Led by:  Drs. John & Patrice Fischer

 

Guide:  Keren Hananel

 

 

 

Thursday, June 8:  Depart for Israel

 

Friday, June 9:  Arrival Ben Gurion airport.  (4:20 P.M.)

Introduction to Israel as we approach Jerusalem from the south much like the ancient pilgrims on their aliyah to the city, viewing the city from the Talpiot/Haas Promenade.  We hear the role of the Hill of Evil Counsel in modern Jewish history. We settle in for Shabbat, and have a quiet post-dinner walk around the neighborhood.

            Transfer to Kings Hotel.

            Dinner at hotel

            Overnight:  Kings Hotel.

 

Saturday, June 10:  Breakfast (Departure time: 10:00 A.M.)

Shabbat in Jerusalem begins with a visit to the Citadel Museum, an excellent historical overview of Israel and an informative experience. We then go to Miriamne's Tomb--which accurately captures the setting of Yeshua's grave--where we get a fresh and special perspective of Yeshua's resurrection. After lunch we do a walking tour of the Jerusalem suburbs of Yemin Moshe reflecting the history of Jerusalem. After havdalah, we stroll on our own on Ben Yehuda plaza as we watch Jerusalem come alive. Afterward we get to take in the acclaimed sound and light show that night at the Citadel.

            Lunch on own         

            Dinner at hotel

            Overnight: Kings Hotel

 

Sunday, June 11: Breakfast (Departure time: 8:00 A.M.)

We begin the day at Qumran, the site of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the Dead Sea Scrolls.Then we leave for Bereshit camel ranch with its amazingly large and beautiful Bedouin tent where the Bedouins host the guests in accordance with all the ceremonies of their traditions (as they were in Abraham's time), accompanied by traditional music.  A traditional Bedouin feast of platters of lamb, rice and other delicacies will be served.  For the brave, there will be a camel ride.

            Lunch on own

            Dinner at hotel

            Overnight: Kings Hotel

 

Monday, June 12: Breakfast (Departure time: 8:00 A.M.)

Depart for the Galil via Jericho and later past Mt. Tabor (the Mount of Transfiguration and site of other biblical events).  We explore the impressive excavations at Bet Shean and then visit the ancient synagogue at Bet Alpha.  Afterward we swim at the national park at Sachne and then visit Gideon’s Spring, ending the day at Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee.

            Lunch on own

            Dinner at the hotel

            Overnight: Tiberias.

 

Tuesday, June 13: Breakfast (Departure time: 7:30 A.M.)

We drive to the Upper Galilee stopping at the newly discovered synagogue at Magdala. Afterword, we visit Capernaum and its impressive synagogue built on top of the one where Yeshua taught. Then we continue past the Mount of Beatitudes. Then to the Golan Heights and the Gadot lookout where we learn the story of Eli Cohen.  Next we're off to the beautiful, historic Banias.  We learn the Tel Chai story as we travel by way of Hazor to Safed -- the city of mystics -- and explore its ancient synagogues and shop on its quaint streets.

            Lunch on own

            Dinner at hotel

            Overnight: Tiberias

 

Wednesday, June 14:  Breakfast (Departure time: 8:00 A.M.)

We begin the day by sailing the Sea of Galilee, beginning at Tiberias and docking at Kibbutz Nof Ginnosaur, home of the "Jesus boat".  We travel to the important archaeological dig in Tziporri, one of the most significant and breath-taking cities in the Galil. Then we stop at the historic and prophetic Megiddo. We conclude the afternoon at Herod's amazing port city of Caesarea. Afterword we drive to Tel Aviv where we enjoy the city's night life.

            Lunch on own

            Dinner at hotel

            Overnight: Tel Aviv

 

Thursday, June 15:  Breakfast (Departure time 9:00 A.M.)

We begin the day with a stirring experience at Independence Hall. Then we visit the always interesting Diaspora Museum as we walk through the centuries of Jewish history.  We return to Tel Aviv in time to spend some beach time on the Mediterranean Sea.

            Lunch on own at museum

            Dinner at hotel

            Overnight: Tel Aviv

 

Friday, June 16:  Breakfast (Departure time: 7:00 A.M.)

