This specially designed tour for Latter-Day Saints Church groups and families is a great way to explore in-depth the Holy Land. It covers many destinations relating to the Bible, Mormon heritage, and the modern history of Israel. The itinerary also includes optional extreme activities, hikes, swims, a sail and more!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Heading North
WELCOME TO ISRAEL! Pending on the time of your landing, we could visit to Caesarea, a metropolis in Roman times. We will review its highlights, focusing on Paul’s prison (Acts 23-26) and the baptism of Cornelius by Peter (Acts 10).
We could also visit Megiddo. This site was a major city in the Israelite Kingdom. It is also identified with “Armageddon” (Revelations 16:16). We will also pass by Mount Tabor, possible site of the transfiguration (Luke 9), and Nain, where Jesus rose from the Dead the Widow’s son (Luke 7). As it gets dark we will arrive at our hotel, by the Sea of Galilee.
Overnight: North
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Day 2 – Exploring around the Sea of Galilee
Overnight: North
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Day 3 – On the Way to Damascus
Heading to the sources of the Jordan River, at one of the river’s main springs we exlpore ancient Caesarea Philippi (Banias), where Jesus named Simon-Yona “Peter”. Following, we will head up the Golan Heights, along the possible historical path “on the way to Damascus” (Acts 9). In the Golan Heights we will have a lunch break at a Druze village, and then head up to a panoramic view from the top of Mt. Bental. We will also drive along the Syrian border and learn about the modern conflicts in this region.
Overnight: North
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Day 4 – From Nazareth to Mount of Olives
Heading towards Jerusalem, our first stop will be the Arab village of Cana. In the heart of the village, two churches mark the event of Jesus’ “first miracle” (John 2) – turning water into wine during a wedding. We will review the archaeological discoveries made at the site, and possibly conduct a “renewal of the vows” ceremony.
Next, we will head to Jesus’ hometown – Nazareth. Strolling through the local market, we will reach the mass-scale Church of Annunciation. Here, by centuries-old tradition, was the home of Mary. This is also where the angel announced to Mary that God would make her pregnant by a miracle (Luke 1). In the market itself, we will visit the Synagogue Church. Here, Jesus spoke for the first time about his messianic role (Luke 4), although he was rejected. This event led Jesus to move to Capernaum. We will end the tour with a visit to Mount Precipice, where the people of Nazareth, rejecting Jesus’ claims, tried throwing him off a cliff. The site also offers some breathtaking panoramas of the Jezreel Valley, the Carmel Mountains, the Jordan Valley and the Gilead Mountains. We will then join the coastal highway and head to Jerusalem! If time permits, upon arrival we will admire it from Mount of Olives Viewpoint.
Overnight: Jerusalem
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Day 5 – Jerusalem in the Footsteps of Jesus
Overnight: Jerusalem
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Day 6 (FRI) – Tracing Goliath, Samson, and Prophet Lehi
After lunch, we will explore the important site of Lachish. This site was the second capital of the Judean Kingdom in Biblical times, and was conquered and destroyed, after a fierce battle by the Assyrians, in 701 BCE. If we arrange off-road transportation, we could also drive to the site related to the estate of Lehi – Khirbet Beit Loya / Beit Lehi.
Overnight: Jerusalem
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Day 7 (Saturday) – Visiting BYU, Orson Hyde Park and Bethlehem
Saturday (Shabbath) will begin with attending morning prayers at the beautiful Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center campus on Mount Scopus. It will be followed with a visit to Orson Hyde Memorial Park on Mount of Olives, and possibly reserving a guided tour at the Garden Tomb. Later, you will be lead by a Palestinian guide into Bethlehem, and learn about the birth of Jesus at the Church of Nativity, followed by a local Palestinian barbecue lunch. If time permits, you will also visit the Shepherds’ Field before heading back to Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem
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Day 8 – Explore the Dead Sea Region
We will then pass by the Ein Gedi oasis, and possibly spot some local ibex. Using the cable car, we will reach the top of Masada. The site was magnificently built by King Herod some 2,000 years ago. However, it is also famed for its dramatic and tragic end, where Jews favored death over Roman slavery. We end the day with an optional swim at the Dead Sea.
Overnight: Jerusalem or Tel-Aviv
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Day 11 – Stroll in Jaffa and Tel-Aviv
FAREWELL!!