THE HOLY LAND BEGINS HERE
DAY 1 - Mar. 25, 2020
LOS ANGELES / ISTANBUL
THE HOLY LAND BEGINS HERE
Today we will meet at Los Angeles International airport for our connecting flights to Istanbul via
wide-body aircraft arriving the next day. Meals served on board.
DAY 2 - Friday,
ISTANBUL / TEL AVIV / TIBERIAS
This morning we will arrive in Istanbul and transfer to our flight to Tel Aviv
Upon arrival in Tel Aviv we are met by our guide who will be with us for the time we are in the
Holy Land. Continue through Tel Aviv, the largest city in Israel. We proceed up the new toll
road in Israel to the famous Sea of Galilee where we check into our hotel for dinner and
overnight.
DAY 3 - Saturday,
SEA OF GALILEE / CAPERNAUM / BEIT SHEAN
This morning we enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, returning to Nof Ginosar
where we will see the New Testament boat found below the sea. Continue our morning tour
with a visit to Capernaum, Tabgha and the Mount of Beatitudes.
In the afternoon we stop at Magdala, one of the oldest Synagogues dating back to the first
century AD. Home of Mary Magdalena and was the fishing center where Peter would have
brought his catch to be sold or processed.We follow the Rift Valley running parallel to the
Jordan, along the route Jesus most frequently traveled to Jerusalem, to Bet Shean at the foot
of Mt. Gilboa, where King Saul was slain. Here we see the evidences of Egyptian, Roman and
Byzantine occupations, and view the ancient tel, Roman Theater and church mosaics. Our last
stop today will be at the River Jordan where we will have the opportunity to be baptized, then
transfer to the hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4 - Sunday,
CANA / NAZARETH / CAESAREA / JERUSALEM
“We are going up to Jerusalem.” (Matt. 20:18). We drive west to Nazareth. Traveling through
Cana of Galilee where Jesus performed his first Miracle, turning water into wine (John 2). We
proceed to Nazareth and ascend the Mount of the Precipice at the brow of Nazareth
overlooking the Valley of Jezreel, synonymous with Armageddon. We then drive through the
valley to the mound of Megiddo, Har Megiddo in Hebrew, which gave its name to Armageddon.
We then ascend Mt. Carmel, site of Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal.
From there we drive towards the Mediterranean coast traveling south along the coastal
highway to Caesarea by the Sea. We enter Caesarea Maritima to explore this Roman
bridgehead to the east, which became the Christian springboard to the west. After the visit to
this ancient harbor, we board our bus and we head up the historic Beth Horon road (Joshua
10:10) to the Benjamin Plateau, passing ancient Gibeon and continuing on to Jerusalem.
Finally, atop Mt. Scopus, we behold majestic Jerusalem. Check in to our hotel for dinner and
overnight stay.
DAY 5 - Monday,
MASADA / QUMRAN / DEAD SEA / JERICHO
Today we drive to Masada and ascend by cable car to the magnificent ruins of the fortress
where, from 70 to 73 AD, Jewish defenders made their last stand in the Judean revolt against
Rome. We see the remains of storehouses, cisterns and a sixth-century Byzantine church.
Continuing alongside the Dead Sea, 1300 ft. below sea level -- the lowest spot on earth -- we
proceed to Ein Gedi where time permitting we will walk the path to see the waterfall in the
desert.
This afternoon we continue to Qumran and the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.
We will have a stop for lunch and time for those that want to swim in the Dead Sea. We travel
to Jericho, the world’s oldest city. From the excavated tel atop the ruins of ancient Jericho we
view the lush green Jordan Valley, Elisha’s spring and Qarantal, the Mount of Temptation. We
will head up to Jerusalem and return to the hotel for dinner.
