Day 1: DepartureToday we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasuresand Christian history with an overnight flight to Israel. Prepareyourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on theflight…Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!

Day 2: Arrive IsraelArrive in Israel and travel northward to our hotel for one night inthe coastal area near Tel Aviv. The remainder of the day is free towalk along the Mediterranean, relax, and have dinner. The time isright for a personal devotional with the sunset over the “GreatSea.” Meet your Israeli guide, enjoy a time of prayer of thanks forsafety and the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people ofthe "Promised Land," and a good night’s rest.

Day 3: Caesarea, Megiddo & NazarethAfter breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coastof the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heardthe Good News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see theRoman Amphitheatre and aqueduct, and then journey on to Mt.Carmel, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets ofBaal. Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, theArmageddon Battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20levels of civilization. We drive through the area of Cana andNazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we visit the NazarethVillage - a wonderful recreation of Biblical times with costumedguides. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next twonights in the Tiberias area on the Sea of Galilee.

Best of Israel & Greece

First Class 16 Day Tour/Cruise Package

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Day 4: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, Magdala, Seaof Galilee Boat Ride, Mt. of BeatitudesFollowing breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuablenorthern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to thedepths of alternative sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi, the site ofPeter’s Confession and pagan worship. We pass the possible site ofthe multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and the Mountof the Beatitudes. Returning to Tiberias for a St. Peter’s FishLunch (other selections available), we then visit the ancient Fish-erman Boat followed by a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. Abrief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life theexperiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples. In Capernaumwe view the excavations of the sea-side village and Peter’s home,followed by a visit to Magdala, home town of Mary Magdalene.The recent excavation of the First Century Synagogue and wellpreserved village makes Magdala one of the most interesting Bib-lical sites in Israel.

Day 5: Jordan River Baptism Site, Beth Shean, & DeadSeaWe begin our day with the opportunity to be baptized at the Jor-dan River Baptismal site. Next we travel southward to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site inIsrael, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordanvalleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupiedthroughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt.Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chiefcities of the Decapolis - a league of ten cities sharing Greek cultureand government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward,your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Landof Milk and Honey” and Israel’s intricate irrigation development.We pass ancient Jericho and view from a distance this city famedas the oldest in the world. To the east of Jericho along the JordanRiver Valley (Queser El Yehud) is the Israeli side of Bethany Be-yond the Jordan. In this area Jesus was baptized by John the Bap-tist, Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan, as well as where thechildren of Israel, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land. Ourlodging for the evening is at the Dead Sea – the lowest place onearth. Spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the DeadSea for a relaxing float before dinner.

Day 6: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham'sTentOur day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortressof Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the fa-mous zealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring ofthe Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Becauseof its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site devel-oped a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves.This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeatedthe enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Je-hoshaphat. Next, we visit Qumran Caves where the Dead SeaScrolls were discovered. This afternoon we will take part in theGenesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent, where we enjoy a tripback in time: a reliving of life in the time of the Patriarchs, com-plete with costume, dramatic presentation, and authentic food.Our lodging for the next four nights will be in Jerusalem.

Day 7: Around Jerusalem, Bible TimesOn our way into the city we will visit the Wailing Wall and thenthe fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the SecondTemple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding ofthe amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones,water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judg-ment. Before exiting the tunnel we see the immense cornerstonerejected by the builders. We move on to the Judgment Hall of Pi-late, hear of those who conspired against Him and are remindedof His brutal beating and humiliation. From here we will also beable to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’sChurch. This afternoon we visit the Southern Wall Excavations.This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for thecommon folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own en-trance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, whichled to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthedalong with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered theTemple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangerswho were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is theplace that Peter stood and preached and where thousands weresaved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. Those who wish maystay in the city marketplace for shopping, while others may chooseto spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christwith a visit to Bethlehem.

