After a buffet breakfast drive up the Mount of Olives for a wonderful view of the Old City of Jerusalem. Visit the Church of Dominus Flevit, the Pater Noster Church and then to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. Continue on to the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu built on the site of the house of the High Priest Caiaphas. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast morning at leisure. Afternoon – Proceed to Bethlehem to participate in the Christmas Celebrations in Bethlehem. Visit Bethlehem and the Shepherds Fields. Enjoy dinner in this ancient city and the Midnight Christmas Mass at Manger square. Return to hotel for overnight.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
After a late breakfast enter the old city of Jerusalem. Visit the Church of St. Anne and the Pools of Bethesda. Walk along the Via Dolorosa following the Stations of the Cross. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Visit the Western Wall and view the Temple Mount. Visit Mount Zion, the Hall of the Last Supper and the Dormition Abbey. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Enjoy breakfast and then drive to Jericho, known to be the oldest town in the world. View the Mount of Temptation and the Sycamore Tree.Passing Qumran, the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, proceed to the Dead Sea, where you can experience floating on these waters which have amazing healing powers. Return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.

After a delicious breakfast drive along the Jordan Valley to Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee. Visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount. Continue to Tabgha, the site of the Miracle of the Multiplication.Visit Capernaum, where Jesus began his preaching career. Check into hotel in Tiberius for dinner and overnight.

Today after breakfast drive to Mt. Tabor, the site of the Miracle of the Transfiguration. Take a Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee with time for prayer and reflection. Enjoy a traditional St. Peter’s Fish Lunch. After lunch continue to “Yardenit” traditional Baptismal Site. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast drive to Cana, the site of the First Miracle where Jesus turned water into Wine. Continue on to Nazareth to visit the Church of Annunciation. Proceed to Muhraka on Mount Carmel where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. Proceed to Caesarea, ancient excavated city with many Roman and Crusader ruins. Transfer to Airport for your departure flight home or drop-off at hotel (if extending stay).

• 7-9 x underwear, socks,
• 2-3 x loose, lightweight trousers or skirts– one full length and one cropped pair would be ideal!
• 3-4 x shorts
• 2 x long, loose shirts
• 4-5 x t-shirts or tops
• 2-3 evening tops
• 1-2 x swimming gear
• 1-2 x sweater or cardigan
• 1-2 x sandals or flip flops
• 1-2 pairs of comfortable walking/running shoes
• 1 x pair of more formal shoes
• 1 rain/wind-proof jacket
• 2-3 sweaters or other colder-weather gear
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• toiletries
• 1 x beach bag
• 1 x day bag
• 1 x evening bag
• Phone, camera and any other electronics needed
• passport and travel docs
• insurance

Specific packing notes for religious sites:
• Cover shoulders: avoid strapless tops, spaghetti straps tops and vests (both men and women)
• Avoid above the knee skirts and shorts (men and women)
• Avoid exposing excessive cleavage, a waist/belly or back
• Do not wear slogans or prints that may be perceived as offensive

• 7-9 x underwear, socks,
• 2-3 x loose, lightweight trousers or skirts– one full length and one cropped pair would be ideal!
• 3-4 x shorts
• 2 x long, loose shirts
• 4-5 x t-shirts or tops
• 2-3 evening tops
• 1-2 x swimming gear
• 1-2 x sweater or cardigan
• 1-2 x sandals or flip flops
• 1-2 pairs of comfortable walking/running shoes
• 1 x pair of more formal shoes
• 1 rain/wind-proof jacket
• 2-3 sweaters or other colder-weather gear
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• toiletries
• 1 x beach bag
• 1 x day bag
• 1 x evening bag
• Phone, camera and any other electronics needed
• passport and travel docs
• insurance

Specific packing notes for religious sites:
• Cover shoulders: avoid strapless tops, spaghetti straps tops and vests (both men and women)
• Avoid above the knee skirts and shorts (men and women)
• Avoid exposing excessive cleavage, a waist/belly or back
• Do not wear slogans or prints that may be perceived as offensive

The Israeli power supply is single-phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets in Israel have three pinholes, but many of them will work with double-pin European plugs. Visitors who want to use shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may need both transformers (converters) and adapter plugs.

Water. The water in Israel is safe to drink; nevertheless, it is different from what you are used to and people with sensitive stomachs may want to stick to bottled water. Also, Israelis don’t usually put ice in their drinks, so if you want some, ask for kerakh. Keep in mind that not everything in Israel is kosher. Restaurants that are kosher serve either dairy or meat and close on Shabbat. The restaurant should have a Teudat certificate either on the window or available for inspection. Unless the menu or check says otherwise, tips are not included.

Staying Hydrated. The sun is much stronger in Israel than most places even in the U.S. Carrying a water bottle is mandatory, as your body will require much more frequent hydration than you are probably used to, around 2-4 liters of water per day. Israelis often recycle their plastic store-bought bottles of water by refilling them from the tap (which is safe to drink!). If you don’t have a water bottle, we will be making plenty of stops for you to purchase water.