Pilgrim Tour |
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| • Touchdown at Ben Gurion International AirportIsrael's only international gateway. After clearing passport control a VIPIsraelDont Just See It... VIP It! representative will be waiting to welcome you. He will facilitate luggage identification and handling; then escort you through customs and to your awaiting vehicle. • Stop at the Gate of Hope Monument, which is located on a high plateau and provides a spectacular view of the Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center coastline and beyond. • On to view the White City of Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center, whose outstanding architecture blends the various trends of the Modern Movement and town planning in the early part of the 20th century. • Visit the spectacular “Palmach MuseumA museum which gives a sense of the period that led to the founding of the state”. Through a modern multi-media presentation, view the history of the Palmachthe elite striking force of the Haganah from 1941 to the War of Independence and the establishment of the State of IsraelNation of the Jewish People. Overnight: Hilton Hotel, Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center |
| • After breakfast, we will drive to Shiloh an assembly place for the people of Israel containing a sanctuary. Start the day by visiting the ancient sites in Shiloh an assembly place for the people of Israel containing a sanctuary and the ShomronSamaria - the heart of Biblical Israel, where tradition says that the ancient Holy Ark rested and where Eli the High PriestThe Main Priest, trained the Young Prophet Samuel and Samuel the Prophetan important leader of ancient Israel. lived. • Drive via the Elah ValleyWhere David killed Goliath, where the famous battle took place in which David slew Goliath. • Next, we will participate in an actual archaeological dig at the Beit Guvrin National ParkLocation of hundreds of Underground Caves, which encompasses the ancient city of Beit Guvrin. • With your guide, you will uncover actual artifacts from thousands of years ago, as you participate in an ongoing archaeological dig. • The “cave crawl” is also available for the adventurous. • Drive along IsraelNation of the Jewish People’s security fence. We will drive through one of the settlements on this “seam line”. See the hi-tech security fence facilities and how they are able to track the activity along and around the fence area. • On to visit Modiinthe "City of the Future", a perfect observation point to view the surrounding countryside. • Return to the hotel. • Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Hilton Hotel, Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center |
| • After breakfast, check-out of the hotel and drive to the ancient city of Caesarea, built by HerodA notorious king, ruled in the time of the second temple the Great and once the seat of Roman rule. • Visit the Caesarea Harbor Project where a fascinating cinematic exhibition will take you on an enchanted voyage through the history of Caesarea. • Along the route, you will be exposed to the various civilizations which ruled the city, including the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Crusaders. • Drive to Mukhraka, the Place of Sacrifice and the site of the contest between the prophet Elijah and 450 false prophets of Baal, to see which god was greater. The contest, won by Elijah, brought about a revival of the peoples’ faith in God. From this vantage point, the beauty of the Lower Galilee and the Jezreel ValleyKnown, in Hebrew, as "The Valley of God's saving" can be seen. • Proceed to visit MegiddoLocation knows for its historical weight. This important site dates back to the times of the Canaanites. During excavation, remnants of once lovely palaces dating back to the Israelite Kings were discovered. In this “city of chariots”, you will have a unique opportunity to go down the famous Canaanite shaft to the water tunnel that dates back to the year 4000 BCE. • Drive via Mount ArbelWonderful Mountain offering a breathtaking view of the lake and the region, site of historic events dating back to the period of the Jewish revolt against the Romans. It was here that young HerodA notorious king, ruled in the time of the second temple proved his loyalty to Rome by oppressing the Jewish rebellion. • Arrive at the Sheraton Moriah Hotel, TiberiasOne of Israel's 4 Holy Cities. Check-in and freshen up before dinner. • Take a Boat Ride on the KinneretSea of Galilee and then enjoy Dinner at Deck’s Restaurant. Overnight: Sheraton Moriah Hotel, TiberiasOne of Israel's 4 Holy Cities |