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Wailing Wall

Day 8: Jesus' Steps, Last Days, Way of Suffering, GardenTombToday we walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day with apanoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of theRock from atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Geth-semane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to geta glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? Towalk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus'prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here.Passing by the Protestant Cemetery, we visit the "Upper Room"just outside the Zion Gate where the disciple whom Jesus lovedlaid his head on His breast and where later Thomas cried, "myLord & my God." While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we arereminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Churchof the Holy Sepulcher. Our guide will explain the differing opin-ions on the route that Christ was led and the actual place of cruci-fixion and burial is a very interesting study. The climax of the dayis the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb,where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a timeof praise.

Day 9: Israel Museum, House of Caiaphas, Yad VashemAn interesting and educational time awaits us today at the IsraeliMuseum. Walk through collections of century’s old Israeli arti-facts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and then a guided walkthrough an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem. Thismodel will help put into perspective all that you have seen over theprevious days touring. Next we visit the House of Caiaphas whereJesus was beaten and spit upon. See a pit where he may havebeen held for the evening and the ancient hillside steps he walkedas he was taken to be condemned. We conclude the day with a

visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, for a needed re-minder of what the Jews have suffered as a people. This eveningwe enjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, givingus a perspective of Messianic life in Israel.

Day 10: Arrive AthensWe fly to Athens and check into our hotel. You will have the re-mainder of the day free to relax or take a stroll along the streets ofAthens to enjoy the flavor of the city. This evening our group willenjoy the first of many delectable European style dinners.

Day 11: Cruising MykonosWe sail this morning from Athens to the quaint isle of Mykonos,called the island of windmills. Experience the waterfront linedwith shops and cafes and then stroll the charming walkwaysthrough a maze of whitewashed buildings before returning to theship for dinner and evening entertainment.

Day 12: Ephesus and PatmosDocking in Turkey, enjoy a tour of Ephesus, the city of the Bibleand one of the largest restorations still in progress with miles ofancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excava-tions of the major streets in this ancient city. We'll view the Li-brary, Agora, Temple of Artemis and the Basilica of St. John. Thisafternoon we visit the Isle of Patmos, under statutory protectionas a historic monument. Here we have a tour to see the fortifiedmonastery of St. John and the cave claimed to be where John re-ceived the Revelation. Back on the ship, enjoy the Captain's dinnerbefore settling in to your cabin for the night.

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Ephesus

Day 13: Crete & Beautiful SantoriniCrete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. Takean optional tour to Heraklion and the fantastic ruins of the Palaceof Knossos. Discovered in 1899 and partially reconstructed, theelaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of KingMinos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. This afternoon visitthe island of Santorini which is perhaps the most breathtaking ofall the Greek Islands. You may choose to take an optionalpanoramic bus tour viewing some of the most spectacular sceneryof the Aegean. Travel through countless villages and settlementswith delicate architecture and beauties eventually arriving in Oia.During your time in Oia, visit the many narrow streets, open-aircafes and glittering boutiques. Upon returning to the ship, we viewthe lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea, & Nea Ka-meni. We arrive at the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.

Day 14: Disembark Cruise – Corinth and MycenaeWe disembark the cruise this morning and travel west with a reststop and photos at the Corinth Canal. We then travel to the an-cient city of Corinth, another treat for the New Testament scholar.Corinth is the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar let-ters. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema,and the Temples. To enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins ofthe church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public wor-ship place where Paul preached will enhance your understandingand love of I & II Corinthians. The ruins of this important culturalcenter are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that theApostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of thesepeople are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancientto modern day. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedi-cated to the medical care of that period. After the visit to ancientCorinth we travel to Mycenae where the remains of the ancientcity date back to the Bronze Age to see the famous Lionesse Gate,the Tomb of Agamennon in the shape of a Beehive, and manyother sites before we return east to Athens for check in at ourhotel followed by dinner.

Day 15: AthensFollowing breakfast this morning we tour Athens, the foundationof democracy. We visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erec-theum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood andpreached the truth to the Gentile nation. From atop Mars Hill weview the Agora below, the ancient market place and center ofAthenian public life. Additional sites viewed during ourpanoramic bus tour are, the House of Parliament, the Tomb of theUnknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace. Anoption later this afternoon is a visit to the famous Plaka with amultitude of shops and cafes.

Day 16: HomeA very early morning departure for the Athens Airport for ourflight homeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.

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Santorini

Corinth Canal

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