Experience the stories of the Bible come to life on a faith-based journey to Israel with Globus Tours. Walk in the steps of Old Testament heroes and see the sites seen by Jesus and the New Testament saints.
Your journey will begin at one of the world’s oldest ports, the Port of Jaffa in modern-day Tel Aviv, Israel. The Old Jaffa Port is the port from which Jonah boarded ship. It is also from this port that Medieval pilgrims started their strenuous two-day trek to Jerusalem.
From Tel Aviv, you will travel north along the west coast of Israel with a view of the Mediterranean Sea. Stop at the fortified city of Megiddo, thought to have seen more battles than any other location in the world. For Christians, the word Megiddo is synonymous with the end of the world battle of Armageddon, as mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
In northern Israel is the region of Galilee in which Jesus spent his first 30 years. In the old city of Nazareth of Galilee, you will see the domed Basilica of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel purportedly told Mary she would bear a child. St. Joseph’s Church is said to be the site of Joseph’s carpentry workshop. The underground Synagogue Church is reputedly where Jesus studied and prayed. An open-air museum, Nazareth Village, reconstructs daily life in Jesus’ era.
Jesus’ first miracle of changing water into wine at a wedding occurred in the town of Cana. Even now, many couples renew their wedding vows at this sacred spot.
Much of Jesus’ ministry occurred on the shores surrounding the Sea of Galilee. Nearby is the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount. You can also visit the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes. (And of course, while at the Sea of Galilee, plan a short cruise and enjoy the gentle rocking of the waves.)
Then you will go south to Jerusalem, which is located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and Dead Sea. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and is considered holy to the three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In 2017 the United States recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Take at least three days to tour the old town of Jerusalem:
Visit the Mount of Olives where you will see the small town of Bethany, the Garden of Gethsemane, the place of Jesus’ ascension, and the Cave of the Assumption, believed to be the Virgin Mary’s Tomb.
Plan to stroll through the restored Jewish Quarter to Mount Zion and visit the upper room, where Jesus and his disciples had the Last Supper. (It is recommended you do tours with a guide in order to have the best visit possible.)
Finally, from Jerusalem take the excursion to the most popular tourist attraction in Israel, the ancient fortress of Masada, where the Jews perished when they took their last stand against the Roman armies. Overlooking Masada, you have a view of the Dead Sea, which is the lowest place on earth.
On your 404-mile journey through Israel, you will be in a modern air-conditioned motor coach and can make memories that will last a lifetime. Many meals are included.
Our agents at Bentley Hedges Travel will customize your visit to the Holy Land specifically to you. Article by Bonnie Hedges, Travel Leaders/Bentley Hedges Travel, located at 10021 South Pennsylvania Ave., OKC. For more information, call 237.3333.
