Depart USA to Tel Aviv

Depart the U.S. to Tel Aviv. Welcome to Israel! As you begin your journey in this ancient land, you will notice that the mountains have hidden secrets and the old ruins have legends. For 3,000 years on this small patch of land, men have toiled and battled; prayed and worshiped; and added their own small humanity to the history of this country. Listen and let the land of Israel tell you the stories of its past.  Sitting on the edge of the Mediterranean,  Jaffa still stands as one of the world's oldest ports. This is the port from which Jonah left to escape his mission to Nineveh. Located in one of the small alleyways, visit Simon the Tanner's house that remains a monument to the wonderful revelation Peter the Apostle received to go and preach to the entire world.

Caesarea\Mt. Carmel\Megiddo\ Nazareth 

Today we enter Caesarea, remains of a city founded by Herod, residence of Pontius Pilate and a prison for Paul. Sit in the well-preserved amphitheater overlooking the blue sea and hear the story of the conversion of the Centurion Cornelius. The scenery begins to change to the beautiful green pastures and high rolling hills of the Jezreel Valley as we approach Mt Carmel where the prophet Elijah and the priests of Baal contested their faith. Not far away is Megiddo, the tragic site of ancient bloody battles where nations were won and lost. Upon these same tragic fields, the great and terrible last battle of Armageddon will be fought.  We journey next to Nazareth, the quaint town where Jesus Christ spent his childhood, learned his earthly vocation as a carpenter and “grew and waxed strong in spirit.” We will visit a recreated town from Christ's time and visit with the villagers to learn what life was like for Jesus as a boy. 

Mount of Beatitudes\ Chorazin\ Dan Springs/ Caesarea Philippi

The Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount is always a highlight to visitors. The site is the traditional location for one of the greatest sermons ever given. We continue to Ancient Chorazin with its black basalt synagogue like the one in Capernaum in the Savior’s day. We will visit Tel Dan National Park, which combines a lush nature reserve with a biblical archaeological experience. We then visit Banias, a place of great natural beauty, it is the site of ancient Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus said to Peter “Thou art the Rock”. 

Mt Tabor\ Sea of Galilee\ Tabgha\ Capernaum

Mount Tabor is one of the mountains traditionally known as the site of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. You will thrill to the almost hair-raising taxi ride up the mountain, but once at the summit, you will feel the peace and calm of the surrounding valley. This afternoon you will sail upon the Sea of Galilee to view the area of Jesus Christ's early ministry. As the wind carries your boat, note the halo of mountains that surrounds its shores. From here we will visit Tabgha, site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. There is a beautiful Byzantine mosaic in the floor of this miracle that you will not want to miss. We will end our day at Capernaum, where Jesus lived and recruited his first followers among the fishermen. The well preserved city will amaze you as you sit in the synagogue and imagine Jesus' teaching and performing miracles for the masses. 

Bethabara\ Qumran\ Masada\ Dead Sea\ Jerusalem

As we leave the fertile valleys of Galilee, we follow the Jordan River Valley south to near Jericho where we will visit Bethabara the site where the Savior was baptized by John the Baptist. We then enter the strange and barren desert of the Dead Sea. Once the Biblical Lands of Moab and Edom, the Dead Sea basin has been a refuge to prophets, zealots and outcasts throughout time. Buried in the beige limestone bluffs, the ruins of Qumran still tell the story of the essences, a reclusive Jewish sect that buried the now famous Dead Sea Scrolls. Further south lays Ein Gedi, the oasis where David hid from King Saul.  From the desert floor, ascend by cable car to the spectacular cliff-top fortress of Masada, where a community of 960 Jews preferred death at their own hands to the indignity of surrender to the overwhelming Roman forces. While at the Dead Sea, you cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy a dip in the buoyant waters and bathe in the wonderful medicinal mud! Even Cleopatra sent her slaves to retrieve this magical mud in order to preserve her legendary beauty. This evening we will journey to the beloved city of Jerusalem. 

