First Presbyterian Colorado Springs Israel Itinerary

Day 3, April 4 – Caesarea | Mt. Carmel | Tiberias

After our morning orientation, we set out along the coastal road to Caesarea where Peter shared the gospel with Cornelius and where Paul was imprisoned while awaiting his appearance before Felix and Festus. We visit the Roman theater and harbor and Herod the Great’s palace. From the coast, we move inland to Mt. Carmel where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. We take in the magnificent site of the Jezreel Valley and the hills of Galilee. This evening we arrive at our hotel on the Sea of Galilee. (B, D)

Day 4, April 5 – Sea of Galilee | Mount of Beatitudes | Tabgha | Capernaum & Baptismal Site

Today we sail across the Sea of Galilee, pausing in the middle of the lake to remember the One who stilled the wind and waves. Then we visit the “Jesus” boat that dates back to the days of his ministry. Continuing around the lake, we visit the Church of the Beatitudes and listen anew to the words of Jesus. After lunch, we visit Tabgha where Jesus fed the 5,000 and then continue to the geographic center of Jesus’ ministry, Capernaum, and the synagogue where he worshiped and prayed. Our day concludes on the bank of the Jordan River where we remember our baptism. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Tiberias. (B, L, D)

Day 5, April 6 – Nazareth  |  Cana  |  Megiddo

This morning we journey to Cana where Jesus performed his first sign of turning water into wine and joined in a wedding celebration. We pause to renew our weddings vows before traveling to Nazareth, the home town of Jesus. We visit the Church of Gabriel as we hear once again the angel’s divine message to The Virgin Mary. Setting off to Megiddo we enjoy lunch and then take in the panoramic view of the Megiddo valley and visit the stables of Solomon. Late afternoon, we make our ascent to the Holy City of Jerusalem for our overnight. (B, D)

Day 6, April 7 –  Mt. of Olives | Israel Museum | Jerusalem Model | Shrine of the Book | Bethlehem

We start our day with an overview of Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives, then to the Israel Museum, where we view a detailed, scaled model of ancient Jerusalem. We also examine the Dead Sea Scrolls, many containing the oldest known surviving remnants of Scripture. Following lunch, we journey to the town of Jesus’ birth, Bethlehem. After visiting the Shepherds’ Field and singing Christmas carols, we tour the Church of the Nativity to remember the birth of our Savior and celebrate the good news of great joy. (B, D)

Day 7, April 8 – Masada | Ein Gedi | Caves of Qumran | Dead Sea

Our first stop is the oasis of Ein Gedi where we recall the life of David and read from the Psalms. En route, we point out the caves of Qumran where a shepherd boy discovered the Dead Sea scrolls. From there we journey to Masada, the refuge of the Jews during the Roman invasion. The day ends with an opportunity to float in the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, and a visit to the Wadi Qelt, scene of the valley of the shadow, before returning to Jerusalem for overnight. (B, D)

Day 8, April 9 – Temple Mount | Western Wall | Jewish Quarter

We begin our day at the Temple Excavations of the Jerusalem Archaeological Park and stand on the stairs where Jesus taught during his final days. Afterwards we make our way to the Western/Wailing Wall and view this place of prayer as we offer our own prayers for the peace of Jerusalem. In the afternoon, we visit the Jewish Quarter and walk on the ancient Roman road. (B, D)

Day 9, April 10 – Free Day in Jerusalem

Spend a free day strolling through the streets of the Old City, reflecting on the sights and sounds of our journey. Or make your way through the waterway tunnel of King Hezekiah. Some may want to visit Yad Vashem for a remembrance of the Holocaust. Or, if conditions permit, visit the Temple Mount (B, D)

Day 10, April 11 – Jerusalem | Gethsemane | Via Dolorosa | Holy Sepulchre | Garden Tomb  

Beginning at the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of the Agony, we turn our attention to the passion of our Lord. From the Garden we enter the Lion’s Gate and walk the Via Dolorosa. We visit the Churches of the Flagellation and Condemnation, St. Anne’s Monastery, and the Pool of Bethesda, as well as the Stations of the Cross. After lunch, we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. We conclude our tour with a visit to the Garden Tomb where we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This will be a day long remembered! (B, D)

Day 11, April 12 – Tel Aviv to U.S.

We depart today from Tel Aviv, returning home with heightened wonder for the land where Jesus lived.