Day 1: DepartureOur life-changing journey begins this evening as we board ourovernight flight to Jordan.

Day 2: Arrival JordanWe arrive in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and transfer to ourlodging for the next two evenings in Amman. Enjoy dinner, retire toyour room and be ready for an early departure in the morning.

Day 3: PetraEarly this morning we turn southward toward the amazing mountainfortress of Petra, known to be inhabited by the Edomites - the descen-dants of Esau. Begin the tour with a walk through the "Siq," an im-mense crack in the Nubian sandstone, to the city of Petra carved out ofthe rose red rock. The Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most elegantremains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh we are surrounded on bothsides by hundreds of Petra's carved and built structures. DepartingPetra, we travel northward on the King's Highway where to the west

we view the hills bordering the Dead Sea. This is the area of the hilltoppalace/fortress of Machaerus, where John the Baptist was beheaded.We overnight in Amman this evening.

Day 4: Mt Nebo, Madaba, Tel AvivOur morning tour begins in the town of Madaba, the biblical Medeba,30 kilometers south of Amman. Madaba is best known for its Byzan-tine and Umayyad mosaics and at the Greek Orthodox Church of St.George we view the earliest surviving mosaic map of the Holy land.Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands aspectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Study thepanorama as we read the scripture of God showing Moses the"Promised Land" before He brought him home to heaven. As wetravel west toward the Allenby Bridge, we view to the north the Plainsof Moab, the area where the tribes of Israel camped before crossingthe Jordan and picture the place where Jesus was baptized. Crossingback into Israel, we drive to Tel Aviv area with the remainder of the af-ternoon free. You may wish to take a devotional time with the sunset

Petra, Best of Israel, & Steps of Paul

First Class 18 Day Tour/Cruise Package

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over the “Great Sea,” a time of prayer and thanks for the special bless-ings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and then enjoy a goodnight’s rest.

Day 5: Caesarea, Megiddo & NazarethAfter breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of theMediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the GoodNews from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Amphithe-atre and aqueduct, and then journey on to Mt. Carmel, where Elijahchallenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Next we travelthrough the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefield,where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. Wedrive through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home ofJesus, where we visit the Nazareth Village - a wonderful recreation ofBiblical times with costumed guides. We will have dinner andovernight lodging for the next two nights in the Tiberias area on theSea of Galilee.

Day 6: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, Magdala, Sea ofGalilee Boat RideFollowing breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuablenorthern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths ofalternative sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s Confes-sion and pagan worship. We pass the possible site of the multiplica-tion of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and the Mount of the Beatitudes.Returning to Tiberias for a St. Peter’s Fish Lunch (other selectionsavailable), we then visit the ancient Fisherman Boat followed by a re-laxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. A brief scripture reading and devo-tional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and thefishermen disciples. In Capernaum we view the excavations of the sea-side village and Peter’s home, followed by a visit to Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation of the First CenturySynagogue and well preserved village makes Magdala one of the mostinteresting Biblical sites in Israel.

Day 7: 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-opolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at thestrategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, ithas been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After de-feating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their

bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the time of Jesus, Scythopo-lis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis - a league of ten citiessharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile JordanValley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restora-tion of the “Land of Milk and Honey” and Israel’s intricate irrigationdevelopment. We pass ancient Jericho and view from a distance thiscity famed as the oldest in the world. To the east of Jericho along theJordan River Valley (Queser El Yehud) is the Israeli side of BethanyBeyond the Jordan. In this area Jesus was baptized by John the Bap-tist, Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan, as well as where the chil-dren of Israel, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land. Our lodgingfor the evening is at the Dead Sea – the lowest place on earth. Spendtime in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxingfloat before dinner.

Day 8: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham's TentOur 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 the Goat,"an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm cli-mate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputationfor its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King Davidhid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelitesby praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next, we visit Qum-ran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoonwe will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent,where we enjoy a trip back in time: a reliving of life in the time of thePatriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, and au-thentic food. Our lodging for the next four nights will be in Jerusalem.

Day 9: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times, BethlehemConditions permitting we will visit the Temple Mount, with commen-tary on the Temple Periods, and the variety of belief systems past andpresent that make this area so valuable. Next we will visit the WailingWall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us throughthe Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear under-standing of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giantstones, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led tojudgment. Before exiting the tunnel we see the immense cornerstonerejected by the builders. We move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate,hear of those who conspired against Him and are reminded of Hisbrutal beating and humiliation. From here we will also be able to see

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Wailing Wall

the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’s Church. This after-noon we visit the Southern Wall Excavations. This southern side ofThe Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas thePriests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher easternside. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from thecourtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools.From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the ven-dors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is alsolikely that this is the place that Peter stood and preached and wherethousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. Wespend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ with avisit to Bethlehem.