• After breakfast, drive around the beautiful Lake KinneretSea of Galilee. See famous locations like Tabghathe traditional location for the calling of the disciples – the traditional site of the “Feeding of the Multitudes.” View the beautiful mosaic floor in the Church. The name Tabghathe traditional location for the calling of the disciples is from the Greek “Heptagon”, meaning “Seven Springs”, which provided water for the settlements and agriculture nearby. • On to Capernaum and the remains of the large white limestone synagogue with its beautifully carved columns and stones. This was a thriving town during the Second Temple period. It was destroyed by an earthquake and was never rebuilt. • Visit BethsaideThis Location Play an Important Role in a Number of Gospel Stories, situated in Jordan National ParkThe Cochav Hayarden National Park bordering Lake KinneretSea of Galilee. • Ascend the Golan Heights, where you will have the very special privilege of being the guest of an Armored Brigade at their base. The Brigade stopped the advance of the Syrian army during the Yom Kippur WarIsrael defends itself in 1973. During your visit, meet and talk with soldiers and officers stationed there as you join them for an army-style lunch. • Onward to Katzrin, which was established in 1977 and was one of the first urban settlements in the Golan. While in Katzrin, see a fascinating audio-visual presentation describing the history of the Golan throughout the ages. • Tour the ancient reconstructed Talmudic Village and a partially restored 1,500-year-old synagogue. • On to Gamla – the MasadaAncient Fort on the shores of the Dead Sea of the north, to view the remains of the fortified village, which stood fast against the Romans and was an example to the Jewish nation of the time. At this battle, 5000 people died fighting the Romans. Gamla is located on a slope in the Golan Heights that looks like a camel’s hump. • Enjoy a quiet dinner at Pagodaone of the most beautiful restaurants in Israel, TiberiasOne of Israel's 4 Holy Cities’s Chinese Thai restaurant. Overnight: Sheraton Moriah Hotel, TiberiasOne of Israel's 4 Holy Cities |
| • After breakfast, check-out of the hotel. • Visit TiberiasOne of Israel's 4 Holy Cities, the capital of the Galilee, which is located on the shores of Lake KinneretSea of Galilee (Sea of Galilee). It contains the sites of the tombs of MaimonidesRabbi Moshe ben Maimon, Rabbi Akivaone of the most central contributors to the early Oral Torah, Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess, and many other outstanding Sages. The famous Tiberias Hot Springsrenowned spa resort in the north, known throughout the ages for its curative powers, is located in this scenic lakeside resort. • Travel to the ancient remains of Beit SheanThe largest and most unique ancient site in Israel – one of the oldest settled sites in the country. This is where, in biblical times, the bodies of King Saul and his sons were nailed to the city walls by the Philistines. Today Beit SheanThe largest and most unique ancient site in Israel is a modern development town. • Time now for some refreshing water fun at Gan Hashelosha (Garden of the Three). The garden includes a series of natural pools fed by underground springs and is one of IsraelNation of the Jewish People’s loveliest spots for bathing and picnicking. • Ascend to JerusalemThe capital of Israel. Upon your first view of the eternal Holy City, stop at Mount ScopusOffering beautiful vistas of Jerusalem for a moment’s reflection led by your group leader. • Continue to Mount of Olivesbeautiful mountain ridge to the east of Jerusalem, which affords a beautiful view of JerusalemThe capital of Israel, especially the rich historical sites of JerusalemThe capital of Israel’s Old CityThe Holiest Center in the World. These include the Tombs of the ProphetsBautiful Tombs at the Holy City of Hebron, the Dominus Flavit Church, the Chapel of the Ascension, the Church of Pater Noster, the Church of all Nations of “Gethsemane” and a major Jewish cemetery. • Check into the Park Plaza HotelWonderful Hotel at the Heart of Jerusalem, JerusalemThe capital of Israel. • Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Park Plaza HotelWonderful Hotel at the Heart of Jerusalem, JerusalemThe capital of Israel |
| • After breakfast, we will start the day by visiting the Garden Tomb, an ancient Jewish sepulcher. • In JerusalemThe capital of Israel’s Old CityThe Holiest Center in the World, tour the archaeological discoveries excavated in the Western Wall Tunnelslabyrinth of passageways at the Temple Mount. Inside, a most interesting model shows the different dwelling periods and history of the inhabitants of JerusalemThe capital of Israel. This site is believed to be the nearest spot to the “Holy of HoliesThe room in the Jewish Temple where the Ark of the Covenant stood”. • Enjoy a visit to the Davidson CenterThe Jerusalem Archaeological Park – the newly opened visitor’s center, located at the JerusalemThe capital of Israel Archaeological Park. • The Southern Wallone of the most important archeological projects in recent history Excavations have unearthed some of the most important archaeological discoveries, proving this is one of the key areas of JerusalemThe capital of Israel. WELCOME SHABBAT AT THE KotelHoliest place on Earth (WESTERN WALL) • As the sun sets, enter JerusalemThe capital of Israel’s Old CityThe Holiest Center in the World. Look around you and notice how people from all corners of the world enter through the various Gates with one purpose in mind – to welcome the Shabbat at the holiest place on earth for JudaismThe religion of the Jewish people. • After welcoming the Shabbat, enjoy a traditional Shabbat dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Park PlazaWonderful Hotel at the Heart of Jerusalem, JerusalemThe capital of Israel |
