12-Day Israel & Jordan Tour

Tour #18024 - November 18-29, 2007

Sunday, 18 November

Enroute

Flight to Tel Aviv, Israel.

Welcome to Israel!

Upon our arrival into Ben Gurion International we be will be met and transferred to our first class hotel in Tel Aviv.

Here we will have a dinner and a good nights rest.

Overnight, Tel Aviv.

Qumran

Fortress at Massada

Monday, 19 November

Tel Aviv / Qumran / Massada / Eilat

Today we will head southwards for a relaxing day at the Dead Sea.

We will stop first in Qumran which is 10 miles from Jericho to see where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. In 1947 two Bedouin shepherds accidentally came across a clay jar in a cave near Khirbet Qumran that contained seven parchment scrolls, the oldest documents of their kind. There were 24 books of the bible, except the book of Ester The largest of them was (the complete Isaiah Scroll in Hebrew, 7m. long).

Next we’ll take a cable car ride up to the top of Massada, sight of the Zealots last stand against the Romans in 73 C.E. Massada is set on an isolated cliff in the Judean Desert, Massada's steep slopes and precipices rise more than 400 meters above the Dead Sea, the lowest place in the world. During the Jewish rebellion against the Romans, erupted in 66 CE, a group of Zealots headed for Massada.

They knew that King Herod had built, about 100 years earlier, an impregnable fortress on its summit which he intended to use as a sanctuary in the event of an uprising. Although the mountain had natural fortifications, Herod built a wall around the entire summit. This was a tremendous undertaking, since the summit was 600 meters long and 300 meters across at its center. When Jerusalem fell four years later (70 CE) the survivors fleeing the capital and some Essenes from Qumran joined the Zealots fortified there.

We’ll then continue on to Dead Sea where we can float in the buoyant waters.

We will continue driving through the desert south to Eilat on the Red Sea. King Solomons Pillars is located at Eliat.

Overnight, Eilat

Tuesday, 20 November

Eilat / Arava Border Crossing / Petra

After breakfast we’ll cross the Arava Border to Jordan.

Drive north to the ancient city of Petra.

The region is known in various translations of The Bible as Idumea (Isaiah 34:5-6, Ezekiel 35:15), "the field of Edom" (Genesis 32:3), "the land of Edom" (Genesis 36:16). Also, because it is, in part, mountainous, it was also known as "the mountains of Esau" or "the mountain of Seir" (Obadiah 1:8,9,19,21). The southern part of Edom was known as Teman. Sela, more popularly known by the Greek name Petra, is within Edom (2 Kings 14:7). One of its rock-carved faces is seen in the photograph. The capital was of Edom was Bozrah (Isaiah 63:1). The earlier inhabitants of the land were Horites, but they were driven out by the Edomites (Deuteronomy 2:12). Edomite tribes settled also in the south of Judah, like the Kenizzites (Genesis 36:11), from whom Caleb and Othniel descended (Joshua 15:17).

Although the Edomites were closely related in blood and in language to the Israelites, they were at times in a state of war with the neighboring Kings of Israel and Judah (2 Kings 8:20, 2 Chronicles 28:17). The Edomites refused a request by Moses for the Israelites to simply pass directly through Edomite territory on their way north (Numbers 20:14-21). The territory was conquered by King David (2 Samuel 8:14, 1 Kings 9:26), and in later years by Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:11-12), but they regained their independence and again made war against Judah. The Edomites sided with the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar when they conquered Judah and devastated Jerusalem but later the Edomites were themselves conquered by the Babylonians (Jeremiah 27:3-6). There are many prophecies concerning Edom: Isaiah 34:5-6; Jeremiah 49:7-18, Ezekiel 25:13 and 35:1-15, Joel 3:19, Amos 1:11, Obadiah 1:1-21, Malachi 1:3-4.

Overnight Petra.

Wednesday, 21 November

Petra / Amman

In the morning we start our journey to the North of the Nabatean city of Petra.

Visit Karak a crusader fortress which lends a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.

Afterwards we’ll proceed to Machaerus, which is the place where the Jewish historian Josephus Flavius says that John the Baptist was executed. This hill-top fortress was first fortified by the Hasmonean ruler Alexander Janneus and was later fortified by King Herod.

