After a restful night and breakfast, our journey begins in the ancient port city of Caesarea Maritima where we explore the distinct footprints of the countless empires that have conquered the region. A meandering walk takes us through the ancient ruins dating back to the 6th Century BC before heading on to Nazareth, hometown of Jesus Christ. The spectacular Basilica of the Annunciation, built on the ruins first erected in the Byzantine era around the year 427 AD, holds the imprint of the numerous churches built on the site as well as the cave where the Virgin Mary was visited by Archangel Gabriel and told that she was to carry the Messiah. The mosaics of the church walls pay homage to the various countries that have contributed to the collection, and the sublime lily dome is erected in salute of the Virgin Mary’s purity.

A short drive takes us to the Old City of Acre- a relaxing coastline city with a myriad of ancient city ruins. We will walk the city’s winding streets  to explore markets and local vendors. Finally, we will head to Haifa’s striking Bahai Gardens, the holiest of sites for the newest monotheistic religion, Bahai. These formal gardens flowing down 19 steep terraces to a resplendent domed shrine – the final resting place of the prophet-herald of the Baha’i faith – are Haifa’s crowning attraction. At night, the garden’s sparkling lights are a sight not to be missed. We will spend the night in Haifa and enjoy the evening adventures the city has to offer.

 Our third day starts with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is believed to have walked on water, and a viewing of the impressive Jesus Boat- an ancient vessel dating back to the 1st century BC found at the bottom of the Sea. Next, we continue on to the north western coast to explore the village of Tabgha where the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes was performed. We will continue to the Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter’s Primacy, which incorporates part of the original church from the 4th Century, and have the chance to dip our feet into the sparkling waters of the Sea. We will then visit Mt. Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the famous Sermon on the Mount. Before we return to Jerusalem, we will stop in the ancient fishing village of Capernaum with its remarkable archeological excavations.  

Our Jerusalem adventure begins on the Mount of Olives, the site of Jesus’ ascension to heaven, where the awe-inspiring, panoramic view of Jerusalem’s landscape awaits us. From there, we will head down to Jerusalem’s Old City, which boasts some of the key religious sites in each of the three Abrahamic faiths: Al Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam; the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which contains the two holiest sites in Christianity; and the Western Wall, which connects the Jewish people to the lost Second Temple. Finally, we will stroll through the Old City – take in the  unique mix of cultures, experience the local cuisine and shop for local handmade crafts. 

A scenic drive takes us through the rolling hills of  Bethlehem to the Church of the Nativity. Here, we will let ourselves be inspired by the striking wall mosaics dating back to the 12th Century, the hidden doors revealing the mosaics of Constantine the Great’s Basilica and, of course, the revered Grotto believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Next, the famous olive oil museum will introduce us to the ancient process of olive oil pressing. To unwind, we’ll head to the eight quarters of Bethlehem’s Old City to enjoy the plethora of culinary delights, artisanal handicrafts and local textiles. 

 Jericho is  one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world with over twenty ancient settlements dating back to 9000 BCE. The  glamour and glory of Hisham’s Palace, the great Arabian Mansion complete with a palace, an ornate bath and an agricultural estate, is absolutely stunning. Our trek up the Mount of Temptation, where the devil is said to have tempted Jesus Christ, culminates with a visit to the monastery built on the cliff top overlooking the Jordan valley. Then, we will continue on to the Baptismal site (or Qasr il Yahud), where John the Baptist baptized Jesus and where Joshua and the Israelites crossed into biblical Israel, and visit the ancient ruins of the fortress of Masada, located on a breathtaking plateau. Finally, we will head down to the Dead Sea to enjoy a dip in its healing waters. 

Following breakfast at your hotel, your private vehicle will whisk you and your party back to Ben Gurion Airport where we will bid you farewell in good time for your flight.