Join Hineni Tours on the trip of a LIFETIME to Israel!  This trip will take you to explore places like the Sea Port City of Jaffa, Galilee, Banias Springs, Masada, Ein Gedi, Golan Heights, Tel Dan, Tabgha, Capernaum, Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and more!  This trip is 9 days and 8 nights in Israel.  You will arrive on a Thursday in Israel, and depart on a Friday night for your flights back home.  You will have amazing opportunities to worship, pray, visit the sites, and meet and engage with the locals in the land.  You won't want to miss this incredible journey.  We can't wait to share ISRAEL with you, and you with us at Hineni Tours!

Arrival and assistance at Ben Gurion airport, Transfer to your coastal hotel for dinner, orientation and rest. Built on the ancient port of Jaffa, Tel Aviv is home to one of the oldest harbors in the world and the hub for modern innovation and progress of the modern State of Israel.

Joppa (Jaffa / Yafo) Overview

Location:

* Joppa (Jaffa or Yafo)is located about 45 miles (72 km.) west of Jerusalem on the strategic crossroads of Israel, and the main travel routes linking Africa with Asia and Europe. This travel route was called the “Via Maris.”

Historical Background:

* Legend holds that the founder of Joppa (also called Jaffa) was Japheth, one of Noah’s sons.

* Joppa was inhabited by the Canaanites, the Egyptians, the Israelites, the Greeks, Romans, and continuing until modern times.

* Joppa was the main seaport and entry gate to Israel for thousands of years until just before the time of Christ when Herod the Great built another seaport at Caesarea, about 35 miles (56 km.) north of Joppa.

Places of Interest in Jaffa:

 1. Simon the Tanner's House

 2. Egyptian fortress, built by Ramses II, in about 1250 BC.

 3. Tel Joppa (Jaffa, Yafo)

 4. St. Peter's Monastery

 5. Old City Joppa

 6. Abrasha Park

 7. The Suspended Orange Tree

 8. Old Sea Port

 9. Alma Beach by Joppa

10. Ilana Goor Museum

12. Jaffa Museum

13. Old Jaffa Market

14. Kedumim Square

After breakfast and a very special orientation, and then we will make our ascent up tp to Jerusalem, the City of our God.  

We will spend time at the Mt. of Olives:

Location

The Mount of Olives is located just opposite the Temple Mount on the east side of Old City Jerusalem.

Historical Background

1. The Mount of Olives has played a significant role in the Bible.

2. It is from where Christ ascended back to heaven.

3. It is where Christ, along with all believers, will return to at Christ’s second coming.

We’ll take the Palm Sunday Walk to the Garden of Gethsemane 

Then we will see the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount, 

Temple Southern Stairs & Pentecost

The Southern Stairs are located at the southern part of the Temple Mount at the Davidson Center.

1. The Southern Stairs were one of the main entrances from the south to the Temple Mount during the time of Christ.

2. King Herod had them redone and made them staggered so no one could enter the presence of God without being thoughtful in the process. 

3. The width of the stairs was hundreds of feet wide, so they provided plenty of space for congregating and teaching.

4. They were the main access to the temple from the City of David and the western area of the city, where most of the population lived. 

5. Multitudes arrived at the stairs by using the Pilgrim's Road (Herodian St.) that connected the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount. As they ascended this road, they would sing the songs of ascent found in Psalms 120-134.

6. The Pool of Siloam was a massive mikveh at the lower part of the City of David that was used by the Jews for purification purposes before entering the Temple Mount. 

7. There were also many purification mikvehs at the base of the Southern Stairs as well (around 48 total).  

8. The Southern Stairs were also called “The Rabbis’ Stairs” or the “Teaching Stairs” as rabbis taught their disciples on them.

9. There is no doubt Jesus would have walked on these stairs and taught His disciples here. It’s also likely that the young Apostle Paul sat here under the teaching of Gamaliel as well (Acts 22:3).

Visit the Western Wall:

Western Wall 

1. The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall (because the Jews weep here during their prayers), is located on the western side of the Temple Mount. 

2. The Western Wall Tunnel is accessed on the northern side of the Western Wall Plaza and runs north to the end of the Temple Mount Platform.

Historical Background

1. When the Romans destroyed the temple in 70 AD, part of the western side of the Temple Mount Platform survived. For hundreds of years prior to 1967, people prayed in the small area of the wall that could be seen at that time. However, in 1967, following the Six-Day War, Israelis excavated below the ground level of the wall and found two more stone rows. They then cleared the area around the wall to create the Western Wall Plaza that visitors see today. 