Visit the ancient city of Madaba, the city of mosaics, known especially for its stunning 6th century mosaic of Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

We will stop at Mount Nebo, the traditional resting place of Moses. Then we’ll proceed to Amman, Jordan’s capital.

Overnight, Amman.

Amman

Capernaum

Thursday, 22 November

Amman / Tiberias

Today we leave Jordan and travel to the Holy Land.

We will stop in Jerash, whose ruins lie in the mountains of Gilead, is one of the best preserved examples of a provincial Roman town in all of Jordan.

Our archeological journey continues to Pella, where excavations have revealed an ancient Canaanite temple.

We’ll travel next to Gadara, an ancient city of the Decapolis, which were 10 cities originally inhabited by Greek people who settled in the region after the conquest of Alexander the Great. Gadara is the site of one of the most famous healings of Jesus’ ministry, sending the demons of a man into a swine. Jesus and His disciples crossed the lake, apparently from the "Sower's Cove" near Capernaum, to the southeastern shore of the lake, presumably landing at or near the harbor for the city of Gadara (Matt 13:53; 8:24-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25). In Matthew's account (Matt 8:28), the demon-possessed men Jesus delivered were "of the country of the Gadarenes." This miracle further demonstrated His person and power for His disciples, who earlier had been faced with the Pharisees' charge that the deliverance from demons in Capernaum depended on Satan's power (Matt 12:24).

We will then continue on our journey by crossing the King Hussein Bridge, so named for the King of Jordan dedicated to achieving peace in the Middle East.

Then we’ll proceed to our hotel on the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias. vernight, Tiberias.

Tabgha

Beit Shean

Friday, 23 November

Sea of Galilee / The Foot-Steps of Jesus

After breakfast we’ll depart for Tiberias where we’ll take a morning Boat Tour of the north shore of the Sea of Galilee.

We’ll visit Migdal, the home of Mary Magdalene and see the “Jesus Boat” at Kibbutz Nof Ginosar.

We’ll then drive the plain of Ginosar to Tabgha where Jesus “multiplied the loaves and fish.”

Next on our stop is the Mount of Beatitudes for Worship. The traditional site where Jesus preached His Sermon on the Mount. (Matt 5-7).

We’ll proceed to the basalt synagogue at Chorazin to see bwhere Jesus taught and see the “Seat of Moses.”

We’ll also view the Natural Amphitheater where Jesus also taught, we’ll visit Capernaum (Luke 4), home of the synagogue of Jesus’ ministry and miracles. We will stand in what is left of the synagogue in which our Lord ministered.

Next we’ll cross the Jordan River for a time of spiritual blessing and visit Bethsaida, home of Peter, Andrew, James and John.

Explore the excavations of Beit Shean,

We’ll also see the Decapolis and Kursi where Jesus cast the demons out of a man into a heard of swine.

We’ll then visit Zippori (Sepphoris), the Roman capital of the Galilee in Jesus’ day where Jesus attended school.

Then it’s on to Cana, the site of Jesus’ first miracle of changing water into wine (John 2).

After touring return to your hotel.

Overnight, Tiberias.

Golan Heights

Saturday, 24 November

Hula Basin / Upper Galilee / Golan

This morning we’ll pass ancient Hazor through the Hula Basin, known in the Old Testament as the Waters of Merom.

We’ll hike in the Dan Nature Preserve and view the rushing Headwaters of the Jordan River.

We’ll then visit the Dan of the Old Testament, known as the “Hill of the Judge” to explore the incredible excavations and altar where the golden calf was worshipped by Israel under King Jereboam.

From there we’ll take a bus to Caesarea Philippi where Peter said to Jesus “You are the Christ, the Son of the Livning God.” (Matt 16:13-17).

Next we’ll drive to the Golan Heights where we’ll overlook the Jordan Valley and learn about the Golan Arab/Israel conflict (1948-1967).

We’ll then go to Mount Hermon where our Lord was Transfigured (Matt 17:1-9) and drive along the ancient Damascus Road.

