Bob C. Ross Ministries Tour to Israel

Thursday January 25th

Enroute

Today we’ll leave Dallas/Fort Worth at 6:05pm onboard our flight to Atlanta. Flights from other cities can be arranged to meet our group flight in Atlanta.

We’ll then go through security and board our overnight flight to Israel.

Friday January 26th

Netanya

Welcome to Israel!

Upon our early evening arrival into Ben Gurion International we will be met and transferred to our hotel in Netanya.

Overnight, Grand Beach Hotel, Netanya.

Saturday January 27th

Coastal Route

After enjoying a delicious Israeli breakfast, we’ll drive northwards up the Mediterranean coast to the Galilee.

First we’ll visit ancient Caesarea, site of Paul and Peter’s experiences on the Mediterranean Coast.

From there we’ll visit Mount Carmel and Muhraka to witness the location of Elijah’s contest with Jezebel’s false prophets of Ba’al. Here we’ll be able to view the Jezreel Valley, hear an informative lecture, and worship.

We’ll then travel to Meggido, the site of 21 battles from the Old Testament and where it says in the Book of Revelation 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.

Driving through the Jezreel, we’ll pass Mount Moriah and Mt. Tabor, noting the town of Nain where Jesus raised the widow’s son to life and Ein Dor, where Saul visited the witch by night.

Next we’ll visit Nazareth, Jesus’ childhood home.

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

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

We’ll then descend to the Sea of Galilee to the beautiful Kibbutz Ma’agan on the south shore.

Overnight, Kibbutz Ma’agan, Galilee.

Sunday January 28th

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, Safed, known in the New Testament as the "city set on a hill," 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 Sunday Worship.

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

We’ll also view the Natural Amphitheater where Jesus also taught and enjoy a St. Peter’s Fish Lunch.

After lunch we’ll visit Capernaum, home of the synagogue of Jesus’ ministry and miracles.

Next we’ll cross the Jordan River and visit Bethsaida, home of Peter, Andrea, James and John.

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

A Baptism in the Jordan can be prearranged.

Overnight, Kibbutz Ma’agan, Galilee.

Monday January 29th

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.”

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 see Mt. Hermon where our Lord was Transfigured and drive along the ancient Damascus Road where Rabbi Saul met Jesus and accepted him as Savior and Lord.

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

We’ll then view a documentary at the Gamla Museum.

Next we’ll ascend the Golan and then descend via the winding road of the Yarmuk River to Ma’agan.

Overnight, Kibbutz Ma’agan, Galilee.

Tuesday January 30th

Galilee

This morning we’ll visit Gamla, known as the “Masada of the Galilee.” We’ll take a hearty climb through the ruins of the Israelite city which was destroyed by the Romans (others will meet us at the top with the bus).

We’ll then drive down the Jordan Valley to Beit Shean, an amazing New Testament Roman city with temples, baths, and a black basalt theater.

Next we’ll proceed to Mount Gilboa, the site of Saul and Jonathan’s death and visit Gideon’s Spring, where G-d chose Gideon’s troops.

We’ll pause then in the city of Jezreel, and through the valley where we will recall the fertility from the many almond trees in bloom.

Next we’ll visit Tiberias and return to our kibbutz for the evening.

Overnight, Kibbutz Ma’agan, Galilee.

Wednesday January 31st

Jordan Valley / Dead Sea

After breakfast we’ll drive down the Jordan Valley, with Jordan on our east and the Mountains of Samaria on our west, past the oasis of Old Testament Jericho where Joshua led Israel in the siege of the city, and down to the Dead Sea. This is the lowest place on Earth and the site where John was baptized in Jordan at the mouth of the Sea.

We will view and discuss the location of ancient Gilgal, Israel’s largest all Jewish city in history; on our right will be the awesome Wilderness of Judea.

Skirting the west side of the Dead Sea, we’ll note the cave where archeologist Vendyl Jones is excavating in search of the Ashes of the Red Heifer and Temple Treasures.

We will then visit Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a Bedouin boy. Our guide will share discoveries relating to Essene Qumran and our Jewish/Christian heritage.

We’ll overlook the ancient oasis of Ein Gedi (the Goat’s Rocks), where David hid from King Saul in the caves.

Arrangements can be made to hike up to Nahal David and taxi to our hotel. Others will go directly to our hotel, Novotel, for the evening.

Directly south is the area of Sodom and Gomorrah, and today’s Dead Sea mining operations.

Overnight, Novotel, Dead Sea.

Thursday February 1st

Wilderness of Judea / Massada

This morning we have the option to depart at daybreak and taxi to Massada to hike to the top.

The rest of us will take the bus to the cable car and ride to top at 8:00am or stay at the hotel to enjoy the spas. Massada is the most important mountain in Israel’s history. Learn the incredible story of the Jewish Freedom Fighters who held out against the Romans in 73A.D. The story of the struggle, the excavations, and the view from the top is one unforgettable highlight of our tour.

Skirting Jericho, we enter the wilderness of Judea and, if time permits, we will travel the winding road leading to Wadi Kelt and the “Valley of Death” of David’s 23rd Psalm.

We’ll then travel the ancient Jericho Road where we’ll view the traditional Inn of the Good Samaritan on our way to the Golden City, Jerusalem.

Overnight, Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem.

Friday February 2nd

The Holy City of Jerusalem

From the Mount of Olives our guide will share the geography and history of Jerusalem. This vivid lecture overlooks where it happened, the Kidron Valley, the Temple Area, and The Holy City.

Descending the Mount of Olives by the path of Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into the Kidron Valley, we worship in the lovely Garden of Gethsemane 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.

We’ll then visit the House of Caiphas, the place of Jesus’ early trials when Peter denied him and Jesus was “caned.”

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, the traditional site of Jesus’ last Passover meal, or the Lord’s Supper. Here the Risen Lord appeared to His disciples and in this area Pentecost began with the “mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire.”

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

Passing the Damascus Gate, we go to Gordon’s Calvary and the Garden Tomb, the most reliable site for Jesus’ Crucifixion, Burial, and Resurrection. In the Garden of Jesus’ Tomb we will worship and celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

If time permits, we will visit the Damascus Gate and museum, walk the ancient Wall of Jerusalem to the best view of Mount Calvary, and view Solomon’s Quarries.

We’ll then worship with Jews at the Western Wall before Shabbat begins at sundown.

This evening we’ll enjoy a special Shabbat Dinner at our hotel.

Overnight, Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem.

Gethsemane

David's Citadel

Saturday February 3rd

Jerusalem

Shabbat Shalom! This morning we’ll visit the Lions’ Gate and the Pools of Bethesda which we discussed with our guide Yehuda.

We’ll then visit the Tower of Antonia, 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.

The Ecce Homo begins the traditional Via Dolorosa leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Catholic site of Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection).

Here we’ll have time to shop in the Old City.

We’ll then reconvene to visit the Jewish Quarter including the Cardo, the Temple Institute, the Herodian Quarter, the Burnt House, and Nehemiah’s Wall.

Afterwards we’ll explore the Southern Wall Excavations and depart the old city by the Dung Gate.

In the afternoon we’ll have the option to take a mile-long trek through the dark and wet Hezekiah’s Tunnel, the ancient water system that runs under the Ophel to deliver water to the Pool of Siloam.

We’ll also have the option of going to the pedestrian mall at Ben Yehuda Street after Shabbat ends.

Overnight, Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem.

Sunday February 4th

Jerusalem- Temple Area

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 and (if politically possible), the El Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock, and the Dome of the Spirits.

We will also see any sights we didn’t have access to on Shabbat, and any other sites our guide feels would enrich our experience.

Overnight, Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem.

Monday February 5th

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.

We’ll also see the Model of First Century Jerusalem from the Holyland Hotel.

We’ll also explore the exhibits at the Israel Museum all the way to the Shrine of the Book, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls

In the afternoon we’ll visit Har Herzl to see where some of Israel’s greatest dignitaries are laid to rest including Golda Meir and Yitzhak Rabin.

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

This evening we’ll enjoy a Special Meal to share time with our guide and each other.

Overnight, Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem.

Tuesday February 6th

Plain of Sharon / Samaria

After breakfast we’ll visit Modin of the Maccabean revolt which took place just prior to the Roman period.

We’ll travel via the Plain of Sharon to Neot Kedumim biblical landscape preserve for a study of biblical agriculture.

We’ll enter the Hills of Samaria, where our Lord Jesus encountered the “woman at the well,” on our way to Ariel. G-d called this area “The Mountains of Israel, and He prophesied the return of His people to His land.

At Ariel we will enjoy Texas hamburgers and home-made ice cream with Homer Owens.

Overnight, Eshel Hashomron Hotel.

Wednesday February 7th

Hills of Samaria / Plain of Sharon / Philistia

This morning we’ll have a Praise and Pray for Israel in a Vineyard before departing.

We’ll then visit the Old Testament city of Afek/New Testament city of Antipatris.

Next we’ll proceed to the 5000 year old port city of Jaffa. Here Jonah sought to escape God’s call and Peter had his rooftop vision before his call to Caesarea.

We will then drive to Yavne, the Jewish religious seat after Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D.

Next on our tour is Philistia.

We will then enjoy an evening meal and proceed to Ben Gurion International Airport for our return flight to the U.S. departing at 11:30pm.

Shalom Israel!

Overnight, Enroute.

Thursday February 8th

Enroute

Today we arrive into Atlanta at 9:24am with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

For more information regarding tour costs and extensions, contact Gil Travel by email or phone 800.223.3855.