We will trace the life of Jesus from His home in Galilee to Jerusalem, giving particular attention to the influence of Jewish thought and culture of the period on the origins of Christianity. Our goal is a better understanding of Jesus’ ministry, His place among the Jewish people, and the application of His teachings for us today.
Day 1: Arrival in the Land of Promise
From Tel Aviv airport we travel to our hotel on the coast of Netanya. A time to relax from the flight before we share in a traditional Shabbat dinner in the evening. Overnight in Netanya.
Day 2: Nazereth
We will see today the remains of the Herodian city of Caesarea Maritima where Paul set sail with the Gospel. We will visit Mount Carmel for a spectacular view over the North of Israel where Elijah showed “who’s God was God”! We end the day at a Nazereth Village, a re-created First Century Village where we will examine the “living stones” of a reconstructed village and village life. Overnight stay by the Sea of Galilee.
Day 3: The Sea of Galilee‚ The Life of Jesus’ Disciples
Our day will be spent exploring the places where Jesus began his Ministry. We visit Kibbutz Ginosar where we will see a fishing boat from the time of Jesus before a boat trip on the Lake. Here we will enjoy the views, have a time of worship and quiet reflection.
After landing on the northern shore we will visit sites which include where Jesus declared the Beatitudes and ending in Capernaum before returning to our hotel.
Day 4: The Golan Heights
As we climb towards Mt. Hermon, the highest in Israel, we will consider the Transfiguration and visit Banias, near Ceasarea Philippi, an archeological site of pagan worship. Our day will end with a visit to the Golan Heights Winery at Katzrin before we return to our hotel for our last night in Galilee.
Day 5: The Dead Sea Scrolls
Travelling south along the Jordan valley, we will go to Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu (a pioneer of organic agriculture) and Kibbutz Alfa, before entering the Judean wilderness to visit Qumran, site of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Our day will end at a hotel on the edge of the Dead Sea, with time to relax and enjoy a “swim”!
Day 6: Masada
Masada, Herod the Great’s fortress in the wilderness, is where our day begins before experiencing Bedouin hospitality and a camel ride in the desert. Then a visit to a subtropical oasis at Ein Gedi before our ascent to the City of the Great King, Jerusalem! After dinner at our hotel, there is a rooftop stroll for an amazing view of the Old City and a talk by the Director of Shoresh Study Tours. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 7: Yad Vashem & A Free Afternoon
After breakfast we will leave the Old City and travel to a viewpoint that overlooks the hills of Ephrata and Bethlehem before a visit to Yad VaShem, The Israel Holocaust History Museum. The afternoon is free for rest, worship and reflection, shopping or (for the energetic), perhaps a walk on the walls of the Old City. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 8: Jerusalem, in the Time of Jesus
Beginning at the base of the Temple Mount, we visit the Southern Steps, the Western Wall and then walk in tunnels under the Temple Mount. Our evening meal will be a traditional Shabbat dinner. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 9: The Steps of Jesus: Cross to Resurrection
Before walking down from the Mount of Olives to Gethsemane, we visit a tomb from the time of Jesus, before visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the “Man in the Shroud” exhibition and ending at The Garden Tomb for a time of reflection. Our day ends with a celebration of a Jewish Passover meal. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 10: Jaffa
Time permitting according to flight times, we descend this morning through the mountains of Judea to the Mediterranean coast where we will tour Old Jaffa. It was here that Jonah set sail to flee from God’s call and where, centuries later, God gave Peter a vision that resulted in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles. In the afternoon we head to the airport to catch our flight home.
More about visiting Israel for the first time
There are many ways in which CMJ can facilitate your next trip to Israel – whether it is your first visit, or one of many. You could join one of our tours, stay in one of our three guest houses in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or the Galilee. Or you might consider spending longer in Israel, in which case becoming a volunteer at one of our guest houses may be the best option for you.
How Safe is Israel for Tourists?
There are so many stories about the troubles in Israel and the Middle East, how safe is Israel to visit? And when there, how safe will you be as tourists? And what does the Country have to offer - especially if I don’t want to do the "Bible-style" tours? Hopefully on this page, you will find out all the information you need.
