Day 1:(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2:Arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Sun.) Arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Enjoy this evening’s welcome drink with your traveling companions, hosted by your Tour Director.
Day 3:Tel Aviv–Caesarea–Megiddo–Muhraqa–Haifa. (Mon.) Start your tour of the Holy Land with Caesarea, the perfect place to learn about the Roman and Crusader presence in the country. Visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER and the impressive CRUSADER FORTRESS, and admire Herod’s Stadium and harbor. In the afternoon, travel to the ancient fortified city of Megiddo, regarded as one of the most important biblical sites in Israel. This is the famous battleground where armed struggles of Assyrians, Canaanites, Egyptians, Greeks, Israelites, Persians, Philistines, and Romans took place. According to the New Testament, Armageddon will serve as the gathering place for an army that will fight in the battle that causes the return of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:10). Next, continue along the coast through Baron Edmond de Rothschild’s vineyards and apricot groves to the slopes of the scenic Carmel mountain range. At Muhraqa, site of Prophet Elias’ contest of faith with the priests of Baal, enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the fertile Jezreel Valley. Via the Druze Village of Daliyat el Carmel you reach Haifa, a city with a long history dating back to biblical times. (B,D)
Day 4:Haifa–Acre–Nazareth–Cana–Kibbutz. (Tue.) Enjoy a visit to the golden-domed BAHA’I SHRINE, the world center of Baha’i faith. Next, visit Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at the northern end of the lovely Bay of Haifa. Acre became the capital of the Crusader kingdom after its conquest by Richard the Lionheart. Marvel at the forbidding Ottoman fortress and tour the excavated part of the immense underground CRUSADER CITY with its secret passageways and the vaulted crypt of the Knights of St. John. On to Nazareth in Galilee, chief scene of the ministry of Jesus Christ. Here, visit the contemporary CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION. Continue to ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, built over a cave known as St. Joseph’s Workshop and pass by Mary’s Well and the Church of the Angel Gabriel. Next, travel on to Cana, site of the first miracle where Jesus changed water to wine at a wedding (John 2:1-12). Due to this, many couples renew their wedding vows at this sacred place. After a panoramic view over Lake Tiberias, see an ancient fisherman’s boat said to be from the time of Christ. Time to relax or to swim before dinner. This evening you are invited for a LECTURE ON KIBBUTZ LIFE. (B,D)
Day 5:Kibbutz–Mount of Beatitudes–Tabgha–Sea of Galilee–Bet She’an–Jerusalem. (Wed.) Heading towards the Sea of Galilee, visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Next, visit the CHURCH OF THE MULTIPLICATION OF LOAVES AND FISHES at Tabgha as well as the CHURCH OF ST. PETER’S PRIMACY, where Jesus instructed Peter “to feed my lambs and tend my sheep” (John 21:15-19). At this place, warm springs used to flow into the sea, attracting fish, which is why Peter came here to earn a living. On to CAPERNAUM, where Jesus recruited his first followers among the fishermen. Afterwards, enjoy a 45-minute CRUISE on the Sea of Galilee. Via the ruins of Kursi, which memorialize two of Jesus’ miracles, arrive at the Jordan River and visit a BAPTISMAL SITE. Then, visit the ancient city of Bet She’an with its fine ROMAN and BYZANTINE RELICS. The city is located at the foot of Mount Gilboa, where King Saul and his son died by their own hands in battle with the Philistines. On the way to Jerusalem, stop for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Holy City, considered one of the oldest places in the world, with a history dating back as far as 4000 BC. (B,D)
Day 6:Jerusalem. Excursion to Ein Karem, Bethlehem and the Garden Tomb. (Thu.) This morning, drive to Ein Karem and visit the CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST and the CHURCH OF VISITATION, said to be built over the home of John the Baptist’s parents. Enjoy a beautiful view of the valley and the surrounding wooded hills. Continue to Bethlehem and see Shepherd’s Field, where the angels announced the birth of Jesus. Next, visit the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY, which stands on the site where Jesus was born. On the way back to Jerusalem, visit the GARDEN TOMB, where you will enjoy the scenery of the beautiful holy Garden. Tonight, perhaps an optional Israeli folklore show with dinner? (B)
Day 7:Jerusalem. Excursion to Masada and the Dead Sea. (Fri.) Drive through the Judean wilderness to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the surface of the Earth. Enjoy the scenery as you follow the road between the salty water and majestic desert mountains. Catch glimpses of the caves of Qumran, where the precious Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Ascend by cable car to the spectacular clifftop FORTRESS of Masada, and hear how 960 Jewish zealots preferred death at their own hands to the indignity of surrender to overwhelming Roman forces. Around lunchtime, reach one of the comfortable Dead Sea resorts. You will have plenty of time here to experience the feeling of buoyancy in the heavy water. Then, back to Jerusalem (B)