Next we’ll visit Qazrin and its reconstructed New Testament village.

Next we’ll ascend the Golan and then descend via the winding road of the Yarmuk River to the shores of the Sea of Galilee to our hotel.

Overnight, Tiberias.

Nazareth

Caesarea

Emek Yezreel

Jaffa from above

Sunday, 25 November

Tiberias / Jerusalem

Today we start our journey from the Galilee to Jerusalem.

First we will stop in Nazareth the boyhood home of Jesus (Luke 2).

We’ll travel to Meggido, the site of 21 battles from the Old Testament and where it says in the Book of Revelation chapter 16, the final battle between good and evil will take place. Here we’ll also get to explore Canaanite ruins and the “Chariot Cities” of Kings Solomon and Ahab.

From there we’ll drive to Mount Carmel and Muhraka to witness the location of Elijah’s contest with Jezebel’s false prophets of Ba’al. The place where Elijah prayed down fire from heaven and defeated the 450 prophets of Baaal (1 Kings 18).

After a drought of three years, Elijah presented himself to Ahab, the king of Israel, with the promise that the Lord would provide rain. Elijah then challenged 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah to a contest on Mount Carmel. "Elijah came to all the people, and said, 'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.' But the people answered him not a word.'" (1 Kings 18:21). Each side made sacrifices to their God without building a fire. The lighting of the fire was to be performed by the strongest god, and would thus reveal Jehovah as the true God. Baal was silent. Elijah mocked the prophets of Baal and said, "Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened" (1 Kings 18:27). Elijah poured a large amount of water over his sacrifice and asked Jehovah to reveal Himself by consuming the sacrifice. "Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench" (1 Kings 18:38). When the people saw the clear victory of Jehovah, they fell on their faces and said, "The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!"

Here we’ll be able to view the Jezreel Valley. All nations will gather here in the battle of Armageddon (Zech. 11-14; Rev. 16:14-21). The Jezreel Valley is often thought of as one great valley, it is actually a series of valleys that connects the Plain of Acco with the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee region. The valley of Megiddo, for example, is in the western portion of this valley. The Jezreel Valley was the main route across the Holy Land between the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the Jordan Valley to the east. The major highway connecting Egypt and Mesopotamia passed through this valley, and many battles were fought here (Judg. 1:22-27; 5:19; 2 Kgs. 23:29-30). The great last conflict in this land begins with the battle of Armageddon, which will be fought shortly before the Second Coming of the Savior; it takes its name from Har Megiddo, or Mountain of Megiddo (Ezek. 38; Joel 3:9-14; Zech. 14:2-5; Rev. 16:14-16).

We will then continue northwards up the Mediterranean coast.

We’ll visit ancient Caesarea, site of Paul and Peter’s experiences on the Mediterranean Coast. It is here that that Cornelius the Centurion and his household were saved and baptized (Acts 10) and where Paul made his first defense before Festus and King Agrippa (Acts 25 and 26).

Then we visit in the 5000 year old port city of Jaffa/Joppa. Here Jonah sought to escape God’s call (Jonah 1) and Peter had his rooftop vision (Acts 10) before his call to Caesarea.

We will drive up to Jerusalem.

Overnight, Jerusalem.

Holy City of Jerusalem

Mount of Olives

Gethsemane

Mount Zion

Kidron Valley

Wailing Wall/Temple Area

Monday, 26 November

The Holy City of Jerusalem

From the Mount of Olives (2nd Samuel 15 and Luke 19) we head for the Kidron Valley located on the eastern edge of Jerusalem, between the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives.

Many important events of biblical history occurred in the Kidron Valley. In the Old Testament, King David crossed the Kidron Valley to escape his wicked son Absalom (2 Samuel 15:23-30). The Kidron Valley is also where King Asa burned the pagan idols and asherah poles (1 Kings 15:13) and where the evil Athaliah was executed (2 Kings 11:16). It became a major cemetery as far back as King Josiah (2 Kings 23:6). In the New Testament, Jesus traveled from Jerusalem to Bethany through the Kidron Valley to visit Lazarus and raise him from the dead (John 11 and John 12). Jesus also rode the foal of a donkey up the Kidron Valley from the Mount of Olives through the gates of Jerusalem during his “Triumphal Entry” ( Luke 19:28-44). A few days later, after the “Last Supper” with his disciples, Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley to go pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he was ultimately arrested (John 18:1-11). ) the Temple Area, (Matthew saying Jesus”entered the Temple AREA” (Matt 21:12). The Temple building itself, for worshiping, also stood within these four walls) and The Holy City.

