We visit the devoutly restored ancient Jewish Cemetery in the Kidron Valley where it is said the Last Judgement will take place. Those buried there will surely have a ringside seat!

Next, we visit the inspiring Chapel of the Ascension and Pater Noster, walk down the slope of the mount to the beautiful Chapel Dominus Flevit and continue downhill to the Church of All Nations standing in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Kings and prophets, emperors and sultans, rabbis, bishops and sheiks have left their mark on Jerusalem. This afternoon will be both charming and moving as we start our stroll through the Old City that has stood for nearly 5,000 years. Through the millennia, Jerusalem has been one of the main stops on the Caravan routes carrying spices, herbs, henna and seeds from India to Europe. Enjoy the aroma of perfumes from the bakers' shops cooking the pitas (Arab bread), the pastries with nuts and honey....all this intermingled with the different cultures living and worshiping here. You are never too far from the site of a miracle, a feat, or where a biblical event occurred.

Entering the Walled City of Old Jerusalem, we visit the sites sacred to the 3 major religions. We enter through Jaffa gate and through the Jewish Quarter to view the Byzantine Cardo and the Herodian mansions.

Next, we visit the Western Wall and the remains of the Second Temple destroyed by the Romans in the year 66, c.e. (current era). We walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre wherein are the last five Stations of the Cross.

We are in awe as we stop at the tomb of David and walk to the Upper Room (Caenecelum), believed to be the site of the Last Supper. Pope Paul VI celebrated Mass here, and the spot where he stood is marked on the stone floor.

We then visit the Garden Tomb regarded by the Protestant world as the burial place of Jesus. An interesting visit, as it is indeed the burial place from that time.

Tonight, it's dinner and relaxation back at our hotel. BB, D + W

On to the Knesset, Israel's Parliament and Seat of the Government, the Israel Museum and then to view the Dead Sea Scrolls, housed in the Shrine of the Book.

Next, we continue to Bethlehem, "the house of bread," where we shall enjoy lunch at an Oriental restaurant. We follow with a visit to the Church of the Nativity erected over the site believed to be the exact place where the manger rested. Late in the afternoon, we return to Jerusalem to digest all that we have learned. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. BB, L, D + W

Continuing via Afula to Mount Tabor, we visit the Franciscan Church on the site of the transfiguration and on toward the Sea of Galilee, which played such a prominent role in the ministry of Jesus. We arrive at our hotel in Tiberias to relax and enjoy a fine dinner. BB, D + W

We sail across the Sea of Galilee by boat to Capernaum. We visit the ruins of an old Byzantine church built on the ruins of an ancient synagogue, presumed to be the one from which Jesus preached during the Apostolate years. We continue by motorcoach visiting the site of the Sermon on the Mount and the miracle of the "bread and fishes."

We continue to Nazareth, the sacred Galilean town where Jesus spent much of his youth. A visit will be made to the monumental Church of the Annunciation.

We will enjoy an included lunch in Nazareth.

Tonight we return to Tiberias for dinner of St. Peter's Fish at a typical local restaurant. BB, L, D + W

Enjoy a full day excursion to Galilee, first touring the Crusader City of Acre. We view the fortress and wander through the picturesque street before continuing on to Haifa where we pause for a view of the marvelous Persian Garden at the Bahai Temple.

Luncheon will be provided at a Druze restaurant.

On the way south along the Mediterranean, we stop at Caesarea for a view of this Crusaders' city. Noteworthy is the Roman Aqueduct and the theater. We motor southward to Tel Aviv, driving through the modern bustling city on Dizengof Street, the Via Veneto of Tel Aviv. Driving to the charming adjoining town of Jaffa, the ancient Roman port, we visit the artist quarters.

We will celebrate this, the final night in the Holy Land, with a special dinner of many Near Eastern specialties and local wines. After dinner we will transfer to Ben Gurion airport. BB, L, D + W

BB - Buffet Breakfast
L - Lunch
D - Dinner

Important Note: If a change in hotels becomes necessary for any reason, the hotel substituted will be the equivalent, or better, of those shown.