10 Day Supreme Israel Tour

Departure to Israel

Today you embark on your Journey to the Holy Land. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience.

Day 1

Arrive in Israel -Jaffa, Caesarea

Arrive in Israel and meet your Israeli guide. Today we visit the city of Joppa also known as Jaffa.... This was the home to one of the oldest sea ports in the world. Many significant events took place at Joppa. The cedars of Lebanon passed through the port here on their way to the temple in Jerusalem; Jonah the reluctant prophet, set sail from Joppa before being swallowed by the great fish; and Peter raised Tabitha(Dorcas) from the dead in this city. We travel along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre, hippodrome, a film on history and the remains of this famous port city, and aqueduct. We travel northward to our hotel for one night in the coastal area of Hadera. This afternoon we check into the Hotel. Before dinner we will enjoy a time of evening prayer, and a good night's rest.

Day 2

Mount Carmel, Megiddo, Nazareth,
Town of Magdala

After Breakfast, we journey onto Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. We drive through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we visit the Nazareth Village - a wonderful recreation of Biblical times with costumed guides. We visit the Town of Magdala. The home of Mary Magdalene was a prosperous fishing village at the time Jesus was active in this region. It was fortified and severely damaged during the great revolt against the Romans. The archaeologists uncovered the remains of the village dating from the time of Jesus. We will have dinner and overnight lodging in the Tiberias area on the Sea of Galilee.

Day 3

Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Caesarea Philippi, Mount of Beatitudes.

Following breakfast, we visit the ancient Fisherman’s Boat at an operating Kibbutz, we enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples. Our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of pagan worship and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s Confession. In Capernaum we will visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue and Peter’s home. Then we travel on to the site of the possible multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea.

Day 4

Jordan River Baptism, Beit Shean & Dead Sea

We begin our day with an opportunity to be baptized at the Jordan River Baptismal site. Next we travel southward to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis - a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey” and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho, view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world, before coming to the Jordan River (Qasr El Yehud) the Israeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, where Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan as well as the area where the children of Israel led by Joshua entered the Promised land. Our lodging for the evening is at the Dead Sea – the lowest place on earth. Spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before dinner.

Day 5

Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Bethlehem

Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next, we visit Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We visit the Centre of the desert, an observation site of St. George's Monastery in Wadi Qelt Judean desert. Today we also focus on surrounding the birth of Christ with a visit to Bethlehem. Our lodging for the next four nights will be in Jerusalem.

Day 6

Around Jerusalem, Bible Times,
Genesis Land

On our way into the city we will visit the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders. We move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate and hear of those who conspired against Jesus and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’s Church. This afternoon we visit the Southern Wall Excavations. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place that Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. This afternoon we will visit Genesis Land, where we enjoy a trip back in time: a reliving of life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, and authentic food.

Day 7

Jesus Steps, Way of Suffering,
Garden of Gethsemane

Today we walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here. Passing by the Protestant Cemetery, we visit the "Upper Room" just outside the Zion Gate where the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His breast and where later Thomas cried, "my Lord & my God." St. Peter in Gallicantu is situated on the spot where, according to tradition, Jesus was jailed after his arrest by the Romans. The House of Caiaphas is where Jesus was beaten and spat upon. See a pit where he may have been held for the evening and the ancient hillside steps he walked as he was taken to be condemned. While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our guide will explain the differing opinions on the route that Christ was led and the actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study. This evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel.

Day 8

Israel Museum, Yad Vashem , Garden Tomb

An interesting and educational time awaits us today at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of century’s old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem. This model will help put into perspective all that you have seen over the previous days touring. We will visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, for a needed reminder of what the Jews have suffered as a people. The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise. Shopping in the Old City

Day 9