HOLYLAND

Depart Tel Aviv along the coastal plain to Caesarea, capital of Judea under the Romans. Visit the excavations of the ancient city, the Roman theatre and aqueduct. Continue to Megiddo, identified as the site of Armageddon. Visit the archaeological excavations at Megiddo, including the well-preserved water supply system. Drive to Acre to visit the ancient city and harbor. Overnight: Kibbutz Hotel

Start the day with a tour of Tiberias. Enjoy a boat ride in a traditional wooden sailing vessel. Explore the centre of Jesus’ ministry at Capernaum and see the remains of the synagogue where he preached. Onto the site of the miracle of the Fishes and Loaves at Tabgha, and visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4th century mosaic floor. Ascend the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee, where the Sermon on the ount took place. Drive to Caesarea of Phillipi at Banias Springs and then tour the Golan Heights to better understand the geopolitical issues affecting the region. Overnight: Kibbutz Hotel

Visit Nazareth to see St. Joseph’s workshop, Mary’s Well and the Church of Annunciation. Drive by the Wedding Church at Cana. Visit the baptismal site on the Jordan River at Yardenit. See the excavations of the ancient Roman city of Beith Shean. Ascend the mountains to Jerusalem via the fertile Jordan Valley. Overnight: Jerusalem

Start the day with a magnificent view of the city from the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Continue to Mount Zion to see King David’s Tomb and the Room of Last Supper. Explore the Old City – walk the Cardo, the ancient Roman main thoroughfare. Ascend the Temple Mount (subject to security), and then place a note in the Western Wall. Continue on to walk the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa, finishing at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Explore the colourful Oriental Bazaars. Finish the day with a visit to the Garden Tomb. Overnight: Jerusalem

Explore the quaint village of Ein Karem. Proceed to Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Visit the Shrine of the Book to see the original Dead Sea Scrolls. See the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the time of King Herod. Proceed to Bethlehem (subject to security) to visit the Church of Nativity and Manger Square. Overnight: Jerusalem

Depart Jerusalem via the Judean Mountains and descend to the lowest place on earth. Visit the ancient city of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls where found. Continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to the magnificent cliff top fortress of Masada. Ascend via cable car to explore the remains of King Herod’s luxurious palace and hear about the zealots who defied the Roman Empire from this location. Take the chance to enjoy a float in the salty waters (weather conditions permitting). Overnight: Jerusalem

Transfer to Ben Gurion airport for departure