DAY 1: Israel Arrival, Long distance transfer to Galilee

Airport meeting and assistance, transfer to Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: Nazareth, Cana, Acre, Mt. Tabor and Yardenit

After breakfast we shall depart the hotel heading to the high Galilean mountains to visit Nazareth – the Church of the Annunciation and Mary’s Well. On to Cana – the Church of the First Miracle known also as the Marriage Church. Cross the Valley to Mount Tabor and ascend by Taxi to the Church of Transfiguration (fee applies). In the late afternoon, descend Mt. Tabor and drive to the River Jordan for Baptismal service at Yardenit before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: Sea of Galilee, Dead Sea, Jerusalem

After breakfast, check out of our Tiberias hotel and travel along the shores of the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum where we shall tour the Greek Orthodox Church and the nearby archaeological excavations of the Synagogue and community. Drive to nearby Tabgha and visit the Church of the Loft and Fish Miracle. Ascend to the Mount of the Beatitudes and visit the Church and its grounds for private reading of the Sermon on the Mount. Depart the Galilee via the Jordan Rift Valley road, passing by Beit Shean and Jericho, arriving at Qumran for a tour of the site were the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Continue south along the shores of the Dead Sea to the Ahava Factory of Dead Sea cosmetics and enjoy time at their private beach. In the late afternoon drive to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: Jerusalem & Bethlehem

Start our appreciation of the Holy City of Jerusalem with a visit to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Visit the Church of Ascension and walk the Palm Sunday route down the hill to the Garden of Gethsemane, stopping along the way at the Maria Magdalena Church. Visit the Church of All Nations at the Garden of Gethsemane. Drive to nearby Mount Zion and visit the room of the Last Supper and the Tomb of King David. Visit the Dormition Abbey. In the afternoon, drive to Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity and Manger’s Square. Visit St. Catherine’s Church and tour the Shepherd’s Field. Time for some last minute gift shopping at one of the Church stores around. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: Jerusalem – Old City, Ein Karem and Departure

After breakfast, check out of our hotel. Morning tour of the Old City, starting from the St. Stephen’s Gate (the Lion’s Gate), stopping at St. Ann, the Pool of Bethesda and walking along the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Visit the Cardo and the Jewish Quarter before arriving at the Western (Wailing) Wall. In the afternoon, visit to Ein Karem – home of St. John the Baptist and the Church of Visitation. Drive by Emmaus and nearby Latrun Monastery. On to the airport for our evening departure flight back home.