This 8-day journey uncovers Israel’s most important archaeological sites, where history, scripture, and material culture intersect. Your private guide is an expert in biblical archaeology and so will be able to connect ruins and artifacts to the biblical narrative. Participants will experience scripture brought to life, with sites and artifacts interpreted through both historical context and archaeological insight.
Begin at the City of David, the original Jerusalem, where excavations reveal fortifications, palaces, and water channels from biblical times. Continue to the Southern Wall Excavations, where pilgrims ascended monumental steps leading to the Second Temple and purified in ritual baths. Stand before the Western Wall, a sacred remnant of Herod’s great temple platform and the holiest site in Judaism. Next, walk the Via Dolorosa, retracing the traditional path of Jesus’ final journey, culminating at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, venerated as the place of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
Enter the Garden of Gethsemane, where ancient olive trees recall Jesus’ prayers on the night of his betrayal. Cross the Kidron valley and reach Mount Zion, exploring the Room of the Last Supper, the traditional site of Pentecost, and King David’s memorial. Next, wander through the Jewish Quarter, where archaeological remains include Hezekiah’s Broad Wall and the Roman-era Cardo street. Conclude at the Israel Museum, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient inscriptions, and priceless artifacts illuminating biblical culture.
Start the day at Tel Beth-Shemesh, near the border of Judah and Philistia, connected to the Ark’s return and Samson’s stories. Next, stand in the Valley of Elah, where David courageously faced Goliath, with remains of fortified cities nearby. Continue to Tel Lachish, Judah’s second city, destroyed by Assyria, where the siege ramp and palace ruins are still visible. Conclude with a visit to a local winery, reflecting agricultural traditions that stretch back to biblical times.
Driving into the Judean Desert, gaze upon Jericho, the world’s oldest city, famed for Joshua’s conquest and impressive ancient fortifications. Nearby, view the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were hidden, preserving scripture from over two thousand years ago. Further south, see Ein Gedi’s ancient synagogue, with mosaics mentioning biblical tribes and evidence of a flourishing desert community. Ascend Masada, Herod’s desert fortress and site of the last stand against Rome, with breathtaking desert views. End the day with an optional swim in the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth with buoyant mineral-rich waters.
Pause at Emmaus, remembered for Jesus’ appearance after the resurrection, with Roman-era remains marking the site. Next, explore Tel Megiddo, a strategic city of Solomon and prophetic Armageddon, where layers of palaces, gates, and temples are visible. Crossing the Galilee, arrive at Capernaum, Jesus’ Galilean center, with remains of a synagogue and Peter’s house. End at Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene, where a first-century synagogue connects directly with the gospel narrative.
Start at the Boat of the Galilee, a rare first-century fishing vessel preserved from the Sea of Galilee and presented in Kibbutz Ginosar. Continue to Tel Hazor, a Canaanite and Israelite capital mentioned in Joshua’s conquests and Solomon’s reign. Further north, explore Tel Dan, with its ancient city gate and cultic site tied to Israel’s northern kingdom. Continue to Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say I am?”, with some suprising archaeological finds. End at Vadum Jacob (Chastellet), a Crusader fortress above the Jordan River that stood was destroyed in 1179 CE.
Tour Beit Shean, where Roman and Byzantine ruins overlay an ancient Israelite city, preserving one of the best archaeological sites in Israel. Nearby, visit Beth Alpha, an ancient synagogue with a well-preserved mosaic depicting biblical scenes and a large Zodiac. Heading back to Tiberias, explore Hamath Tiberias ancient synagogue, notable for many dedicatory inscriptions and mosaics and another large size Zodiac. Conclude at ancient Tiberias, founded by Herod Antipas, to view Roman streets, bath, and public buildings.
Head to Cana, traditional site of Jesus’ first miracle, where water was turned into wine at a wedding feast. Nearby, explore Sepphoris, capital of Galilee in Jesus’ youth, noted for mosaics and Roman-Jewish cultural blending. Continue to Beth-Shearim, the necropolis of the Sanhedrin, where Jewish tombs and inscriptions preserve ancient traditions. Conclude at Caesarea Maritima, Herod’s magnificent port, where Paul was imprisoned and early Christianity spread to the Roman world. Review its visitor center, ancient port, hippodrome, and possibly the prison site of Paul.