DAY 6 - Tuesday,
MT. OF OLIVES / GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE / HERODIUM /
SHEPHERD'S FIELDS / BETHLEHEM
"If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace" (Luke 19:42) Our
drive this morning takes us past the Chapel of Ascension and Paternoster to the Mt. of Olives
for an orientation view of Jerusalem and the opportunity of a group photograph overlooking
Jerusalem. We then walk the traditional Passion walk. We descend to the church known as
Dominus Flevit ("Our Lord weeps"). After viewing the Golden Gate, we walk downhill to
Gethsemane, where we take time to meditate on the Gospel text and view the Church of All
Nations. Next we visit the Upper Room and the Tomb of King David, enter the Zion Gate and
proceed to the Steps that entered the temple and the Southern Wall. It was here that Jesus
would have taught the disciples. See a video that shows the temple as it was at Herod's (or
Jesus') time.
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a
Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11). We drive south to the region
of Bethlehem passing Rachel's Tomb on the outskirts of Bethlehem. We drive to a hilltop for a
view of Bethlehem, noting its relation to the rest of the central mountain range, including
Jerusalem, as well as to the desert and the area of ancient Moab. This is Herodium, the palace
set in a conical mountain built by Herod to mark his tomb. Note the juxtaposition of the two
Kings of the Jews. The King Herod buried in great opulence and the King of the Jews born in a
humble manger in Bethlehem sitting in the background of the Herodium. We then drive to one
of the possible sites for Shepherds' Fields. We continue into Bethlehem itself, walking through
the restored old town to the Church of the Nativity and visiting the manger and see the cave of
St. Jerome. We drive back to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.
DAY 7 - Wednesday,
OLD CITY / VIA DOLOROSA /GARDEN TOMB
“He has risen!” (Mark 16:6) After breakfast we transfer to the Dung Gate, where we walk via the
Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site. We ascend to the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa
Mosque, the third holiest site of Islam, located on the traditional site of the ancient Temple
Mount. Here the first and second Temples once stood. Just to the north we find the Pools of
Bethesda (John 5) and St. Anne’s Church. The church is perfectly preserved from the Crusader
period – with remarkable acoustics. Continuing on we see Pilate’s Judgment Hall, the Chapel
of Flagellation, Lithostrotos, and the Arch of Ecce Homo (Behold the Man). We then follow the
Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) through the bazaars as far as the Holy Sepulcher. From there
we walk from the Christian Quarter along the Arab Souks through the Cardo Maximo and past
the Armenian Quarter. Continuing to Mt Zion and to the grounds of a church called Peter in
Gallicantu, which affords the best view of early Jerusalem from the west. (Here, the
Assumptions Fathers suggest, was the house where the High Priest Caiaphas interrogated
Jesus). We board our bus to the Garden Tomb where we will end our day with a special visit
and the possibility of having a private communion on the grounds outside the city walls. Return
to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 8 - Thursday,
JERUSALEM / TEL AVIV / USA
We transfer to the airport for our flight home with unforgettable memories to cherish always.
Knowing we have walked in the footsteps of Jesus and the early Christians on such a
memorable tour will bring new meaning to our Bible reading.
POST EXTENSION TOUR TO GREECE & AEGEAN CRUISE
DAY 8 - Thursday,
JERUSALEM / ATHENS
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Athens, via Istanbul. After checking into
our hotel this afternoon Dr. Stutz will lead a walking tour of the Plaka District and Constitution
Square with it's ancient landmarks. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 9 - Friday,
ATHENS / LAVRION / MYKONOS
This morning we are taken to Lavrion to start our Aegean Cruise. Late this afternoon we arrive
at our first stop, Mykonos. Imagine a hilly, rock-ribbed island of 29 square miles, dotted with
more than 350 tiny chapels built by 19th-century pirates for the protection of their patron saints.
Picture dozens of quaint windmills and a small town of houses set neatly along narrow winding
paths. Visit a fishing harbor with shops and boutiques selling handmade sweaters, dresses,
fabrics, jewelry and other items at bargain prices. Time on your own to explore before returning
to the ship for overnight and resume sailing.
DAY 10 - Saturday,
EPHESUS / PATMOS
This morning our cruise arrives in the Turkish port of Kusadasi (Island of Birds) known for its
marina and its colorful bazaar. Here visitors can find a wide selection of hand-made carpets,
leather bags and local products. But mostly, Kusadasi is known for its proximity to the ancient
ruins of Ephesus, and its Terrace Houses, one of the world’s largest open-air museums, and
the House of the Virgin Mary. Included shore excursion to the House of the Virgin Mary and
Ancient Ephesus.
