Rusty Humphries Tour of the Holy Land
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Highlights
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Day 1 En route Today we embark on our journey from JFK to the Holy Land via El Al Israel Airlines for a life changing experience. The night flight begins with dinner service and time for fellowship with friends new and old, meditate on the treasures ahead and catch some shut-eye enroute to Tel Aviv. |
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 Tel Aviv |
Day 2 Arrival to Israel Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where we will be met by our Israeli guide who will accompany us during our entire stay in Israel. We transfer to our hotel for one night in Tel Aviv. After check in and a bit of relaxation, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Overnight:, Grand Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv |
 Nazareth |
Day 3 Caesarea, Cana, Nazareth After a delicious Israeli buffet breakfast, travel by private motor coach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. See the Roman amphitheatre and aqueduct. Then journey on to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah hid from King Ahab and confronted the Baal profits. In the afternoon, continue on to Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus. We will continue to Mt. Tabor, the site of the transfiguration of our Lord, where we will view the geographic layout of Jesus' early ministry. We will proceed to our Kibbutz in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Kibbutz Nof Ginosar, Tiberias |
 Capernaum |
Day 4 Capernaum and Mount of Beatitudes Following breakfast, travel to Caesarea Philippi, site of Peter’s Confession. A relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee with easy viewing of the nearby Golan Heights brings to life the experiences of the fishermen disciples. Enjoy a typical Israeli "falafel" lunch. In Capernaum visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue and Peter’s home. Then travel on to the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea where our guide will reenact Jesus’ famous “Sermon on the Mount”. This evening we will take in the multi-media presentation of the “Galilee Experience”, an entertaining, educational and enriching experience not to be missed. Overnight: Kibbutz Nof Ginosar, Tiberias |
 Beit Shean |
Day 5 Jordan River, Beit-Shean and Jerusalem Begin our sightseeing with a visit to the Jordan River Baptismal site, and then turn southward to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hung their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. (1 Sam 31:10-12) During the intertestamental period, the city was renamed the "Scythopolis," the ruins of which have been uncovered by archaeologists. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis, a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Continue to Tel Jezreel and walk the Biblical Trail. Next is the spring where Gideon chose his warriors in his battle with the Midianites. After a long day, proceed south to the Dead Sea. Here we dip in the Sea’s therapeutic waters. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner and overnight at your hotel. Overnight: Novotel Hotel, Dead Sea |
 Dead Sea |
Day 6 Massada, Qumran, Ein Gedi Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Massada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous Zealot stand. We'll visit Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Afterwards proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea.Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. Before proceeding to Jerusalem, enjoy Bedouin hospitality in the Judean hills. Ascend to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight at your hotel. Overnight: Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem |
 Gethsemane |
Day 7 Jerusalem, Jesus "Steps" After breakfast, we will participate in a Morning Seminar with a special guest speaker, Aaron Klein, from World Net Daily, where we will have an exciting discussion about terrorism and life in Israel. After the seminar we will start our day by walking where Jesus walked. First enjoy a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. We walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection. Next, we enter the Old City through The Dung Gate and visit the Western Wall and the Rabbinical Tunnels. We will continue on to the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus cured a cripple.Next we proceed to the Judgment Hall of Pilate where we are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. Finally we will arrive at the climax of our tour - the Garden Tomb. Your faith, that blessed hope and communion with Christ, will take on a tremendous new meaning today. Before returning to our hotel, spend some fun time shopping in the "Arab Shuk." Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem |
 Church of the Nativity |
Day 8 Bible time in Israel An interesting and educational day of touring awaits us beginning in the City of David. This is the ancient Canaanite city which was invaded by King David and his men via the water system in the 11th century B.C. Next we visit the House of Caiphas and the " Upper Room" where the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His Breast and where later Thomas cried; "My Lord & My God." After lunch we will drive to Bethlehem to visit the Nativity site and the Milk Grotto. Return to Jerusalem. To celebrate our last evening together, enjoy a Cocktail Reception followed by a Farewell Dinner. Overnight: Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem |
Day 9 En Route Depart for the Tel Aviv Airport for our return flight to New York |
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