Special Note:
This itinerary is subject to change depending on the advice of our guide as to the safety or practicality of any locations. Tour companies classify this a "14-day tour" although there are only 12 full nights spent in Israel and Jordan. The 2 flight days are included in the 14 day total.
This itinerary is subject to change depending on the advice of our guide as to the safety or practicality of any locations. Tour companies classify this a "14-day tour" although there are only 12 full nights spent in Israel and Jordan. The 2 flight days are included in the 14 day total.
Day 1 – Nov 2 Wednesday
Overnight flight to Tel Aviv, Israel. In order to participate in arrival day’s activities, plan your flights to arrive at TLV by 2:00 PM Thursday, Nov 3. (Remember you lose a day during travel because it is an overnight flight. You will depart North America on Wed, Nov 2 and arrive in Israel on Thursday, Nov 3. Some are departing Tuesday and arriving Wednesday to spend an extra night in Tel Aviv. (For those you depart North America on Tuesday, Nov 1 to arrive Wednesday, Nov 2.)
Day 2 – Nov 3 Thursday
Arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel no later than 2:00 PM. Those who are checked in by noon can visit the Eratz Israel Archeology Museum (52 NIS $15 or 35 NIS $10 with student ID. Transportation not provided for this early activity.). First event of tour: 4:00 PM tour of the Port of Joppa where Jonah boarded a ship to escape from his call to Gentile ministry (Jonah 1:1-3), and where Peter stubbornly resisted God’s command to eat of meats that were not allowed under Jewish Law (Acts 10:5-23). Peter’s roof-top vision was God’s way to prepare him for ministry to the Gentiles. What happened here, in Joppa, had lasting significance for all Gentiles. Enjoy a leisurely supper at your hotel. Walk along the beach and get an early night in your room overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Overnight in the Renaissance Tel Aviv Hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 3 – Nov 4 Friday (Beginning of Sabbath)
On your first full day in the Holy Land, visit Caesarea by the Sea where Peter first presented the Gospel to the Gentiles and they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 10:1-8, 24-48), and where Paul appeared before King Agrippa and appealed to Caesar (Acts 23:22-35, 24:1-27, 25:1-27, 26:1-32). Visit an ancient Roman aqueduct that carried fresh water from Mt. Carmel to Caesarea. Drive up to Mt. Carmel where Elijah faced off with the prophets of Baal, and God answered by fire (1 Kings 18:17-46). From Carmel see the panoramic view of the Valley of Armageddon. Walk through Tel Megiddo where 26 different levels of occupation have been discovered. Visit the museum to see the “Ancient Boat”, a 2000-year-old fishing boat found in the mud near the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Embark on a more modern boat to sail on the Sea of Galilee. Arrive at Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee!
Overnight in the Sophia Hotel overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
Day 4 – Nov 5 Saturday (Sabbath)
An early start gets us to Capernaum for morning devotions. Capernaum is where Peter and his brother, Andrew, were called while they were fishing, and where Jesus did much of his ministry (Matthew 4:12-22, Mark 1:1-37, Matt 8:5-9:34, and Chorazin where Jesus did mighty works. See the ruins of Hazor, which was destroyed by Joshua (Joshua 11:1-13) but was later rebuilt becoming a Canaanite capital ruled by King Jabin (Judges 4:1-4). Dan, the northernmost town in Old Testament Israel where Abraham passed while chasing the four kings of the north who had captured Lot (Gen 14:1-17). One of the golden calves was erected to draw worshippers away from Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:25-32). See the Abraham Gate. Visit Caesarea Philippi where Peter was given the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Learn about “the Gates of Hell” (Matt 16:13-28). Enjoy lunch in the Golan Heights so near Mt. Hermon that it seems you could reach out and touch it. Overlook Syria and a United Nations base. Visit the site of Bethsaida, the “city of Andrew and Peter” (John 1:44; 12:21).
