Saturday, Day 3: Sea of Galilee
After breakfast, we will start the day from historic Tiberias where Jesus lived, sojourned and preached on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Our next destination will be Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry and the site of many of His miracles (Mark 2:4; Matt. 8:5; 14-17; 9:1-7; 17:18). You will see the remains of Peter’s house and the synagogue site where Jesus taught and worshiped (Mark 1:21; Luke 4:31). Continue to Tabgha, the site of the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes (John 6:1-14). At the Church of Multiplication, the mosaic floor depicts a basket with loaves and two fishes. You will continue to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered what is perhaps the most famous sermon ever preached – “The Sermon On The Mount” (Matt. 5) and it is believed that Jesus picked his 12 apostles. you will ascend to the Golan Heights to view the panoramic view of the peaks of Mount Hermon and the rugged plateau of the Golan Heights and beneath it, the green pastoral Hulah Valley. Return to Tiberias for overnight.
Sunday, Day 4: Sea of Galilee / Jordan River / Jerusalem
After breakfast, you will travel to Cana and visit the Wedding Church where Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine (John 2.1-11). Proceed to Nazareth where Jesus spent his childhood and visit the Church of Annunciation, built on the site where archaeologists believe the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary. You will also see Mary’s Well and Joseph’s Church. You will proceed to Beit Shean to visit the excavations of this beautiful preserved Roman city which was destroyed in an earthquake. It is considered of the largest ongoing archaeological dig in the land of Israel with its amphitheater, colonnaded Roman streets, mosaics and Roman bathhouse (1st Samuel 31:10). You will continue along the lush Jordan Valley, where the dessert now blooms with flowers and vegetation of every description (Isaiah 35:1-2). You will pass Jericho, the oldest know city in the world and continue south towards the mountains of Judea. You will check-into your hotel in Jerusalem for overnight.
Monday, Day 5: Dead Sea / Massada
After an early breakfast, you will drive towards the Dead Sea area. Your route will take you back down the main highway towards Jericho. You will then turn south and start driving along the shores of the Dead Sea, as you descend to the lowest point on the surface of the earth at 1305 feet (398m) below sea level. You will visit Qumran, where a young shepherd boy discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls. Continue to Massada which is situated right on an isolated cliff in the Judean Desert. The site has been declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Ascend by cable car to the fortress, which was the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans. Visit the excavations, King Herod’s Palace, the synagogue, bathhouse and more. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea. Bring your swimsuit and should weather permit, it is possible to float on the salty, mineral rich water. Return to Jerusalem for overnight in Jerusalem.
Tuesday, Day 6: Jerusalem
After breakfast, you will start the day at Mount Scopus and enjoy the spectacular view of Jerusalem, the holy city and understand the three world’s greatest religions – Jewishity, Judaism and Islam. Jerusalem occupies a unique place in the world. You will continue to the Mount of Olives and stop at the site where Jesus first gave the Lord’s Prayer and the Garden of Gethsemane and where Judas betrayed Jesus. You will proceed to the Old City, where you will see the Western Wall and the actual site of the Second Temple, the Temple Mount. Walk the Way of the Cross, the Via Dolorosa to Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to see both sites of the traditional Crucifixion and the Tomb of the Resurrection (Matt. 27. 33-57, 28.10). To the southwest, just outside the Old City is Mount Zion, here you will visit the site of David’s tomb and the Upper Room where the Last Supper was held (Mark 14.13, Luke 22. 10-38, Matt 26 17-29, Acts 1.13 and Acts 2, The Pentecost). Overnight in Jerusalem.