Protestant / Evangelical Holy land Tour

Ben Gurion Airport / Jaffa – Tel Aviv

Today you arrive in the Holy Land. The group will be met at the airport and then we will travel to Tel Aviv and start our tour in Jaffa. In addition to strolling through this ancient port city with its old narrow streets and courtyards, you will be inspired by the many stories that happened here: Jonah and the Whale, Andromeda, Simon the Tanner, Napoleon and more.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv / Mediterranean Coast / Nazareth / Galilee

We leave Tel Aviv today and travel along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea -  the magnificent ruins of Herod’s showcase port city. This magical place will transport us back to the ancient times of early Christianity. We will explore the Roman Theatre and we can try out the amazing acoustics by singing our favorite songs and hymns. We will also discover the Crusader Fortress and learn about the mysterious dry moat.

We then continue to Nazareth, to visit The Church of the Annunciation and the ancient synagogue where Jesus preached. On the way, we can see the Wedding Church at Cana, Galilee.

Now in the Sea of Galilee area, we come across the fishing village of Magdala, the home of Mary Magdalene, where we will hear about the very important archeological discovery of recent years.

Next, we continue to Capernaum on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus made his ministry headquarters. It is fascinating to learn how the newly emerging Christian Community lived side by side with the existing Jewish Community.

Overnight:  Sea of Galilee Area

Sea of Galilee Area / Jerusalem

We start today with a cruise on the Sea of Galilee and we’ll feel the spiritual power of this unique lake. We cross the lake from Tiberias and land at Kibbutz Ginosar to see the “Jesus Boat”. What an amazing discovery – a fishing boat similar to the vessel described in the Gospels, which carried Jesus and his apostles. This boat had been buried for 2000 years and was exposed due to drought.

We then continue to the banks of the Jordan River to visit, the Yardenit – Baptismal site* and enjoy the tranquility and spiritual beauty of the waters in which Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

Back to the tour bus for our journey south along the Jordan Valley, through Jericho, to Jerusalem. On the way, we will see the Gilboa Mountain,  the site of the dramatic story of David and Saul.

As we make our ascent to Jerusalem we will pause at a spectacular viewing point to say a prayer of thanks, as said by pilgrims for thousands of years when arriving in the Holy city. 

Overnight:  Jerusalem

Jerusalem – Old City

Today we travel back in time to discover the “original” Jerusalem of Biblical times and the City of David. We will enjoy a unique experience of walking through the Hezekiah Tunnel, carved beneath the city in biblical times to bring water to Jerusalem. Next, you will be taken to the Southern Wall Excavations and see the Temple Steps and the site of the Moneychangers’ stalls.

We’ll then arrive at the Western Wall (the Kotel) holy to the Jewish people since it is the remaining part of the ancient wall of the Second Temple. Nearby is the Jewish Quarter with it’s Cardo, a 1800 year old shopping mall still in use today. Here we will also see the impressive Broad Wall and answer questions about its history.

We’ll exit the Old City via the Zion Gate and go on to visit Mount Zion, King David’s Tomb and finally what is accepted as the site where the Last Supper took place known as The Upper Room.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Jerusalem – Mount of Olives / Old City

What a better way to start the day at the top of Mount of Olives to wonder at the splendid panoramic view of the Holy City. From here we will visit the famous Garden of Gethsemane via the Chapel of Dominus Flevit and the Church of All Nations. We then make our ascent from the Kidron Valley past Absalom's Tomb to the House of Caiaphas and the dungeon where Jesus was held prisoner.  We next will have a chance to try out our bargaining skills in the Oriental Bazaar (Suk) of the Old City. Admire the wares, taste the delicacies, and smell the spices. A delight to the senses. Here we can walk through Jesus’s last footsteps along the Via Dolorosa and see the Stations of the Cross. We will exit the Old City at Nablus Gate and participate in communion at the Garden Tomb.

Overnight:  Jerusalem

The Dead Sea / Qumran / Masada

A tour to the Holy Land wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Dead Sea – this incredible natural phenomenon is the lowest, saltiest body of water on earth. We will take in the relaxing, ethereal atmosphere of the area and visit the historical site of Qumran - where the Dead Sea Scrolls where discovered.

Next, we will take a cable car up to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Masada and wander around the ruins of this ancient fortress built by King Herod. We will hear stories of determination and heroism whilst enjoying the breathtaking views of the desert.  

Depending on time, we can do a short hike through the spectacular Ein Gedi Desert Oasis or relax on the shores of the Dead Sea before we go back to Jerusalem.  

Overnight:  Jerusalem

Jerusalem / Ben Gurion Airport

Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your return flight home.