Nations For Zion Tour

April 30 – May 9, 2024

Following breakfast, meet the guide and driver and everyone on the group. Drive north along the Mediterranean coast and see the following:

Caesarea

Built by Herod and dedicated to Caesar Augustus 2,000 years ago and once the capital of Judea. Here, Paul embarked on his journey to Tarsus (Acts 9:30) and where Cornelius and his family (the first Gentile believers) lived. Caesarea is also where Pontius Pilate had his base. Explore the restored Roman amphitheater, with its acoustic and theatrical sound. It was used for many performances throughout the centuries, as well as today. See the excavated fortress and view the aqueduct, once used for conveying water to the city.

Megiddo

One of King Solomon’s fortified cities (1st Kings 9:15; 10:26), with the ruins of 20 levels of civilization. From the Books of Daniel and Revelation reveals the final Battle of Armageddon. Also view the Plains of Jezreel and the well-preserved water supply system.

Nazareth:

The location of the Grotto of the Annunciation and Church of St. Joseph. These churches are located over the traditional site where Mary and Joseph lived. See the ancient City Well, believed to be the site where Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary.

Cana:

The site where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding ceremony.

an open-air museum, which reconstructs and reenacts village life in the Galilee in the time of Jesus.

Afternoon/evening:

Conclude our day and drive through the Pastoral Hills of the Galilee and to our hotel in Tiberias for check-in. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and explore the City of Tiberias and its ambiance.

Overnight in Tiberias

After breakfast, start the day with the following visits:

Mount of Olives (bottom) – Garden of Gethsemane 

The urban garden, with thousands of year old trees, most famous for the site where Jesus prayed in many occasions and where He loved to be. He was also arrested at the site, when He was betrayed by one of His disciple Juda.  See the Church of All Nations, located in the rear of the garden. 

Dung Gate:

An entrance to the Old City, the Dung Gate is the entry point of the Western Wall promenade and the excavations of the Southern Wall. 

Southern Wall excavations:

In the 2nd Temple era, foreigners had to go through a ritual, prior to entering into the Temple. The rituals was, to get Baptized, in order to cleanse your body for spiritual purification. The Southern Wall area was also where a foreigner would change his coins to the local coins. This area also found the bridge, where local Israelites, including priests used to enter into the temple from City of David. They did not require to go through the ritual, as they immersed themselves in their homes prior to entering the Temple.

Western Wall:

Also known as The Wailing Wall or The Kotel in hebrew is an ancient limestone wall and is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. The wall is a relatively small segment of a far larger retaining wall. The wall was originally erected as part of the expansion of the Second Jewish Temple, built by Herod the Great. This was build on top of a steep hill known to Jews and Christians as the Temple Mount.

Western Wall Tunnels:

An incredible labyrinth of tunnels, arches, and passageways remained untouched for centuries. Inside, a most interesting model shows the different dwelling periods and history of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Begin at the passageways descending through the many layers of Jerusalem’s past at the time of the Temple through the Rabbinical Tunnels. It is believed by many the 10 commandments and many other important artifacts are buried beneath the rebel from the Second Temple period.

Pool of Bethesda

Located in the Christian Quarter to see the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a lame man (John 5).

Via Dolorosa:

Also known as The Stations of the Cross or Way of the Cross, which is where Jesus walked carrying a large wooden cross prior to His crucifixion. Along the Via Dolorosa, we will experience the colorful bazaars, alleyways and marketplaces (a chance to test our negotiating skills).

Church of the Holy Seplechre:

Believed by many Christian, this is the site of Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified and then resurrected.

Jewish Quarter (Old City):

Reconstructed after the city was unified at the conclusion of the Six-Day War in 1967. See the restored Jewish Quarter and its Cardo (meaning the heart), the unearthed main Roman thoroughfare and ancient marketplace lined with columns.

Afternoon/evening:

Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon bargaining with merchants at the old city. remember, whatever they say, it is 50% – 75% less. Return to our hotel for dinner.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

After breakfast at hotel. The following places to be visiting are:

Mt. Zion:

The site of the Upper Room or also know as “The Room of the Last Supper (Mark 14.13, Luke 22. 10-38, Matt 26 17-29, Acts 1.13). The tomb of King David is located one floor below.

