CRYSTAL COAST PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND
May 19 - June 2, 2012
ITINERARY
SATURDAY, MAY 19
DEPARTURE DAY FROM NEW BERN
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SUNDAY, MAY 20
ARRIVAL DAY IN ISRAEL
We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) in the afternoon. After an hour of airport formalities, we have a 45 minute bus ride to our hotel located on the Mediterranean Sea in Herzliya (north of Tel Aviv). After check-in, you are free to visit the beach and relax. We are at this hotel for one night only. (D)
MONDAY, MAY 21
CAESAREA, MEGIDDO, NAZARETH
Today is a busy day so we check out of our hotel for a 7:30 am bus departure. We begin our day in the region of the Sharon Plain at the NT seaport city of Caesarea. Built by Herod the Great and later serving as the official residence of Pontius Pilate, Caesarea was the principal commercial and cultural sea link to the Roman Empire and to Rome in particular. Peter came to Caesarea and ministered to the household of Cornelius (Acts 10) and it was from here that Paul, as a prisoner, was sent to Rome (Acts 24). The site of Caesarea is well excavated and several restored facilities will draw our special attention: the Theatre, Herod’s Palace, Hippodrome, ancient Harbor, and Crusader fortifications. We leave Caesarea and continue our journey to the biblical site of Megiddo. Fortified by Solomon and resting on the slopes adjacent to the Jezreel Valley, this site is perhaps best remembered for associating its Greek name to the Valley of Armageddon (Rev. 16:16). After a box lunch in the cool of shade trees we will explore the various archaeological ruins of Megiddo, including an ancient Canaanite worship center and a dry water tunnel which supplied water in times of peace and especially if under a military siege by an adversarial nation. From Megiddo we can look across the valley to our next destination, Nazareth. Upon arrival we will visit Nazareth Village, a partial "restoration" of a 1st century village. This restored village has recreated ancient village life as a walk-through exhibit. A local guide will introduce us to 1st century village life. We conclude our day with a view of the Sea of Galilee prior to arriving at our Holiday Village Resort at the kibbutz of Maagan, located on the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee. We are at this resort kibbutz for 3 nights. (B,L,D)
TUESDAY, MAY 22
HAZOR, DAN, CAESAREA PHILIPPI, GOLAN HEIGHTS, OVERLOOK
We begin our day with a drive to the north. Our first site is ancient Hazor -- a strategic Canaanite city captured and burned by Joshua (Joshua 11:10-11) and redeveloped under the kingship of Solomon (1 Kings 9:15). We will visit the Solomonic city gate and an earlier palace thought to be the palace of Jabin, the Canaanite king of Hazor. We continue our travels to the north and arrive at the Old Testament site of Dan. Here we discuss the importance of an ancient Old Testament site having strong fortifications against adversarial northern neighbors. It was at Dan that Jeroboam set up one of his Golden Calf worship centers (1 Kings 12:28-30). The ruins of Dan are nestled within a beautiful national park with the spring of Dan issuing forth volumes of fresh water that serves as one of the sources of the Jordan River. At nearby Caesarea Philippi, on the lower slopes of Mount Hermon, we consider the event of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36) and Jesus’ question to Peter: “Who do people say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). Here is one of the largest springs feeding the Jordan River; the abundant water supply made the area very fertile and attractive for religious worship as evidenced by the remains of various Greek and Roman worship centers. After lunch we journey uphill to the plateau of the Golan Heights. We conclude our day with an overlook of the Sea of Galilee. Overnight Maagan. (B,D)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23
CHORAZIN, MOUNT OF BEATITUDES, PRIMACY OF ST. PETER, CAPERNAUM, GALILEE BOAT, BOAT RIDE
Today we give attention to the ministry of Jesus around the Sea of Galilee. We begin with a visit to the NT city of Chorazin. Located on the northern hills overlooking the Sea of Galilee, this city was strongly rebuked by Jesus for having witnessed many miracles but still having hearts of unbelief (Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13). A restored synagogue provides us the opportunity to discuss the various elements of synagogue worship during NT times. Our next stop is the Mount of Beatitudes. Here, on a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee, we consider Jesus’ most famous sermon and his call to discipleship (Matthew 5-7). You will be offered free time to enjoy the garden environment of the mountain and then we will hike down the hill to the shore of the Sea