Day 1 : Fly to Israel

Relax and enjoy an overnight flight to the Promised Land.

Day 2 : Arrive in Tel-Aviv

Today we arrive in the second most populous city in Israel, Tel-Aviv. Instantly feel the pulse of this vibrant coastal town brimming with sandy Mediterranean beaches and lively culture. Join your fellow travelers at a special Holiday Vacations Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 : Caesarea, Mount Carmel, Nazareth & Sephoris

Our local, English-speaking guide joins us daily before exploring the Holy Land. This morning, travel along breathtaking Mediterranean coastlines, stopping to discover the 4,000-year-old port city of Jaffa, perched hillside overlooking the sea. Heading north along the coast, visit Caesarea National Park where Cornelius the Centurion and his household were saved and baptized. Next we go to Mount Carmel. It was in this coastal mountain range where Elijah challenged the prophets of Ba’al. Our following destination is Nazareth where we stop in the Old City to visit the Church of Annunciation. Conclude the day in Sephoris National Park, “The Ornament of All Galilee.” This village and archaeological site is home to the partially restored Roman Theater where we encounter awesome views and famed mosaics including the “Mona Lisa of the Galilee.”

Day 4 : The Sea of Galilee

Today we visit Magdala’s First Century Synagogue where we witness the Magdala Stone. Many archaeologists consider this stone the most significant archaeological find yet in the 21st century, having been uncovered in 2009 while excavating the Migdal Synagogue. We then visit the small fishing village of Capernaum where we view two ancient synagogues built on top of each other, the historic home of Saint Peter. After a stop at Mount Tabgha, we make our way to the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount took place. Next, we enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on water. We then visit the Ancient Boat Museum where we learn about boats dating back to first century AD.

Day 5 : Beit She'an & Jordan Valley

Begin the day with a drive to one of the oldest cities in Israel, Beit She'an. At Beit She’an National Park we discover rich gladiator history through the Byzantine bathhouse, columned Roman streets, and amphitheater. Follow the Jordan Valley to where the first baptism took place on the Jordan River at Qasr El Yahud National Park. Then tour Jericho, the oldest known continuously inhabited city in the world. Our day is complete with a beautiful drive along the Dead Sea shoreline to our lovely accommodations and included dinner. End the day with an opportunity to float in the Dead Sea. High salt content in its water is believed to provide healing and therapeutic benefits.

Day 6 : Masada, Qumran & Jerusalem

This morning we ascend high above the Dead Sea by cable car to the Masada National Park fortress, an 840-acre complex with exceptionally preserved ruins. Continue along the Dead Sea coastline and make a visit to Qumran National Park where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found by a Bedouin shepherd in 1948. This evening, we journey to Jerusalem and check in to our hotel for the next five nights.

Day 7 : Mount Olive, Gethsemane, Mount Zion & Bethlehem

Our first day in Jerusalem offers the opportunity to travel high above the city to Mount Olive for striking views. Walking along the Palm Sunday Trail to the garden of Gethsemane, we find ourselves among ancient olive trees, some dating back to the 12th century. From there we journey to Mount Zion, the highest point in Jerusalem, and visit the first Christian church including the room believed to be the site of the Last Supper. View the tomb of King David and the house of High Priest Caiaphas, taking time to stroll the ancient rooms. Next, we tour Bethlehem, the town where Jesus was born, and visit the ancient Church of the Nativity, built in the fourth century. Tonight, experience an authentic Shabbat dinner with a local host family.

Day 8 : Old City of Jerusalem

Begin the day at the Israel Museum. Find yourself awestruck by the most extensive holdings of biblical and Holy Land archaeology to date. Highlights include the Shrine of the Book and the Model of the Second Temple. Walk through the Old City, seeing the Pool of Bethesda and discovering the ancient lifestyle and shops still maintained today. Walk the Way of the Cross to the Fortress of Antonia and conclude the day with a visit to the Church of Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb.

Day 9 : Western Wall & Holocaust Memorial Museum

Today, we ascend Temple Mount and discover the original platform where King Herod’s temple stood. We visit the golden Dome of the Rock and ancient limestone Western Wall and tunnels whose architecture and artifacts represent life during the Second Temple Period. Continuing to the Cardo of the Jewish Quarter, get a fascinating look into the ancient markets of Jerusalem. Marvel at Roman columns, murals, and the Madaba Map. We travel to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, where we get a poignant experience that commemorates those who died, fought, and selflessly aided Jews during the Holocaust. Tonight, savor dinner at a traditional Middle-Eastern restaurant.

Day 10 : City of David

Our final day in Jerusalem takes us to the Biblical City of David, the urban core of ancient Jerusalem. We’ll journey underground as we navigate through Hezekiah’s Tunnel. Our last adventure is a visit to the Tower of David where we learn the story of Jerusalem, detailing major events throughout history including its significant relationship to all three major monotheistic religions. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon. We end our day in traditional Holiday Vacations style with a Farewell Dinner.

Day 11 : Arrive Home

We land back in the states today and return home with fond memories of our time in Israel.