The modern state of Israel is also the cradle of Christianity, and so is a major pilgrimage destination. From Nazareth to the Baptism site, and from Capernaum to Jerusalem – Israel is undoubtfully the most significant place for events recorded in the Holy Scriptures. This 9-10 days itinerary offers a intense tour that will most of the significant biblical sites, and more.
9-10 Days Christian Holy Land Israel Tour
Day 1 – Explore Caesarea
Arrival, Welcome to Israel! We head north, and pending on time and will, we could visit the ruins of ancient Caesarea , and review its significance to Christian history, especially the possible Paul’s Prison in Caesarea, and Caesarea Port.
Overnight: Tiberias
Day 2 – Tour Nazareth and the Galilee
Our first full tour day will be devoted to exploring the hometown of Jesus – Nazareth. Strolling through the local market, we visit the Church of Annunciation (Luke 1), the “Synagogue church” and Mount Precipice (Luke 4). Next, we drive to Cana and learn about the “First Miracle of Jesus”, turning water into wine. 4 miles Northwest of Nazareth we tour the ruins of ancient Sepphoris and learn about the regional center of the Galilee in Jesus’ times, and how it impacted him. Time permitting, we could ascend to the top of Mount Tabor, and learn about the tradition placing here Jesus’ Transfiguration (Luke 9).
Overnight: Tiberias
Day 3 – Around the Sea of Galilee
This day is devoted to some of the most significant Holy Christian sites in the North: Capernaum, where Jesus recruited the first disciples, and laid the foundation of Christian faith, Tabgha, where he fed the multitudes and later appointed Peter as his prime disciple; Magdala, Mary Magdalene’s hometown, where a first century synagogue was discovered, Bethsaida, traditional site of the Sermon on the mount, and more. The tour can also include a sail on the Sea of Galilee, and a lunch break in a local fish restaurant (Saint Peter’s fish anyone?)
Overnight: Tiberias
Day 4 – “On the way to Damascus” (Optional day)
An optional additional day of touring the north will be devoted the source of the Jordan river and the Golan Heights. We first drive to Tel Dan, and review one of the best archaeological sites to illustrate the Old Testament. Nearby, we visit Caesarea-Philippi (Banias) and appreciate the fantastic combination of lush vegetation among Roman period ruins, all relating to Jesus and Peter. Next, we ascend the Golan Heights, along the historical road to Damascus, and assess the events Paul encountered. We also review the charged modern history of the region and enjoy a special lunch experience in a local Druze family.
Overnight: Tiberias
Day 5 – Following Jesus to Jerusalem
Heading towards Jerusalem, we drive along the Jordan valley. Our first stop will be the rich remains of ancient Beit-Shean, Where king Saul was hanged (I Samuel 31). In the first century Beit-Shean was part of the Decapolis and so was probably visited by Jesus. Next, we pass by Jericho, and stop at the Baptism site (Qaser el-Yahood). Ascending through the Judean Desert we could also stop at the Good Samaritan inn, and upon reaching Jerusalem we great it from Mount of Olives Viewpoint.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 6 – Exploring David’s and Herod’s Jerusalem
The first day in Jerusalem is devoted to learn about its foundation and Old Testament era by exploring the City of David. Under the Visitors center we assess possible remains of King David’s Palace , and heading underground we walk from Gihon Spring along a Canaanite Tunnel to the Pool of Siloam, known also for the miracle Jesus performed of healing a blind man (John 9). We continue in to the old city along the underground Herodian era Drainage Channel, up to the Western wall at the Southern Wall Archaeological Park. After a lunch break in the Jewish Quarter we could visit the possible location of Jesus’ interrogation and arrest by the High priest in the Herodian Quarter. We end the day with visit to a selection of holy Christian sites on Mount Zion : Site of the “last supper” (Cenacle), site of the “Pentacost” event and the rest place of Mary (Dormition Abbey), and the site of Peter’s denial of Jesus (Petrus in Gallicantu).
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 7 – Along the Stations of the Cross
We start the day at the famous Mount of Olives Viewpoint where we can also visit the Chapel of the Ascension , the site where Jesus’ taught the “Lords Prayer” (Church of the Pater Noster) and the site where “the Lord has wept” (Dominus Flevit ). At the foot of mount of Olives we will visit the Garden of Gethsemane and could also visit the Grotto of Gethsemane and Mary’s Tomb. We enter the old city at the Lions’ gate and visit the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus demonstrated again his healing powers (John 5). Next we join the Via Dolorosa, the holy path by Catholic tradition from the place of the trial of Jesus to the site of his crucifixion – today’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After a lunch break along the way we reach the main church to complete the pilgrimage to the Golgotha, the Stone of Unction, the Tomb of Jesus, and the Chapel of the finding of the Cross.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 8 – Israel Museum, Ein Karem, Emmaus
Checking out, before we leave Jerusalem, we visit the Israel Museum and appreciate its highlights, and especially the finds relating to Jesus and the New Testament – the Caiaphas ossuary, the Pontius Pilate Stone, and the ‘Crucified Man from Jerusalem‘. We will also visit the display of the famous ‘Dead Sea Scrolls’ and the 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem at the time of the Jesus. Next, we drive to Ein-Karem, a small and quiant village on the outskirts of Jerusalem. By Christian tradition it is the hometown of John the Baptist. After a visit to its main church and a lunch break we head to Tel-Aviv, stopping at ‘Emmaus’ on the way. By local tradition, the ruins of its Crusaders-era church are built above the house where Jesus appeared after his resurrection (Luke 24).
Overnight: Tel-Aviv
Day 9 – Tracking Goliath and Samson Sites
A day devoted to the low hill countryside of Israel (the Shephela) will start at ancient Beth Shemesh where we will learn about the capture of the ark of the Covenant by the Philistines, as well as the unsuccesfull love affairs of Samson. We then continue to the Battle site of David and Goliath with a focus on the new research at Azekah and Khirbet Qeiyafa, and possibly collect a few pebbles from the local brook (deadly weapons as David proved). After lunch we could do some wine tasting in one of the great local wineries, explore the Biblical major site Tel Lachish, or drive along the 1948 war ““Burma Road”.
Overnight: Tel-Aviv
Day 10 – Jaffa and Tel-Aviv
Pending on your time of departure, the last day of the tour will be devoted to old Jaffa and Modern Tel-Aviv. We start with a review of Jaffa‘s remains from Canaanite times at Ramesses II’s Gate Garden, and then search for the House of Simon the Tanner at the Armenian home of the Zakarians, and Saint Peter’s Catholic church. After a lunch break, we head into Tel-Aviv, and at the ‘Independence Hall’ we learn about the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948. After 2,000 years, the Jews are finally back in their homeland!
