Experience An Incredible Tour to Jordan & Israel
Starting on Oct. 28 to Nov. 8, 2023

Day 3: Wadi Rum

This morning we travel southward to what was the Arabian Nabataean Kingdom, inhabited by the descendants of Ismael’s son. Following lunch, we visit the Wadi Rum Visitors Center for an introduction and then board open-top jeeps for a tour of the famous desert and mountain sights. Wadi Rum, a World Heritage Site, is known as the location of many films, including Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia, featuring dramatic sandstone mountains and natural arches. We will stop for local tea at a Bedouin tent and an optional camel ride before we continue to our lodging for the evening in Aqaba or Petra. Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH4AF5DblFg & additional video of the same area: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rno-_K9wHWU

Day 5: Mt Nebo, Madaba, Tel Aviv

Our morning tour begins in the town of Madaba, the biblical Madaba, 30 kilometers south of Amman. Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, and at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, we view the earliest surviving mosaic map of the Holy land. Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Study the panorama as we read the scripture of God showing Moses the "Promised Land" before He brought him home to heaven. As we travel west toward the Allenby Bridge, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3X8KgblXkk, we view to the north the Plains of Moab, the area where the tribes of Israel camped before crossing the Jordan and picture the place where Jesus was baptized. Crossing the Jordan River into Israel, we drive to the Tel Aviv area with the remainder of the afternoon free. You may wish to take a devotional time with the sunset over the "Great Sea," a time of prayer and thanks for the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and then enjoy a good night's rest. Video links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUrLRN-etC0

Day 6: Caesarea, Megiddo & Nazareth

After breakfast, we traveled by private motor coach 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 and aqueduct and then journey on to 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 will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next two nights in the Tiberias area on the Sea of Galilee. Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlYy0Vltz1I

Day 7: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, Magdala, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride

The following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of alternative sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter's Confession and pagan worship. We pass the possible site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida – Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGgN_m_G63c and the Mount of the Beatitudes. (Video link: for the Beatitudes found in Matthew chapters 5- 7 chapters & also within the Luke Gospel): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSDULZKMgcw&t=62s Returning to Tiberias for a St. Peter's Fish Lunch (other selections available), we then visit the ancient Fisherman Boat followed by a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. A brief scripture reading and devotional on board bring to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen's disciples. In Capernaum, here is a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SLSwzPcH9g – we'll view the excavations of the seaside village and Peter's home, followed by a visit to Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation of the First Century Synagogue and the well-preserved village makes Magdala one of the most interesting Biblical sites in Israel. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pzDegkph4w

Day 8: Jordan River Baptism Site, Beth Shean, & Dead Sea

We begin our day with the opportunity to be baptized at the Jordan River Baptismal site. Next, we travel southward to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, A Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxEqNWktxw4&t=44s 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 hung 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 and view from a distance this city, famed as the oldest in the world. To the east of Jericho along the Jordan River Valley (Queser El Yehud) is the Israeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. In this area, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, Elijah, and Elisha crossed the Jordan, as well as 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. Video Link of the Baptism site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGFqZAlD4pM&t=87s & THE ACTUAL SITE IN Jordan & not the one in Israel where most tourists go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxFtEab7mJc

Day 9: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham's Tent

Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountaintop fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterward, 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 through praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next, we visited Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This evening we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent, 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. Our lodging for the next three nights will be in Jerusalem. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfCRLcrSFCc

Day 10: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times, Bethlehem

Conditions permitting, we will visit the Temple Mount, with commentary on the Temple Periods and the variety of belief systems, past and present, that make this area so valuable. Next, 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, hear of those who conspired against Him 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 will 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 where Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. We spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ with a visit to Bethlehem.

Day 11: Jesus' Steps, Last Days, Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb

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." 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. The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (the place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise.