We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, where we are met by our tour escort and transferred to our hotel in the Galilee. Enjoy some free time before dinner. Overnight in the Galilee area. (D)

Our exploration of the Holy Land begins with visits to Christian sites along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus taught and performed miracles here. We visit the Mt. of Beatitudes, where, according to tradition, Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon is commemorated in the Church of the Beatitudes, built overlooking the Sea of Galilee. We continue to Tabgha, site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. A mosaic commemorating this miracle is located near the altar at Tabgha. We also visit Capernaum and the Church of the Primacy of Peter. Later we proceed to the Church of the Transfiguration at Mt. Tabor and the Jordan River, site of Jesus’ baptism. We enjoy a cruise on the Sea of Galilee and visit Ginnosar where we see a fisherman’s boat that dates to Christ’s time. Dinner and overnight in the Galilee area. (B, D)

Today we travel to Nazareth in the Lower Galilee, the place where Jesus grew up and lived most of his life. We visit the Church of the Annunciation, built over the Grotto of the Annunciation, the place where early Christian tradition says that the angel Gabriel spoke to the Blessed Mother. We continue to Joseph’s carpentry workshop and then to Cana, site of the wedding feast. On Mount Carmel we stop at the Carmelite Monastery at the Muhraka, site of Elijah’s altar, and celebrate Mass at Stella Maris Church. Paintings in the church dome depict Old Testament stories, including one of Elijah being swept up to heaven in a fiery chariot. We continue to Caesarea on the Mediterranean Sea to discover the ancient Crusader and Roman town, its aqueduct and theater. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. (B, D)

We spend the day in the Old City of Jerusalem, visiting St. Anne’s Church, the Pool of Bethesda, the Chapel of the Flagellation and the Ecce Homo Arch. We continue through the Bazaar to the Via Dolorosa, which winds through the streets of Old Jerusalem and commemorates the path that Jesus walked on his way to the crucifixion. We visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, containing the tomb where Jesus was buried and rose from the dead. Later we head to Bethlehem for an inspiring visit to the Church of the Nativity (subject to availability). While returning to Jerusalem, we view Shepherd’s Field and Rachel’s Tomb. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. (B, D)

Our destination for today is the Dead Sea region, the lowest point on earth. We drive to Masada, the fortress where Jewish Zealots held off the armies of the Roman Empire before choosing death over surrender. We continue to Ein Gedi, where King David found shelter from the wrath of King Saul. This afternoon we can opt to “float” on the Dead Sea. On our way back to Jerusalem, we view the caves of Qumran where, in 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Today we participate in a full-day tour of Jerusalem including the Mt. of Olives, Mt. Scopus, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Basilica of Agony. We continue to the Kidron Valley and to Mt. Zion, site of the Last Supper room, and David’s tomb. We visit a model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period as well as the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum. We drive to the village of Ein Kerem, birthplace of St. John the Baptist. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner and head to the airport for our return flight. (B, D)

We arrive in a New York area airport early this morning.r

Packing list: The following suggested packing list is for a general week to ten-day trip in Israel. Please consider the season of travel and type of trip to adjust. Of worth remembering, as a modern country, you will be able to purchase any needs in-destination – just in case!

• 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

Internet access in Israel, one of the world’s tech capitals, is world-class and ubiquitous.
Almost every café and restaurant will offer it freely. You’ll also find wifi spots in touristic sites and even offered city-wide by local municipalities. Hotels will have it in their lobbies and the guest-rooms, but may charge for it.
Internet connectivity on your mobile device is available throughout most of the country, but unless you have unlimited roaming, your bill may leave you a nasty surprise. If your mobile phone allows for it, and you are in need of constant connectivity, you can always purchase a local SIM card and a prepaid plan. This provides you with. Local phone number and internet access, allowing for your mobile phone to double as a modem through the mobile hotspot function. Another option that might work best is to rent out a mifi device, which create a wifi network that you and your party can use to stay connected while you’re in Israel.
Almost every hotel has internet access – in-room and/or wi-fi and/or at its Business Center. Internet cafes are to be found everywhere too.
There are public phones throughout Israel. You will need to buy a “Telecard” magnetic card to use them: they’re readily available at newsstands, supermarkets, post offices or at your hotel front desk.

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.