Day 8:Jerusalem. Excursion to the Old City. (Sat.) After a panoramic view from the MOUNT OF OLIVES over the old and modern part of the city, start your guided walking tour. Via the Chapel of Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, arrive at the GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE. Here, see the Rock of Agony, where Jesus prayed his last prayer before his arrest (Matthew 26:36). Nearby is the Cave of the Assumption of Mary and the Cave of Betrayal. Follow the Stations of the Cross along the VIA DOLOROSA to Golgotha, and visit the CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE. Erected over the site of the crucifixion, this church is shared by six Christian communities. Walk past the Temple Mount from where you can see the Dome of the Rock, a splendid mosque on the holy mount. On to the WAILING WALL, the most holy shrine in Jewish religion. Then, stroll through the restored Jewish quarter to MOUNT ZION, where we visit the UPPER ROOM, the TOMB OF KING DAVID, and the HOUSE OF CAIAPHAS, where Jesus was kept the night after he was arrested (Matthew 26:57). (B)
Day 9:At Leisure in Jerusalem. (Sun.) A full day at leisure or attend mass in one of the chuches in Jerusalem. Later, maybe join your Tour Director on an optional excursion featuring the synagogue of Hadassah Hospital with its famous Chagall windows, representing the 12 sons of the Patriarch Jacob, who formed the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Continue to the Israel Museum with the Shrine of the Book and the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest Bible in the world, and the model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period. Also visit the famous Holocaust Memorial at Yad Vashem. (B)
Day 10:Jerusalem–Valley of Elah–Latrun–Jaffa–Tel Aviv. (Mon.) Take the scenic winding road through Wadi Sorek towards the ancient land of the Philistines. In the Valley of Elah, stop at the site of David’s victory over the Philistine champion, Goliath, and hear about this biblical event (Samuel 17:1-58). Later, refresh your memory with the tale of Samson and Delilah (Judges 16:1-20) as you proceed through the land of the Dan tribe to the wide Valley of Ayalon. At strategic Latrun you visit the MONASTERY OF THE TRAPPIST MONKS. Then, stop near the ruins of the basilica that is said to be the site of EMMAUS, where Jesus manifested himself to two of his disciples (Luke 24:13-35). Continue along the Mediterranean shore and stop in Jaffa for a walk through the beautifully restored ancient port, where medieval pilgrims started their strenuous 2-day trek to Jerusalem. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your traveling companions of an unforgettable journey through the Holy Land. (B,D)
Day 11:Tel Aviv, Israel–Amman, Jordan–Petra. (Tue.) Transfer to the airport for your flight to Amman, Jordan. Upon arrival head to Um Quais (Umm Qays) to see the site of the miracle of the Gadarene swine and recent excavations. Next is Bethany, the site of John the Baptist’s settlement. This afternoon, head south to Petra with a stop at Lot’s Cave along the way. Drive along the Dead Sea and arrive in the “rose-red city” of Petra. Relax at your hotel this evening or explore the ancient capital of Jordan. (B,D)
Day 12:Petra. (Wed.) Full day of guided sightseeing in Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World®. Lost to the world for centuries, it is located in the biblical land of Moab (Judges 11:17-18). Enjoy an unforgettable experience as you walk down the SIQ, the narrow gorge made famous in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Stand in awe in front of the iconic and famed TREASURY. In addition to seeing numerous spectacular temples and tombs created out of the rose-colored sandstone, sip tea in a BEDOUIN TENT. (B,D)
Day 13:Petra–Kerak–Wadi Mujib–Mukawir–Madaba–Mount Nebo–Amman. (Thu.) This morning features a visit to Kerak to visit the CRUSADER CASTLE and Wadi Mujib, the “Jordanian Grand Canyon.” Continue to Mukawir (biblical Machaerus), where Salome danced and John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded (Mark 6:14-29). Then, on to Madaba to visit ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH, which houses a precious 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Also explore the MADABA ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. One of today’s major highlights is a visit to MOUNT NEBO, where Moses saw the Promised Land (Deut. 34:1-12). Arrive in Amman for your final overnight and enjoy an orientation tour of the capital. (B,D)
Day 14:(Fri.) Homebound flight. (B)
City Highlights
Tel Aviv:
Welcome drink; farewell dinner
Caesarea:
Visit the Roman amphitheater and the Crusader fortress
Megiddo:
Visit the biblical site
Muhraqa:
Panoramic view of the Jezreel Valley
Haifa:
Visit the Baha’i Shrine
Acre:
Visit the underground Crusader city
Nazareth:
Visit the Church of the Annunciation and St. Joseph’s Church
Cana:
Visit the site of the first miracle
Lake Tiberias:
Panoramic view; enjoy a cruise on the Sea of Galilee
Kibbutz:
See an ancient fisherman’s boat; lecture on Kibbutz life; visit Mount of Beatitudes; the Church of Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes at Tabgha, and the Church of St. Peter’s Primacy; Capernaum; a baptismal site on the River Jordan
Bet She’an:
Admire its Roman and Byzantine relics
Ein Karem:
Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of Visitation
Bethlehem:
Visit the Church of Nativity
Masada:
Ride a cable car and visit the cliff-top fortress
Dead Sea:
Visit one of the resorts
Jerusalem:
The Garden Tomb; a panoramic view from the Mount of Olives; visit the Garden of Gethsemane; guided walking tour, follow the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Wailing Wall, and walk through the Jewish Quarter to Mount Zion, visit the Upper Room, the tomb of King David, and the house of Caiaphas
Latrun Area:
Visit the site of David’s victory over Goliath in the Valley of Elah, the Monastery of the Trappist Monks in Latrun, Emmaus, and the Mini Israel Museum
Jaffa:
Walking tour of the ancient port
Tel Aviv-Amman:
By air
Um Quais:
Stop at the site of the Gadarene swine miracle
Bethany Beyond-the-Jordan:
Visit the site of John the Baptist’s settlement
Lot’s Cave:
Stop at the cave
Petra:
Guided sightseeing, including the Siq and the Treasury; sip tea in a Bedouin tent
Kerak:
Visit the Crusader Castle
Wadi Mujib:
Visit the Jordanian Grand Canyon
Mukawir:
Orientation
Madaba:
Visit St. George’s Church and the Archaeological Museum
Mount Nebo:
Visit the mountain where Moses saw the Promised Land
Amman:
OrientationNote:Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.All arrangements in Israel are under the management of Round the World.All arrangements in Jordan are under the management of Discovery Travel and Tourism.
Price Details US
Single room supplement: $662 (0404-1031), $794 (0417-0515, 2011).Triple room reduction per person: $31Extra nights per person in Tel Aviv:in single room $280, in twin room $200, in triple room $190Extra nights per person in Amman:in single room $250, in twin room $130, in triple room $1262011 departures are subject to itinerary and price modification.
Related Tours
TG|Journey Through the Holy Land Without Jordan ExtensionTI|This tour can be combined with "The Vatican & Assisi"
Save up to $1,100 per couple on 2010 Greece Cruise & Tour Vacations
Save up to $1,100 per couple on 2010 Greece Cruise & Tour Vacation booked by August 31, 2010
It might be easier to list things that can’t trace their origin to Greece. When you travel to Greece, the cradle of western civilization, you will come to understand how these lands could have inspired humanity’s greatest strides. Today, the energy of Athens stands in sharp contrast with the pristine tranquility of the Greek islands. With one foot in the past and another in the future, Greece Cruise & Tour Vacations are sure to capture your heart and engage your mind.
- Save $1,100 per couple on
Splendors of Greece & Turkey Cruise & Tour
- Save $1,100 per couple on
Three Continents Cruise & Tour
- Save $800 per couple on
Jewels of the Aegean Cruise & Tour
- Save $580 per couple on
Aegean Legends Cruise & Tour
*Book a select Globus Greece cruise & tour vacation to receive the discount. Book Footsteps of Apostle Paul for the $40 pp discount, Aegean Legends for $290 pp discount, Jewels of the Aegean for $400 pp discount and Splendors of Greece & Turkey or Three Continents for $550 pp discount. Must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between October 14, 2009 and November 1, 2010 for travel through November 6, 2010. Offer is combinable with other consumer offers. Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus Tours
Discount for young travelers
Share the pleasure of a Globus vacation with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a 10-percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years of age on the departure date and must be accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations we don’t accept children under eight years old because we have found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations.
Pay less for your second vacation
We charge you vacation price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Globus vacation you take in the same year, you pay US$35 under list. Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. It’s fun to play the add-a-vacation game yourself or talk to your travel agent.
Triple room reduction
On most Globus vacations you receive a reduction when three people travel together and share the same accommodations. Triple room reductions, when available, are listed on the itinerary pages. A word of caution: Triple rooms usually are no larger than twin rooms and the third bed, if there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room.
Avoid the single room supplement
We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!