First Class 19 Day Tour/Cruise Package Steps of Jesus ... · Day 11: Ephesus We travel to the nearby town of Selcuk for a visit of ancient Ephesus. Ephesus was once a thriving port

Day 1: DepartureToday we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasuresand Christian history with an overnight flight to Israel. Prepareyourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!

Day 2: Arrive IsraelArrive in Israel at Ben Gurion Airport where we will be met by ourtransfer agent. We travel northward to our hotel for one night in thecoastal area near Tel Aviv. The remainder of the day is free to walkalong the Mediterranean, relax, and have dinner. The time is rightfor a personal devotional with the sunset over the “Great Sea.” Meetyour Israeli guide, enjoy a time of prayer of thanks for safety and thespecial blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of the "PromisedLand," and a good night’s rest.

Day 3: Caesarea, Megiddo & NazarethAfter breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast ofthe Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard theGood News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Am-phitheatre and aqueduct, and then journey on to Mt. Carmel, whereElijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Next wetravel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon Bat-tlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civiliza-tion. We drive through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood

home of Jesus, where we visit the Nazareth Village - a wonderfulrecreation of Biblical times with costumed guides. We will have din-ner and overnight lodging for the next two nights in the Tiberiasarea on the Sea of Galilee.

Day 4: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, Magdala, Seaof Galilee Boat RideFollowing breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuablenorthern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depthsof alternative sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s Con-fession and pagan worship. We pass the possible site of the multipli-cation of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and the Mount of theBeatitudes. Returning to Tiberias for a St. Peter’s Fish Lunch (otherselections available), we then visit the ancient Fisherman Boat fol-lowed by a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. A brief scripturereading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences ofJesus and the fishermen disciples. In Capernaum we view the exca-vations of the sea-side village and Peter’s home, followed by a visit toMagdala, home town of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation ofthe First Century Synagogue and well preserved village makes Mag-dala one of the most interesting Biblical sites in Israel.

Day 5: Jordan River Baptism Site, Beth Shean, & Dead SeaWe begin our day with the opportunity to be baptized at the JordanRiver Baptismal site. Next we travel southward to Beit-Shean/Scyth-

Steps of Jesus, Paul, & JohnFirst Class 19 Day Tour/Cruise Package

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opolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located atthe strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho,it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. Afterdefeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hangedtheir bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the time of Jesus,Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis - a league often cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fer-tile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricul-tural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey” and Israel’sintricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho and viewfrom a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world. To the eastof Jericho along the Jordan River Valley (Queser El Yehud) is the Is-raeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. In this area Jesus was bap-tized by John the Baptist, Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan, aswell as where the children of Israel, led by Joshua, entered thePromised Land. Our lodging for the evening is at the Dead Sea – thelowest place on earth. Spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dipin the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before dinner.

Day 6: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham'sTentOur day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress ofMasada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famouszealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of theGoat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of itswarm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed areputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is whereKing David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies ofthe Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next,we visit Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner inAbraham's Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time: a reliving of lifein the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic pres-entation, and authentic food. Our lodging for the next four nightswill be in Jerusalem.

Day 7: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times, BethlehemConditions permitting we will visit the Temple Mount, with com-mentary on the Temple Periods, and the variety of belief systemspast and present that make this area so valuable. Next we will visitthe Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels lead-ing us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a

clear understanding of the amazing construction of the TempleMount, giant stones, water supply and Roman street where our Lordwas led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel we see the immensecornerstone rejected by the builders. We move on to the JudgmentHall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and are re-minded of His brutal beating and humiliation. From here we willalso be able to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’sChurch. This afternoon we visit the Southern Wall Excavations. Thissouthern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the commonfolk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance fromthe higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to theTemple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along withthe purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mountand drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploit-ing the people. It is also likely that this is the place that Peter stoodand preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on theDay of Pentecost. We spend the remainder of the day surroundingthe birth of Christ with a visit to Bethlehem.

Day 8: Jesus' Steps, Last Days, Way of Suffering, GardenTombToday we walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day with apanoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rockfrom atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane.How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpseof our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk betweenthe ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and taketime for personal reflection is important here. Passing by the Protes-tant Cemetery, we visit the "Upper Room" just outside the Zion Gatewhere the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His breast andwhere later Thomas cried, "my Lord & my God." While walkingalong the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of sufferingalong with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our guide willexplain the differing opinions on the route that Christ was led andthe actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study.The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) andthe Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with com-munion and a time of praise.

Day 9: Israel Museum, Friends of Zion Museum, House ofCaiaphas, Yad VashemAn interesting and educational time awaits us today at the Israeli

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Wailing Wall

Museum. Walk through collections of century’s old Israeli artifactsincluding the Dead Sea Scrolls, and then a guided walk through anaccurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem. This model will helpput into perspective all that you have seen over the previous daystouring. We then visit the Friends of Zion Museum to learn of the19th and 20th century heroes of the Jewish people. Next we spendtime at the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was beaten and spitupon. See a pit where he may have been held for the evening and theancient hillside steps he walked as he was taken to be condemned.We conclude the day with a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Mu-seum, for a needed reminder of what the Jews have suffered as apeople. This evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believerprior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel.

