Spirit Lake Calvary Christian Fellowship Trip to the Holy Land

Activities:

• Arrival at Ben Gurion airport

• Meet your guide and driver and transfer to your hotel

• Group dinner at the hotel

• Introduction to your tour and get to know your fellows and group leaders

• TLV ISR LODGING general

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel & check-out - Every morning you will enjoy a delicious Israeli buffet breakfast.

• Begin your journey with a tour of Old Jaffa - One of the most ancient port cities in Israel and the Mediterranean basin. This is the port from which prophet Jonah attempted to escape the word of God (Jonah 1:3). For centuries, the port of Jaffa was the gateway to the Land of Israel. Today Jaffa is a mixed city, where Jews and Arabs live alongside each other. On a walk through Jaffa, discover the ancient and modern situated side-by-side. Stroll through the alleyways of the Old City filled with artist studios as well as archaeological discoveries. Discover which Jewish and Christian stories took place in the city.

• Travel along the coast and visit the impressive Caesarea National Park - This is where King Herod built a large port in honor of Emperor Augustus Caesar 2,000 years ago. Pontius Pilate later ruled the country from here, Paul set sail to the communities where he preached all over the Mediterranean from this site. Visit the Roman Theater, Herod’s palace, the walled Crusader town with its galleries and restaurants.

• Light packed lunch

• Travel to the Sea of Galilee and check-in to your hotel

• Sunset walk to the shores of the Sea of Galilee for a prayer and blessing

• Dinner at the hotel

• North

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Tour of Nazareth and the Basilica of the Annunciation - This place combines traditional, simple Arabic charm, Christian history, and grand old Arabic architecture. Nazareth is home to many important early Christian sites, including the Basilica of the Annunciation, Mary’s Well, and the Synagogue Church, as well as an authentic, living Arab souk (market).

• Step back in time as you wander through Nazareth Village - This is a living museum, where skilled guides and actors recreate the biblical era. Explore authentic first-century houses, olive presses, and agricultural practices. Immerse yourself in the daily life of the time, gaining insights into the world where Jesus grew up. A visit to Nazareth Village is a captivating journey into the past, making history come alive. Please note: this is not a wheelchair accessible site.

• Traditional first-century Biblical meal

• Continue with a tour of Capernaum - Located on the northern shore of the Kinneret, Capernaum, or Kfar Nahum, was a fishing village in the days of the Second Temple. We can still visit a very well preserved synagogue. Today it is a site of pilgrimage for Christians as it was one of the places where Jesus and Peter, the Apostles, lived and preached. Please note: this is not a wheelchair accessible site.

• Dinner at the hotel

• Optional: Sunset boat ride in the Sea of Galilee - The best way to appreciate the beauty of the Sea of Galilee is by taking a boat ride across the blue water, especially at sunset as the sky changes color and the sun sinks behind the dreamlike hills that surround the lake.

• North

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel & check-out

• Visit the Ancient Galilee Boat in Ginosar - See the 2,000-year-old boat excavated on the shores of Sea of Galilee. Radiocarbon dating shows that the boat dates back to 100 BC to 100 AD. At the exhibition you'll also see the 2,000 years old Magdala Stone bearing depictions of Jewish symbols and the Second Temple that stood in Jerusalem from 516 BCE to 70 CE.

• Tour of Magdala Ancient village and synagogue - Magdala was established in the Hellenistic Period and grew to a thriving fishing village during the Roman Rule in the First Century. Situated at the shores of the Sea of Galilee Magdala was an active city filled with fishermen, shopkeepers and townspeople. A decade ago archaeological discoveries indicate the presence of an observant Jewish community in Magdala, as is evidenced in its First Century Synagogue, one of seven in the world.

• Travel south along the Jordan Valley and stop at Qasr el Yahud - According to tradition, Qasr el Yahud (Arabic: Palace of the Jews) is the Jesus' baptismal site on the Jordan river, marking his spiritual birth. It was here that John the Baptist called to the People of Judea to baptize in the Jordan River. In Jewish history, this is also believed to be the site where the Israelites crossed into Israel after wandering the desert for 40 years, as well as the site of Elijah the Prophet's ascension to heaven. The Jordan River was regarded as a sacred body of water, prominent in the scripts - it is mentioned 167 times in the Torah - more than any river, stream, lake, or sea in the Bible. Optional baptismal ceremony is available here.