of Galilee. At the base of the mount and along the north shore of the Sea of Galilee is a pilgrim site dedicated to the post-resurrection visit of Jesus with his disciples (John 21). There are few ruins but the setting allows us to recall Jesus' triple inquiry to Peter -- "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-19). Nearby is Capernaum, the headquarters city of Jesus’ Sea of Galilee ministry. Here we will consider how the Sea of Galilee, as if a magnet, drew the infirmed and served as the perfect locale for Jesus’ Galilean healing ministry. We continue to Kibbutz Ginnosar where an ancient Sea-of-Galilee boat (dating to the 1st century AD) was discovered, excavated, preserved and displayed. We conclude our day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. What a perfect way to end the day—on the Sea of Galilee! Overnight Maagan. (B,D)
THURSDAY, MAY 24
JORDAN RIVER, BETH SHAN, QUMRAN, DEAD SEA
We depart the hotel at 7:30 am. Today we travel south via the Jordan Valley to the lowest body of water on the planet—the Dead Sea. But first, we begin our day with a visit to the Jordan River at a pilgrim site known as Yardenit (“Little Jordan”). Here Christian pilgrims have the opportunity to be baptized or rededicated by emersion in the Jordan River. Should this be an opportunity for you, we will make the needed arrangements. Next is the impressive archaeological site of Beth Shan, a Philistine stronghold during the days of Saul and David (1 Samuel 31:10-12). At the base of the OT tell are the excavations of its Roman-Byzantine remains when it was known as Scythopolis, one of the Hellenistic cities of the Decapolis. Here you will be given free time to visit the numerous ruins. Another final historical site of the day is ancient Qumran, the locale of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. We will have lunch at Qumran prior to entering the excavations. Located near the Dead Sea, the ancient community of Qumran was a religious community of separatists who viewed the Temple in Jerusalem and those serving there (High Priest, Levites, etc) as defiled and unworthy of attendance. They remained in religious isolation until fleeing their community in advance of a Roman army during the First Jewish Revolt of 66-70 AD. They hid their treasured scrolls in the nearby caves, expecting to return, but never did so. A one hour drive south will bring us to our resort hotel located on the shore of the Dead Sea. After check-in you are free to pamper yourself at the many spa facilities or go for a float in the Dead Sea. Relax and enjoy the resort atmosphere. We will have a later check-out time in the morning. Overnight Hod Hotel Dead Sea. We spend only one night in this hotel. (B,D)
FRIDAY, MAY 25
MASADA, KFAR HANOKDIM
Our bus departs from the hotel at 9:00 am. We begin the day at Masada where we consider the fate of the Zealot movement which ended at Masada. Fortified and embellished by Herod the Great, the site abounds with points of interest. We will spend approximately 2 hours atop this rocky promontory. A cable car provides access to the site. Points of interest include the Western Palace, the Roman Ramp, the Synagogue, the three-tiered Northern Palace and the Storerooms. A lunch kiosk is available upon our return from the top of the mountain. Upon leaving Masada we will travel south and then west into the southern region of the Wilderness of Judah. Here we will visit a modern Desert Camp where local guides will share with us the life of ancient and more modern desert travelers, known as Bedouin -- "people of the desert." Not only will you experience Bedouin hospitality and traditional music, but you will also have the chance to ride a camel. Our afternoon experiences provide a wonderful opportunity for us to better understand and appreciate the life and cultural settings of the ancient patriarchal families of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Our evening concludes in nearby modern Arad where we will have dinner and overnight. We spend only one night in this hotel. (B,D)
SATURDAY, MAY 26
NEGEV, ARAD, SHEPHELAH, ELAH VALLEY, EREV SHAVUOT
We begin our morning with a visit to the studio of a local artist – Rick Wienecke, a Jewish believer, who has sculpted a most unique exhibit portraying the suffering of Christ on the cross and the suffering of a Holocaust survivor. Known as The Fountain of Tears, it is a powerful and dramatic display of emotions. Leaving modern Arad we travel westward through the geographical region known as the Biblical Negev. In this demanding desert landscape God tested the faith of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Here also, Moses attempted an ill-fated and ill-advised premature "conquest" of the Promised Land. David lived in this region during his "friendship" with Philistine kings. Our principal site of interest in the Negev is the OT