Sacrament Services at the BYU Jerusalem Center\Church of the Holy Sepulcher\ Gethsemane\ Garden Tomb

This morning begins with sacrament services at the BYU Jerusalem Center. After services we will have lunch and a quick visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, traditional site of the crucifixion and burial. It is so helpful to feel the different spirit before our sacred afternoon.  This afternoon we will visit the Garden of Gethsemane. Feel the powerful spirit in the Garden as you envision the momentous events which took place at this sacred site. We conclude our day with a visit to the beautiful Garden Tomb. There is a limestone hill, which many revere as Golgotha, site of the crucifixion. Just around that hill is a garden with an ancient tomb that once held the Savior's mortal body and saw its glorious resurrection. There is a sign on the door of the tomb that says, “He is not here, He is risen”. 

Temple Mount\ Old City\ Western Wall\ Davidson Center\ Room of the Last Supper\ House of Caiaphas

We begin our day with a visit to the Temple Mount, site of Mount Moriah where the Islamic shrine, the Dome of the Rock, is located. Entering the oldest quarter of Jerusalem, follow the winding alleys and crowded streets to the Pools of Bethesda and learn about their importance. We will discover the ancient city beneath the modern streets where the old paving stones are carved with Roman games at Antonia Fortress. We will also visit the Western Wall, the most important site in all of Jewish civilization because these rough massive stones are all that is left of the great Second Temple. Revered and honored, the Jews wait and hope for the day they will rebuild their third and final temple upon these sacred remnants. We will then walk a short distance in the Jewish Quarter to visit the "Broad Wall" dating to the time of Lehi and his family.  We will also see a temple menorah re-created to be used in a future Third Temple. We then visit the archaeological park located on the south side of the temple mount. The original steps located here were certainly walked on by the Savior himself many times.  This afternoon we will visit the site believed to be the Room of the Last Supper. Devoid of gilded statues or ornate chapels, the quiet simplicity and elegance of this room helps one to focus on the words of Christ and the poignant last moments with his beloved disciples.  Our last stop will be at the House of Caiaphas, which owns the dark and sad dungeon that once imprisoned the Savior. To experience the cold dismal cells and feel the sorrow and grieving of such a place, brings understanding and gratitude to our hearts. 

Mount of Olives\ Herodium\ Bethlehem

This morning begins with on the Mount of Olives with a spectacular overview of Jerusalem, a moment to be remembered forever. Travelling south toward Bethlehem we will see the Herodium, built by Herod the Great as a fortress and palace as well his burial place. Then we will visit the little town of Bethlehem. It was here that the Light of the World was given life. Pilgrimages, sacred holidays and festivities occur all year long to celebrate the birth of Christ. Tradition holds that the small humble inn with just a stable for lodging was located where the Church of the Nativity now stands. Shepherds still tend their flocks on the fields overlooking Bethlehem, just as they did over 2,000 years ago when the angel appeared bringing them glad tidings of great joy. Gathered on these fields, we sing the beloved hymns and listen to the wondrous story - a moment not to be forgotten. 

Tel Aviv to Munich, Germany

This morning we will bid farewell to Israel and depart back to Tel Aviv for our flight to Munich.  Upon arrival we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city of Munich where we will overnight tonight.  

Munich - Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castles - Oberammergau

Today we'll depart Munich and travel into the Bavarian countryside and visit Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles.  These were the residences of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. An eccentric recluse, Ludwig depleted the treasury of his country building extravagant castles and died in mysterious circumstances. Neuschwanstein seems unreal in its romantic Alpine setting and Linderhof is certainly the most elaborate “hunting lodge” you will ever see!  In the afternoon we will visit the fabulous Rococo Weiskirche—it looks somewhat plain and simple on the outside, but just wait until you see the interior.  We will end our day at our hotel in the Oberammergau countryside.

Oberammergau Passion Play

Today we will attend the famous Oberammergau Passion Play that began in 1634.  It will act out with music the last week of the Savior’s ministry.  This will be a great follow-up to our studies in the Holy Land.  

Germany to Zurich Switzerland

This morning we will depart Germany and make our way west into Switzerland, enjoying the beautiful countryside along the way.  This afternoon we will enjoy a panoramic city tour before arriving to our hotel for the evening where we will enjoy one last dinner together as we reminisce about the experience we’ve had celebrating both the life and passion of our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Zurich for flight home 

This morning we will head to the airport for our departure back home with memories to last a lifetime!

Tour ID # 9222E15