Day 1-2

Fly to Tel Aviv

Today we make our way to Tel Aviv. When we arrive we will go directly to the Mount of Olives for a view of ‘the Golden City’. 

Day 3

BEGINNINGS: MT OF OLIVES / GOLDEN GATE / BETHLEHEM  

After lunch (Al Shulah Grill) we will venture over to the Mount of Olives to begin our orientation the great city of Jerusalem! Next we will enjoy an aerial view of the sights and sounds of Jerusalem by walking on top of the Old City Walls of Jerusalem on the Rampart. Our day will conclude with a visit to a local Shepherds’ Field near Bethlehem where we will review the account of the humble beginnings of the Saviors Life. In this setting we will review the Saviors Birth as well as consider Jesus as the ‘Good Shepherd’. We will overnight in Jerusalem. 

Day 4

TEMPLE MOUNT / JESUS & MARY AS A TEENAGERS: NAZARETH 

Today we begin with an early visit to where Jews believe is the Center of the Universe and where the Spirit of the Lord resides at the Western Wall and the Temple Mount complex. We will visit the Dome of the Rock, the Wailing Wall, etc. and discuss the past, present and future of that significant site for all three major religions: Jews, Muslims, & Christians. Next, we will enjoy a unique walk through the flowing waters in Hezekiah’s Tunnel in the City of David. As we leave Jerusalem, we make a brief stop at the Israeli Museum which displays the Dead Sea Scrolls and also features the very impressive miniature model of the city of Jerusalem in Christ’s day; The Model City. From here we will consider Jesus and Mary during their teenage years as we visit Nazareth and the surrounding areas. Our first afternoon stop in Caesarea features the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and represents the spot where the first Gentile convert joined the Church and the Gospel spread to the world (Paul was also imprisoned for 2 years here and also departed for his 4 historic missionary journeys). We will view the ancient theater and aqueducts before making our way north to Mount Carmel. On Mt. Carmel is a great view of the Jezreel Valley (Valley of Armageddon). From this vantage point we will discuss Armageddon, the 2nd Coming and the future of this Holy Land and time permitting will reenact the remarkable story of Elijah and the Priests of Baal. Next, we travel to Nazareth and from Mount Precipice we will have an amazing view of Nazareth, Mt Tabor and the surrounding area. We then drive around the Sea of Galilee to our Hotel. Checking into our Hotel this evening is a joy. Every room is only steps away from the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This evening you can enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening strolling on the Sea shores, or taking a dip in the Sea, etc.

Day 5

BEATITUDES / PETER’S PRIMACY / MAGDALA / YARDENIT 

Today we spend our day seeing the sights and sounds surrounding the Sea of Galilee. We begin with a short nature walk to a beautiful overlook of the Sea of Galilee on Mount Arbel. From here we visit the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered. Lunch is a unique experience where those interested can enjoy St. Peter’s Fish. Nearby is a site called, Peter’s Primacy where Jesus asked His senior Apostle, “Lovest thou me more than these?” On our way back to our hotel, we will visit Magdala (birthplace of Mary Magdalene) with its newly constructed Church, followed by Yardenit at the Jordan River (Jesus’ traditional baptismal site). Tonight we enjoy another quiet evening on the Sea shores, or taking a dip in the Sea, etc.

Day 6

JESUS’ MINISTRY: SEA OF GALILEE / CAPERNAUM / CAESAREA PHILIPPI / DAN

Today we explore more of the Galilee area where Jesus spent the majority of His ministry as well as some other significant scriptural sites. Our first adventure of the day is boarding a small fishing boat and crossing the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. On our way we cut the engines & have a short discussion. On shore we’ll visit Capernaum. Next we will drive to the very north border of Israel where we will look over into Lebanon and Syria. We will enjoy a short nature hike to view the ancient city and alter at Tel Dan. Our next stop is at Banias, the ancient site of Caesarea Philippi, where Peter was promised to receive the Keys of the Kingdom and is declares as ‘the Rock’. As we bus our way home we will travel on the Golan Heights where we can look over into Syria. We again overnight at our hotel by the Sea. 

Day 7

JESUS’ FINAL DAYS: BETHANY (LAZARU’S TOMB / DEAD SEA)

Today we visit and consider the events leading up to the death of the Savior and the final days of His mortal ministry. As we make our way back to Jerusalem we pass through the Green Line and parts of the West Bank and will take this opportunity to discuss the current political situation, borders, and history. As we pass Bet She’an we will consider the ‘Fall of Saul’. We drive by Jericho and then make a stop at the Jordan River (Children of Israel River Crossing and Jesus’ baptismal site). Following lunch we will enjoy a quick visit to Qumran (discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls) and also have the unique experience of taking a float in the Dead Sea. You cannot sink! From here we make our way up to Jerusalem. We will visit Bethany and Lazarus’ Tomb and conclude our day with a unique walk through the flowing waters in Hezekiah’s Tunnel. We overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 8

JESUS’ FINAL HOURS: (THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST!)

Today is one of our most significant as we venture through the wonders of the ‘Eternal City’ and retrace the events and sites of the final moments of the Saviors Life! We begin in the Upper Room where the Savior held the Last Supper. From here we trace His steps to the Garden of Gethsemane (Church of all Nations). We next visit Caiaphas’ Palace (St. Peter of Gallicantu) where Jesus went before the Sanhedrin and where Peter allegedly denied Christ thrice. Following lunch we enjoy a stop at the Antonio Fortress (Jesus before Pilate) and from here we will follow the Via Dolorosa (or Path of Suffering), the path Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha. Next we will reflect on the burial & resurrection of the Savior as we visit the two possible sites for Golgotha & Calvary. First we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher [believed site for many Christians] and then the Garden Tomb [where others feel is the true site]. We will discuss the crucifixion and resurrection of the Savior and the majesty of the final moments of His mortal ministry! This evening those interested will view how the orthodox Jews bring in the Sabbath at the Western Wall. We overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 9

TOMB / BYU CENTER / BofM BEGINNING / MASADA / JORDAN

Today we conclude our time in Jerusalem and Israel with a visit to the Golden Gate for a unique view of the Mt of Olives. This is an ideal spot to discuss the Ascension of Jesus (Acts 1) as well as the prophecy of the Saviors return t0 that same spot (Zech 14). Next we will visit the Garden Tomb which features a 1st century Tomb and one of the prevailing theories for Golgotha. We will discuss the crucifixion and resurrection of the Savior and the majesty of the final moments of His mortal ministry! We will attend Church Services at the remarkable BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies where the view during our Service is inspiring. Following church, we will depart Jerusalem and go “down by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea” (1 Nephi 2:5) just as Lehi and his family. As we do so we will be traveling on the road from “Jerusalem to Jericho” and will reflect on a certain parable (Luke 10). On the way to the border, we will pass Qumran (discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls), the natural spring and waterfall at Ein-Gedi (where David hid from King Saul) and where we most always see ibex (Israeli deer). We visit the majestic Masada and gondola to the top and reflect on its remarkable story. From here we continue on the Lehi route all the way to the city of Eilat on the Red Sea. If available we will enjoy a brief stop at Timnah where we will view a replica of the ancient Tabernacle built by Moses in the wilderness. We will also discuss Sodom & Gomorrah as we drive through that remains of those ancient cities. We will cross the Israeli/Jordanian border and meet our Jordanian team and then spend the night in Aqaba, Jordan.

Day 10

7 WONDER OF THE WORLD: PETRA, JORDAN / SINAI 

Today we enjoy a beautiful drive through the Jordanian mountains up to Petra, Jordan which is one of the newly voted “7 Wonders of the World.” We will walk down the narrow canyon to the breathtaking view of the Treasury, (Petra’s most famous landmark). You will have time to visit this fascinating city carved from the cliffs of the canyon and experience some of the best ruins found anywhere in the world. Petra was once a great commercial empire with a long history, it is best known today as the lost city in the Indiana Jones Movie, The Last Crusade. From here we will head back to Aqaba where they will have dinner and prepare for our evening ferry boat ride across the Red Sea into Egypt.  

