Holy Land
Day to Day
Days 1-2: Fly to Tel Aviv
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: Jerusalem Center, Mt of Olives, 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 40 years. We enjoy a relaxed evening and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 4: Bethlehem, Temple Mount & Museums
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.
Day 5: Caesarea & Nazareth
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 conclude our day with a visit to the Nazareth Village which will give a glimpse into 1st century life. We will overnight in the Nazareth area.