Jewish/Christian/Muslim Itinerary | Jewish/Christian Itinerary

Jewish/Christian Interfaith Pilgrimage

Sunday. Depart the USA to Israel. Your flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment for your journey.

Monday. Arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport. Welcome by our representative and assistance with arrival formalities. Transfer to the hotel in the Galilee. Dinner at the hotel. (D): GALILEE

Tuesday. Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day at the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount and continue on to Tabkha, site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fish and to Capernaum, the center of the Jesus’ early ministry. Enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee to Ginosar to visit the fishermen’s boat found nearby which dates to the period of Jesus drive along the lower Galilee mountains to Cana, site of Jesus’ first miracle, followed by a visit to the Nazareth Village where you will experience a living presentation of life at the time of Jesus and visit the Church of Annunciation and Mary’s Well. Dinner. (B,D): GALILEE

Wednesday. Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Safed, a center of Jewish mysticism for hundreds of years, and a contemporary artists’ colony; visit the many unique synagogues, stroll through the quaint art galleries and shop in the artists’ colony. Drive to the base of the Golan Heights for a nature walk along one of the hidden rivers which lead into the Sea of Galilee. Explore Israel's security situation on the Golan Heights while overlooking the Hula Valley from former Syrian fortifications. Cross the Golan Plateau bordering with Syria and observe the abandoned Syrian city of Kuneitra and the United Nations outpost located nearby. Conclude the day with a security seminar on the Lebanese border, followed by free time and dinner at the hotel. (B,D): GALILEE

Thursday. After breakfast at the hotel drive along the Sea of Galilee and arrive at Yardenit, the Baptismal Center on the Jordan River. From here drive to and ascend Mount Carmel to visit the Carmelite Monastery at Muhraka, the location of Elijah’s altar and the site of Elijah’s battle with the prophets of Baal. Continue along the Mediterranean Coast to Caesarea to visit the extensive excavations from the Roman and Crusader periods, a site of both Christian and Jewish significance. Drive to Tel Aviv, known as the "city that never sleeps," and pass by centers of culture and recreation, from the Mann and Habima Theaters to sprawling beaches and Dizengoff Street. Visit Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel was signed in 1948. Meet with a representative of the American Embassy to discuss the American role in the Middle East. Depart Tel Aviv for Jerusalem. Ascend the Judean Hills to arrive at the Holy city of Jerusalem. Stop at the Haas Promenade to say the traditional “shehechiyanu” blessing, recited upon entering Jerusalem. Optional visit to the Israel Museum which houses collections of fine arts, Judaica, archaeology, the Dead Sea Scrolls and more. Dinner. (B,D): JERUSALEM

Friday. After breakfast at the hotel, start the day with a visit to the Garden Tomb. Continue to the Old City, through St. Stephen’s Gate to the Pool of Bethesda, the Chapel of the Flagellation, and the Ecce Homo Arch and view Gabbatha pavement. Proceed along the Stations of the Cross on the Via Delorosa, to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, to the Temple area and Mt. Moriah to visit the Western Wall, the Ophel archaeological park to see the Pinnacle and visit the new visitors’ center, dedicated to the research and learning about the Biblical Temple. Continue through the Bazaar to the last stations of the Via Dolorosa. Then an afternoon drive to Bethlehem for a visit to the Church of the Nativity, the Milk Grotto and the cave of St. Jerome. Shabbat services at a local synagogue. Enjoy a festive Shabbat dinner at the hotel. (B,D): JERUSALEM

Saturday. Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Jerusalem, on the way visit the inn of the “Good Samaritan”. Continue towards the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth. Drive along the Dead Sea to Masada, Herod’s mountain palace and site of the Jewish Zealots’ last stand against the Roman Legionnaires. Discuss Masada’s role as a symbol of Jewish defense and the current meaning and significance in modern Israel. Continue to Ein Gedi, where King David found shelter from the wrath of King Saul. Experience the weightlessness of the Dead Sea as you float in its waters. Continue to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in a cave in 1947 and then return to Jerusalem. (B): JERUSALEM

Sunday. Breakfast at the hotel. Start the morning with Mass services. Drive to the Mount of Scopus to view the impressive home of the Hebrew University from here to the Mount of Olives, for an outstanding view of Jerusalem. Afterwards, visit the Chapel of the Ascension, Garden of Gethsemane, and Church of All Nations. See the Kidron Valley and Tomb of Absalom, Zechariah and James. Then to Mount Zion, the Room of the Last Supper and King David’s tomb, followed by an in-depth tour of the Jewish Quarter, including the Southern Wall Excavations and the Western Wall. Next, visit the recently constructed Model of Ancient Jerusalem. Visit the recently excavated archaeological site in the Jewish quarter – the Cardo, the ‘Wide’ wall built by King Hezekiah and the Herodian mansion. Panel on Interfaith. (B): JERUSALEM

Monday. Breakfast at the hotel. Guided visit through the newly renovated Yad Vashem complex, the Jewish National Memorial to the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, including: the Historical Museum, the Art Museum, the Valley of the Communities and the Children's Memorial, with a memorial service. Continue on to ‘Political Jerusalem’—Travel through the city of Jerusalem exploring some of the political and diplomatic complexities of recent years, including Har Homa, Gilo and the new ‘Security Fence’ in the Jerusalem area with an in-depth study seminar on the ramifications of current developments. Take part in a VIP tour of the Knesset and meet with Knesset members from various parties to discuss current political agendas. Farewell dinner. (B,D): JERUSALEM

Tuesday. Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Ben Gurion International Airport for your departure flight to the U.S.A.