site of Arad. This fortified hilltop site served as a frontier border town in antiquity. Its role was to defend the eastern Negev and prevent hostile forces from entering the Hill Country of Judah from the south. The excavations at Arad revealed an ancient Israelite worship center with the cultic altar still preserved. The second half of the day we travel northwest into the geographical region known as the Shephelah ("lowlands"). Located between the Coastal Plain and the Judean Hill Country, these "foothills" served as an important "buffer-zone" between the Judeans in the hills and the Philistines on the coast. Within the Shephelah we will visit the general locale of David's battle with Goliath in the Elah Valley. A box lunch is provided today. Our day concludes with an easterly drive into the Hill Country of Judah and its capital city of Jerusalem. Overnight in Jerusalem at the Knights Palace inside the Old City walls. We are at this hotel for 6 nights. (B,L,D)
NOTE: Tonight is the evening prior to the Jewish Feast of Shavuot (Feast of Weeks). The Western Wall will be especially festive tonight and in the morning. During this festival Judaism celebrates the giving of the Five Books of Moses (the Torah; the Written Law) and the Oral Traditions of Judaism passed down to Moses at Mount Sinai. During the night religious Jews are to read and study the Five Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) along with other Jewish writings and eventually make their way to the Western Wall for morning prayers prior to sunrise. During the pre-dawn hours of Sunday morning the streets of the Old City will be overflowing with thousands of religious Jews marching to the Western Wall. It is worth an early morning rise to view this religious celebration by the Jewish community. You are perhaps more familiar with the Greek term "Pentecost" representing this Jewish Festival (Acts 2).
SUNDAY, MAY 27
JERUSALEM: INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD CITY, SHAVUOT
Today is orientation day to Jerusalem. Our objective is to introduce you to the four quarters of the Old City: Armenian, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian. In addition you will be learning the maze of roads and alley-ways that allows you to traverse within the Old City. We will spend time in each quarter offering some historical background. We will also introduce you to modern features of importance and some local establishments that may be of interest for shopping, eating or resting. After lunch is free time to continue browsing the Old City or take in other local sites at your leisure. Overnight Jerusalem at the Knights Palace. (B,D)
MONDAY, MAY 28
JERUSALEM: MOUNT OF OLIVES
BETHLEHEM: NATIVITY CHURCH, SHEPHERDS' FIELD
We will depart the hotel at 9:00 am. We begin our day on the crest of the Mount of Olives with an overlook to the Temple Mount and the Golden Gate. Here the modern and ancient cities of Jerusalem lie before us in their entire splendor. We will walk down the Mount of Olives to the chapel of Dominus Flavit, dedicated to the event of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem as he approached the city on Palm Sunday (Luke 19:41). Continuing down the mount we come to the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas betrayed Jesus (Luke 22:47). Our afternoon is dedicated to Bethlehem. Here we will acquire the services of a local Palestinian guide who will assist us while in Bethlehem. Upon arrival in Bethlehem we will have lunch and visit a nearby olive wood shop. Bethlehem is noted for its fine olive wood craftsmanship. The owner, as part of our overall learning experience, will give us a brief history of current political circumstances that affect life in modern Bethlehem. Our afternoon will be spent visiting two important sites associated with the birth of Jesus. First, is the Church of Nativity, built above a grotto-cave venerated as the birthplace of Jesus. Second, is the Shepherds’ Field, where we will continue our discussion of the birth narratives (Matthew 1-2; Luke 2). Overnight Jerusalem at the Knights Palace. (B,D)
TUESDAY, MAY 29
JERUSALEM: TEMPLE MOUNT, BETHESDA, CITY OF DAVID, HEZEKIAH'S TUNNEL