Overnight in the Sophia Hotel overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
Day 5 – Nov 6 Sunday
Jordan Valley Drive. Visit Gideon’s Spring, the source of Ein Harod (Judges 7:1-8). Bethshean, where the bodies of Saul and his sons were hung on the wall following the battle of Mt. Gilboa (1 Sam 31). From Bethshean we will drive south through the Jordan Valley. Lunch in Jericho (Barracuda Restaurant) and visit the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism on the Jordan River. Descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth at 1,300 feet below sea level. Float in the mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea if you like.
Overnight at the Herod Hotel on the Dead Sea.
Day 6 – Nov 7 Monday
After a refreshing night in the most oxygen rich place on Earth, rise early to be at Masada for opening time. Climb the Snake Trail up to the Fortress of Masada built by Herod the Great or take the easy way up in the gondola. Walk through this pathos filled place where nearly a thousand Jewish Zealots took their own lives rather than surrender to the Roman army. See the remains of Herod’s Masada Palace. See the remaining stone walls of Roman encampments surrounding Masada, and the siege ramp built by them to gain access. Visit En Gedi where David hid from King Saul (1 Sam 23:29), and Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Enjoy lunch at Qumran. Visit Cave 11 of the Qumran caves if you are adventurous! See the St. George Monastery on the Jericho Road (Luke 10:25-37; Matt 20:29-34) on the exciting drive “up to Jerusalem!”
Overnight in Jerusalem at the Olive Tree Hotel.
Sound and light show – Jerusalem or City of David.
Day 7 – Nov 8 Tuesday
Jerusalem! See archeological discoveries at the Davidson Centre near Temple Mount. Worship to the Psalms of Ascent on the Southern Steps to the Temple Mount (Acts 3:1-10). Walk on the first century road. Descend and walk through the Rabbinical Tunnels. Visit the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9). Sing to the amazing acoustics in 900-year-old St. Anne’s church. After lunch, visit Shiloh, the capital of Israel and dwelling place of the Ark for 369 years (Joshua 18:1, 8- 10; 19:51; 1 Samuel; Ps 78:60; Jer 7:12-14). Visit the Israel museum where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept. You are on your own this evening, free to visit Ben Yehuda Street or the Mahane Yehuda Market. Or you can just enjoy a relaxing evening at your deluxe hotel.
Overnight in Jerusalem at the Olive Tree Hotel.
Day 8 – Nov 9 Wednesday
See majestic and historic “Old Jerusalem” from your vantage point on the Mount of Olives (2 Sam 15:30; Acts 1:1-12). Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt 26:36-56). View the Kidron Valley. Descend underground to view the excavations of the City of David and Warren’s Shaft. Visit the Pool of Siloam (John 9:1-12). (Possibly Hezekiah’s Tunnel.) See the Herodian Street. You are on your own this evening, free to visit Ben Yehuda Street or the Mahane Yehuda Market. Or you can just enjoy a relaxing evening at your deluxe hotel.
Overnight in Jerusalem at the Olive Tree Hotel.
Day 9 – Nov 10 Thursday
Celebrate the Resurrection at the Garden Tomb with a Communion Service. Stand in the Upper Room situated over King David’s Tomb. Visit Gallicantu, the palace of Caiaphas the High Priest where the Council judged Jesus. It was here that Peter denied that he knew Jesus, and went out into the night and wept bitterly (Matt. 26:57-75; Luke 22:54-62). View Kidron and Hinnom (Gehenna) Valleys. You are on your own this evening, free to visit Ben Yehuda Street or the Mahane Yehuda Market. Or you can just enjoy a relaxing evening at your deluxe hotel. (Possible hike from St. George monastery to Jericho along the Jericho Road.) (Possible hike around the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.)
Overnight in Jerusalem at the Olive Tree Hotel.