• Travel to Jerusalem & check-in to your hotel

• Dinner at the hotel - Optional: there is an option to add a Shabbat traditional meal with a local family, enjoy home-made food, experience and learn about the Jewish holy day.

• Jerusalem

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Welcome to Jerusalem - a panoramic lookout over the city from the Mount of Olives - There are countless Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions about Mt. Olives, including that from here the Messiah will come, and from here the dead will be resurrected in the vision of the End of Days. Enjoy a beautiful lookout of the Holy Basin, the old and new city of Jerusalem, and make a toast to appreciate this moment.

• Tour the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book - Visit the unique collections and expansive grounds of the Israel Museum, the country’s national museum. Linger over the renowned international and Israeli art, the world’s most complete Judaica collections and the charming Billy Rose Sculpture Garden. You will also visit the Shrine of the Book, home to the exceptional archaeological finds of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other rare ancient manuscripts.

• Lunch at the hotel

• A lookout over Bethlehem - In Hebrew: "House of Bread", you can see the historic city that holds religious importance for Christians. It is a town remembered in the Jewish tradition as the hometown of King David. This vantage point offers a clear view of the area that celebrates the birthplace of Jesus Christ and the Nativity story.

• Free time and dinner on your own in a local restaurant

• The Night Spectacular - Amidst the archaeological remains in the David Citadel courtyard, the story of Jerusalem unfolds through virtual reality images. The Night Spectacular uses trompe l'oeil technology – the stones of the walls and structures fade into the scenes and the viewers are part of a multi-sensory experience.

• Jerusalem

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Tour Masada National Park - Ascend the mountain by a cable car to explore Masada, a scene of the epic stand by Jewish rebels at the end of the Great Revolt against Rome nearly 2,000 years ago. The new museum at the Visitor Center reveals the secrets of the daily life of the rebels, the story of the excavations, and how the site became one of Israel’s most important symbols.

• Swim and float in the Dead Sea - Israel’s Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, a stunning, other-worldly landscape of shimmering blue water ringed by bare, orange and yellow hills. The waters of the Dead Sea hold a potent solution of minerals and salts that have strong healing properties. Together with its ethereal beauty, these health-giving minerals make the Dead Sea’s beaches and spas popular vacation spots for Israelis and tourists alike. At one of the local hotels swim and 'float' in the Dead Sea.

• Lunch at a local spa hotel

• King David and the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve - On your bus hear about the Biblical stories that took place in this region. According to tradition, David sought refuge from King Saul, and his courage and leadership are commemorated here.

• Travel back to Jerusalem

• Dinner at the hotel

• Jerusalem Lodging General - Overnight: Jerusalem

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Begin your day with a meaningful visit to The Western Wall and The Temple Mount - The Kotel is sacred because it is one of the last remnants of the Second Temple that was destroyed by the Romans. Feel the stones that have witnessed so much in the history of the Jews. Place your special and personal prayer in the cracks of the stones.

• Tour of the Temple Mount - Also known to Muslims as al Haram el-Sharif and the Al Aqsa Compound, where you can see the impressive 7th-century oldest extant Islamic monument, the Dome of the Rock. Learn about the history and spiritual significance for Jews, Muslims and Christians. Gain insights of its biblical stories and follow the route where Jesus walked and engaged in theological debates.

• A visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - The church is situated on the hill called Golgotha or Calvary and contains the last five Stations of the Cross, including the sites of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Several Christian denominations claim ownership to various parts of this site so holy to Christendom. Please note: some parts are not accessible.

• Browse through the Arab Shuk (market) and lunch on your own - (lunch is not included)

• Tour of the Jewish Quarter - See archaeological finds from the First and Second Temple periods, Roman ruins, vibrant synagogues, and learning institutions, all jostling for space in these busy stone streets.

• Proceed back to the hotel

• Dinner at the hotel

• Jerusalem

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Easy morning and check-out

• Begin our day with a visit to the Garden tomb - This peaceful site is believed by many to be the burial place of Jesus Christ. Explore the tranquil gardens, visit the empty tomb, and reflect on the resurrection story. The tour of the site offers a profound and spiritual experience in the heart of the Holy City.

• Head to Machane Yehuda Market - Take in the hustle and bustle with all the rich fragrances, colors and sounds this iconic Jerusalem market offers. Free time and eat lunch on your own. (meal not included)

• Free time to explore the streets of Jerusalem

• Concluding our Holy Land journey with a closing session followed by a farewell dinner in Jerusalem Hills

• Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport and fly back home

• We look forward to hosting you again in our beautiful country