Programme

Arrive Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv.
Further proceed to Haifa, Israel’s largest port city, built on the slopes of Mt. Caramel. Visit the Perian hanging gardens for the view of the Bahai shrine, then a brief halt at Elijah caves at stella Marris and then further continue to Muhraqa, the place of sacrifice and the site where Prophet Elijah defeated the false Prophets of Ba’al. Later visit Nazareth, the boyhood town of Jesus and the home of Mary and Joseph. Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation built over the grotto where Archangel Gabriel appeared to announce that she would bear a son, Jesus, later visit Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle, changing water into wine at the wedding fest. Continue with the drive to Mt. Tabor, the sacred site of the transfiguration. Night halt at Haifa.

After breakfast, drive through the landscapes of Galilee and later for a ride in replica of a Galilean fishing boat of that time, on the Sea of Galilee and where the Jesus calmed the storm and walked on the water. Visit- Capernaum- the centre of Jesus ministry after he left Nazareth. Enroute stop at Tabgha, the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and fishes and the expressive Church of Beatitudes, where Jesus gave the Sermon on the mount. Further take a brief halt at St. Peter’s House, the Church of primacy of Peter and the place where Jesus bestowed St. Peter with his authority. This is believed to be a place where dined with his disciples. The flat rock known as Mensa Christ or Christ’s table commemorates this event. Night halt at Sea of Galiee.

After breakfast, depart to Jerusalem via Jorden Valley. Stop at Yardenit on the Jorden River, the traditional Baptismal site, then drive along the Jorden Valley bypassing the ancient city of Jericho, believed to bethe oldest city on the earth and viewing enroute Mt. Quarantal, where Jesus spent 40 days when Satan tries to tempt him. It is also the place where Jesus stopped on his way to Jerusalem, on the eve of the Passover and where Jesus cured the blind man during his stay at Zachaeus house. Descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth (400 mtrs. Below sea level) make a brief stop at a beach and take the opportunity to float in the salty buoyant water, rich in minerals. Proceed to Jerusalem. Arrive Jerusalem and attend a special ceremony of ‘Shenchiyanu Service’, thanking God for arriving to Jerusalem at the Hass promenade. Night halt at Jerusalem.

After breakfast, visit Ein Karem, the City of Judah and the birthplace of the John the Baptist, son of Elizabeth and Zechariah and the church of visitation. Then visit Mt. Zion with the upper room and King David’s tomb. Alos visit the church of St. Peter Gallicantu, the site where Jesus was imprisoned by the high priest before he was turned over to the romans and the church of Dormition. At Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. visit the church of Nativity and the Manger square, view the shepherd’s field and if possible visit the Rachel’s tomb. Night halt at Jerusalem.

After breakfast, visit Yad Vashem, tour the Menorah near the Israeli Parliament. Then visit the Mount of Olives with the Church of Ascension, which commemorates the assents of Jesus to the heaven, the paternoster Church, where Jesus taught prayers to his disciples according to the tradition. Then continue to the panoramic view of Mt. Olives and from there, along the Sunday Palm Tree Road by foot to the Gethsemane Gardens where Jesus was arrested. Also visit to Dominus Flavit Church, where Jesus wept over the coming destruction of Jerusalem. The chapel is built in the shape of a tear as a poignant reminder to this event. Night halt at Jerusalem.

After breakfast, take the via Dolorosa, way of grief, traditionally accepted as the last route of Jesus. Follow the stations of the Cross to the Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified marking significant events along the route, the chapel of the Flagellation where according to the tradition, the roman soldiers scourged Jesus and placed the thorn crown on his head, the Ecce Homo Arch. The last 5 stations of the Cross are inside the Church of the holy Sepulcher visible from the distance, with its two silver domes. Also the tomb widely believed to be the part of the stone that covered Jesus tomb. Proceed to Jaffa, to see the house of Simon the Tanner and visit St. Peter’s Church.
Further transfer to the Ben Gurion Airport to board your return flight.