6. JOURNEY OF CHRIST

Today, we will proceed to Bethlehem and visit the Church of Nativity, where Jesus was born. Also, visit St. Jerome’s Grotto where he translated the Bible into Latin. Walk to the miraculous site of the Milk Grotto and then drive to Beit Sahour to visit the Shepherds Field, where the angel appeared to the shepherds announcing the birth of Jesus.  In the afternoon, we will drive to the city of Hebron to visit the Cave of the Patriarchs, which houses the tombs of the prophet Abraham. Also, visit the Mamre (the Oak of Abraham) where Herod erected an imposing enclosure to mark where Abraham and his family have lived.

Overnight stay in Bethlehem (B L D)

This morning visit Qasr El Yahud on the River Jordan, the exact place of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. It is also where the Hebrew children crossed over to Canaan, the Promised Land, after their exodus from Egypt.  We will continue to Jericho, believed to be the oldest city on earth, and visit Mt. Quarantal by Cable car, where Jesus was tempted by Satan and fasted for 40 days. See the Sycamore Tree on the way to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the caves. We will then drive to the Dead Sea, the lowermost point on earth where we will have a unique experience of floating in the salty water.

Overnight stay in Bethlehem (B L D)

After breakfast, we drive to the Roman capital city Caesarea Maritima to see the ruins of the old city. See the Amphitheatre, Hippodrome, Ruins of the Palace etc and then visit the Aqueduct. The first ‘gentiles’ to receive the Holy Spirit was from Caesarea Maritima. Then drive to Muhraqa on the Carmel Mountains where Prophet Elijah contested against the prophets of Baal and executed them. Then drive to Haifa, the Port city of Israel and see the world famous Baha’i Gardens and drive up the Carmel Mountain. Enjoy the astounding view of the Mediterranean Sea and visit Stella Maris Church.

Overnight stay in Tiberias (B L D)

This morning we will depart for boating on the Sea of Galilee. Visit the 1^st century Jesus Boat found at the Kibbutz Nof Ginosar. Then we will visit the Mount of the Beatitudes, Tabgha – the church of multiplication of bread and fish. Proceed to Church of the Primacy of Peter and visit the site of Mensa Christi. We will visit Capernaum, the home town of Jesus on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. After relishing the special St. Peter’s Fish lunch, continue to Caesarea Philippi (Banias) where Peter answered Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?”. Stroll through the base of Mt. Hermon, the location of one of the largest springs feeding the Jordan River.

Overnight stay in Tiberias (B L D)

Travel this morning to Nazareth and visit Mary’s Well and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. Later visit the house of Joseph and Mary and see Joseph’s workshop. Then we will drive to Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle at the wedding. We will drive to Mt. Tabor, the site of the transfiguration of Jesus. Visit Megiddo, a UNESCO world heritage site where we enjoy the panoramic view of the Megiddo Valley.

Overnight stay in Tiberias (B L D)

We depart Tiberias this morning and advance to Nablus to visit Jacob’s Well, where Jesus met the Samaritan woman. Also visit Mt. Gerizim, the holy mountain of the Samaritans, where the Hebrew children, after their exodus, read the blessings of the Lord. Visit Kiryat Yearim, the place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for many years.

Overnight stay in Jerusalem (B L D)

This morning we visit the Mount of Olives where Bethpage, the Church of Ascension, and the Pater Noster Church are located. Walk along the Palm Sunday route, to the Gethsemane Gardens, and visit the Church of All Nations. Visit the Dominus Flevit Church on the way to Apostles Grotto. Continue to the church of St. Peter in Gallicantu to visit Caiaphas’s prison and the sacred pit where Jesus was imprisoned for one night. Visit the Israel Museum where the original Dead Sea Scrolls are kept, and see the model of the Second Jerusalem Temple. After dinner walk to David’s Tower near the Jaffa Gate to experience the Sound & Light Show of Jerusalem.

Overnight stay in Jerusalem (B L D)

We begin our day with a visit to Pool of Bethesda and walk Via Dolorosa, where Jesus carried His Cross. Proceed to the Holy Sepulchre Church, where Jesus Christ was crucified and buried and see Golgotha. Later we will go to Garden Tomb – see the Stone Tomb of Jesus, where He was buried and from where He rose again on the third day. After lunch, continue for a walking tour of the Old City which starts from the Jaffa Gate to David’s Tower. See the Roman Cardo the ancient main road. Continue to see the Menorah and the Western Wall.

Overnight stay in Jerusalem (B L D)

Our day begins with a journey to Mt Zion to see the Upper Room / Cenacle where Jesus celebrated Last Supper and the place where all the Apostles and Mary gathered on the day of Pentecost. Walk down to King David’s Tomb. Visit the excavations of the David’s City, an archaeological site which composes the original urban core of ancient Jerusalem. Also, see Hezekiah’s tunnel of Jerusalem – is a water tunnel that was carved underneath the City of David in Jerusalem in ancient times. The afternoon is free to visit the old city of Jerusalem and the colorful markets OR visit Yadvashem/ Holocaust museum.

Overnight stay in Jerusalem (B L D)

After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and then transfer to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv for our return flight to Australia. (B)