We will post updates as much as we can - but in the meantime, you can check out our itinerary below.
o January 13, 2015 - Depart the USA on an international flight to Amman, Jordan
o January 14, 2015 - Arrive in Amman, Jordan and transfer to the hotel
o January 15, 2015 - Petra
§ We will travel south from Amman for a visit to the famous Rock City of Petra. Just getting to Petra is an adventure. We’ll ride a horse or carriage to the Siq, the long, narrow entrance into Petra. Once there, we can marvel at the rose colored rock and extensive carving. A whole city was literally cut into the cliff sides.
o January 16, 2015 - Mt. Nebo, Madaba, cross border to Israel, Jericho, and Qumran
§ We will visit Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34) before he died. On a clear day we may have an inspiring, breathtaking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Continue to Madaba, "the city of Mosaics," where we will visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George that features a vivid sixth-century Byzantine mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites. We will then travel to Qumran, site of the Dead Sea Scroll discovery, to discuss the mysterious community of the Essenes who once lived on the shores of the Dead Sea. In Jericho, we will visit the ruins of the ancient city which was conquered by Joshua (Josh. 6:20). From Jericho, we will see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11). We will then make our way to Jerusalem for the night.
o January 17, 2015 - Ein Karem, Bethlehem, Shepherds’ Fields, Church of the Nativity, Herodion (Jerusalem)
§ In Bethlehem, we’ll visit the cave revered as the place Jesus was born (Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7). The church, which was constructed on the site, is the world’s oldest functioning church. Nearby we will view Shepherds’ Field where the Good News was first heard. Stand atop the Mount of Olives as Jesus did and enjoy a remarkable view of the “Golden City” of Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock. We will visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed for God’s will to be done (Matt. 26:30).
o January 18, 2015 - (Jerusalem) Old City, Cardo, Southern Wall Excavations, Teaching Steps, Western Wall, Pool of Bethesda, Church of St. Anne, Antonia Fortress, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre
§ On this day we will enter the Old City and visit the Southern Wall Excavations of the Temple including the Teaching Steps and the Western Wall. We can walk the Cardo, the ancient main street of the Old City once lined with shops, now partially restored, view the Pool of Bethesda (John 5: 1-31) where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle, and sing a hymn in the Church of St. Anne. We will visit Herod’s Antonia Fortress where Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate (Luke 23: 1 - 11), walk the Via Dolorosa, “the Way of the Cross,” and stand in reverence at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
o January 19, 2015 - (Jerusalem) Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Mt. Zion, Upper Room, House of Caiaphas, Garden Tomb.
§ We will have the opportunity to stand in "an" Upper Room, revered as the site of the Last Supper (Mark 14:12-26). Mount Zion is also where we’ll see King David’s Tomb. We will visit the House of the High Priest Caiaphas (Matt. 26:57) where Jesus was imprisoned for a night and worship at the Garden Tomb (Matt. 27:33). We will also have the opportunity to see the sound and light show at the Tower of David!
o January 20, 2015 - Caesarea, Megiddo, Nazareth, Cana and Tiberias
§ On this day we will visit the Roman Aqueduct and Theatre at Caesarea, a center of the early Christians. Here, Cornelius became the first Gentile convert to the new religion (Acts 10) and Paul was imprisoned before being taken to Rome for trial. We will travel the ancient caravan route to Tel Megiddo where 20 different cities lie superimposed upon each other and then travel to Nazareth, his boyhood home (Luke 26-56). We will then recall Jesus’ first miracle as you ride through Cana (John 2:1- 11) and overnight in Tiberias.
o January 21, 2015 - Sea of Galilee Boat Ride, Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitudes, and Tabgha
§ With Bible in hand, we will cross the waters of the Sea of Galilee. Along the way, we will enjoy a special on board worship service. We’ll arrive in Capernaum, where Jesus chose to center his ministry and visit the synagogue site where Jesus most certainly taught and worshiped (Matt. 4:13; Mark 3:1, 8:5 and 14). We will travel to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached to the people (Matt. 5-7) and at Tabgha, we'll visit the Church of the Fish and the Loaves (Luke 9:10-17).
o January 22, 2015 - Transfer to airport for return flight to USA