DAY 1 - Monday, February 3, 2025

Departure to Tel Aviv. 

 

DAY 2 - Tuesday, February 4, 2025 -  a.m. arrival

The Mediterranean coastline is visible from both sides of the plane. Shalom, you are in Israel and will be assisted with Immigration and Customs by a tour representative. Transfer by deluxe coach to your hotel in or near Tel Aviv. Depending on clearing customs and immigration will add to itinerary.

Dinner & Overnight: Netanya Seasons Hotel

 

DAY 3 - Wednesday, February 5, 2025

After a restful night and a sumptuous Israeli breakfast buffet, drive along the Mediterranean coast to view the stately, ancient ruins of Caesarea. Visit the Roman amphitheater where Paul stood trial. Cornelius, the first Gentile of the Church-age was saved as he met Peter here. Continue to Mount Carmel. Mount Carmel holds significant biblical importance as it is prominently featured in the Old Testament. The most notable event is the confrontation between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal, where Elijah called upon God to send fire to consume his sacrifice, demonstrating the supremacy of the God of Israel. This pivotal moment on Mount Carmel is recounted in the Book of Kings, showcasing the mountain's role as a symbol of divine intervention and faith. 

 

Travel to the Nazareth Village, a recreation of life in Nazareth as it was 2,000 years ago. Step into the Bible, history and into the life of Jesus, its most famous citizen. Walk past cultivated terraces, an ancient winepress, stone quarries, grapevines, and old olive trees. The path leads to the stone buildings of the Village where costumed villagers go about daily life. Farmers and villagers are plowing, planting, pruning. harvesting and threshing. The weaver and the carpenter demonstrate their crafts. The synagogue, the sounds of sheep and village children blend on the hillside and take you back to another place and time.  Experience Galilean life in the first century. 

 

If time permits, visit the Hill of the Precipice near Nazareth, a stunning vantage point from which to visualize the activities of Elijah and Elisha on the hills of Samaria, Carmel and Gilad, Kings Saul and Ahab in the Jezreel Valley and the Gilboa hills, Deborah the prophetess at Mt. Tabor and, most importantly, the place where irate townspeople attempted to throw Jesus off the cliff, "but he passed through the midst of them and went away." Luke 4:29-30

 

Drive to the Valley of Jezreel, the prophetic future site of Armageddon. The archaeological site of Megiddo is one of Solomon’s chariot cities where twenty civilizations can be observed stacked up in the ruins. A breathtaking view of the Sea of Galilee introduces us to the land where Jesus lived during most of his ministry years. 

Dinner and overnight in Tiberius, Prima Galil/Emily Hotel.

 

DAY 4 - Thursday, February 6, 2025

After another great Israeli breakfast buffet, step aboard the boat for a calm cruise on the sea and an incredible worship service. Disembark at Ginosar to visit Capernaum, the town of Jesus. Visit the home of the Apostle Peter where Jesus healed his mother-in-law. A few footsteps away, we visit the ancient synagogue where Jesus taught. Continue to Tabgha, the site of the multiplication of the fishes and loaves. A short bus ride takes us to the Mount of Beatitudes where we hear the words of Jesus on the mount where he first spoke them.  Lunch time provides an opportunity to enjoy St. Peter’s fish on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. End the day at the Jordan River Baptismal site.  (Those who opt to be baptized will be required to rent a robe and towel. The $15.00 charge includes a Baptismal Certificate.) 

Dinner and overnight in Tiberius, Prima Galil/Emily Hotel.

 

DAY 5 - Friday, February 7, 2025

Leaving Galilee, drive to Beit Shean to visit one of the best preserved Roman Amphitheaters in Israel. Extensive excavations have uncovered eighteen layers of civilization. Ancient Beit Shean is where King Saul’s body was nailed to the wall. Leaving Beit Shean we continue south observing the city of Jericho from the coach. Depending on time, we travel along the site of Qumran and view the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a shepherd boy, and Ein Gedi. Continue south toward Masada through the wilderness of Judea. Biblically, it was a place of refuge for King David when fleeing from Saul. Masada, a fortress perched atop a rugged plateau in Israel, carries immense historical importance as a symbol of Jewish resistance against Roman oppression during the First Jewish-Roman War. The site's tragic siege and subsequent mass suicide by Jewish rebels in 73-74 CE underscore its significance in Jewish history, embodying the steadfast determination to preserve freedom and resist subjugation. Masada stands as a poignant testament to the resilience and sacrifice of those who sought to maintain their independence in the face of overwhelming adversity. Finally we visit the shores of the Dead Sea in time to float in the salt water at the lowest place on the face of the earth. Ending our day will be an amazing entrance into Jerusalem with a view of the Temple Mount from a distance, as you ascend into the eternal city of Jerusalem! Welcome home! 

Return to the hotel for overnight Prima Vera (in the heart of center city!).

 

DAY 6 - Saturday, February 8, 2025

Today begins with a drive to the Mount of Olives where the New Testament comes alive. A breathtaking view of Jerusalem from the Garden of Gethsemane places the Biblical events in perspective. Visit the Church of All Nations and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane with a grand view of the Eastern Gate and the Kidron Valley. Afterward, we arrive at Mount Zion. Visit the room of the Last Supper, the site of the Upper Room, the Tomb of King David and the House of Caiaphas. If time permits, proceed to the Knesset (the Israeli House of Parliament) and to the Shrine of the Book to view the Dead Sea Scrolls. Visit the Holy Land Model to view Jerusalem as it was in the time of Christ. 

Return to the hotel for overnight Prima Vera (in the heart of center city!). 

 

DAY 7 - Sunday, February 9, 2025

After breakfast, begin the tour of old Jerusalem with a visit to the Temple Institute where preparations are being made for the Third Temple. Garments and instruments can be seen and the lecture is informative. Continue through the Jewish Quarter of the city to see Nehemiah’s Wall that was fortified by the Jews during the First Temple period (586 B.C). Kotel Tunnel: Travel back in time to descend to the original foundation stones of the 2nd Temple and walk along the old city walls exposed during the days of Jesus. Afterwards we join Pastor Shawn Turner for a service at the International Biblical College (United Pentecostal Church Jerusalem) in Jerusalem city center (between 3:00-5:00pm) as time permits.

Return to the hotel for overnight Prima Vera (in the heart of center city!). 

 

DAY 8 - Monday, February 10, 2025

Proceed to the Holy City. The walls enclose many of the Holy sites. Walking through the Dung Gate, we approach the *Temple area on Mount Moriah. Visit the Western Wall, and then up to the Dome of the Rock enclosing the Rock of Sacrifice. Exit the Temple Mount at the Eastern Gate and walk through the colorful bazaars in Old Jerusalem. Visit the Church of Saint Anne, the Pool of Bethesda, the Lithostrotos and Pilate’s Judgment Hall.

Return to the hotel for overnight Prima Vera (in the heart of center city!). 

 

DAY 9 - Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Today, visit to the Garden Tomb and Gordon’s Calvary where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. A Communion service is available for our group as we overlook the Tomb. Farewell Lunch at a beautiful restaurant before continuing to the airport. Arrive at airport 3 hours minimum before departure flight.

 

DAY 10 - Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - 12:00 midnight to 1:00 a.m. depending on return flight

Depart Tel Aviv for USA - Start preparing for ‘next year in Jerusalem’!

 

NOTE: Sequence of sites visited may be adjusted to accommodate local openings and/or closing time limitations. Apex Tours & Travel and Jordan Tourist Agency reserves the right to change the Itinerary or hotels and/or omit sites based on schedule requirements or local conditions.