Day 10 – Nov 11 Friday
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and depart Jerusalem, travelling into the Old Testament. Drive by living cities which are the sites of Old Testament happenings. Places like Lachish (Josh 10:31, 32; 2 Kings 14:19; Jer 34:7), Beth Shemesh (also the site of Ramat Lehi) (1 Sam 6:7-21), Zorah (Tsorah) (Samson – Judges 13-16), Eshtaol (Samson was born in Eshtaol, judged Israel 20 years, died in Gaza and was buried between Zorah and Eshtaol), Kirioth-Jearim. Pick up stones in the Valley of Elah where David slew Goliath. Azekah, where the Philistines camped before that fateful day (1 Sam 17:1-3). Gath, the hometown of Goliath and where David played crazy. Beersheba, home of the Patriarchs and southernmost city of Old Testament Israel. (Abraham planted a grove in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God Gen 21:33; 22:1-19; Isaac – Gen 26:23-25; Jacob – Gen 28:10 and 46:1.)
Pass near the site of Kadesh Barnea, where Israel made the fateful decision to listen to the 10 fearful spies, and through the Wilderness of Zin. Cross the border at Eilat, Israel’s southernmost town and spend the night at the Intercontinental Hotel in Aqaba, Jordan on the Red Sea.
Day 11 – Nov 12 Saturday
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and put your bags on the bus before enjoying fellowship and worship with Missionary Jonathan Shepard and family and the church in Aqaba. Later in the day drive through the ancient land of Edom to Petra and check in to The Old Village Hoteland Resort.
Day 12 – Nov 13 Sunday
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at our hotel and hike through the narrow canyon for a thorough visit of Petra, taking the obligatory photo in front of the Treasury and hiking to the Monastery at the very top of Petra. Following this visit we will relax for the remainder of the day at The Old Village Hoteland Resort.
Day 13 – Nov 14 Monday
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at our hotel and drive through the ancient land of Moab to Mt. Nebo, from where God showed Moses the Promised Land, a land Moses was not allowed to enter. It was on Mt. Nebo that Moses died. Following our visit to Mt. Nebo, proceed through the land of Ammon to the Jordanian capital city of Amman. After checking into the number one rated Crowne Plaza Hotel, there may be a chance to visit a modern shopping center to pick up a last-minute souvenir of your visit to the Hashemite kingdom.
Overnight in Amman in the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Day 14 – Nov 15 Tuesday
After breakfast check out of your hotel and travel to Queen Alia International Airport for your flights home. Return home changed by this experience of a lifetime, a spiritual, educational and inspirational Journey to the Holy Land.
Subject to rearrangement.
Copyright TC Tours and Premier Bible Land Journeys
Overnight flight to Tel Aviv, Israel. In order to participate in arrival day’s activities, plan your flights to arrive at TLV by 2:00 PM Thursday, Nov 3. (Remember you lose a day during travel because it is an overnight flight. You will depart North America on Wed, Nov 2 and arrive in Israel on Thursday, Nov 3. Some are departing Tuesday and arriving Wednesday to spend an extra night in Tel Aviv. (For those you depart North America on Tuesday, Nov 1 to arrive Wednesday, Nov 2.)
Day 2 – Nov 3 Thursday
Arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel no later than 2:00 PM. Those who are checked in by noon can visit the Eratz Israel Archeology Museum (52 NIS $15 or 35 NIS $10 with student ID. Transportation not provided for this early activity.). First event of tour: 4:00 PM tour of the Port of Joppa where Jonah boarded a ship to escape from his call to Gentile ministry (Jonah 1:1-3), and where Peter stubbornly resisted God’s command to eat of meats that were not allowed under Jewish Law (Acts 10:5-23). Peter’s roof-top vision was God’s way to prepare him for ministry to the Gentiles. What happened here, in Joppa, had lasting significance for all Gentiles. Enjoy a leisurely supper at your hotel. Walk along the beach and get an early night in your room overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Overnight in the Renaissance Tel Aviv Hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 3 – Nov 4 Friday (Beginning of Sabbath)
On your first full day in the Holy Land, visit Caesarea by the Sea where Peter first presented the Gospel to the Gentiles and they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 10:1-8, 24-48), and where Paul appeared before King Agrippa and appealed to Caesar (Acts 23:22-35, 24:1-27, 25:1-27, 26:1-32). Visit an ancient Roman aqueduct that carried fresh water from Mt. Carmel to Caesarea. Drive up to Mt. Carmel where Elijah faced off with the prophets of Baal, and God answered by fire (1 Kings 18:17-46). From Carmel see the panoramic view of the Valley of Armageddon. Walk through Tel Megiddo where 26 different levels of occupation have been discovered. Visit the museum to see the “Ancient Boat”, a 2000-year-old fishing boat found in the mud near the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Embark on a more modern boat to sail on the Sea of Galilee. Arrive at Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee!