Day 10: Arrive IzmirWe fly to Izmir and transfer to our hotel in the lovely port city of Ku-sadasi, Turkey for the next two evenings. The remainder of your dayis free to walk along the scenic waterfront, sightsee on your own andenjoy your hotel facilities.

Day 11: EphesusWe travel to the nearby town of Selcuk for a visit of ancient Ephesus.Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Todayyou can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets inthis ancient city. We view the Library, Agora, theatre, colorful mo-saics in the aristocratic Terrace Houses, and a panoramic outlook ofthe surrounding ancient port area (including a wealth of church his-tory and cultural insight). Then we continue with a visit to the Basil-ica Church of St. John, which houses an immersion baptismal and isbelieved to be resting place of John. From here we have an excellentoverview of the Ephesus harbor, the Mosque of Jesus, and see thesite of the Temple of Artemis, which is listed as one of the SevenWonders of the Ancient World.

Day 12: Isle of PatmosThis morning, we embark our cruise ship and sail for a visit to thebeautiful Isle of Patmos, which is under statutory protection as a his-toric monument. Here we have a tour to see the fortified monasteryof St. John and the cave claimed to be where John received the Rev-elation. Back on the ship, enjoy dinner before settling in to yourcabin for the night.

Day 13: Crete & Beautiful SantoriniCrete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. Take atour to Heraklion and the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos.Discovered in 1899 and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palaceis believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seatof ancient Minoan culture. This afternoon visit the island of San-torini which is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Is-lands. You may choose to take an optional panoramic bus tourviewing some of the most spectacular scenery of the Aegean. Travelthrough countless villages and settlements with delicate architectureand beauties eventually arriving in Oia. During your time in Oia,visit the many narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering bou-tiques. Upon returning to the ship, we view the lace-like caldera, thelittle islands of Thirasia, Palea, & Nea Kameni. We arrive at the shipfor dinner and evening entertainment.

Day 14: Disembark Cruise – Ancient Corinth & CenchreaeWe disembark the cruise this morning and travel west with a reststop and photos at the Corinth Canal. Next, we visit ancient Corinth,the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters and is ahighlight for the New Testament scholar. See the Archaeological Mu-seum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To enjoy a de-votional in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and seethe pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached willenhance your understanding and love for the Bible. The ruins of thisimportant cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stonepath that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellectof these people are evident in the water systems that still flow fromancient to modern day. Our guide will be sure to show you the roomdedicated to the medical care of that period. We travel on to the topof the nearby Acropolis where our guide will speak on the worshippractices and point out the bird’s eye view of what was a bustling cityof around 800,000 during Paul’s stay. Another important stop is avisit to Diolkos where we view the paved trackway which enabledboats to be moved overland across the Isthmus of Corinth andserved as a life line for Corinth. This shortcut allowed ancient vesselsto avoid the long and dangerous circumnavigation of the Pelopon-nese peninsula. Before returning to Athens, we will visit Cenchreae,the ancient port region of Corinth. Acts 18:18 states the Apostle Paulstopped at Cenchreae during his second missionary journey, wherehe had his hair cut to fulfill a vow.

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Ephesus

Day 15: AthensFollowing breakfast this morning we tour Athens, the foundation ofdemocracy. We visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheumbefore viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood andpreached the truth to the Gentile nation. From atop Mars Hill weview the Agora below, the ancient marketplace and center of Athen-ian public life. Additional sites viewed during our panoramic bustour are, the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Sol-dier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace. An option later thisafternoon is a visit to the famous Plaka with a multitude of shopsand cafes.

Day 16: Meteora MonasteryFrom Athens, our tour travels northward past Thermopylae wherewe learn of the famous Spartan battle of 300. We continue throughthe mountains to Meteroa. Here we see the world famous Byzantinemonasteries that are perched precariously on summits of gray rockpinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back tothe 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside cavesthen fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later trans-formed into monasteries. Our lodging this evening will be in Mete-ora.

Day 17: Vergina, Berea, ThessalonicaTraveling north this morning, our first stop will be a visit to KingPhillip's (Alexander's father) tomb in Vergina, one of the most out-standing finds in all of Greece. We then make the short trip tonearby Berea to view the synagogue wher Paul preached. We stop atthe Bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scriptureregarding the "more noble" church. The New Testament books of I &II Thessalonians will come alive to us today as we arrive in the de-lightful harbor city of Thessalonica. En route to the hotel we willview the old city ramparts; the newly excavated Forum, St. GeorgeChurch, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into achurch and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egna-tia. We spend two nights here.

Day 18: Thessalonica/Philippi/KavalaWe begin the day by following the massive battlement Byzantinewall to the citadel for a panoramic view of the city. Next, we will visitPhilippi and Kavala. Kavala is Greece's prettiest mainland port witha most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothyand Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. This an-cient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it wasthe first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking onthe same sod as these men of the Bible! We will see the RomanAqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully locatedcity, known since the 5th century as Kavala. Continue on to Philippiwhere Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized thefirst Christians on European soil. We will view the baptismal sitewhere Lydia surrendered her life to Christ and visit a crypt datingfrom the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison forPaul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and theTheatre. We return to Thessalonica and visit St. Demetrius Basilica,dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a mar-tyred Christian convert, before returning to the hotel for our finalnight.

Day 19: HomeA very early morning departure for the Thessaloniki Airport for ourflight homeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.

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Santorini

Corinth Canal

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