Descending the Mount of Olives by the path of Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into the Kidron Valley, visit Garden of Gethsemane (John 18) discussing Jesus’ suffering and his “Passion Week.” Before us is the Golden Gate of the Temple Area, as when Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24.

The Golden Gate, which is unusual in that it is sealed so that no one can pass through it today, was originally built around 640 CE by either that last of the Byzantine rulers or the earliest Arab conquerors. In this photo you can see some of the many graves that surround the city walls of Jerusalem.

Of the eleven gates in the walls surrounding Jerusalem's Old City, only seven are open and this one cannot even be seen from the inside. Why is the gate sealed? Jewish tradition has it that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem via this gate when he comes, so Muslims during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566) sealed this gate to keep him out).

We’ll then visit the House of Caiphas, (This picture is of the steps which led to the house of Caiaphas in which Jesus was kept the night after He was arrested (Matt 26:57, John 18).) the place of Jesus’ early trials when Peter denied Him. We’ll then view the Valley of the Cheesemaker, the Valley of Hinnon, the Field of Blood, where Judas took his life, Gehennah, and the Ophel, King David’s capital city.

We’ll then visit Mount Zion, including a visit to David’s Tomb and the Upper Room, (Luke 22) the traditional site of Jesus’ last Passover meal, or the Lord’s Supper.

We’ll then enter the city through Jaffa Gate and visit the Citadel Museum of Herod’s Palace at “David’s Tower.”

In the afternoon drive to Bethlehem (Luke 12), Shepherds fields.

Overnight, Jerusalem.

David's Citadel	The Upper Room
Golden Gate	Steps to the House of Caiaphas

Pool of Bethesda

Calvary

Garden Tomb - outside

Garden Tomb - inside

Tuesday, 27 November

Jerusalem - Old City

Today we’ll discover more of the Old City of Jerusalem.

First we’ll explore the Rabbinical Tunnels behind the Western Wall.

We’ll then see the Temple Mount.

Visit the Lions’ Gate and the Pool of Bethesda (John 5). This is the "exact" location where Jesus healed the man at the waters of the Pool of Bethesda. The story is found in John 5.

We’ll then visit the Tower of Antonia (John 18). the Praetorium, and Pilate’s Judgement Hall. Here our Lord was tried by Pilate, beaten by the Roman Cohort, and took up His Cross for Calvary. Here you will also see the games of the soldiers still etched in its stone floor. The Ecce Homo begins the traditional Via Dolorosa leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Visit the Jewish Quarter including the Cardo, the Temple Institute, the Herodian Quarter, the Burnt House, and Nehemiah’s Wall (Nehemiah chapter 1, 2, and 3).

Afterwards we’ll explore the Southern Wall Excavations and depart the old city by the Dung Gate.will conclude the day with a Special Service at the Garden Tomb (John 19:41) tells that this tomb was in a garden.

You will also experience the exhilaration and reality of the resurrection at the Garden Tomb (Luke 23).

Overnight, Jerusalem.

Temple Mount	Nechemia's Wall
Church of the Holy Sepulchre	Dung Gate

Menorah

Wednesday 28 November

Jerusalem - New City

This morning we’ll be exploring the New City of Jerusalem.

First we’ll visit the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, and the Bronze Menorah in front of the building.

See the Model of First Century Jerusalem and the Shrine of the Book (Dead Sea Scrolls) exhibits at the Israel Museum.

We’ll finish our day with a visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and museum.

Overnight, Jerusalem

Thursday, 29 November

Departure Tel Aviv to London

We head back to the airport to board our flight back to London.

Pastors, Tour/Group Leaders, and Educators: Please contact us by email or by phone: 800 801 4795 for the Trip of a lifetime!