Sea of Galilee – Valley of the Doves, Magdala, Fish Lunch, Boat Ride, Capernaum, Tabgha, Mount of Beatitudes, Ancient Boat

Pass through the Valley of the Doves on your way towards the Sea of Galilee. This was a major pathway in the time of Christ, and He and his disciples passed through this valley as they walked the Galilee. In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene, visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue. Enjoy a fish lunch together (included) before crossing the waters of the Sea of Galilee on a very special boat ride, complete with an onboard worship service. Visit Capernaum, center of Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee, and visit the
synagogue built on the site where Jesus taught (Matt. 4:13, 23). On the Mount of Beatitudes, contemplate the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt. 5-7). Explore the Church of the Fish and the Loaves at Tabgha, traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke 9:10). At Kibbutz Nof Ginosar, see the 2,000-year-old “Ancient Boat,” a rare example of the kind of boat in which Jesus might have sailed.

Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Golan Heights, Bethsaida, Yardenit

At the ruins of Tel Dan, see the altar built by King Jeroboam I (I Kings 12:25-30) and learn where the “House of David” fragment from the First Temple Period was discovered. Continue on to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter told the Lord, “You are the Christ!” (Matt. 16). A scenic drive along the Golan Heights will give you some beautiful views of Syria and Jordan as well as Israel. Remember your baptism at the Yardenit Baptismal site, where the Jordan River exits the Sea of Galilee on its journey southward (Matt. 3).

Jericho, Qumran, Masada, Dead Sea

Head to Jericho to visit the ruins of the ancient city Joshua conquered (Josh. 6:20). Off in the distance, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matt. 4:1). Next stop is Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 by a Bedouin shepherd. Enjoy a visit to intriguing Masada, the spectacular mountaintop fortress built by Herod that later became the final tragic stronghold of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans. Ride the cable car to the top to explore the fortress and look down upon the remains of the Roman camps and siege ramp below. On the way back to Jerusalem, stop at the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth, for an opportunity to take a quick dip in the mineral-laden waters.

Shepherd’s Fields, Bethlehem, Ein Karem, Yad Vashem, Israel Museum/Model

In Bethlehem, gaze out over Shepherds Field and visit the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace (Matt. 1: 18-25). Visit the Church of the Nativity, built above the cave and considered the world’s oldest functioning church (Matt. 1: 18-25). Travel to Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist and where Mary visited Elisabeth (Luke 1: 26-40). In Jerusalem, visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Memorial, with its poignant exhibits honoring the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust. Explore the Israel Museum with its First Century Model of the City of Jerusalem. Another highlight is the museum’s Shrine of the Book exhibit showcasing the Dead Sea Scroll book of Isaiah.

Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Mt. Zion, Western Wall, Southern Steps

Stand on the Mount of Olives for a remarkable view of Jerusalem (the Golden City); Jesus stood here before ascending into heaven forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:9-12). In the Kidron Valley across from the walls of Jerusalem, pray as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36). Continue to Mount Zion to visit the House of the High Priest Caiaphas, where Jesus was questioned the night of His betrayal (Matt. 26:57). Recall the events of the Last Supper as you visit the traditional location of the Upper Room (Mark 14:12). Spend time in prayer at the Western Wall (the only remnant of the Second Temple of Jerusalem) and sit on the Teaching
Steps where Jesus taught.

Temple Mount, Pool of Bethesda, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Garden Tomb

Conditions permitting, walk the Temple Mount, once the site of the Temple of Solomon and home to the Dome of the Rock. See where Jesus healed on the Sabbath at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5: 1-31), Walk the Via Dolorosa (“the Way of the Cross”) to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built over the traditional sites of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. At the Garden Tomb, share communion together and experience the reality of the Resurrection.