| • Early morning departure to the Dead Sea area as we travel south through the Judean Wilderness. • Arrive at MasadaAncient Fort on the shores of the Dead Sea. Ascend the cliff-top fortress by cable car. Explore the ancient remains of fortifications, King HerodA notorious king, ruled in the time of the second temple’s palaces, storerooms and baths. Descend by cable car. It is also possible to descend on foot via the old Roman RampWall erected by the Romans in 72 CE or Snake Path. • Take in the beauty of the natural Ein Gedi WaterfallJust north of Masada, a desert oasis of hiking trails, waterfalls and lush greenery. Experience a small slice of heaven as you hike along a waterfall oasis, whose beauty exudes vibrant colorful hues. • Continue along the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth and a rich source of minerals for export. Let the buoyant waters support you as you relax on your back and think of nothing else but the sea and the salt all around you. • Take a very cool, short hike in the Flour Caves, a wondrous desert formation. • Return to the hotel to freshen up for dinner. • Enjoy dinner at the very lovely Taverna Restaurant in the fascinating Abu-Tur neighborhood of JerusalemThe capital of Israel. Overnight: Park PlazaWonderful Hotel at the Heart of Jerusalem, JerusalemThe capital of Israel. |
| • After breakfast, start the day with a visit to the new Yad VashemHolocaust Museum in Jerusalem, the memorial to the six million innocent victims of the Holocaust. Walk through the Museum, the Children’s Hall, and the Memorial Hall and view the recently constructed Memorial to the Deportees. • Visit Ein KaremA picturesque village located approximately 5 miles southwest of Jerusalem, whose name literally means “Vineyard Spring”. This is the traditional birthplace of John the BaptistForerunner to Jesus, later executed by Herod the Great. and is the site of a Church bearing his name. • Continue to the new Hadassah Medical CenterA world-class university medical institution. Enter the Synagogue view the brilliantly-hued, Chagall-designed stained glass windows, symbolizing the blessing which Jacob our forefather bestowed upon his sons. • Drive to Abu GoshArab village west of Jerusalem, a large Arab village, where you will enjoy an authentic Middle Eastern dinner at the Caravan Restaurant. • Return to JerusalemThe capital of Israel. Overnight: Park Plaza HotelWonderful Hotel at the Heart of Jerusalem, JerusalemThe capital of Israel. |
| • After breakfast, check-out of the hotel and visit the Israel Museum. View the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are housed in The Shrine of the BookHome to the Dead Sea Scrolls, a specially built structure that is an architectural masterpiece. • On to Beit ShemeshAncient Canaanite City that Precedes the Modern Israeli City (House of the Sun), in the area where the City of Tzorah was located and where Samson fell in love with Delilah. This is also the place where the Jews redeemed the Holy Ark of Covenant, which had been captured by the Philistines. Today, Beit ShemeshAncient Canaanite City that Precedes the Modern Israeli City is one of the largest development areas around JerusalemThe capital of Israel, with hundreds of apartment buildings in construction. • We will have the opportunity to view the beautiful wonders of nature, when we pay a visit to the Stalactite and StalagmiteLearn more about stalagmite while you Tour Israel! Caves situated near Beit ShemeshAncient Canaanite City that Precedes the Modern Israeli City. These caves were discovered by pure accident. • Continue to Kibbutz Yad Mordechaia kibbutz founded in 1943, named after Mordechai Annilewic. Visit the museum dedicated to the period from the Warsaw Ghetto uprising until the War of Independence. • On to Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center Harbor where you will find a kaleidoscope of art and cultures. Enjoy the upbeat tempo of lively music, nightlife and restaurants peppered with a variety of unusual cuisines. • Enjoy a tasty farewell fish dinner at the harbor. • Transfer to Ben GurionFirst Prime Minister of Israel, Declared State Independence in 1948 Airport where a VIPIsraelDont Just See It... VIP It! representative will assist you before your flight back home. |
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