Overnight in the Sophia Hotel overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
Day 4 – Nov 5 Saturday (Sabbath)
An early start gets us to Capernaum for morning devotions. Capernaum is where Peter and his brother, Andrew, were called while they were fishing, and where Jesus did much of his ministry (Matthew 4:12-22, Mark 1:1-37, Matt 8:5-9:34, and Chorazin where Jesus did mighty works. See the ruins of Hazor, which was destroyed by Joshua (Joshua 11:1-13) but was later rebuilt becoming a Canaanite capital ruled by King Jabin (Judges 4:1-4). Dan, the northernmost town in Old Testament Israel where Abraham passed while chasing the four kings of the north who had captured Lot (Gen 14:1-17). One of the golden calves was erected to draw worshippers away from Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:25-32). See the Abraham Gate. Visit Caesarea Philippi where Peter was given the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Learn about “the Gates of Hell” (Matt 16:13-28). Enjoy lunch in the Golan Heights so near Mt. Hermon that it seems you could reach out and touch it. Overlook Syria and a United Nations base. Visit the site of Bethsaida, the “city of Andrew and Peter” (John 1:44; 12:21).
Overnight in the Sophia Hotel overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
Day 5 – Nov 6 Sunday
Jordan Valley Drive. Visit Gideon’s Spring, the source of Ein Harod (Judges 7:1-8). Bethshean, where the bodies of Saul and his sons were hung on the wall following the battle of Mt. Gilboa (1 Sam 31). From Bethshean we will drive south through the Jordan Valley. Lunch in Jericho (Barracuda Restaurant) and visit the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism on the Jordan River. Descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth at 1,300 feet below sea level. Float in the mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea if you like.
Overnight at the Herod Hotel on the Dead Sea.
Day 6 – Nov 7 Monday
After a refreshing night in the most oxygen rich place on Earth, rise early to be at Masada for opening time. Climb the Snake Trail up to the Fortress of Masada built by Herod the Great or take the easy way up in the gondola. Walk through this pathos filled place where nearly a thousand Jewish Zealots took their own lives rather than surrender to the Roman army. See the remains of Herod’s Masada Palace. See the remaining stone walls of Roman encampments surrounding Masada, and the siege ramp built by them to gain access. Visit En Gedi where David hid from King Saul (1 Sam 23:29), and Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Enjoy lunch at Qumran. Visit Cave 11 of the Qumran caves if you are adventurous! See the St. George Monastery on the Jericho Road (Luke 10:25-37; Matt 20:29-34) on the exciting drive “up to Jerusalem!”
Overnight in Jerusalem at the Olive Tree Hotel.
Sound and light show – Jerusalem or City of David.
Day 7 – Nov 8 Tuesday
Jerusalem! See archeological discoveries at the Davidson Centre near Temple Mount. Worship to the Psalms of Ascent on the Southern Steps to the Temple Mount (Acts 3:1-10). Walk on the first century road. Descend and walk through the Rabbinical Tunnels. Visit the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9). Sing to the amazing acoustics in 900-year-old St. Anne’s church. After lunch, visit Shiloh, the capital of Israel and dwelling place of the Ark for 369 years (Joshua 18:1, 8- 10; 19:51; 1 Samuel; Ps 78:60; Jer 7:12-14). Visit the Israel museum where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept. You are on your own this evening, free to visit Ben Yehuda Street or the Mahane Yehuda Market. Or you can just enjoy a relaxing evening at your deluxe hotel.
Overnight in Jerusalem at the Olive Tree Hotel.
