Christmas in Bethlehem
Plus, Jerusalem and Holy Sites in Israel
10 Days | November 29-December 8, 2021
Starting At $Flexible Pricing
This journey to Israel includes a special moment in Bethlehem as your group attends the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Church of the Nativity. Imagine standing in Nativity Square and celebrating the birth of Jesus while singing with the massed choir. This package also includes visits to the major Holy Sites in Israel including Galilee, Jerusalem, and the Judean Desert/Dead Sea area.
Highlights
Tour Highlights:
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Tour Inclusions
We strongly recommend that groups include Travel Insured’s Protection Plan in your quote. Passports are required!
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Per Person Prices:
$4,495 Double
$4,395 Triple $5395 Single
Itinerary
Day 1 – Travel to Israel
Today, you depart the USA on an overnight flight to Tel Aviv, Israel.
Day 2 – Arrive Tel Aviv – Into the Land of the Bible
Arrive in Tel Aviv where you will be met by your Professional Tour Manager at the airport. You will be transferred to your hotel for the night in Netanya. Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 3 – Caesarea – Megiddo – Tiberias
A drive north today along the Mediterranean coast will take you to Caesarea built by Herod the Great. See the Roman Theater and its ruins. Then continue to Mt. Carmel for a visit to Elijah’s cave and to Megiddo “Armageddon”, a very important strategic point on the Via Maris connecting Egypt and Damascus. Next, you will stop at Mt. Precipice for a panoramic view of Nazareth, Cana, and the Jezreel Valley. You will also visit the ruins of Magdala, the birthplace of Mary Magdalene. Proceed to your hotel in Tiberias for a two night stay. Dinner is included at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 4 – Galilee & Upper Galilee
This morning board a boat on the calm surface of the Sea of Galilee, cruising toward Capernaum. Upon landing, visit the site where Jesus started His ministry, the house of Peter and the synagogue where Jesus taught. Continue to Tabgha, the site of Peter’s restoration and the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish with its beautiful fourth-century mosaics. Drive to the top of the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee and surrounding areas. In the afternoon, drive to the Golan Heights in Upper Galilee. Visit the sources of the Jordan River at Caesarea Philippi. Return to the exit of the Jordan River from the Sea of Galilee where a baptismal service will take place. Return to your hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 5 – Samaria – Jacob’s Well – Jerusalem
Leaving Tiberias this morning, you travel south along the Jordan River. Visit Beit She’an, the leading city in the Decapolis and place where the Philistines hung the bodies of King Saul and his sons on the city walls. Take a beautiful drive through the heart of Samaria to the city of Nablus. Here you will see Jacob’s Well, where Jesus asked a Samaritan woman for a drink. You will then enjoy a traditional Palestinian lunch. Continue to ancient Shiloh, the first capital of the Israelite Kingdom and site of the tabernacle. Before entering the Holy City, you will stop at Mount Scopus for a beautiful view of Jerusalem. Continue to your hotel in Jerusalem for a five night stay. Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 6 – Bethlehem – Church of Nativity – Tree Lighting
Today is the highlight of your tour. You start the day at the sacred Mount of Olives with its outstanding views of the Holy City of Jerusalem. You will visit the Chapel of Ascension, Church of Pater Noster, Church of Dominus Flavit, and the Church of All Nations as well as spend time in quiet reflection and prayer as you visit the Garden of Gethsemane. From there, you will drive the short distance south to the little town of Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of the Savoir with a visit to the Shepherd’s Fields, and the Fields of Boaz and Ruth. The day’s events will end at The Church of the Nativity with a special Christmas Tree Lighting Performance in Manger Square with special music and a powerful Christmas message. After the service, you will return to your hotel in Jerusalem for the night. Dinner is also included today. (B,D)
Day 7 – Masada – Jericho – Dead Sea
This morning you will drive into the wilderness of the Judean Desert. Visit Qumran, the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a shepherd boy. Then to Masada, a desert fortress built by Herod the Great which was used as a stronghold by Jewish zealots who committed suicide rather than surrender to the Romans. Enjoy lunch in Jericho and see the ruins and excavations of the ancient city. See the Mount of Temptation where Jesus was tempted by Satan. Visit En Gedi before continuing on a beautiful drive that takes you along the shores of the Dead Sea. Stop at the lowest point on earth and float in the healing, mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Visit the Tomb of Lazarus in Bethany before returning to Jerusalem for dinner. (B,D)
Day 8 – Jerusalem, the Holy City
Step into history as you enter the Old City of Jerusalem. Stroll through the colorful bazaars, picturesque neighborhoods, and narrow streets as you make your way to the temple area, where Solomon’s Temple was built on Mount Moriah. Visit the Dome of the Rock enclosing the Rock of Sacrifice, the Mosque of Al Aksa, and the Pinnacle of the Temple. Enjoy lunch on own in the old city and take some time to shop for souvenirs, jewelry, and ancient coins. In the afternoon, you will visit the Church of Saint Anne, the Pool of Bethesda, the Lithostrotos, Pilate’s Judgment Hall, Antonia Fortress, and walk on the Via Dolorosa leading you to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After dinner, you will visit the Western Wall (the Wailing Wall), then go under the old city to visit the Western Wall Tunnels to see remnants from the days of the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Return to the hotel in Jerusalem for the night. (B,D)
Day 9 – New Jerusalem
Today begins at Mount Zion where we will visit the Upper Room of the Last Supper as well as the Tomb of King David and the House of Caiaphas. Visit the Shrine of the Book, home of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls. You will also visit a model of Jerusalem depicting the city as it was laid out during the time of Christ. In the afternoon, you will visit the Garden Tomb and Gordon’s Calvary, the site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. A communion service will be held at the Garden Tomb. Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 10 – Depart for Home
This morning you bid farewell to your local guide, transfer to airport for your early morning flight back to USA, you will no doubt carry with you a renewed spirit and fond memories of the Holy Land. (B)
NOTE: Schedule is subject to change.