jordan Valley and view the mountains of Gilead in Jordan. We will make an exciting stop at Bet She'an where we will explore the magnificent Roman and Byzantine ruins of this ancient city. We will see Mount Gilboa where Saul and Jonathan lost their lives in battle. We will continue south to Jericho, the ancient Canaanite city conquered by Joshua. Here we will have a commanding view of the Mt. of Temptation. Then we will have our first view of the Dead Sea and Mount Nebo, where Moses was buried. . We will begin our awesome ascent up to Jerusalem. Upon arrival we will have our first breathtaking view of Jerusalem...The City of Gold! On to our lovely hotel for a delicious dinner and a restful night.
Day 7-March 29, Saturday
This morning we will head south for a day of adventure around the area of the Dead Sea. We will ascend to the top of Masada by cable car for a visit to Herod's winter home. Following a delightful lunch we will visit the beautiful Oasis of Ein Gedi, where we will enjoy a float in the healing waters of the Dead Sea. Then on to Qumran and the Essenes Community ruins where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Tonight we will have a leisure evening and a delicious buffet dinner.
Day 8-March 30, Sunday
Today we will start with a view of this magnificent city from the Mt. of Olives. Then we will make our “Hosanna Trail” walk down to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested and see 2000 year old olive trees. We will then make our way for a visit Caiphas' House where Jesus was imprisoned. Next we will “Go up to Mt. Zion where the Last Supper was held and the Holy Spirit fell on the Day of Pentecost. We will make our way through the beautiful Jewish Quarter of the Old City and say a prayer for the peace of Jerusalem during our visit to The Western “Wailing” Wall. We will Visit the Ophel Excavations. We will make our way back to our hotel for a wonderful dinner and restful evening.
Day 9-March 31, Monday
Begin with a visit to the Temple Mount where the Temple and Holy of Holies once stood. Leaving the Temple Mount we will walk through the Old City street to the Pools of Bethesda. Antonia Fortress, and see where Jesus was mocked, beaten, crowned and presented with His cross. We will make our way by the Via Dolorosa as we ponder the love of Jesus as we make our way to Golgotha and Garden Tomb. Here we will share a very special and unforgettable communion service. Afterwards we head back to our hotel for dinner and a very restful evening.
Day 10-April 1, Tuesday
Begin the day with a visit to the miniature Jerusalem model which depicts the ancient city at the time of Christ. Visit Yad Vashem, the Jewish Holocaust memorial museum. We will make our way to Bethlehem for a visit to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. Then we take a short drive from the city hustle and bustle to visit the quiet Shepherd's Fields where we, like Mary” we ponder all these things in our hearts. We will return to our hotel in Jerusalem for a very special “night of celebration” as we enjoy our Farewell Dinner.” Following dinner we board our motor coach and head for the airport for our trip home.
Day 11-April 2, Wednesday
Return Home to The USA! (Arrive JFK around 6:30 AM)