2. The Western Wall is part of the retaining wall, or support wall, that Herod the Great built in 19 BC when he enlarged the Temple Mount complex in order to accommodate a larger temple and Temple Mount area. It was a massive undertaking that required exceptional and sophisticated engineering.

3. Unlike many think, the Western Wall was not part of the wall of the temple King Herod Built.

After our time at the Western Wall, we will go for lunch at the Historic Mamilla in the heart of Jerusalem where we will be able to have lunch and do a tiny bit of shopping.  Lunch will be everyone on their own at the Mamilla (Partially outdoor mall) in the heart of Jerusalem.  

We will be then visiting our friends at the Bible Society in Israel 

"For out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem."

Strategically located in the heart of Jerusalem, on the border between the Old City and the New City, we strive to make the Word of God available, accessible, and heard to her own people as well as to her many visitors.

Next, we will experience the Ben Yehuda Market area, Jerusalem's most happening and life-filled market.  There will be time for some shopping and browsing the historic streets of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, We begin the day by visiting Bethlehem, and the Shepherd's Fields, Caves where shepherds “kept watch over their flock” still abound in the area east of Bethlehem. Here, the Gospel of Luke tells us, an angel announced the birth of Jesus.

We will also be visiting the Lion's gate, which is one of the seven open Gates of the Old City of Jerusalem.  The Lion’s Gate is located near Mount of Olives and the Via Dolorosa.  

We will also be visiting the Pool of Bethesda. 

Archaeology has enabled a pool at Bethesda in Jerusalem to be identified as the scene of one of Jesus’ miracles. This was the healing of the paralyzed man who had waited for 38 years for someone to help him into the pool “when the water is stirred” — an event believed to have curative powers.  This is a very special place even today. 

Then we will visit the Ecce Homo Arch near the beginning of the Via Dolorosa. 

For centuries Christians believed the arch was the place where Pontius Pilate displayed Jesus — beaten, crowned with thorns and clothed in a purple robe — to a hostile Jerusalem crowd with the words: “Behold the man” (“Ecce Homo” in Latin).

We will also be visiting a setting of neatly maintained gardens and trees, the Garden Tomb provides a tranquil environment for prayer and reflection. 

Overnight in Jerusalem. 

After breakfast at our hotel, we will head up to the Temple Mount.

The Temple Mount has played a “center stage” role for much of Israel’s history and has functioned as the center of God’s dwelling place and ministry on this earth.

It will play a key part during the Millennial Reign of Christ on the earth as well.

God has chosen to focus His presence and attention there like a laser beam from heaven like no other place. 

First temple: the temple Solomon built.

Second temple: the temple Zerubbabel oversaw after the deportation and return of the Jews.

King Herod’s temple: it would seem like this would be called the third temple, but because the second temple wasn’t destroyed by enemies, but that Herod built over it a new temple and then removed the old one inside, it is still referred to as the second temple. 

Then we will visit the City of David including the 3D movie and Hezekiah's Tunnel, A 1,750-foot (530-m) tunnel carved during the reign of Hezekiah to bring water from one side of the city to the other, Hezekiah’s Tunnel together with the 6th-century tunnel of Euphalios in Greece are considered the greatest works of water engineering technology in the pre-Classical period.  

Next we will make our way to the Jewish Quarter including the Cardo.  A cardo was the Latin name given to the main street in Ancient Roman cities. Evidence for the existence of this ancient Cardo was first found on a mosaic map of Jerusalem. The map was discovered in a Byzantine church in Medeba town in the Moav Mountains of Jordan. This Medeba map was used as a tool to teach the locals about Jerusalem. The Cardo begins at Damascus Gate in the north, running southwards through the Old City, ending at Zion Gate. The north side of the Cardo, from Damascus Gate to David Street, was built during the Roman period in Jerusalem. However, the south side was built in the 6th century, during the times of the Byzantine Empire in Jerusalem, and it extends along the western side of the Jewish Quarter.

We will then make our way to visit the "Upper Room", which is a room in Mount Zion in Jerusalem, just outside the Old City walls, traditionally held to be the site of the Last Supper, the final meal that, in the Gospel accounts, Jesus held with the apostles. The Cenacle was a place in which the apostles continued to gather after the Last Supper, and it was also the site where the Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles on Pentecost. 