Day 8 – Nov 9 Wednesday
See majestic and historic “Old Jerusalem” from your vantage point on the Mount of Olives (2 Sam 15:30; Acts 1:1-12). Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt 26:36-56). View the Kidron Valley. Descend underground to view the excavations of the City of David and Warren’s Shaft. Visit the Pool of Siloam (John 9:1-12). (Possibly Hezekiah’s Tunnel.) See the Herodian Street. You are on your own this evening, free to visit Ben Yehuda Street or the Mahane Yehuda Market. Or you can just enjoy a relaxing evening at your deluxe hotel.
Overnight in Jerusalem at the Olive Tree Hotel.
Day 9 – Nov 10 Thursday
Celebrate the Resurrection at the Garden Tomb with a Communion Service. Stand in the Upper Room situated over King David’s Tomb. Visit Gallicantu, the palace of Caiaphas the High Priest where the Council judged Jesus. It was here that Peter denied that he knew Jesus, and went out into the night and wept bitterly (Matt. 26:57-75; Luke 22:54-62). View Kidron and Hinnom (Gehenna) Valleys. You are on your own this evening, free to visit Ben Yehuda Street or the Mahane Yehuda Market. Or you can just enjoy a relaxing evening at your deluxe hotel. (Possible hike from St. George monastery to Jericho along the Jericho Road.) (Possible hike around the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.)
Overnight in Jerusalem at the Olive Tree Hotel.
Day 10 – Nov 11 Friday
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and depart Jerusalem, travelling into the Old Testament. Drive by living cities which are the sites of Old Testament happenings. Places like Lachish (Josh 10:31, 32; 2 Kings 14:19; Jer 34:7), Beth Shemesh (also the site of Ramat Lehi) (1 Sam 6:7-21), Zorah (Tsorah) (Samson – Judges 13-16), Eshtaol (Samson was born in Eshtaol, judged Israel 20 years, died in Gaza and was buried between Zorah and Eshtaol), Kirioth-Jearim. Pick up stones in the Valley of Elah where David slew Goliath. Azekah, where the Philistines camped before that fateful day (1 Sam 17:1-3). Gath, the hometown of Goliath and where David played crazy. Beersheba, home of the Patriarchs and southernmost city of Old Testament Israel. (Abraham planted a grove in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God Gen 21:33; 22:1-19; Isaac – Gen 26:23-25; Jacob – Gen 28:10 and 46:1.)
Pass near the site of Kadesh Barnea, where Israel made the fateful decision to listen to the 10 fearful spies, and through the Wilderness of Zin. Cross the border at Eilat, Israel’s southernmost town and spend the night at the Intercontinental Hotel in Aqaba, Jordan on the Red Sea.
Day 11 – Nov 12 Saturday
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and put your bags on the bus before enjoying fellowship and worship with Missionary Jonathan Shepard and family and the church in Aqaba. Later in the day drive through the ancient land of Edom to Petra and check in to The Old Village Hoteland Resort.
Day 12 – Nov 13 Sunday
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at our hotel and hike through the narrow canyon for a thorough visit of Petra, taking the obligatory photo in front of the Treasury and hiking to the Monastery at the very top of Petra. Following this visit we will relax for the remainder of the day at The Old Village Hoteland Resort.
Day 13 – Nov 14 Monday
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at our hotel and drive through the ancient land of Moab to Mt. Nebo, from where God showed Moses the Promised Land, a land Moses was not allowed to enter. It was on Mt. Nebo that Moses died. Following our visit to Mt. Nebo, proceed through the land of Ammon to the Jordanian capital city of Amman. After checking into the number one rated Crowne Plaza Hotel, there may be a chance to visit a modern shopping center to pick up a last-minute souvenir of your visit to the Hashemite kingdom.
Overnight in Amman in the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Day 14 – Nov 15 Tuesday
After breakfast check out of your hotel and travel to Queen Alia International Airport for your flights home. Return home changed by this experience of a lifetime, a spiritual, educational and inspirational Journey to the Holy Land.
Subject to rearrangement.
Copyright TC Tours and Premier Bible Land Journeys