JOURNEY THROUGH ISRAEL

June 23 & 24 Depart USA | Arrival
Ben Gurion International Airport

June 25 – Sunday | Maresha
This morning we will drive to the Maresha archeological site and experience a “Dig for a Day” program. We will actually look for ancient treasures and learn how to be an archeologist.In the afternoon we will visit Tel Aviv’s White City, the largest
concentration in the world of International Style “Bauhaus” architecture. We also will experience the vibe of Israel’s “never
sleeping” city. Overnight in Tel Aviv

June 26 – Monday | Haifa
Our first stop is Old Jaffa, Tel Aviv’s ancient sister. This is the oldest port in the world, and it was here that the prophet Jonah boarded a ship to Tarshish and later was swallowed by the whale. Today we can stroll along the narrow streets full of art galleries and artist workshops. On to Caesarea, the one time Roman capital of the country. Here we see the impressive ruins including the theater, hippodrome, port and aqueduct. Continue to Haifa, where we enjoy the view from Mount Carmel and see the golden domed
Bahai Shrine. Overnight in Haifa

June 27 – Tuesday | Nazareth
In the morning we visit ancient Acre. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is a maze of narrow alleys and interesting underground Crusader fortresses. On to Safed, the city of Jewish mysticism and a historical place for the Jewish faith. We visit the old synagogue and stroll the narrow streets. Our next stop is Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus. Here we visit the Basilica of The Annunciation and Mary’s Well. We have time to stroll along the busy streets of the local market. Overnight in Nazareth

June 28 – Wednesday | Jerusalem
Today is dedicated to visiting the old city of Jerusalem. We enter the city via the Zion Gate and walk through the Jewish Quarter. Visit the ruins of the ancient “Cardo” – the Roman street that once
dissected the city. On to the Western Wall, the holiest site to the Jewish faith. Visit the “Davidson Historical Center” that enshrines the remains of Jerusalem from the time of the second temple. Walk along the Via Dolorosa – the way of the cross and the fourteen station where Jesus carried the cross. Arrive at the Church of The Holy Sepulchre, traditional burial site of Jesus. We will have time to explore the busy streets of the bazaars. In the evening we will enjoy a sound and light show in the City of David. Overnight in Jerusalem

July 1 – Saturday | The Dead Sea Early this morning we will drive to the lowest place on Earth – The Dead Sea. WE first ascend Massada by cable car. This was a palace fortress that was built by King Herod and later used by the Jewish rebels as their last stand against the Roman legions. We explore the ruins, including the palaces, store rooms, bath house and synagogue. On to a Dead Sea beach, where we can experience the unique feeling of floating on the water. Our last stop today is Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Overnight in Jerusalem same hotel.

July 2 – Sunday | Bethlehem In the morning we will visit The Israel Museum and the Shrine of The Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed. On to Yad Vashem, the official memorial and museum to the Holocaust. In the afternoon we visit Bethlehem. We see the Church of The Nativity and Shepherd’s Fields. Overnight in Jerusalem same hotel.

July 3 – Monday
Transfer Home to USA or Optional Jordan add on.