After our time at the upper room, we will be able to visit Mt. Zion: Also known as Mount Sion, the Upper City, the Southwestern Hill

We will enjoy lunch on our own together at the Machne Yehuda Shuk (Market).  The Mahane Yehuda Market is a true old-style market located in the middle of Jerusalem with over 250 vendors. At the market, you can find street singers, musicians, fresh spices by weight, baked goods, meat, cheeses, nuts, housewares, fresh fruits, and vegetables. In and around the market are restaurants, cafes, juice bars, and many small stands selling a variety of local foods and drinks. The market is closed for Shabbat (Sabbath) from Friday evening through Saturday evening. This market is one of the largest and busiest in Jerusalem. 

After lunch we will have a sober time visiting the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, where we will spend time remembering all of those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.  Yad Vashem, (meaning: “a monument and a name”) Holocaust History Museum, is Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Yad Vashem is located on the western slope of Mount Herzl, also known as the Mount of Remembrance, and was established in 1953. It is dedicated to the memory of the Jews who died under Nazi oppression and Gentiles who selflessly aided the Jews. 

Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

After breakfast, we will be visiting parts of the Judean Wilderness.

1. The Judean Wilderness runs from north of Jericho to the southern end of the Dead Sea.

2. It lies on the western side of the lower Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea area.

3. It’s about 60 miles (95 km.) long and about 13 miles (21 km.) wide.

4. It receives less than 2 inches (50 mm.) of rain per year.

5. Average high temperatures in the winter run in the 70s (21 C.) and highs in the summer run over 100 (40 C.).

6. Water is scarce and hard to find, and very little vegetation grows in the wilderness due to its lack of water and poor soil composition.

Next we will go to Ein Gedi, where David hid from Saul when he was pursuing him.  Ein Gedi has the most amazing views and you will still be able to see some Ibex, native to this particular area of Israel.  You'll want to have your camera ready for those times when the Ibex will come out.

En Gedi was one of David’s main hideouts when Saul was pursuing his life.
1 Samuel 23:28–29: So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore, that place was called the Rock of Escape. 29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi.

After Ein Gedi, we will make our way to Masada.

Masada was one of 3 fortified fortresses King Herod built for pleasure purposes and from which to protect his territories. He built Masada in about 24 BC.

Masada was fortified with elaborate water cisterns that were fed by diverting water from the nearby mountains. It even had swimming pools and many of the luxuries life afforded at that time.

We will go up over Masada in a cable car to view the sites of this amazing historical place!  Masada is unforgettable.  

After our time in Masada, we will go to the Dead Sea for our dinner and overnight at a Dead Sea Spa Hotel located in the Dead Sea Region for just one night before heading to the Galilee.

We will enjoy breakfast at our Dead Sea hotel before heading to Tel Jericho.

Tel Jericho is also known today as Tell Es-Sultan.

Historical Background

1. Jericho was a well-fortified Canaanite city before the arrival of the Israelites.

2. It’s an ancient city with about 6 thousand years of history.

3. Archaeologists have uncovered 23 levels of civilizations in Tel Jericho.

4. The city was fortified with double walls. 

• The walls were constructed of large stones at the base and mud bricks continuing upwards. 
• The exterior wall’s stone base was about 15 feet high (5 m.), and the mud-brick wall on top of it was another 25 feet tall (8 m.), for a total of around 40 feet (13 m.). 
• The inner wall was constructed the same way; only it rose even higher than the exterior wall for a total height of around 50 feet (15 m.).
• The width of the walls were around 8 ft. (2.5 m.) wide each, and people lived between them (Josh. 2:15).
• These double walls were enormous and overwhelming in size and strength. 

5. Jericho was given by Marc Antony (Roman general under Julius Caesar) to Cleopatra (Pharaoh of Egypt) as a wedding gift in 36 BC.

6. King Herod built a winter palace in Jericho around 20 BC and would later die there as well.

7. During the Byzantine period, homes and churches were built in the area.

8. During the Crusader period, the town was moved about a mile (1.6 km.) southeast of Tel Jericho.

Archaeological Evidence at Tel Jericho that Proves the Bible is True

1. Retaining Walls

2. Fallen Mud-Brick Walls

3. Preserved section of the wall where Rahab likely lived.

4. Burn Layer

5. Burnt full Jars of barley.

6. The battle was short, as shown in the archaeology.

7. The battle took place in the Spring during the barley harvest.

8. Discovered abandonment layer due to Joshua's curse on Jericho.

9. Jericho was rebuilt by the Israelites during the time of King Ahab, according to Joshua's prophecy.

10. Israelite occupation layer.

After our time at Tel Jericho, we will visit Qsar Al Yehud, the original Baptismal site of John the Baptist, bordering the country of Jordan.  We will be able to see into Jordan from the Israeli side of the Jordan River.

