7-Day Christian Tour of Jerusalem & the Holy Land

DAY 1

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Caesarea, Megiddo & Tzipori

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Begin the journey at Caesarea, where the stories of Peter and Paul connect with the New Testament world. Continue to Megiddo, overlooking the Jezreel Valley and associated with biblical history and Armageddon, before exploring the archaeological remains and mosaics of ancient Tzipori.

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Overnight in the Galilee.

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DAY 2

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Northern Galilee & Sea of Galilee

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Begin the day at Tel Dan, exploring the biblical remains of the ancient city of Dan and the history of the northern Kingdom of Israel. Continue to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, with the dramatic landscape of Mount Hermon in the background.

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Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, overlooking the Sea of Galilee and traditionally associated with the Sermon on the Mount. Experience the lake with a Sea of Galilee boat ride, recalling the setting of many events from Jesus’ ministry.

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Visit Magdala, an important first-century town and archaeological site associated with Mary Magdalene, followed by Tabgha, commemorating the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Continue to the Mensa Christi, associated with Jesus’ appearance to his disciples after the Resurrection, and conclude at Capernaum, the center of much of Jesus’ Galilean ministry and the home of Peter.

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Overnight in the Galilee.

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DAY 3

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Nazareth, Cana, Mt. Tabor & Jordan River

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Begin the day in Nazareth, visiting the Basilica of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s Church, and the Synagogue Church, traditionally associated with Jesus’ teaching in Nazareth.

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Continue to Cana, remembered as the setting of Jesus’ first miracle at the Wedding at Cana, before ascending Mount Tabor, traditionally associated with the Transfiguration of Jesus.

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Travel south through the Jordan Valley to the Jordan River, where there will be time for prayer and reflection at the waters associated with the baptism of Jesus. Continue toward Bethlehem for the overnight stay.

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Overnight in Bethlehem.

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DAY 4

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Bethlehem, Jerusalem & Ein Karem

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Begin the day in Bethlehem, visiting the Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional birthplace of Jesus, followed by Shepherds’ Field, recalling the announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds.

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Continue to Jerusalem and visit the Israel Museum, including the impressive Model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period and the Shrine of the Book, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls.

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Conclude the day in Ein Karem, traditionally associated with the birth of John the Baptist. Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Visitation, commemorating Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, before returning to Bethlehem.

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Overnight in Bethlehem.

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DAY 5

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Masada, Qumran, Dead Sea & Jericho

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Begin the day at Masada, ascending Herod the Great’s dramatic desert fortress and exploring its archaeological remains while enjoying panoramic views over the Dead Sea and Judean Desert.

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Continue to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and explore the ancient settlement connected with their remarkable story. Then enjoy time at the Dead Sea, with the opportunity to relax and float in its mineral-rich waters.

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Conclude the day in Jericho, one of the world’s oldest cities, recalling biblical events including the story of Zacchaeus and viewing the traditional Mount of Temptation, before returning to Bethlehem.

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Overnight in Bethlehem.

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DAY 6

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Biblical Jerusalem 

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Begin the day at the Davidson Center, exploring the archaeological remains around the Temple area and learning about Jerusalem’s history and its importance in biblical faith.

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Continue to the Temple Mount, followed by the Western Wall and the Western Wall Tunnels, where hidden archaeological remains reveal important layers of Jerusalem’s history.

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Visit the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years, before continuing to the City of David. Explore ancient Jerusalem through Warren’s Shaft and Hezekiah’s Tunnel, ending at the Pool of Siloam, associated with the healing of the blind man in John 9.

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Overnight in Bethlehem.

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Day 7

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Jerusalem & the Passion of Jesus

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Begin the day on Mount Zion, visiting the Upper Room, traditionally associated with the Last Supper and Pentecost, followed by King David’s Tomb and St. Peter in Gallicantu, connected with Peter’s denial of Jesus.

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Continue to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, traditionally associated with the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Walk through the Old City before visiting the Garden Tomb, a particularly meaningful site for Protestant and Evangelical Christians, where we reflect on the crucifixion, burial and Resurrection of Jesus and celebrate the message of the empty tomb.

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Conclude the journey on the Mount of Olives, visiting the Chapel of the Ascension, Pater Noster, Dominus Flevit and Gethsemane, following the final events of Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem.