This specially designed tour is a high-pace experience of the Holy Land. It covers many historical landmarks that relate to the Old Testament, the New Testament, and Mormon heritage. The schedule also includes hikes, swims, a sail on the Sea of Galilee, and more!
Latter-Day Saints 3 Days Israel Tour
Day 1 – Jerusalem Unfolded
Your pilgrimage to Jerusalem begins with a visit to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Grotto of Gethsemane. These sites mark where Jesus rested and was arrested after the “Last Supper” in Jerusalem. Next, we cross the Kidron Valley and enter the Old City via the Lions Gate. We visit the remarkable remains of the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus once again demonstrated his healing powers (John 5). After that, we will join the Via Dolorosa, the holy path, by Christian tradition, that begins from the place of Jesus’ trial, to the site of his crucifixion. After a lunch break, we enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to see and touch the Golgotha, the Stone of Unction, and the Tomb of Jesus. A souvenir shopping break will also be possible, before we continue to Mount Zion. By local tradition, several significant events took place here – the Last Supper (Cenacle), the Pentecost (Dormition Abbey), and the place where Jesus was interrogated by the High-Priest Caiaphas (Petrus in Gallicantu). On our way, we will pass some remains of Jerusalem’s fortifications from the time of King Zedekiah. These might be the wall and gate mentioned in I Nephi 4:5.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 2 – Around the Sea of Galilee
This day is devoted to exploring holy Christian sites around the Sea of Galilee. We start with the hometown of Mary Magdalene – Magdala. New research has uncovered a 2,000 year old synagogue. Perhaps this is where Mary saw Jesus for the first time? Next, we will visit another astounding discovery – the 2,000 year old “Sea of Galilee Boat,“ displayed in a Kibbutz right next to the lake. From here, we can also go on a sail on the Sea of Galilee. After lunch, in a local fish restaurant, we continue to the “town of Jesus” – Capernaum. Here, Jesus recruited his first disciples, performed miracles, and formed his church! Nearby, we could visit Mount of Beatitudes , possible locations of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5). On the way back we will also visit Nazareth and it main Holy Christian sites.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 3 – Tracing Goliath, Samson, and Prophet Lehi
A day devoted to the Judean Lowlands (the Shephelah) will start with a visit of ancient Beth Shemesh. Here, some 3,000 years ago, the Ark of the Covenant was displayed after being held by the Philistine for 5 months. We will review the latest finds related to this Biblical story, and also review places and events related to Samson and his deadly love affairs. We then continue to the Battle site of David and Goliath, and check out the children’s skills in operating a slingshot with local pebbles. After lunch, we explore the important site of Lachish. The site was the second capital of the Judean Kingdom in Biblical times, yet was conquered and destroyed after a fierce battle with 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.
