Israel may seem small on the map, but is clustered with many holy sites related to the Bible and Christian history. A 7-day journey of the Holy Land with a private guide is the optimal way for a Christian pilgrim to explore many of these holy sites in different regions of the country.
Arrival and welcome to Israel! We head north, and pending on time and will, we visit the ruins of ancient Caesarea where we review its significance in Christian history, the possible 2-year imprisonment site of Paul and Caesarea Port.
Overnight: Tiberias
Our first day will be devoted to exploring the hometown of Jesus – Nazareth. Strolling through the local market, we visit the Church of Annunciation (Luke 1) and the “Synagogue Church” (Luke 4). We could also visit “Nazareth Village” for a 1st century educational experience, or drive to Mount Precipice. Next we drive to Cana and learn about the “First Miracle of Jesus.” We end the day with a visit to Capernaum, “the town of Jesus”, where archaeological excavations have uncovered a remarkable 1,500-year old synagogue and an ancient octagonal church built over what is believed to be the place where Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law.
Overnight: Tiberias
This day is devoted to completing our review of the significant Christian sites around the Sea of Galilee. We begin with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee followed by visits to the Sea of Galilee Boat, Magdala, Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish, Church of the Primacy of Peter, and Mount of Beatitudes. After a lunch break in a local fish restaurant (Saint Peter’s fish anyone?), we head towards Tel-Aviv with possible stops at Mount Tabor, Nain, and/or Megiddo.
Overnight: Tel-Aviv
The morning presents us with the opportunity to visit Jaffa, the House of Simon the Tanner, and learn about the vision Peter recieved here. Next we head towards Jerusalem with a stop at Emmaus-Nicopolis. Our introduction to Jerusalem takes place at the Mount of Olives Viewpoint followed by visits to the Chapel of the Ascension, Church of the Pater Noster, Dominus Flevit, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Grotto of Gethsemane, Mary’s Tomb, and Stephanus Church.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Heading into the Old City we try to beat the crowds by first visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site where Jesus was crucified (Golgotha) and buried (Tomb of Jesus). We then walk along the Stations of the Cross (in Latin Via Dolorosa) and down to the Pools of Bethesda. After visiting the Western Wall, we ascend to the top of Mount Zion to appreciate a cluster of holy Christian sites that commemorate the Last Supper (the Cenacle), Peter’s denial of Jesus (“Peter in Gallicantu“), the resting place of Mary, the site of Pentecost (Dormition Abbey), the Armenian Caiaphas Church, the First Century Church on Mount Zion (?), and King David’s Tomb Mark.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Heading towards the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea, we make a stop at the Good Samaritan Inn before participating in a baptism at the Baptism site (qasr el-Yahud). We could also visit the nearby Deir Hajla /Gerasimus Monastery. We then drive to view the caves of the Judean Desert where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, especially elaborating on their possible link to John the Baptist and early Christians. After lunch we visit the site where the community of the Dead Sea Scrolls lived (Qumran) and then go for a swim in the Dead Sea itself. On our way back to Jerusalem we could also stop for a view of Saint George Monastery.
Overnight: Jeruaslem
Our last day could be devoted to a visit of the Church of Nativity and Shepherds’ Field in Bethlehem (led by a Palestinian guide). Upon returning to Jerusalem we could also visit the archaeological highlights at the Israel Museum, especially the display of the Dead Sea Scrolls (“Shrine of the Book”), the Model of the Second Temple and discoveries related to Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, and Jesus’ crucifixion.
