Day One – Travel to Israel

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Day Two – Arrive In Israel                                                     

Welcome to Tel Aviv, Israel.  You will be met by a Preston Pathway Tours Israel representative and transferred to your hotel in Tel Aviv for dinner and overnight.

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Day Three – Caesarea – Mt. Carmel – Meggido - Nazareth

After a refreshing night’s sleep and breakfast, drive to Caesarea Maritima, the great port city built by Herod the Great in honor of Caesar Augustus. It was here that Peter preached to the Roman centurion Cornelius, marking the first recorded conversion of Gentiles to Christianity. Herod constructed an impressive harbor and built all the cultural institutions typical of a great Greco-Roman city, including a theatre, hippodrome, and luxurious bathhouses. To supply water to the city, he built an aqueduct system from the springs of Mount Carmel to Caesarea, parts of which are still visible today. We will then continue to Mount Carmel, where the prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. Continue to Megiddo, where archaeological digs have revealed twenty-six layers of civilization, including fortifications of King Solomon and a water tunnel of King Ahab  Our final destination today is Nazareth. We will visit Mount Precipice, where Jesus was taken “…in order to throw Him off the cliff.” From this vantage point, enjoy panoramic views of the Jezreel Valley (Armageddon), Mount Tabor (the Mount of Transfiguration), and Mount Gilboa. While in Nazareth, we will visit the Church of the Annunciation, where, according to tradition, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. We will then continue to our hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee for Dinner and overnight.

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Day Four – Tabgha - Capernaum - Primacy - Mount Beatitudes - Caesarea Philippi

Drive to Tabgha (the traditional site of the multiplication of bread and fish) and then to Capernaum, with an ancient synagogue where Christ taught. The disciples Peter and Andrew made their homes here as well. Visit the Church of the Primacy, where Peter was first among the apostles to confess the divinity of Christ continue to Mount of Beatitudes, overlooking the Sea of Galilee, traditionally recognized as the site where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. It offers serene gardens and panoramic views, inviting reflection on the teachings of compassion, humility, and peace. Head North passing  Hazor, one of the most important Canaanite cities in the biblical era, mentioned in the Book of Joshua as a major stronghold conquered by the Israelites. Arrive  to the ruins of the prehistoric settlement at Tel Dan, once a thriving Canaanite community and the northern limit of the Promised Land. It was here that King Jeroboam set up a pagan calf altar that brought disaster upon Israel. Back on the bus, we continue to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter confessed to Jesus, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

 

Day Five – Sea Of Galilee Boat -  Mt. Tabor - Ein Geddi - Massada - Dead Sea

Begin our day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee continue and drive to Mount Tabor the traditional site of the Transfiguration explore the beautiful Church of the Transfiguration and enjoy a moment of reflection in one of Galilee’s most serene and spiritually significant settings.  Return to road 90 driving South and pass by Jericho, the city whose walls fell at the sound of trumpets (Joshua 6) to Ein Gedi nature reserve, a lush oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea, featuring waterfalls, wildlife, and desert springs amid dramatic canyons. Biblically, it is significant as the place where David hid from King Saul in the caves, making it both a natural and spiritual landmark.  End our day in Masada a natural fortress with majestic ruins overlooking the Dead Sea. Take a cable car to the top of the plateau for a tour. Jewish zealots held the rock for several months in 73AD under siege by the 10th Roman legion. The Romans finally took the fortress by way of a massive attack ramp. The camps and other fortifications that encircle the mesa constitute the most complete Roman siege works to have survived to the present day.  Continue to the Dead Sea for dinner & Overnight.

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Day Six –  Jerusalem Old City

Following breakfast, we depart for Jerusalem, ascending through the Judean Hills as we approach the Holy City central to the final days of the Savior’s mortal ministry. Upon arrival, we enter the Old City through Lions’ Gate, stepping into the setting of events that shaped the course of Christian faith.  Our morning begins at the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the infirm man, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion . Nearby, we visit St. Anne’s Church, where we take a moment to reflect on the Savior’s ministry and teachings, often enhanced by the unique acoustics of this historic site. We then begin walking along the Via Dolorosa, traditionally associated with the path the Savior walked on the way to His crucifixion.  Along the route, we visit the Chapel of the Flagellation, marking the place where Jesus was scourged, and reflect on the physical suffering He endured as part of His Atonement.  Passing beneath the Ecce Homo Arch and viewing the ancient stone pavement (Gabbatha),  we consider the moments leading to His condemnation.  As we continue through the Old City, we follow portions of the Via Dolorosa, pausing at selected points for scripture reading and reflection, focusing on the Savior’s willingness to submit to the Father’s will and the significance of His sacrifice for all mankind. We arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the traditional site associated with the crucifixion and burial of Jesus.  From here, we continue into the Jewish Quarter, where we explore the Cardo, the ancient main street of Roman Jerusalem, and view remains attributed to the time of King Hezekiah. We also visit the Herodian Mansions, offering insight into Jerusalem during the Second Temple period and the historical context in which these sacred events took place. Following our exploration of the Old City, we exit the walls and transfer to our hotel in Jerusalem for check-in. Dinner & Overnight

