The Bible Land Journeys
3 ~ 17 November 2022
Hosted by Pastor Belinda L.
Journey Schedules · 旅程時間表
Reproduced & edited: © Christian Journeys | Ontario | CANADA
DAY 1: THU Nov 3 – USA to Bible Land
Today, we depart from San Francisco on our overnight flights to [Bible Land]. Group seating will be pre-assigned by the airline for our flight. Dinner and complimentary in-flight service will be provided this evening.
DAY 2: FRI Nov 4 – Bible Land
upon arrival at Bible Land Airport. We are met by our representative who will assist us with luggage formalities. Boarding our luxury touring coach, we relax and enjoy the short journey to our hotel in the capital City of Bible Land.
Our overnight will be at the Bristol Hotel, Bible Land.
DAY 3: SAT Nov 5 – Jerash · Mt. Nebo · Madaba
After breakfast, we will leave our hotel and spend our first full day visiting:
Jerash – Overshadowed by Petra, the ancient City of Jerash is acknowledged internationally as one of the largest and best preserved sites of Roman architecture outside of Italy. Here, we shall have lunch before continuing on our journey.
Mt. Nebo – From here, we can see across into the Promised Land just as Moses did before being laid to rest. On a clear day, we can see the hills of Bible Land with Jericho in the foreground. § Deuteronomy 34:1-8
Madaba – The ‘Mosaic City’ of the middle east. Here, we see the wonderful mosaic of the Bible Lands dating back to the 7th century.
Later today, we arrive at the Hayat Zaman Hotel in Petra.
DAY 4: SUN Nov 6 – Petra · Red Sea
Petra – After breakfast, we begin our visit of Petra. Petra was chosen as the capital of the Nabateans because it was located in a valley surrounded by sandstone mountains. The main entrance to Petra is called the Siq, with sides as high as 200m [656 feet]. It was here that Christians escaped from the siege of Jerusalem by Titus in the 1st century.
This gorge and the temple at the end of it (the Kazneh) were popularized in America culture, in the movie Indiana Jones and the The Last Crusade.
The Kazneh – Of the 800 carved tombs in Petra, the Kazneh is the most famous. Its name Kazneh means ‘treasure’ and comes from the Bedouin belief that the Pharaoh chasing the Israelites hid his treasures in the urn at the top of the Kazneh.
Main Street – As many as 30,000 people may gave lived in Petra during the 1st century. It is a misconception that Petra was a city only for the dead. A large earthquake in 363 AD destroyed at least half of the city. Petra never recovered from this destruction.
From Petra, we take the short drive to the Gulf of Aqaba where we stay for overnight and dinner. Located on the shores of the Red Sea, it is a perfect place to spend our last night in Bible Land.
DAY 5: MON Nov 7 – Cross into Bible Land
This morning, we leave Bible Land and cross into Bible Land by the Gulf of Aqaba. Our guide and good friend Doron B. will meet us and lead us through the Bible Land wilderness and the Negev Desert.
On our way to the Dead Sea, we shall visit:
Timna Valley – This unique area of geological formations is rich in copper. Experts believe that this is the area where Solomon mined for copper. Whilst here, we shall visit the ‘Wilderness Tabernacle Model.’
This full scale reproduction is accurate in every way to the dimensions described in the bible. Don’t look for any gold, silver or bronze as those materials are not used in this exhibit!
Dinner and overnight stay will be by the shores of the Dead Sea at the Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel.
DAY 6: TUE Nov 8 – Dead Sea Day
From our hotel, we take the short driver to our first place of interest, Masada:
Masada – This UNESCO World Heritage site was once Herod’s mountain top palace and fortress. Here, we ascend to the site by cable car and learn about the last Jewish stand against the Romans and the mass suicide of the 960 Jewish defenders.
Ein Gedi – This national park and oasis hosts the caves of David’s Gorge where David hid from Saul and his army. § 1 Samuel 24; Song of Solomon 1:14; Ezekiel 47:10
Dead Sea – No visit to the Dead Sea would be complete without experiencing the unique buoyancy of these waters. Cover yourself in therapeutic black mud and float on the water!
This afternoon, you have free time to enjoy the unique experience of the Dead Sea. Dinner will be at our hotel.
DAY 7: WED Nov 9 – Dead Sea Scrolls to Galilee
Today, we leave the Dead Sea and head towards the Upper Galilee. En-route, we shall visit:
Qumran – It is here that the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Here, we will visit the excavated sites of Qumran and view the location where The Scrolls were found in 1947.
Bet She’an – The largest of Bible Land’s archeological digs. Even after its initial discovery many years ago, archeologists are today still discovering more ruins from the Roman era when Bet She’an was one of the 10 cites in The Decapolis.
This ancient city although destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th Century, offers a fabulous insight into Roman life and times. After losing the battle to the Philistines, King Saul and his sons were hung from the city walls. § 1 Samuel 31:10
Yardenit – In this river where Jesus was Baptized, you have the opportunity to be Baptized or have your baptismal vows reaffirmed.
From Yardenit, we take the short drive to the shores of the Galilee. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the lovely kibbutz Nof Ginosar Hotel, located by the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
DAY 8: THU Nov 10 – Sea of Galilee and Boat Ride
After our Israeli buffet breakfast, our day involves visits to the heart of Jesus’ Ministry.
Tel Dan – This beautiful Biblical site will allow us a short walk around one of the rivers feeding the Bible Land.
Caesarea Philippi – Built at one of the sources of the Jordan River, the City of Panias (named by the Greeks after the goat footed god, Pan) was later renamed by the Romans as Caesarea Philippi. It was here that Jesus revealed to the Disciples His purpose, His Church and where Peter identified Jesus as the Messiah. § Mark 8:27, Matthew 16:13-23
The Mount of Beatitudes – Sit on the hill where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Looking directly south at the Sea of Galilee, the flower filled gardens offer peace and tranquility. § Matthew 5:1-8
Capernaum – The center of Jesus’ Galilee Ministry. Jesus lived here for a substantial period, healing the sick, preaching in the synagogue and performing miracles. § Matthew 9:1; 4-13
Magdala – Located within one kilometer from our kibbutz, we have one of the latest Biblical excavation digs. We have the chance to visit what has been unearthed so far for the ancient seaside town of Magdala. § Luke 8:1-3
Ginosar – Here, we will visit the ‘Jesus Boat Museum’ exhibit. Discovered by accident during the drought of 1986, this fishing boat would have exited at the time of Jesus. Beautifully preserved, it is a timeless reminder of life during that time. The museum has a gift shop with quality items on sale!
Sea of Galilee Boat Ride – Our day ends with an unforgettable sailing on the Sea of Galilee.
Dinner will be at Nof Ginosar.
DAY 9: FRI Nov 11 – Nazareth · Megiddo · Caesarea
After breakfast, we leave the Upper Galilee and head towards Bible Land but not before visiting:
Nazareth – Here is where Jesus spent his childhood with Mary and Joseph. Nazareth is also the site of The Annunciation and where the Nazarenes attempted to throw Jesus over the cliff. Now a suburb of Nazareth. Cana is the site where Jesus performed his first miracle when he changed water into wine at a wedding. § Luke 1:26-38: John 1:46; Matthew 2:23
Megiddo – Hebrew for ‘Armageddon’. Megiddo was strategically located on the main trading routes between Babylonia and Egypt. Here, King Solomon built a giant fortress and city. § Judges 1:27, 5:19; Kings 4:12, 9:15, 2 Chronicles 35:22; Zechariah 12:12; Revelation 16:16
Caesarea – The ancient Roman seaport capital of Bible Land where Pontius Pilate made his base. Here, we will tour the Roman aqueduct, restored theater and crusader city.
Our day ends by arriving at the Leonardo Plaza Hotel, in Haifa.
Dinner is at our hotel.
DAY 10: SAT Nov 12 – Mount Carmel Assembly
This day is very unique to our journey.
This morning, we will have a special visit with pastor at the Church in Haifa.
Carmel Assembly – This morning, we will drive to Mt. Carmel to join with the congregation for worship and Praise together with Jew and Gentile.
Mount Carmel – Overlooking the City of Haifa, with the Mediterranean Sea and Jezreel Valley on either side, we stand where the Prophet Elijah performed his miracle and called upon the fire of God to conquer the Prophets of Baal. § 1 Kings 2:15:4, 25; Isaiah 33:9; Zechariah 12:12
Our overnight stay and dinner will be back at our Haifa hotel.
DAY 11: SUN Nov 13 – Samaria
Today, we leave the Mediterranean cost and head towards Bible Land. Our final destination on this wonderful journey! En-route we shall visit:
Shiloh – Where Israel set up the tabernacle soon after arriving in Canaan and it became the center of Israel’s worship and the tent was replaced by a more permanent building. It is also the setting for the story of Eli and the young Samuel.
Bethel – Which means ‘the House of God’. It was here that Abram pitched his tent and built an altar. Jacob saw the ladder to heaven. Jeroboam set up a golden calf and youths jeered Elisha.
Mt. Gerezim – Known in scripture as the mount of God’s blessing. This is the Samaritan’s holy mountain and one of the mountains upon which Joshua amassed the children of Israel. From Gerezim, we look down on today’s Arab City of Nablus and see (from a distance) ancient Shechem, Sychar and Jacob’s well, where Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman (John 4). We will then proceed across the valley to the mountain opposite, Mt. Ebal, known as the mount of God’s curses.
Our day ends by travelling ‘up to Bible Land’ where we check-in to our hotel. The Grand Court Hotel, for the remainder of the journey. Dinner will be at our hotel.
DAY 12: MON Nov 14 – Jerusalem
Our first full day in Jerusalem has us visiting:
Mount of Olives – We begin our day by viewing Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives. Photo opportunities abound at this time with the Golden Dome of the Roc prominent. From here, we shall walk down to The Garden of Gethsemane along the same path as that Jesus took when entering the city on Palm Sunday.
Garden of gethsemane – The site where Jesus prayed at the Rock of Agony in the Garden – ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.’ § Matthew 26:36-56; Mark 14: 32-50; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-14
Church of St. Anne – Located by the pools of Bethesda where Jesus healed the cripple. (John 5:1-9) House of Caiaphas – Located under the current St. Peter of Gallicantu Church is the traditional site where Jesus was imprisoned.
Mount Zion – Assumed by the Byzantine pilgrims as the original City of David, this piece of land would have existed outside the original city walls. § 2 Kings 2:10; Matthew 26:17-35; Mark 14:12-25
Upper Room – The traditional site where Jesus insitituted a new Passover celebration and the new Covenant in His blood. § Mark 14:15
Dinner is at our hotel this evening.
DAY 13: TUE Nov 15 – Western Wall
After breakfast, we will visit the following:
Temple Mount – Pending access to the site, we will see the al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
Western Wall and Tunnels – Also called The Wailing Wall. The holiest place of pilgrimage for the Jews. Here, we can observe the Orthodox Jews pray relentlessly along with many Christians.
Davidson Centre – This new facility uses state-of-the-art technology to bring the Temple Mount to life. This will give us a better understanding of the magnitude of Herod’s construction versus what we see today.
City of David – We will be guided through the site and new excavations of the City of David. You will have the opportunity to walk through Hezekiah’s tunnel and re-surface at the poo of Siloam.
Dinner will be at our hotel this evening.
DAY 14: WED Nov 16 – Bethlehem
Our last day in the Holy Land will be truly memorable as we visit:
This morning, we drive through the new City of Jerusalem en-route to Bethlehem.
Upon arrival at Bethlehem, we shall visit the Church of the Nativity and Shepherd’s Field.
Once Back in Jerusalem, we shall visit:
Holy Sepulcher Church – Stations X-XIV on The Via Dolorosa.
Garden Tomb – Preserved by The Garden Tomb Association, these beautiful gardens surround the traditional site of The Garden Tomb. Many believe that this was the actual garden of Joseph of Arimathea. § John 19:41
DAY 15: THU Nov 17 – Journey Home
Early this morning, we depart for Tel Aviv Airport and morning departure to San Francisco. Complimentary in-flight service will be provided throughout the return journey.
Tonight is our Farewell dinner’. A wonderful time to share and reflect on a truly inspirational journey.
Note: Schedule subject to change without notice. 注意: 時間表如有更改，恕不另行通知。
Memorable Moments 難忘的時刻
We Walk! 我們走!
