Holy Land Israel Tour

Shalom and welcome to the Holy Land. This evening after arrival at Tel Aviv airport we will be transferred to our hotel in the area of Galilee. Evening we have a get together where we get to know the fellow group members. Enjoy time of bonding and knowing each other.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Tiberias.

After breakfast we drive to visit the famous Golan Heights for a breathtaking view of the whole area of the Sea of Galilee. Visit the village of Cana(John 2:1-11), where Jesus performed His first Miracle, changing water into wine at the wedding feast. Take an opportunity to taste and buy the famous Cana wine. Then on to Nazareth, the boyhood town of Jesus and home of Mary and Joseph and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation built over the grotto where Archangel Gabriel appeared to announce that she would bear a son, Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). We also stop by Joseph’s workshop.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Tiberias.

After breakfast get set to explore the charm and beauty of the blessed area of Galilee. We drive through the landscapes of Galilee to Capernaum – the center of Jesus’ ministry (Matt.8:5-13)where we visit the Synagogue and House of Peters Mother in law. We then stop at Tabgha – the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish, (Matt 14:15-20).We then visit the expressive Church of the Beatitudes, where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount(Matt 5:1-20).We make a brief halt at St.Peter’s house, the Church of Primacy of Peter and the place where Jesus bestowed St. Peter with His authority (Matthew 16-19). This is believed to be the place where Jesus dined with His disciples. The flat rock known as Mensa Christ or Christ’s table commemorates this event. Behind the church we get an opportunity to dip our feet in the Sea of Galilee.Laterwe proceed for a memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galileein a replica of a Galilean fishing boat of the time of Jesus. It was this sea where Jesus calmed the storm and walked on the water. The Lord also ministered in and around the Sea of Galilee.Later we drive to one of the best wineries in Northern Israel. We will have an opportunity to taste the wine and experience famous Wine tour. Deut 33:28 describes Israel as “a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew”
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Tiberias

After breakfast we ascend Mt.Tabor to visit the beautiful Church of Transfiguration (Mark 9:18).Enjoy a breathtaking view of the area from the balcony of the church.
travel towards the west. to Haifa, Israel’s largest port city, built on the slopes of Mt. Carmel. Visit the beautiful Persian Hanging Gardens for a breathtaking view of the city of Haifa and also the Bahai Shrine. We continue to Muhraqa, (1 Kings 18:20-40) the place of sacrifice and the site where Prophet Elijah defeated the false prophets of Ba’al. Later continue south to Tel Aviv, a vibrant modern city of Israel. Tel Aviv, often called “the city that never stops,” was the first modern Jewish city built in Israel, and is the country’s economic and cultural center. It is a lively, active city with beautiful beaches, entertainment, culture and art and festivals, Situated on a 14-kilometer-long strip on the Mediterranean seacoast, Tel Aviv extends beyond the Yarkon River to the north and the Ayalon River to the east. We drive to Jaffa, (Acts 9: 36-43 & 10:1-23). We then proceed to hotel in Bethlehem. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Bethlehem.

After breakfast we drive to Yad HaShmona a Biblical Village located on the Judean Mountains near Jerusalem. The village has a garden, which gives us a glimpse into the spiritual, physical, and agricultural world of the Jewish people in the land of the Bible. It displays a variety of biblical plants and trees as well as reconstructed facilities from biblical times. The Garden includes an ancient wine press, an olive oil press, a “Mikve” (ritual bath), a burial cave, an agricultural watchtower, a Galilean-type synagogue, and a Bedouin tent. Later proceed to visit Yad Vashem a heart touching memorial for the Holocaust which commemorates the persecution and genocide of 6 million Jews in Europe by Hitler during World War II. For lunchdrive to Bethlehem. The city islocated in the Judah province (Luke 2:15). It was here that the Angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds of Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod.
Here David tended his flocks until he was anointed King of Israel. Get a memorable chance to visit the Church of the Nativity-(the birthplace of Jesus).This church is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. Thereafter also visit the Manger Square, Shepherds field Crusaders Cloister Grotto of St.Jerome. Move to Shepherds Field where the shepherds got the good news of the birth of Jesus from the angels. Later visit a Christian Souvenir store to buy olive wood souvenirs from Bethlehem.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Bethlehem.

After breakfast we ascend the Mt. of Olives overlooking the Holy City of Jerusalem. Visit the Church of the Ascension, (Luke 24:50-51) which commemorates the ascent of Jesus to Heaven. The Pater Noster Church,(Matt 24:3) where according to tradition, is the cave where Jesus brought his disciples and spoke to them about the mystery of the end. It is also believed to be the place where Jesus gave the Lord’s Prayer to his disciples (Matt 6:9-13). We then walk down the Sunday Palm Road where we stop at the Chapel of Dominius Flevit, where Jesus wept over the imminent destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41- 44). The chapel is built in the shape of a tear as a reminder to this event. We then visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed while Judas betrayed him to the Romans (Luke 22:39-46).Take a look at Olive trees in the garden which are more than 100 years old. Visit the Basilica of the Agony (Church of all Nations), which stands out from afar. Proceed to Mt. Zion. Here we visit the Cenacle room of the Last Supper (Matt 26:17-29) and the Tomb of King David. This is also believed to be the place of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Later visit Jordan River and stop at Qasr Al Yahud (Matt.3:1317) the baptism site. We then descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth (1305 ft. below sea level). We make a brief stop at a private beach, and take the opportunity to float in the salty buoyant water, rich in minerals.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Bethlehem.

After breakfast we enter the old city walls and visit the Pools of Bethesda where Jesus healed the crippled man and then we visit the nearby Church of St.Annes, the traditional birthplace of Mary. We then start the Via Dolorosa (Way of Grief) (Mark 15:1-47), traditionally accepted as the last route trodden by Jesus. Follow the 14 Stations of the Cross to Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified marking significant events along the route. We will see the Pilate’s Judgment hall; the Chapel of the Flagellation where, according to tradition, the Roman soldiers scourged Jesus and placed a crown of thorns on His head. The last 5 Stations of the Cross are inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher built over the Golgotha, the place of crucifixion visible from the distance, with its two silver domes. We will also visit the Garden Tomb which is the empty tomb of Jesus. Lastly visit The Wailing Wall one of the holiest place for the Jewish. Take an opportunity to pray at the Wailing Wall. Evening transfer to Airport for our non-stop 8 hrs flight back to Mumbai on El Al Israel Airlines Dep 9 pm. Arrive Mumbai on 23 Sep at 8.30am.