We depart the hotel at 7:30 am and walk to the Temple Mount. Occupied today by two famous landmarks, the Golden Dome of the Rock and El-Aksa Mosque, the Temple Mount once housed the First Temple (built by Solomon; OT period) and the Second Temple (built by Herod; NT period). No remains of either temple survive but the mount provides us the venue to discuss many topics associated with such a historical mountaintop. Abraham presented Isaac as an offering (Genesis 22), David purchased it (2 Sam 24:18-25), Solomon built upon it (2 Chronicles 22), as did King Herod, and Jesus preached in it and foretold of its destruction (Luke 19:40-44; 21:20-24) which took place in 70 AD. Upon exiting the Temple Mount we enter into the quiet confines of St. Anne’s Church. Here we find two features of importance. First, is the Crusader Church of St. Anne (by tradition Anne is the mother of Mary) and second, the excavations of the Pools of Bethesda. In the former we will have an opportunity for fellowship singing; the acoustics are outstanding. In the latter, we will discuss the miracle of healing that took place here (John 5:1-15). We return to the Jewish Quarter to visit a small multi-media museum dedicated to presenting the physical landscape of Jerusalem throughout its history. Our day concludes in the City of David located south of the Old City where we have an opportunity to travel through an OT water course known as Hezekiah’s Tunnel (2 Kings 20:20). There is water knee-deep in the tunnel and the trek through the 1500 foot tunnel is optional. You will need a flashlight and water shoes of some type to go through the tunnel. Others can travel through a dry tunnel. We all meet at the end, at the Pool of Siloam. You may recall Jesus sent a blind man to wash his eyes in the Pool of Siloam to receive his sight (John 9). This concludes a busy day of walking. Overnight Jerusalem at the Knights Palace. (B,D)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30
JERUSALEM: JEWISH QUARTER MUSEUMS, RABBI'S TUNNELS
Our focus today is NT Jerusalem. Excavations in the Jewish Quarter present several homes of the time of Jesus that reflect the wealth of the ruling classes, whether religious or political rulers. Artifacts and restorations provide us a glimpse into the life of the privileged in Jerusalem. Our first stop will be the Wohl Museum followed by a visit to the Burnt House. We will also visit the excavations southwest and south of the Temple Mount. Life in NT Jerusalem and its destruction by the Romans in 70 AD is illustrated well by these archaeological sites. In addition, discussions at the New Testament southern steps of entry into the Temple Mount will offer us a wonderful setting to discuss the day of Pentecost as described in Acts 2. You have additional free time until after dinner when we will visit our final site of today -- the “Rabbi's Tunnel” or Western Wall Tunnel. Located beneath the modern city and running northward this tunnel exposes the northern continuation of the Jewish prayer site known as the Wailing Wall or Western Wall. A local guide will escort us through this tunnel explaining its historical and archaeological importance. We exit on the Via Dolorosa and return to the hotel. Overnight Jerusalem at the Knights Palace. (B,D)
THURSDAY, MAY 31
JERUSALEM: MUSEUMS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITY AT EMEK ZURIM
This morning we visit several museums, all located in one complex. First, is a 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem representing the city as it would have appeared in 66 AD, during the period of the NT and early church. Based on archaeological and literary documentation, it is a faithful recreation of the city of Jerusalem of that time period. Second, is the Shrine of the Book, dedicated to the discovery, restoration and preservation of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Third, is the Israel Museum which houses the primary artifacts of antiquity discovered throughout the country. It also houses artifacts of cultural Judaism throughout the centuries. Each of these museums will enhance your pilgrimage experience as you can now relate to their artifacts and history. After the museums and after a box lunch in Independence Park, we will have an opportunity to be guest archaeologists at the Temple Mount Sifting Project. You will be given several buckets of debris salvaged from illicit construction done on the Temple Mount. After being instructed in the fine art of recognizing artifactual remains you will clean, sift, search, and scan your debris for historical treasures. Yes, you will find historical items. A staff archaeologist will gather all items of importance and explain their historical significance to the group. Good luck. Overnight Jerusalem at the Knights Palace. (B,L,D)
FRIDAY, JUNE 1
JERUSALEM: GARDEN TOMB and DEPARTURE
Our pilgrimage is nearing its end and there is no more fitting place in all of Israel to celebrate the culmination of our journey than at the Garden Tomb. Here we will celebrate our pilgrimage with fellowship and communion. The grounds are picturesque and invite worship and thanksgiving. This is our last formal pilgrim site before departing later tonight. After our celebration at the Garden Tomb you have the remainder of the day free. Our bus will depart from the hotel 4-5 hours prior to our scheduled flight departure time. Please be prepared for a timely departure immediately after dinner – approximately 7:30 pm. (B,D)
SATURDAY, JUNE 2
ARRIVE NEW BERN
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