Day 1-2 (Thurs & Fri June 4-5th): FLY FROM USA 

Today we fly from the USA to Tel Aviv. When we arrive we will go directly to the Mount of Olives for a view of ‘the Golden City’. We overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 3 (Sat June 6):JERUSALEM CENTER/(BETHESDA) 

This morning we enjoy Church Services at the remarkable BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. The view of Jerusalem during our Service is inspiring. On our way to lunch we will wander down the Mt. of Olives and pass thousands of Jewish graves, including those of the Biblical Prophets; Haggai, Zechariah, & Malachi. We make a brief stop at the ‘Teardrop Church’ and then enjoy lunch in a unique local place near the Old City. We will then visit St. Anne’s which is the ancient site for the Pool of Bethesda. As we make our way back to the hotel we will be introduced to the shopkeeper that makes LDS scripture covers, necklaces, etc. and after dinner those interested can peruse olive wood carvings from the shopkeepers who have been making LDS Olive Wood pieces for over 30 years. We enjoy a relaxed evening and overnight in Jerusalem. 

Day 4 (Sun June 7th): BEGINNINGS: BETHLEHEM 

Our morning begins with a visit to the place where Jews believe is the Center of the Universe and where the Spirit of the Lord resides with a visit to the Tunnels at the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. We view 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 visit the unique historical museums in Jerusalem. The Israeli Museum 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. We conclude our museum visits with the sobering Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem. Time permitting we will enjoy the sights and sounds of Jerusalem by walking on the Old City Walls of Jerusalem on the Rampart. Next we will cross through ‘The Wall’ (20’ cement wall that separates Israel and Palestinian controlled land) and visit the traditional birthplace of the Savior in Bethlehem (Church of the Nativity). We conclude our day by visiting 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 again overnight in Jerusalem. 

Today we consider Jesus and Mary during their teenage years as we visit Nazareth and the surrounding areas. We will drive up north and our first stop 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 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 as well as reenact the remarkable story of Elijah and the Priests of Baal. Following lunch, near Carmel, 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 6 (Tues June 9th): JESUS’ MINISTRY: GALILEE 

Today we explore the Galilee area where Jesus spent most of His ministry. We begin by boarding a small fishing boat and exploring the Sea of Galilee as we cross to Capernaum. On our way we cut the engines & review some of the scriptural accounts that take place on the Sea. On shore we visit Capernaum which He called ‘His own City’ as well as the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered. For lunch those interested can have St. Peter’s Fish from the Sea! This afternoon we’ll visit Peter’s Primacy where the historic conversation took place between the resurrected Jesus and Peter in John 21. Our final site of the day will be a visit to Magdala (birthplace of Mary Magdalene) where there is a brand new church with stunning murals and a portion of the Church dedicated to Women in Jesus Life. Our final stop of the day will be the traditional site of Jesus Baptism at Yardenit at the Jordan River. We again enjoy another relaxing evening by the Sea of Galilee. 

Today we explore more of the Galilee area where Jesus spent the majority of His ministry as well as some other significant scriptural sites. We begin with a beautiful view of the Sea by taking a short hike to Mt Arbel. From here you can view the entire area. 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 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. From here we also have a great view of Mt. Hermon (Mount of Transfiguration) and will reflect on the remarkable experiences there! This evening will be our final opportunity to enjoy the evening views of the Sea of Galilee and surrounding cities at night. 

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.

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.

Today we conclude our Jerusalem and New Testament portion of our tour and consider the Me…Here…Now of all we have experienced. From the Mt of Olives Jesus officially concludes His mortal ministry on that continent (Acts 1) and fittingly we will in similar fashion conclude ours as well. We will then make their way to the airport and begin their journey home.   

Those returning home will be reunited with their loved ones. 

Every tour will have a professional and trained director to lead the youth skillfully through the scriptures and particularly through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. We will trace the Life of Christ chronologically and walk where Jesus walked! 

There will also be young adult leaders to help guide and protect our young participants. One adult couple will also be selected to accompany each group for extra support. If interested please indicate in the Registration Form.