We begin the day at the Palmach museum walking through the events that led to the miracle of modern Israel. Then as we return to Jerusalem we do a bus tour of the city, stopping for lunch and a visit at Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem's famous outdoor marketplace. We get back "home" in time to welcome Shabbat at the Wall.

            Special Bedouin lunch

Dinner at hotel

            Overnight: Kings Hotel

 

Saturday, June 17:  Breakfast (Departure time: 8:00 A.M.)

In the morning, we explore Masada (the stronghold of Herod the Great and the Zealots) including a discussion on the relevance of the site today.  Then we're off to swim in the Dead Sea at the beautiful Ein Gedi Spa.  We return to Jerusalem for dinner and Havdalah. Then we get to witness Jerusalem come alive after Shabbat at the Ben Yehuda Mall.

            Lunch on own at Spa

            Dinner at hotel

            Overnight: Kings Hotel

 

Sunday, June 18:  Breakfast (Departure time: 10:00 A.M.)

We visit the Israel Museum, including a guided tour by the curator of the Shrine of the Book--which displays some of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls-- and of the Holy Land Model of Jerusalem.

            Lunch on own         

            Dinner at hotel

            Overnight: Kings Hotel

 

Monday, June 19:  Breakfast (Departure time: 7:00 A.M.)

We start the day at the Temple Mount. Then we explore the centrality of Jerusalem to the three great monotheisms.  We will see the historic sites housed by the Sisters of Zion Convent (Struthion Pool, Lithostratos, and Praetorium), St. Ann's Church (pool of Bethesda) and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (the site of Yeshua’s execution and burial) and the historical excavations below the Church of the Redeemer. After a rooftop view of the Old City of Jerusalem, we visit First and Second Temple sites such as Hezekiah’s broad wall, the ancient cardo and then Burnt House and the remains of the destruction of Jerusalem found there. Afterward we look into the future with a glimpse of the "Third Temple" at the Temple Institute.

            Lunch on own

            Dinner at hotel

            Overnight: Kings Hotel

 

Tuesday, June 20: Breakfast (Departure time: 8:30 A.M.)

We start the day at the amazing City of David site, including the recently unearthed remains at David's palace.  We continue our morning at Hezekiah’s tunnel and the recently excavated Pool of Siloam, an important First and Second Temple location.  Then we move through the newly discovered, ancient dry tunnel route to the sites of the impressive Southern Wall excavations and also the beautiful Herodian Mansions. We conclude the day in the impressive and significant Western Wall tunnels.

 

            Lunch on own

            Dinner at hotel

            Overnight: Kings Hotel

 

Wednesday, June 21: Breakfast (Departure time: 7:30 A.M.)

We begin the day at the Valley of the Destroyed Communities at Yad Vashem, continuing to the Museum and the Children’s Memorial.  Then we travel to Ne'ot Kedumim to view and learn the historical role of the biblical flora and fauna there. We'll conclude our time there with a tree-planting ceremony. Afterward, we’re off to the Ayalon Institute, the site of a most amazing story of the War of Independence. Afterward, we stop at Herodyon, the awesome mountain "palace" Herod built and the site of his tomb, before returning to Jerusalem.

            Lunch on own

            Dinner at the hotel

            Overnight: Kings Hotel

 

Thursday, June 22: Breakfast (Departure time: 8:00 A.M.)

"Dig for a Day" in the footsteps of Bar Kochba.  After an introduction to the techniques of excavation, participants will descend to the Hellenistic underground complex and take part in the actual dig.  Bar Kochba caves will be explored in the Beit Guvrin area -- a hands-on experience.  We will conclude with a visit to the Sidonian graves and the beautiful bell caves.  We return to Jerusalem via Mt. Scopus and the Mt. of Olives for a scenic overlook of, and reflection about, Jerusalem. 

 

            Lunch on own

            Dinner at hotel

            Overnight: Kings Hotel

 

Friday, June 23: Breakfast (Departure time: 8:00 A.M.)

            We start the day at the Tomb of David--the site of Yeshua's Last Passover and the location of a 1st Century Messianic Synagogue.  The afternoon is free for leisure and last-minute shopping.

            Lunch on own

            Dinner at hotel

            Depart for airport:

 

Saturday, June 24: Departure

                         

 

NOTE:  In addition to the daily teaching by the guide and the Drs. Fischer at the tour sites, there are nightly debriefing sessions.