Qasr al-Yahud Baptismal Site

1. It’s located about 2 miles (3.2 km.) east of Hwy. 90, across from Jericho. 

2. It’s also known as Qaser al-Yahud, Kasser al-Yahud, and the Baptismal Site of Jesus.

3. It’s the place where it’s believed Jesus was baptized, and where John the Baptist and the disciples of Jesus baptized many people as well. 

4. The water is not quite as clean as Yardenit, but thousands of pilgrims are baptized there each year because of its spiritual significance.

5. It’s also the believed location where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land. 

6. For those desiring to get baptized here in the Jordan River, the Qsar al-Yahud gift shop provides white robes and towels for a small fee.

7. Qsar al-Yahud also has a gift shop for the purchase of souvenirs and other miscellaneous items.

After our time at Qasr Al Yahud, we will be going to visit the Jordan River valley and then off to lunch at Cafe Cafe.  This is one of our favorite lunch stops, so we want to take you here and lunch will be on your own as usual.

After lunch, we will go to Gideon Springs (Ein

Harod)

Gideon’s Spring (Ein Harod)

Gideon’s Spring, or also known as Harod Spring, is located in the fertile Jezreel Valley about 26 miles (42 km.) from the Mediterranean Sea and about 17 miles (28 km.) south of the Sea of Galilee. Just to the south of Gideon’s Spring are the Gilboa Mountains.

Historical Background

1. The period of the Judges saw the nation of Israel experience many cycles of obedience and disobedience.

2. They would walk with God for a bit and then fall away.

3. One verse is repeated several times in the book of the Judges that summarizes the mentality of their day: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6, 21:25).

4. In order to bring the nation of Israel back to Himself, God would send them oppressors to make their lives difficult.

5. As a result, the Israelites would look to the Lord, and He would send them a deliverer, or also known as a Judge.

6. Gideon was one of these deliverers that God raised up to deliver the Israelites out of the hand of the Midianites who were oppressing Israel at that time.

7. There were a total of 13 Judges or Deliverers in the book of Judges.

8. Gideon was the 6th Judge. 

After our time in Gideon's Spring, we will head to the Sachne for a swim.  Be sure to pack your swimming items for this day.

Gan Hashlosha, otherwise known as the Sachne, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Israel. Located in the Lower Galilee, some believe that Gan Hashlosha is the real-world location of the garden of Eden, and, once you visit, you might understand why. The main highlight of Gan Hashlosha are its beautiful pools shaded by lush palm trees and surrounded by green lawns, which are constantly 28 degrees Celsius year-round. The park also has an archaeology museum and tower and stockade and is popular with visitors who come to spend a day swimming and relaxing or to explore the history and admire the beauty it has to offer.

Check into your Galilee Hotel for dinner and overnight near the Sea of Galilee.

In the morning after breakfast, we will enjoy together an amazing Worship Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.  

We will make our way to Capernaum

Situated on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum is strategically located on the Via Maris Road, connecting Egypt to the Middle East and the Northern Empires. No wonder the Lord Jesus chose this First Century Jewish town as the headquarters of his ministry. It might appear that Christ set up His ministry base in a remote place. However, just the opposite was true. He chose the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee (and Capernaum was located at a key place along the Via Maris) as a center stage so His message would reach as many as possible in the world. By spending most of His ministry time in the northern Galilee area, Christ’s miracles traveled by word of mouth to the ends of the earth. This laid the groundwork and sowed the seeds of the gospel to the rest of the known world. As a result, evangelism done later on by the apostles would be easier and more acceptable.

Capernaum became the hometown of Jesus after He moved from his boyhood home of Nazareth. It also became the ministry headquarters of Christ during His ministry on earth.

Matthew 4:13–17: And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Next, off to Tabga, 

This site is the traditional place where it’s believed Christ fed the 5,000. The modern Church of the Multiplication stands on the site of a 4th-century church that has had several renovations throughout the centuries. In 1982 the church that was here was replaced by the modern Church of the Multiplication.