Day 10: 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 glimpse ofour Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between theancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take timefor personal reflection is important here. Passing by the ProtestantCemetery, we visit the "Upper Room" just outside the Zion Gate wherethe disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His breast and wherelater Thomas cried, "my Lord & my God." While walking along theVia Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with avisit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our guide will explain thediffering opinions on the route that Christ was led and the actual placeof crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study. The climax of theday is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb,where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time ofpraise.

Day 11: Israel Museum, Friends of Zion Museum, House ofCaiaphas, Yad VashemAn interesting and educational time awaits us today at the Israeli Mu-seum. Walk through collections of century’s old Israeli artifacts in-cluding the Dead Sea Scrolls, and then a guided walk through anaccurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem. This model will help

put into perspective all that you have seen over the previous days tour-ing. We then visit the Friends of Zion Museum to learn of the 19th and20th century heroes of the Jewish people. Next we spend time at theHouse of Caiaphas where Jesus was beaten and spit upon. See a pitwhere he may have been held for the evening and the ancient hillsidesteps he walked as he was taken to be condemned. We conclude theday with a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, for a neededreminder of what the Jews have suffered as a people. This evening weenjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us aperspective of Messianic life in Israel.

Day 12: 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 day isfree to walk along the scenic waterfront, sightsee on your own andenjoy your hotel facilities.

Day 13: 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. Today youcan still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this an-cient city. We view the Library, Agora, theatre, colorful mosaics in thearistocratic Terrace Houses, and a panoramic outlook of the sur-rounding ancient port area (including a wealth of church history andcultural insight). Then we continue with a visit to the Basilica Churchof St. John, which houses an immersion baptismal and is believed tobe resting place of John. From here we have an excellent overview ofthe Ephesus harbor, the Mosque of Jesus, and see the site of the Tem-ple of Artemis, which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the An-cient World.

Day 14: 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 monastery ofSt. John and the cave claimed to be where John received the Revela-tion. Back on the ship, enjoy dinner before settling in to your cabin forthe night.

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Ephesus

Day 15: 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. Dis-covered in 1899 and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace isbelieved to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat ofancient Minoan culture. This afternoon visit the island of Santoriniwhich is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. Youmay choose to take an optional panoramic bus tour viewing some ofthe most spectacular scenery of the Aegean. Travel through countlessvillages and settlements with delicate architecture and beauties even-tually arriving in Oia. During your time in Oia, visit the many narrowstreets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques. Upon returning to theship, we view the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea,& Nea Kameni. We arrive at the ship for dinner and evening entertain-ment.

Day 16: Disembark Cruise – Ancient Corinth & CenchreaeWe disembark the cruise this morning and travel west with a rest stopand photos at the Corinth Canal. Next, we visit ancient Corinth, thecity that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters and is a high-light for the New Testament scholar. See the Archaeological Museum,the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To enjoy a devotional inthe midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars,steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhanceyour understanding and love for the Bible. The ruins of this importantcultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that theApostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these peo-ple are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient tomodern day. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated tothe medical care of that period. We travel on to the top of the nearbyAcropolis where our guide will speak on the worship practices andpoint out the bird’s eye view of what was a bustling city of around800,000 during Paul’s stay. Another important stop is a visit to Di-olkos where we view the paved trackway which enabled boats to bemoved overland across the Isthmus of Corinth and served as a life linefor Corinth. This shortcut allowed ancient vessels to avoid the longand dangerous circumnavigation of the Peloponnese peninsula. Be-fore returning to Athens, we will visit Cenchreae, the ancient port re-gion of Corinth. Acts 18:18 states the Apostle Paul stopped atCenchreae during his second missionary journey, where he had hishair cut to fulfill a vow.

Day 17: AthensFollowing breakfast this morning we tour Athens, the foundation ofdemocracy. We visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum be-fore viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preachedthe truth to the Gentile nation. From atop Mars Hill we view the Agorabelow, the ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life. Ad-ditional sites viewed during our panoramic bus tour are, the House ofParliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, andPresidential Palace. An option later this afternoon is a visit to the fa-mous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes.

Day 18: HomeA very early morning departure for the Athens Airport for our flighthomeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.

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Santorini

Corinth Canal

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