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Day Seven – Jerusalem Old City and Bethlehem

Following breakfast, we begin our day with a visit to the Temple Mount area, one of the most significant locations in biblical history. While access to the mount itself is subject to local regulations, we explore the surrounding area and reflect on its importance as the site of Solomon’s Temple and later the Second Temple, where Jesus taught and ministered. From nearby vantage points, we view the Dome of the Rock and consider the deep spiritual heritage associated with this sacred ground.  We then make our way to the Western Wall, the last remaining retaining wall of the Second Temple complex. Here, we take time for quiet reflection, considering the central role of the Temple in ancient worship and its significance in God’s covenant relationship with His people.  From the plaza, we continue with a guided visit through the Western Wall Tunnels (Rabbinical Tunnels), walking alongside the original Herodian stones hidden beneath the Old City.  This unique experience allows us to better understand the scale and engineering of the Temple complex in the time of Jesus, bringing to life the setting in which many events of the New Testament took place.  Continuing southward, we arrive at the City of David, where Jerusalem’s story began. Here, we explore the archaeological remains of ancient Jerusalem and gain insight into the time of King David.  Those who wish may walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, an impressive engineering achievement dating back to the First Temple period, bringing to life the biblical account of King Hezekiah’s preparations to protect the city’s water supply (2 Kings 20:20). We conclude this portion of the visit at the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed the man born blind (John 9), reflecting on themes of faith, obedience, and spiritual sight.

In the afternoon, we travel to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.  Our visit begins at the Shepherds’ Field, where, according to tradition, angels announced the Savior’s birth to the shepherds. This peaceful setting provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the humility and significance of the Savior’s coming into the world.  We then continue to the Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional site of Jesus’ birth.  As we visit this historic location, we focus on the scriptural accounts of the Nativity and the fulfillment of prophecy through the birth of the Savior, taking time for personal reflection and appreciation of this pivotal event in God’s plan.  Following our visit to Bethlehem, we return to Jerusalem, carrying with us a deeper understanding of both the ancient covenant history of the city and the sacred events surrounding the birth and ministry of Jesus Christ.  Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

 

Day Eight – BYU Jerusalem Center & Jerusalem Old City

Following breakfast, we begin our day with a visit to the BYU Jerusalem Center, where we gain a unique perspective over the Old City and reflect on the role of Jerusalem in the Savior’s ministry.  This setting, closely connected with Latter-day Saint learning and study in the Holy Land, provides a meaningful introduction to the events we will explore throughout the day.  We then continue to the Mount of Olives, a place deeply associated with the teachings and final days of Jesus Christ. From this vantage point, we enjoy a panoramic view of Jerusalem and reflect on the Savior’s love for the city and His role in God’s plan. We visit the Chapel of the Ascension, traditionally associated with the place from which Jesus ascended into heaven, and continue to Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), offering a moment to consider His compassion and foreknowledge.  Descending the Mount of Olives, we arrive at the Garden of Gethsemane, one of the most sacred sites in Christian belief.  Here, among the ancient olive trees, we reflect on the profound events of the Savior’s agony and suffering as part of His Atonement.  Nearby, we visit the Church of All Nations, built over the traditional site of this event, where time is given for quiet reflection and personal contemplation.  We continue to Mount Zion, entering a different setting connected to the final hours before the crucifixion. We visit the Upper Room, traditionally associated with the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the sacrament and taught His disciples. From here, we proceed to the House of Caiaphas (Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu), traditionally identified as the site where Jesus was brought following His arrest. Here, we reflect on Peter’s denial and the events of that night, gaining deeper insight into the trials leading up to the crucifixion.  Following this meaningful day, we return to our hotel in Jerusalem, with time to reflect on the Savior’s teachings, His suffering, and the profound significance of these sacred places. Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem.

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Day Nine – Garden Tomb and Free Afternoon

Following breakfast, we conclude our tour with a walk to visit  the Garden Tomb, a peaceful setting associated with the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  While its identification is not certain, the atmosphere of the garden provides a meaningful place for reflection on the Savior’s victory over death and the promise of resurrection. This quiet environment is especially suited for personal devotion, scripture reading, and, where appropriate, a group moment of reflection.  Following this visit, the remainder of the day is at leisure, offering the opportunity to revisit meaningful sites within Jerusalem or to explore additional points of interest at your own pace or in small groups. Guests may choose to return to the Old City for further exploration, spend additional time in places of personal significance, or visit major cultural and historical institutions such as the Israel Museum, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, or Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial and museum.  This free time allows for a deeper, more personal connection to the city, whether through continued exploration, quiet reflection, or individual discovery, before reconvening later in the day or evening.

 

Day Ten – Departure 

After an inspiring journey through the Holy Land, filled with meaningful visits and lasting impressions, it is now time to transfer to the airport for your departure flight to the United States, carrying with you memories and experiences that will remain for a lifetime.