Next we will visit the Mt. of Beatitudes landmark site, where some believe is the location (or close to the location) that Jesus preached the Sermon on the mount. This was the Lord Jesus’ longest single teaching recorded in the New testament starting with., “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven… “

1. The Mount of Beatitudes is located on a hill overlooking the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

2. It has a spectacular view of the sea.

3. It has great acoustics.

Next we will have lunch where Peter would have eaten with a real fish such as would have been caught by Jesus.  This lunch is covered in the cost of the tour.  This is a special lunch at a beach location where you will be able to reminisce on the miraculous “Catch of Fish” that was performed here by Jesus. He had power over animals – He cast demons into a herd of swine, performed miraculous catches of fish Jesus restored Peter to ministry here. 

We will then make our way to Chorazim.

1. Chorazin was one of the three towns (Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum), which made up what scholars call “The Evangelical Triangle.”

2. Jesus set up His home ministry base in Capernaum which was close-by to Chorazin.

3. Jesus spent around 50-70% of His ministry time around the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee so those in Chorazin would have repeatedly heard and seen all Jesus did.

4. A Tree with the kind of thorns that would have been used for the crown of thorns Jesus wore at His crucifixion can be found here.

One of the most amazing parts of Chorazim, is to see a Synagogue where Jesus would have preached.  This experience is unforgettable.  We will step right inside of one of these synagogues. 

Most of the ruins we see today are from the 3rd century. 

• Jesus would have taught here frequently.
• It has an ornamental shell which would have been the top part of the cabinet where the Torah and Old Testament Scrolls would have been kept.

Next we will visit Magdala

Magdala was a major port city on the Sea of Galilee during the time of Yeshua. Located just north of Tiberius, on the northwestern shore of the sea, Magdala was an important trade city with prosperous fishing. In Christian circles, Magdala is best known as the hometown of Mary Magdalene.

Jesus preached here regularly.

Matthew 4:23: And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.

Matthew 15:38–39: Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan [Magdala].

Jesus cast out 7 demons from Mary Magdalene.

Luke 8:1–3: Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.

We will then get to spend some time reflecting on all of the things we have been shown today as we make our way to the unforgettable Arbel Cliffs.  This place has some of the most amazing views of the Sea of Galilee, so don't forget your camera!

History and tradition locate Mount Arbel as the place where Christ gave the Great Commission mandate to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

2. Many theologians believe this is the place because it is the tallest mountain in the area and provides a perfect view of the Sea of Galilee.

After our full day in the Galilee region, we will have the option to visit a home of believers living in Israel for dinner on the rooftop and dancing in the streets of Israel.  This will be an additional price for those who will be attending. 

Others may also have Dinner at the hotel and overnight in the Galilee and rest.

After breakfast, we will make our way to the beautiful Upper Galilee.

Tel Dan, The city is identified with a tell located in the modern Golan Heights, known as Tel Dan ( תל דן‎; "Mound of Dan") in Hebrew. Dan is an ancient city mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, described as the northernmost city of the Kingdom of Israel, and belonging to the tribe of Dan. 

After our time at Tel Dan, we will visit Caesarea Philippi

This place has been associated with intense false god worship and evil for many years.  Banias was a worldwide gathering place of worship to numerous false gods, and was literally considered the “Gate of the Underworld (Hades)” by the known world at that time. The disciples were very uncomfortable coming to this eerie, demonic, dark place, and no good Jew would have even considered coming here.  However, Jesus purposefully brought His disciples here to embed within their hearts the imperative truth of who He was, what the mission of His church would be, and the astounding power His church would have over evil through Him.  We will hear some precious truths about the history of this place and also the victorious side of this that Jesus / Yeshua would have been bringing to the attention of His followers.

Caesarea Philippi in the Bible 

1. Peter’s confession regarding the identity of Christ.

Matthew 16:13-15: Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

To properly understand the meaning of this passage, we must understand the big question Christ asked and the purpose for which He asked it.

The question was about who Christ was, His identity, and His essence.

In contrast to all the false gods being worshipped at this site, Christ established that He was the only true and living God that should be worshiped.

2. Peter’s confession was a direct revelation from God.

Matthew 16:17: And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

3. Christ will build His Church.

Matthew 16:18: And I tell you, you are Peter [petros – small pebble], and on this rock [petra – large, massive rock], I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 

After our time at the "Gates of hell", we will then make our way to the side of the Banias Springs where we will feel the mist from the springs and enjoy beautiful views of the amazing Banias springs.  We will be both refreshed and renewed on this beautiful trail by the water.

