Day 1: Holy cities

We’ll start our day in Jaffa, one of the most ancient port cities in the world. As we wander the quaint alleyways of this timeless gateway to the Holy Land, we’ll visit St Peter’s Church and discuss the vision he had at Simon the Tanner’s House (Acts 10), before descending to the port where Jonah was swallowed by the whale.

Next, we’ll travel north to Caesarea, the regional capital that was built by King Herod the Great two thousand years ago. We’ll explore the remarkable ruins, and discuss Peter’s conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10) before visiting the port area from which the first Christian missionaries would have spread their message to the rest of the world.

We’ll continue north to Nazareth, the home of Jesus. After exploring the remains of the ancient city in the bottom of the grand Basilica of the Annunciation, where it’s believed that Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel (Luke 1), we’ll conclude our day on the edge of the city with a stunning view from Mt Precipice, where we will get a great insight into the geography of the Biblical Galilee. Overnight at hotel in Galilee.

U-Boutique

A tranquil boutique hotel on the shores of Sea of Galilee.

see hotel

Day 3: Revolution in the wilderness

After checking out we’ll drive south through the Jordan valley, part of which is in the West bank. We’ll use the driving time to get a better understanding of the political situation in the West Bank and Israel’s relationship with Jordan, before arriving at the Ein Gedi desert oasis. We’ll take a short walk in this marvel of nature and will pause by one of the waterfalls to discuss Saul and David’s meeting here (1 Samuel 24).

Our next stop will be the UNESCO World Heritage Site Masada. After a quick lunch we’ll ascend by cable car and will explore the ruins of this remarkable desert fortress built by King Herod 2000 years ago, and discover the tragic end of its final defense.

Before driving up to Jerusalem, we’ll pause at a private Dead Sea beach for some well-earned relaxation. Float on these saline waters and you’ll come out rejuvenated – guaranteed! Overnight at hotel in Jerusalem.

Waldorf Astoria

The perfect place from which to explore the historical city of Jerusalem.

More info

Day 4: Biblical Jerusalem

Jump straight into the atmosphere of ancient Jerusalem as we open the day with a walk on the 500-year-old city ramparts. We’ll then visit the City of David, the most ancient ruins in Jerusalem, taking us back into the time of the Hebrew Bible. We’ll see David’s Palace and can walk underground in a tunnel built by King Hezekiah (great fun for kids!).

We’ll emerge from the tunnel at the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed the Blind (John 9).We’ll ascend by foot in the spirit of the ancient pilgrims to the impressive excavations in the Davidson Center where we’ll be able to transport ourselves 2000 years back in time and walk on the very stones that Jesus and his disciples would have walked on in the time of the Second Temple.

We’ll pause at the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall) to soak up the atmosphere, and after a great local lunch, we’ll explore the Jewish Quarter (including more ruins from the Biblical period) and the Room of the Last Supper (Matthew 26) and King David’s Tomb on Mount Zion.We’ll conclude our day with a visit to Bethlehem, where we’ll be able to explore the Church of the Nativity, believed to be the location of Jesus’ birth (Matthew 2).

Optional (If on a Friday): In the evening return to the Western Wall plaza to experience the joyous ‘Receiving the Shabbat’ Jewish prayer service. Continue for a traditional Shabbat dinner at a local home or at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Jerusalem.

Waldorf Astoria

The perfect place from which to explore the historical city of Jerusalem.

More info

Day 5: Biblical Jerusalem continues

We’ll open our day with a spectacular panoramic view over Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. We’ll use this view to locate and understand the key sites in the story of Jesus in Jerusalem, before descending the mountain, just as he would have done, to the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26), where we’ll reflect on Jesus’ final moments before being arrested.

Our next stop will be at the Tomb of Mary where we will explore one of Jerusalem’s oldest churches and understand the unique sharing arrangement under which it is managed. We’ll then ascend from the Kidron Valley to the Old City where we’ll visit the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a paralytic man (John 5).

After seeing the most holy site for Muslims in Jerusalem, The Dome of the Rock, from a very unique angle, we will walk the ancient pilgrim route known as the Via Dolorosa, or the Stations of the Cross, marking Jesus’ path with the cross from his trial until his crucifixion.  The route culminates at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, believed to be the location of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial (Matthew 27) and venerated by many as one of the most important holy sites in the world.

Optional: Continue to the alternative site of the Garden Tomb, recognized by many Protestants as the location of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.