Holy Land Sampler | October 20-30, 2019

We depart as a group from Savannah Hilton Head International Airport at 5:59 PM, transiting through JFK for an overnight flight to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

Travelers coming from outside the Savannah area may work with Progressive Pilgrimage to originate in their home city and join the group at JFK. Fare increases may apply.

Group members will arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. A private coach will transport the group from Tel Aviv to our hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. After dinner, we will share together in a short opening worship service and orientation.

Enjoy and “off the beaten path” tour of the Arab-Israeli city of Nazareth and the Basilica of the Annunciation, commemorating the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. In the afternoon, visit the Mar Elias Educational Institute in Ibillin, dedicated to educating Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Druze youth in the ways of peace. Meet with students who are eager to practice their English language skills. Pending his availability, the group will also have a visit with Archbishop Elias Chacour. Return to the Sea of Galilee for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Today we explore Jesus’ adult ministry in Galilee led by a Palestinian Christian guide. Highlights include the Mount of Beatitudes, the churches at Tabgha, the ruins of Capernaum (home of Simon Peter), a lunch of “St. Peter’s Fish,” a museum with a 2,000 year-old boat, and a sunset boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Enjoy a final dinner and overnight accommodations on the shores of the sea.

This morning we will travel down the Jordan Valley and into Jerusalem, stopping along the way at the Jordan River baptism site in the area where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. We will arrive in Jerusalem from atop the Mount of Olives where we will enter the city as Jesus would have, on foot, passing through Gethsemane and stopping to pray along the route. We will make our way through the city’s Christian Quarter to our hotel. Dinner and overnight accommodations in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Begin the day with morning walk along the Via Dolorosa, updated with reflections from modern residents of this ancient land. After lunch, visit the the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Take a stroll through Jerusalem’s winding markets and enjoy free time to explore the Old City. In the evening, we will conclude the day by celebrating Shabbat with with a Jerusalem synagogue.

A Palestinian guide will lead our visits to Bethlehem holy sites beginning with the Church of the Nativity, the traditional site of Jesus’ birth. In the late morning, we visit with a cooperative of Palestinian women who are caring for disabled children. After a tour of their neighborhood, they will lead us in a cooking class that concludes in a delicious lunch. Following lunch, we visit the Shepherd’s Field church and an olive wood workshop. During our time in Bethlehem, you may also spot some original Banksy artwork. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Begin the day by worshiping at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem’s Old City. Following worship, we will meet with Pastor Carrie to learn about Lutheran ministries in Jordan and the Holy Land. After lunch, we will visit the Israel Museum. Here an impressive model of Jerusalem in the first century provides a helpful introduction to the rest of our time in this holy city. The Israel Museum is also the home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, an extensive Judaica collection, and impressive works of classical and modern art. After the museum, we will visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and Museum. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Our group will travel to the ancient Jewish fortress of Masada, built by Herod the Great. After touring Masada, experience the ruins of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. End the day with a relaxing bob in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. We will share a final celebratory dinner together and final overnight accommodations in Jerusalem.

We will conclude our pilgrimage with a visit to the ruins of the ancient Temple built first by Solomon, rebuilt under Ezra and Nehemiah, expanded by Herod the Great, and destroyed by Rome in 70 CE. Led by an expert local Jewish guide, we will explore the original foundations of Jerusalem dating to before King David, sit on the Temple’s Southern Steps, and pray at the Western Wall. In the late afternoon, the group will transfer to Tel Aviv and board an overnight flight to Savannah via New York (JFK). Those continuing to Petra will transfer to Jordan by private motorcoach.

Following an overnight trans-Atlantic flight, the group will arrive at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport at 11:42 AM.

Experience the treasures of Jordan on this exciting private tour of the ancient cities of Jerash, Amman and Petra. Beautiful desert landscapes and fascinating historical sites await you. When the group for the airport on October 29, you will travel from Jerusalem to Jordan. Your English speaking guide will meet you at the border and accompany you for the duration of your time in Jordan. First you will visit the ancient city of Jerash, an incredibly well-preserved Roman city of colonnaded streets, mosaics, baths, temples, and a marvelous hippodrome. Continue on to Amman for dinner and overnight accommodations.

The next day enjoy a short tour of ancient and modern Amman in the morning. In the afternoon, begin your journey to Petra via Mt. Nebo and Madaba. Dinner and overnight accommodations near Petra.

On October 31, you have a full day for exploring Petra with your guide. This UNESCO World Heritage site is often called one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The city was carved into the canyon walls by the Nabateans in the first centuries BC and AD and served as an important desert trading post. Today visitors can explore over 2,600 acres of buildings, paths, mountaintops, and caves. After a full day in Petra, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.

In the morning of November 1, return to Tel Aviv for your return flight to the United States.

This excursion includes round-trip transportation between Israel and Jordan and throughout Jordan; overnight accommodations in Jerusalem, Amman and Petra (double occupancy); meals: 4 breakfasts, 2 dinners; entrance fees; licensed guides; border assistance and border fees. Does not include additional meals, beverages, or tips. Single supplement is $150. The listed price is based on a minimum of 4 participants. If less than 4 people which to participate in the Petra extension, a price will be quoted for a smaller group.

Add an additional day of touring or relaxing at your own pace in Tel Aviv. This is a thoroughly modern city filled with lush gardens, history and art museums, and gorgeous beaches. Add an extra night at a beach-front hotel in central Tel Aviv to give yourself a little more time to unwind at the end of your pilgrimage.

This excursion includes one additional night (double occupancy) in a beach-view Tel Aviv hotel with breakfast and transportation between the hotel and Ben Gurion Airport. Travelers may add as many additional nights as desired.