All participants will meet at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Together, we’ll travel by tour bus to our hotel right on the Sea of Galilee.
After dinner: a well-deserved night’s rest.

We will walk together to the beach at the fishing port of Capernaum (Ein Sheva / Tabgha; cf. Matt. 4:18–22). In Capernaum (Matt. 4:13), right on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Luke 5:1), we will visit the basalt stone foundations of the synagogue where Jesus Christ preached (John 6:59). Afterward, we’ll visit the Mount of Beatitudes and reflect anew on the significance of the Lord Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7). Our itinerary also includes a visit to Chorazin. This is one of the three cities that remained in unbelief despite the many miracles performed by the Lord Jesus and were therefore severely rebuked (Matt. 11:20–24). On this day, we’ll also learn many interesting facts about boating, as well as about fish and fishing on the Sea of Galilee. This should help the avid Bible reader better understand many passages in the Gospels. To deepen our understanding, we’ll also take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

Today we’re traveling to Hazor. In Joshua’s time, this was the most important city of the northern kingdoms of Canaan (Josh 11). Among other things, we’re interested in the Solomonic city gate, whose structure corresponds to the gate buildings of the eschatological temple described in Ezekiel (Ezek 40:6–16), as well as the Canaanite palace of King Jabin, which was burned by Joshua (Josh 11:1, 13), and the palace of the later King Jabin during the time of the judge Deborah (Judg 4:2). Afterward, we’ll drive to the Golan Heights (Kuneitra) up to the Syrian border. Here we will learn why this area is so strategically important to Israel: it provides significant protection against the military threat from Syria. Depending on time constraints, we may also visit Kursi, the city of the Gadarenes, where the man freed from a legion of demons gave his testimony (Luke 8:39). Afterward, we’ll drive back to the Sea of Galilee and take some time to swim there.

Plan B: If the political situation in September allows it, the itinerary will be as follows:
Visit to Hazor. (See the description above!) Trip to Tel Dan, the northernmost city of ancient Israel (Judg 20:1; 1 Sam 3:20), at the foot of Mount Hermon (Ps 133:3). We’ll take a walk along romantic paths beside the streams of the headwaters of the Jordan River. At the archaeological sites, we’ll visit Jeroboam’s high place of the golden calf, the altar, the priests’ quarters (1 Kings 12:26–33), the judges’ seat at the city gate (cf. Gen. 19:1), the city walls from the monarchy of the Ten Tribes, and the city gate from the Canaanite period. Afterward, the bus will take us to Banias, to another source of the Jordan River, which springs from beneath the rock massif of Caesarea Philippi (Matt. 16:13). It was there that Peter made his significant confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” (Matt. 16:16). Not far from the rock formation at this site, the Lord Jesus Christ declared: “On this rock I will build my church!” (Matt. 16:18). To conclude, we will visit the Golan Heights (Kuneitra). See the description above!

Today we’re heading to Nazareth, the city where Jesus Christ spent most of his earthly life (Matt. 2:23). At Nazareth Village, we’ll learn fascinating details about daily life in biblical times. At the impressive cliff face outside the city—known as Mount Precipice (Har Qphizah)—we’ll reflect on the events described in Luke 4:29–30. There, we’ll also enjoy a breathtaking view of the Plain of Armageddon (Rev. 16:16). After traveling along the Gilboa Mountains, we’ll make a stop in Beth Shean and briefly visit the site where King Saul’s body was hung on the city walls by the Philistines (1 Sam. 31). Afterward, we’ll travel through the Jordan Valley to the Dead Sea, where we’ll end the day with a swim at the lowest point on earth. In the Bible, this unique sea is called the “Sea of Salt” (Gen. 14:3; Ezek. 47). The water, with a salt and mineral content of about 30%, allows even non-swimmers to float on the surface and makes it possible to read a newspaper.
We will spend two nights at the Dead Sea.

Today we’ll travel through the Arava along the red mountains of Edom (the homeland of Esau’s descendants; the homeland of Job; = the land of Uz). After a somewhat longer drive through the Negev Desert, we’ll visit Chai Bar Park near Yotvata. There we will encounter biblical desert animals such as ostriches (Job 29:13–18), wild donkeys (Jeremiah 14:6), oryx antelopes (Numbers 24:8), and addax antelopes (Deuteronomy 14:5). Next on the itinerary is Timnah. There—in the middle of the desert—stands a nearly life-size model of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25–40). We’ll learn a great deal on site about the symbolism of this portable temple. There we’ll also visit the copper mines from biblical times, with their gigantic network of tunnels. Job, who lived very close to Timnah, described this mining operation in wonderfully poetic terms (Job 28). We’ll scramble around in the Cambrian strata of the so-called Pillars of Solomon and learn a thing or two about biblical geology.

After breakfast, we’ll head to the magnificent oasis of Ein Gedi, where David sought refuge from Saul’s pursuit (1 Sam. 24:1ff). We hope to see many wild rock hyraxes (Prov. 30:26), ibexes (1 Sam. 24:3), yellow-vented bulbuls (= “Zamir”; Song 2:12: “the time of the Zamir”), glossy starlings, fan-tailed ravens, sunbirds, and other desert animals. This day will offer us a very special experience of nature! In the afternoon, we’ll visit the caves of Qumran, where Old Testament scrolls dating back more than 2,000 years were discovered. We’ll also tour the excavated settlement of the Qumran community, “Ha-Yachad.” On this day, we also plan to explore Jericho. There, we’ll focus in particular on visiting the original ruins from the time of Joshua. We’ll take a close look at the massive quadruple city wall and the traces of its destruction. It impressively attests to the truth of the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6). We’ll also visit Qasr-al-Yahud, the site of John the Baptist’s first baptism (John 1:28; Bethabara / Bethany). Afterward, we’ll travel through the Judean Desert up to Jerusalem. On the way there, we’ll—if possible—stop at Mizpeh Jericho to catch a glimpse of the path carved deep into the steep rock walls of Wadi Kelt (Nachal Prat). It was along this path that the Lord Jesus made His final journey from Jericho to Golgotha (Luke 19:28)! Afterward, we’ll check into our hotel in Jerusalem.

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the viewpoint on the Mount of Olives, where we’ll enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the city of Jerusalem. Afterward, we’ll hold our worship service at an exclusive, secluded spot on Prophets’ Lane. Following that, we’ll visit the Garden of Gethsemane on the western slope of the Mount of Olives. For lunch, we’ll eat at a beautiful restaurant on Mount Scopus with a magnificent view of the Temple Mount and the Old City of Jerusalem (not included in the price; payable on site). Afterward, we’ll travel by bus through the tribal territory of Benjamin to the land of Ephraim. We’ll visit the town of Shiloh, where the Tabernacle served as Israel’s central sanctuary for centuries (Joshua 18:1; Jeremiah 7:12). There, we’ll also see the remains of the massive Canaanite wall that Joshua conquered at that time. At the same site, we’ll also pay a visit to the red heifers, as described in Numbers 19.

If possible, we will visit the Temple Mount on this day. Based on the latest research findings, we will visualize where various elements of the Second Temple were located: the Temple building with the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, the altar of burnt offering, the Court of the Gentiles, the Women’s Court, the Court of Israel, and the Priests’ Court, the sacred 500-cubit square, the Royal Portico, Solomon’s Portico, the priests’ quarters, the Temple choir gallery, the Temple battlements, the Shaft Gate, the Huldah Gates, etc.
Afterward, we will visit the Temple Institute, where we will examine ready-to-use artifacts for priestly service in the future Third Temple (the golden table of showbread, the golden altar of incense, the sprinkling bowls, the silver trumpets, the altar of burnt offering, the high priest’s garments, etc.). We will spend some time at the Western Wall, the most famous remnant of the Second Temple, and watch the Orthodox Jews as they pray. In the Western Wall Tunnel, running along the Temple Mount (Zion I), we will examine one of the most massive stones from the former Temple (578 metric tons), as well as the concrete-sealed Warren’s Gate and numerous other mysterious and highly interesting details of the former Jewish sanctuary. Afterward: free time at the Arab market.

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the City of David, the oldest part of Jerusalem. This is where Melchizedek had his seat of power 4,000 years ago (Gen. 14:18). There we will visit some of the remains of the newly discovered and excavated Palace of King David on the southern slope of the Temple Mount (2 Sam. 5:11). We will also take a close look at the Millo (2 Sam. 5:9). This is a massive stone embankment that was used to expand the footprint of King David’s palace (2 Sam. 5:9). We’ll examine the Canaanites’ water supply system and learn how Joab was able to capture the city via the water shaft (2 Sam. 5:8). There, we’ll also take a closer look at “the upper pool” (Isa 7:3). Afterward, we’ll head down to the Gihon Spring (2 Chr 32:30), the former lifeline of Jerusalem. Anyone who wishes may walk the entire length of the tunnel built by King Hezekiah—533 metres (2 Kings 20:20)—all the way to the “reservoir between the two walls” (Isa. 22:11), the former public ritual bath of Siloam (John 9:7). Please bring a bath towel, swimwear, water shoes, and a headlamp or flashlight! Those who cannot stand having water up to their thighs can walk through the Canaanite Siloam Tunnel with dry feet (Isaiah 8:6; 36:2). Afterward, we’ll head to the newly excavated Pool of Siloam (referred to in the Old Testament as “the lower pool,” Isaiah 22:9). If time really permits, we’ll also visit the Kings’ Tombs afterward (2 Kings 12:21).
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the archaeological garden on the Ophel (Davidson Centre) and explore the excavations along the southern wall of the Temple. There’s a great deal to see there: Robinson’s Arch, the monumental staircase in front of the Beautiful Gate, up which the Messiah Jesus and the common people ascended to the Temple, dozens of ritual baths, the Triple Gate for the priests, and burn marks from the Temple Market. There we’ll also find the Water Gate, Solomon’s royal bakery, and a section of his city wall.

At the Jaffa Gate, we discover the route that the Magi from the East took from Jerusalem to Bethlehem (Matt. 2:9–12). Afterward, we visit the Hippicus Tower, the landmark of the former Palace of Herod (cf. Matt. 2:1–8). This residence was later used as the praetorium of Pontius Pilate (Matt. 27:27). There we also see the historic site where General Allenby announced the British conquest of the city of Jerusalem during World War I (1917). Afterward, we walk through the Armenian Quarter to the Jewish Quarter—rebuilt after 1967—which features the Roman Cardo. Afterward, we’ll view the Gennath Gate, through which the Lord Jesus walked, carrying His cross, to Golgotha to suffer “outside the camp” on our behalf (Heb 13:12; John 19:17). Nearby, we will also visit “the Broad City Wall,” which King Hezekiah had hastily erected as protection against Sennacherib’s Assyrian army, using houses that had been demolished specifically for this purpose (Isa 22:9–11). Next, we will view the golden menorah for the Third Temple (see Ex 25:31–40). In the southeastern corner of the Temple Mount, we will see the remains of the Temple’s battlements (Matt 4:5) and the Temple walls from the Maccabean period. From there, we look down into the Kidron Valley (John 18:1). The massive, approximately 2,000-year-old burial monuments down there already shaped the landscape in Jesus’ time (“Absalom’s Pillar,” the tomb of the Hezir priestly family, and the tomb of Zechariah). A walk along the Eastern Wall with the Golden Gate will be particularly impressive. This path will eventually lead us to the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:2).

Visit to the Israel Museum and afterwards transfer to Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Return flight (not included).

Programme subject to change!