House of Caiaphas:

The house of the high priest that interrogated Jesus. It was here, Jesus spent the night (at Caiaphas’s  basement), prior to His judgement the following day. 

Bethlehem:

Bethlehem is known for the site of the Nativity, where Mary conceived Jesus. Today, it is enclosed by the Church of the Nativity.

Garden Tomb:

It is also believed by many Christians, this was the site of Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. Enjoy a Communion at the gardens.

Afternoon/evening:

Return to hotel in Jerusalem for dinner.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

After an early breakfast, we journey south towards the Dead Sea. Start to descend to the lowest point on the surface of the earth at 1305 feet (398m) below sea level, as we get closer to the Dead Sea. The following places we visit will be:

Qumran caves (view only)

View the caves from a distance. This is the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a young shepherd. It is also believed, John the Baptist visited this place in many occasions. 

Journey further south to the Dead Sea resort of Ein Bokek. Arrive and check-in.

Masada

Ascend by cable car to the mountaintop plateau of Masada. Here, the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots struggled against the Romans. The Zealots held out for three years against the legions of Flavius Silva. They chose to die as free men at their own hands in preference to Roman slavery and torture.

Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi reserve is a Oasis in the desert. A short walk into the reserve, you will witness the spectacular waterfalls, gardens and caves. It is the site where David hid from Saul, as well as where most of the book of Psalms was written. Ein Gedi also has a beach facility on the Dead Sea, where we will spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Float and put the natural Dead Sea mud on your body or relax in the sulfur pools.  

Afternoon/evening:

Return back to Jerusalem and hotel, followed by dinner.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Breakfast at hotel, followed by visits to the following places:

City of David:

Inside, a breathtaking observation point overlooking Biblical Jerusalem, dating back 3,800 years in time to the days of Abraham, when the first foundations of the city were laid. The journey quickly heads underground to some of the newest archaeological excavations. Here, while exploring the recently excavated fortresses and passageways, visitors relive King David’s conquest of the Jebusite city as described in the 2nd Book of Samuel.

Israel Museum:

Israel Museum:

Shrine of the Book: One of the largest museum in Israel, holding the most significant artifacts of which is where the Old Testaments and New Testaments are viewed.

2nd Temple Model: The ancient city was then at its largest, covering an area of ca. 445 acres (more than twice the size of the Old City today). The date of the city was how it used to look like in 66 CE. In that fateful year, the Great Revolt against the Romans erupted, resulting in the destruction of the city and the Temple.

Genesis Land

Located in the Judean Wilderness, Abram and his family with host you for a biblical dinner under a tent. Enjoy a festive meal. Prior to dinner, a chance to hop on a camel for a camel safari in the wilderness. Of course it is optional – must register (additional cost).

Afternoon/evening:

Return to our hotel.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for departure back home with everlasting memories of Israel.

• Touring in a deluxe vehicle/motor-coach with a professional licensed driver
• A professional government licensed English speaking guide – hand picked
• Entrance fees to all sites and parks

• Meet and assist at Ben Gurion Airport
• Transfers on arrival from Ben Gurion Airport to hotel in Tel Aviv
• Transfers on departure from hotel in Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport

• Boat cruise on the Sea of Galilee
• Communion at the Garden Tomb
• Western Wall
• Temple Mount Tunnels
• City of David
• Cable car to Mt. Masada and the Dead Sea
• Float on the Dead Sea
• Porterage at airport
• Tips to guide and driver

• Lunch daily, other than mentioned
• Travel insurance = based on age and total cost
• (Optional) Camel safari in the Judean Wilderness – $35
• (Optional) Baptismal robes, locker, tower – $15
• Single room supplement – $728

• Tel Aviv

• City of David
• Israel Museum
• Mount of Olives
• Garden of Gethsemane
• Garden Tomb
• Mount Zion: Tomb of King David, Upper Room

• Qumran
• Masada
• Ein Gedi
• Genesis Land

• Magdalena (Migdal)
• Sea of Galilee cruise
• Mount of the Beatitudes
• Capernaum
• Tabgah
• Baptismal site at the Jordan River
• Beit Shean
• Megiddo
• Nazareth
• Cana

• Christian Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem
• Via Dolorosa
• Church of the Holy Seplechre
• Jewish Quarter
• Western Wall
• Rabbinical Tunnels
• Pool of Bethesda
• Temple Institute (time permitting)