After our time here, we will go up to visit some of the beautiful views of the Sea of Galilee from the Golan Heights, and then make our way to Mt. Bental overview, to reflect on all that we saw today.

For those who wish to be baptized in the Jordan River, or just visit this site, we will be making our way next to Yardenit Baptismal Site.

Yardenit Baptismal Site

1. Yardenit is just a couple hundred yards (meters) west of Hwy. 90, at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee.

2. It’s a popular spot, and the water is clean and abundant.

3. For those desiring to get baptized here in the Jordan River, the Yardenit gift shop provides white robes and towels for a small fee.

4. Yardenit has a large gift shop for the purchase of souvenirs and other miscellaneous items as well.

5. Yardenit is also a great place to view the Jordan River.

Yardenit Baptismal Site.

After we get wet in the Jordan river for those getting baptized, we will then be going to the hotel after for Dinner and overnight in the Galilee

We will wake up on the Sea of Galilee and gather up our belongings for our last day in Israel.  Our first stop will be a drive through Cana.

Cana In the Bible

1. Jesus changed water into wine which was His first public miracle at the beginning of His ministry.

John 2:1-11: On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4 And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast." So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now." 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

2. Jesus also healed an official’s son here in Cana.

John 4:46-54: So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum, there was an official whose son was ill. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 So Jesus said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." 49 The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." 50 Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. 51 As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." 53 The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." And he himself believed, and all his household. 54 This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.

3. Nathanael, one of the close followers of Christ and close friend (or possibly a brother) of the Apostle Philip, was from Cana.

John 21:2: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.

4. The Apostle Philip led Nathanael, who was from Cana, to Christ.

John 1:43-51: The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me." 44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip. 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." "How do you know me?" 48 Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you." 49 Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." 50 Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." 51 He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.

Next stop will be Jesus' Boyhood town of Nazareth.

1. Nazareth had an estimated population of around 300 during the time of Christ.

2. It’s a famous town because this is where the Angel Gabriel announced the miraculous virgin birth to Mary.

3. Nazareth is also the place where Jesus grew up.

4. It was a small farming town where everyone knew each other.

5. For some reason, Nazareth had a bad reputation (John 1:43-46).  

After our time in Nazareth, we will make our way to Tel Megiddo

Megiddo is an ancient city with future significance. It is located in the middle of the southern Jezreel Valley, in northern Israel. Its prime location gives its inhabitants control over travel from the Mediterranean to the east and a wide scope of the valley below.

1. King Solomon fortified Megiddo and used it for a fort of protection. He had 450 chariots stationed here.

1 Kings 9:15: Now this is the account of the forced labor which King Solomon levied to build the house of the Lord, his own house, the Millo, the wall of Jerusalem, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.

2. A monumental battle will be fought here and in Jerusalem at the end of the Great Tribulation Period.

We will get to see out on an overlook to view where this battle will be fought according to the book of Revelation in the Bible.

Next we will make our way up to Mt. Carmel.

1. The place marking the great showdown between Elijah and the false prophets is known as Deir Al-Mukhraqa Carmelite Monastery. 

2. Mount Carmel is located about 9 miles (15 km.) east of the Mediterranean Sea in the Carmel Mountain Range which is in the northern part of Israel. It’s also about 28 miles (44 km.) southwest of the Sea of Galilee.

3. Mount Carmel was a High Place of worship to the false god of Baal and Asherah during the period of Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings. 

4. It has a spectacular view of the Jezreel Valley, which is also known as the Valley of Armageddon. Armageddon is where part of the last battle on earth takes place at the end of the Great Tribulation Period.

5. From Mount Carmel, Nazareth and Cana can be seen to the northeast.

Next we will visit Caesarea Maritima.

1. Caesarea was built by Herod the Great about 25 to 13 BC as the port city called “Caesarea Maritime.” It was built on the site of a Phoenician and Greek trade post known as Straton's Tower. The Phoenicians were maritime merchants of the ancient world. 

Fare well dinner in Caesarea before your transfer to the airport with a lifetime of memories.

Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight back home.

Farewell!! Thank you for joining us in Israel.  Flights should be leaving late night on 09JUN or midnight / 1am flights on 10JUN to coincide with the bus drop-off at airport.  Please contact Tabitha@AdoptionAirfare.com for help booking your flights.