Fly from the USA to Tel Aviv, Israel. 

Arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel at Ben Gurion International Airport. We will meet our local guide and transfer to the hotel in Netanya. 

Netanya is a city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Here we will eat dinner and overnight.

Today we drive to Caesarea to see the Roman ampitheatre, inlcuding port, crusader wall, the Pontius Pilate Stella and aqueduct. 

The Caesarea Ampitheatre in Israel was designed for various forms of entertainment, including gladiatorial contests, chariot races, and theatrical performances. With its impressive architectural features, including seating for thousands of spectators, a central arena, and elaborate underground chambers, the ampitheatre showcases the opulence and sophistication of Roman engineering and culture during its time.

The Crusader Wall is a a testament to the enduring traditions of Christ and the Christian faith. It stands as a physical remnant of the Crusaders’ efforts to protect and defend the holy sites. Today, it serves as a powerful symbol of the Christian heritage in Israel, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its rich history and the traditions of Christ  that it represents.

We will drive inland to visit the Muhraka Carmelite Monastery in the beautiful Mt. Carmel. While exploring the monastery we will review the powerful moment where Elijah called down fire from Heaven. This opportunity will allow oneself to embrace the profound spirituality that has been cherished in this holy place for generations. 

To end our day of touring, we will visit the infamous little town of Nazareth. We will walk the streets of the recreated Nazareth Village of the 1st century. If there’s time, the church of the Annunciation.

Dinner and overnight in Galilee. 

We will begin our day at the Mount Transfiguration. This place stands as a testament to the enduring traditions of Christ. This holy place offers a spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims and travelers. It is a place where visitors can connect with the profound heritage of Christian traditions in Israel. 

After our time at Mount Transfiguration we will move to the Mount of Beatitudes. The Mount of Beatitudes in Israel is a revered site deeply rooted in the traditions of Christ. This historic mountain, overlooking the Sea of Galilee, holds profound religious significance. It is traditionally believed to be the location where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. 

We will eat a schwarma lunch in Magdala before heading to Tabgha. In Tabgha we will see the Church of Multiplication (loaves and fishes) or feeding of the 5,000. Next will be Peter’s Primacy.

Peter’s Primacy, a significant Christian tradition in Israel, revolves around the belief that this is where Peter was told by Jesus to “feed my sheep.” Traditionally, Capernaum is regarded as the place where Jesus affirmed Peter’s role as the leader of his disciples. This tradition stems from the New Testament and is closely tied to the biblical city of Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. 

We will visit the city of Capernaum following the site of Peter’s Primacy. Capernaum is well known as the city where Jesus preformed the majority of his miracles. At least the miracles that have been recorded by his disciples.

Finish the day with an optional swim in the Galilee Sea before dinner.

Overnight in Galilee.

We will have a boat ride on the beautiful Sea of Galilee before visiting Yardinet. Yardinet is believed to be the modern location where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. Pilgrims and visitors come to Yardinet to partake in baptismal ceremonies, reenacting the sacred tradition of Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River.

We will stop for lunch as we journey to the Dead Sea. We will have an opportunity to enjoy a sunset float on the world’s lowest elevation and the slatiest lake on earth. Our hotel is located on the shores of the Dead Sea. There we will have dinner and overnight.

Guests have the opportunity for a sunrise float on the Dead Sea. 

We will formally begin the day at Masada, an ancient fortress built by Herod. This fortress overlooks the Dead Sea on a high plateau. It is famously associated with the Jewish Revolt against Roman rule in the 1st century CE. Although it predates the traditions of Christ, the site represents the resilience and determination of the Jewish people in the face of adversity.

From the road we will stop to see the caves at Qumram where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of Jewish texts dating back to the Second Temple period. These scrolls contained biblical texts and other ancient records that have helped to shed light on Christianity as a whole. 

After our stop at the caves, we will continue on to Jerusalem. Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world. Uniquely, it is considered holy to 3 Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Today we explore the newly excavated City of David and the archaeological dig site. This site is associated with King David and serves as a living testament to the enduring traditions of Christ and the roots of Christianity. The site features archaeological excavations that unearth ancient artifacts, structures, and historical evidence, connecting visitors to the biblical narrative. 

At the site we will see Hezekiah’s tunnel. This tunnel dates back about 2,700 years and was built to bring water into the city of Jerusalem during the Assyrian invasion. For those who would like to, you can actually walk the tunnel. Head lamps, shorts, and water shoes are recommended for this miniature trek. We then will visit the Western Wall Tunnels for a journey through time as we view the depths of Jerusalem. 

As for the later half of our day, we will visit St. Anne’s Church. St. Anne’s is believed to be the site where the Virgin Mary was born, making it a focal point for Christian’s seeking to connect with the traditions of Christ and the holy lineage of Jesus. 

Finally a visit to the Pools of Bethesda and Templar Church. 

Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Today we will have a tour of the Old City; the Cardo. 

Highlights of the Cardo we will be visiting include: the Madaba mosaic replica, Jersualem 1st temple period (wall), Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall, South Temple Arhaeological Park, Temple Mount, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Dome of the Rock.

We will eat lunch in the Christian Quarter before seeing the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This is traditional site for the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ. It is an important site to the Knight’s Templar and one of the reasons for the Crusades. 

Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

We will spend our day in Bethlehem (which means “House of Bread”).

We begin with a walk down Star Street to the Church of the Nativity. This is the sacred site revered for being the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ. After exploring the site, we will move past the Chapel of Milk Grotto.

The Chapel of the Milk Grotto, located in Bethlehem, Israel, is a cherished Christian site steeped in traditions. This sacred chapel is believed to be the spot where the Holy Family sought refuge during the Flight to Egypt. According to tradition, while Mary was nursing the infant Jesus, a drop of her milk fell onto the grotto’s stone, turning it white.

We will enjoy lunch at the Shepard’s Tent before departing Bethlehem. We will drive by the Herodain  — another one of Herod’s monumental construction projects. We will stop by at Kathisma on the way back to Jerusalem and learn of its significance to Mary, the mother of Jesus. 

Tonight is the beginning of Shabbat. Anyone interested can walk from the hotel to the Western Wall to experience the welcoming in of the Holy day with the Jewish people. Men will need a head covering.

Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

We observe the Sabbath on Saturday while in Jerusalem. So today we will have an opportunity to have sacrament meeting at the BYU Jerusalem Center. 

We will try to make this Sabbath day sacred as we visit many sites of that caliber. These sites will include the Room of the Last Supper, St. Peter Gallicantu, Caiaphas Palace, the Garden Tomb, Orson Hyde Park, Garden of Gethsemane, and the Church of all Nations. 

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Free day in Jerusalem. If you would like time for shopping, or exploring the Old City, walking the walls of visiting the Holocaust museum — today is free for you to choose what you would like to do. Our guide will have suggestions of optional places to visit. Israel Tour only guests will depart for the airport in the evening for an early morning flight (Mon. Nov 14) concluding your Traditions of Christ in Israel tour. 

Those who are staying for the Jordan Extension will overnight in Jerusalem.