1. HIGHLIGHTS OF HOLY LAND

After an early breakfast, proceed to Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Petra was built by the Nabateans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2000 years ago. Later proceed to the hotel for an overnight stay in Amman.

Overnight stay in Amman (B D)

This morning visit Mt. Nebo, from where Moses saw the Promised Land. Then visit the Madaba Church to see the Byzantine period mosaic map of the Holy Land. Later drive to Allenby border and after immigration enters Israel. Proceed 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.

Overnight stay in Nazraeth (B D)

After breakfast, we will depart from the hotel for boating in the Sea of Galilee. Then we will visit the expressive Church of the Beatitudes. We will then visit Tabgha – the church of multiplication of bread and fish and will proceed to visit the Church of Primacy of Peter and also see the site of Mensa Christi. We will visit Capernaum, the town of Jesus on the bank of Lake Galilee. Enjoy the special St. Peter’s Fish lunch.

Today we will visit Cana where Jesus made His first miracle at the wedding. Then journey to Stella Maris Church on the Carmel Mountains, where Prophet Elijah contested against the prophets of Baal and executed them. After lunch, we will drive to Mt. Tabor, (mountain by Private Taxi) the site of the transfiguration of Jesus.

Overnight stay in Nazareth (B D)

Today we will journey to the Roman capital city Caesarea Maritima, and visit the Aquaduct by the sea. After lunch, visit Ain Karem, the beautiful village in Judean hill country. Visit the Visitation Church where Virgin Mary met Elizabeth and where the child in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy.  Later walk to the Birthplace of John the Baptist.  Then continue driving to Bethlehem and check into the hotel.

Overnight stay in Bethlehem (B D)

This morning visit Qasr El Yahud on 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. Later drive to the ancient city of Jericho, believed to be the oldest city on earth, and visit Mt. Quarantal by CABLE CAR, where Jesus fasted for 40 days when Satan tried to tempt him. See the Sycamore Tree. We will then proceed to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth (400 m. below sea level) where we will have a unique experience of floating on the salty water. Procced to Bethany, where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived. Visit the Tomb of Lazarus, the ruins of the old church and the modern church.

Overnight stay in Bethlehem (B L D)

Today we will visit Bethlehem and visit the Church of Nativity, where Jesus was born. Also, visit St. Jerome’s Grotto from where he translated the Bible. Walk to the miraculous site of Milk Grotto and then drive to Beit Sahour to visit Shepherds Field, where the angel appeared to the shepherds about the birth of Jesus.  Later visit Mt of Olives with Bethpage, the Church of Ascension, and the Pater Noster Church. Walk along the Palm Sunday Road, by foot to the Gethsemane Gardens, and visit the Church of All Nations. Visit the Dominus Flevit Church on the way. Then walk to Mary’s Tomb and Apostles Grotto.

Overnight stay in Bethlehem (B D)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and visit St. Anne’s Church and Pool of Bethesda. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, where Jesus carried His Cross. Continue to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Christ was crucified and buried – see the place of the Golgatha, where the 3 crosses stood, a good thief and a bad thief to each side of Jesus. See the Anointing Stone where Jesus was taken down from the Cross and His body was washed and anointed with oils. See the Tomb Stone of Jesus, where He was buried and from where He rose again on the third day.  After lunch, proceed to Mt Zion and then see the Upper Room / Cenacle where Jesus established the Eucharist. It is also the place where all the Apostles and Mother Mary gathered on the day of Pentecost. Walk down to King David’s Tomb. Then we visit the Church of Dormizion and then the church of St. Peter Gallicantu. Visit Caiaphas’s prison and the sacred pit where Jesus was imprisoned for one night.

Overnight stay in Bethlehem (B D)

Today we will drive to the Allenby Bridge along the Jericho Road, which Jesus mentioned in the parable of the Good Samaritan. After immigration and other formalities, drive to Amman International Airport for departure to Australia.

Overnight in Transit (B)