This afternoon our ship takes us to Patmos, a beautiful verdant island where Saint John the
Evangelist wrote the book of Revelation in a mountainside Grotto, after hearing the voice of
God. Atop its highest hill, within the halls of Hora stands the monastery founded in his honor in
1088. This island apart from its great significance to Christians all over the world, is now turning
into a cosmopolitan destination. Included is a shore excursion to St. John’s Monastery and
Grotto of the Apocalypse.
DAY 11 - Sunday,
HERAKLION / SANTORINI
This morning we arrive in Heraklion. The capital of Crete is a former Venetian harbor with
representative architecture and art and an Archaeological museum with invaluable treasures.
Our included tour of the city takes us on a short drive to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home
to Europe’s oldest civilization. If you are not into sightseeing, walk the city center where you
can dine or shop.
This afternoon we continue our cruise to Santorini one of the most renowned places of the
world. People travel thousands of miles in order to admire its unique geography, a result of an
earthquake that took place many centuries ago. Our included shore excursion takes us to the
picturesque village of Oia located on the caldera rim, 300 meters above the sea.
DAY 12 - Monday,
LAVRION/ ATHENS / CORINTH
This morning we disembark our cruise ship and drive along the coastal road to Corinth.
Continue along the wonderful beach of Kinetta, make a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, then on
to ancient Corinth to visit the Museum, the Bema of St. Paul, the Doric Temple of Apollo, the
Askeleion, Agora, Lechaion Road, and the Peirene Fountain.
This afternoon return to Athens and visit the important modern and archaeological sites in the
city of Athens, the Acropolis and neighboring monuments. While driving through the main
streets of Athens, we have an opportunity to see other places of interest such as the University,
the Academy, the National Library, the Temple of Zeus, the Panathenian Stadium, Omonia
Square, Constitution Square and the Royal Palace. Check into our hotel for dinner and
overnight.
DAY 13 - Tuesday,
ATHENS / HOME
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight back home. We arrive back home with
unforgettable memories to cherish always. Knowing we have walked in the footsteps of the
early Christians on such a memorable tour will bring new meaning to our Bible reading.
'Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.' Psalms 122:2
A journey to the Holy Land! We want to invite you on an
unforgettable journey into the Holy Land which is filled with
ancient biblical history, culture and spiritual blessings. Visit the
places that witnessed the events of such decisive and enduring
importance in the history of humanity.
This journey will provide you a deeper understanding of scriptures
traveling through the lands of the Bible. You will get a closer look
at the life of Jesus Christ and His mission of redemption. When
you make this journey in the company of friends and others of like
mind, you can look forward to an unforgettable experience.
Picture yourself sailing in a boat like the disciples on the Sea of
Galilee (“And Jesus said to them, follow me and I will make you
become fishers of men” Mark 1:17), floating in the Dead Sea,
seeing our Lord Jesus’ birth place in Bethlehem, walking the
streets of Jerusalem and having communion at the empty tomb
where Jesus rose from the dead (“He is not here; he has risen, just
as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” Matthew 26:6).
At the end of this tour two things will most certainly be changed,
you, and your understanding of the Bible.
Join us on this life changing tour.
R. FREDERICK P. STUTZ, WORLD CULTURES EXPERT, BIBLICAL
SCHOLAR, PROFESSOR, AND COLLEGE TEXTBOOK AUTHOR, HAS
LED HOLY LAND TOURS FOR 30 YEARS, HAS PERSONALLY
DESIGNED THIS TOUR AND WILL ACCOMPANY THE GROUP. THIS IS
TRULY A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL TO ONCE‐IN‐A‐LIFETIME
PLACES…TO ENJOY SUPERB CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP…TO HAVE
YOUR INTERESTS BE GIVEN PERSONAL ATTENTION…AND TO
DEVELOP A BIBLICAL BACKGROUND THAT WILL MAKE YOUR
EXPERIENCES UNFORGETTABLE, AND YOUR FAITH BLOSSOM.