Day 11

FERRY INTO SINAI, EGYPT / CLIMB MT. SINAI / SHARM 

This morning we arrive very early into Nuweiba, Egypt by ferry boat and will meet our Egyptian team and bus our way through the Sinai to our Hotel (Morganland Village) which is near the base of “Mt. Moses”. We will review the scriptural account of Moses and the Children of Israel in preparation for our climb up the ancient temple….Mt Sinai. After enjoying a very brief rest we will hike up Mount Sinai (Camels are available for those interested in the adventure). On top we will enjoy a very special meeting before making our descent. Once off the mountain we will bus our way to one of the very best locations for snorkeling and deep sea diving in the world…Sharm El Sheikh (Ras Mohammed). Arriving at this luxurious resort is a very welcomed experience following our strenuous hike. We will enjoy all the amenities and comfort of this 5-star resort for the next day and a half. There will time for deep sea diving, snorkeling, swimming, reading, spa treatments, relaxing, etc. We overnight in Sharm. 

Day 12

RED SEA 

Today we are free to enjoy the Red Sea and all of the amenities of our 5-star resort. Those who desire can enjoy some of the world’s best snorkeling & deep sea diving and those who are not interested in getting in the water can relax at the resort hotel which has several beautiful pools, a lazy river, spa options, para-sailing, submarine, other boat adventures, etc. There are other options available outside the resort such as 4 wheeling in the Sinai desert, golfing, visiting downtown Sharm (Naama Bay) for some local shopping and night life, or one can enjoy retiring early and other various options at the resort. We once again overnight in Sharm.

Day 13

SHARM TO LUXOR 

This morning we will make our way to Luxor! Luxor is known as the world’s greatest open air museum as 30% of the world’s ancient monuments reside in Luxor. It also represents 70% of all the monuments in Egypt. Today we will take some time to prepare for our temple visits by reviewing the ancient beliefs and rituals of the Egyptians and comparing them to our modern Temple worship. When we arrive in Luxor we will check into our wonderful hotel, enjoy dinner and an incredible evening visit to the impressive Luxor Temple. On our way back to our hotel we will enjoy a horse and buggy ride through the local streets and markets of Luxor. We overnight in our Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel. 

Day 14

LUXOR: WEST BANK / VALLEY OF KINGS / KARNAK

This morning those interested might have the option of viewing the wonders of Luxor from a hot air balloon (depending on air conditions). Following breakfast, we will explore the sites on the West Bank of the river with a visit to one of the most intriguing spots in the world; the “Valley of the Kings” (burial spot for the Egyptian Pharaohs & Queens). You will marvel at the similarities in Egyptian beliefs and rituals and those of the Restored Church of Jesus Christ! We will next take pictures of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Collosi of Memnon & Nobels as well as Pit Tomb #33 where the Book of Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price was discovered. We will explore the Hathor Temple (Temple of Ramses III) and then conclude our visit of the West Bank with a short visit to an alabaster factory. (Alabaster is mined near Luxor and we will visit a factory that specializes in hand carved items). These structures are amazing and must be seen to be believed. After lunch we will explore the sites on the East Bank of the river Nile. Our first site is one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and is also one of the largest temple structures in the world; the Karnak Temple. You will truly be amazed at this 64-acre temple. We will enjoy dinner and a short rest and then make our way to the airport for a short flight from Luxor to Cairo where we will overnight.  

Day 15

7 WONDER OF THE WORLD: PYRAMIDS & SPHINX / GEM 

Today we enjoy a full day touring the sites in Cairo! We begin with the splendor of the famous Pyramids & Sphinx. We will enjoy 4 different angles and stops during our visit to the Pyramids and those interested can take a camel ride (for a small extra cost). From here we will make a visit to the newly opened GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum) and explore all the unique items there (including a Rosetta Stone replica and the myriads of King Tut items). Time permitting, we will visit a Papyrus factory to see how they made ancient paper. This evening we will enjoy our ‘last supper’ together with a short program followed by a brief rest in our hotel rooms before making our way to the airport to begin our journey home.

Day 16

FLY HOME 

Today we arrive at our homes and will be reunited with our loved ones!