Itinerary
Day 1
(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 Arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel
(Sun.) Arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Enjoy this evening’s welcome drink with your traveling companions, hosted by your Tour Director.

Day 3 Tel Aviv–Caesarea–Megiddo–Muhraqa–Haifa
(Mon.) Start your tour of the Holy Land with Caesarea, the perfect place to learn about the Roman and Crusader presence in the country. Visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER and the impressive CRUSADER FORTRESS, and admire Herod’s Stadium and harbor. In the afternoon, travel to the ancient fortified city of Megiddo, regarded as one of the most important biblical sites in Israel. This is the famous battleground where armed struggles of Assyrians, Canaanites, Egyptians, Greeks, Israelites, Persians, Philistines, and Romans took place. According to the New Testament, Armageddon will serve as the gathering place for an army that will fight in the battle that causes the return of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:10). Next, continue along the coast through Baron Edmond de Rothschild’s vineyards and apricot groves to the slopes of the scenic Carmel mountain range. At Muhraqa, site of Prophet Elias’ contest of faith with the priests of Baal, enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the fertile Jezreel Valley. Via the Druze Village of Daliyat el Carmel you reach Haifa, a city with a long history dating back to biblical times. (B,D)

Day 4 Haifa–Acre–Nazareth–Cana–Kibbutz
(Tue.) Enjoy a visit to the golden-domed BAHA’I SHRINE, the world center of Baha’i faith. Next, visit Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at the northern end of the lovely Bay of Haifa. Acre became the capital of the Crusader kingdom after its conquest by Richard the Lionheart. Marvel at the forbidding Ottoman fortress and tour the excavated part of the immense underground CRUSADER CITY with its secret passageways and the vaulted crypt of the Knights of St. John. On to Nazareth in Galilee, chief scene of the ministry of Jesus Christ. Here, visit the contemporary CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION. Continue to ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, built over a cave known as St. Joseph’s Workshop and pass by Mary’s Well and the Church of the Angel Gabriel. Next, travel on to Cana, site of the first miracle where Jesus changed water to wine at a wedding (John 2:1-12). Due to this, many couples renew their wedding vows at this sacred place. After a panoramic view over Lake Tiberias, see an ancient fisherman’s boat said to be from the time of Christ. Time to relax or to swim before dinner. This evening you are invited for a LECTURE ON KIBBUTZ LIFE. (B,D)

Day 5 Kibbutz–Mount of Beatitudes–Tabgha–Sea of Galilee–Bet She’an–Jerusalem
(Wed.) Heading towards the Sea of Galilee, visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Next, visit the CHURCH OF THE MULTIPLICATION OF LOAVES AND FISHES at Tabgha as well as the CHURCH OF ST. PETER’S PRIMACY, where Jesus instructed Peter “to feed my lambs and tend my sheep” (John 21:15-19). At this place, warm springs used to flow into the sea, attracting fish, which is why Peter came here to earn a living. On to CAPERNAUM, where Jesus recruited his first followers among the fishermen. Afterwards, enjoy a 45-minute CRUISE on the Sea of Galilee. Via the ruins of Kursi, which memorialize two of Jesus’ miracles, arrive at the Jordan River and visit a BAPTISMAL SITE. Then, visit the ancient city of Bet She’an with its fine ROMAN and BYZANTINE RELICS. The city is located at the foot of Mount Gilboa, where King Saul and his son died by their own hands in battle with the Philistines. On the way to Jerusalem, stop for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Holy City, considered one of the oldest places in the world, with a history dating back as far as 4000 BC. (B,D)

Day 6 Jerusalem. Excursion to Ein Karem, Bethlehem and the Garden Tomb
(Thu.) This morning, drive to Ein Karem and visit the CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST and the CHURCH OF VISITATION, said to be built over the home of John the Baptist’s parents. Enjoy a beautiful view of the valley and the surrounding wooded hills. Continue to Bethlehem and see Shepherd’s Field, where the angels announced the birth of Jesus. Next, visit the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY, which stands on the site where Jesus was born. On the way back to Jerusalem, visit the GARDEN TOMB, where you will enjoy the scenery of the bautiful holy Garden. Tonight, perhaps an optional Israeli folklore show with dinner? (B)

Day 7 Jerusalem. Excursion to Masada and the Dead Sea
(Fri.) Drive through the Judean wilderness to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the surface of the Earth. Enjoy the scenery as you follow the road between the salty water and majestic desert mountains. Catch glimpses of the caves of Qumran, where the precious Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Ascend by cable car to the spectacular clifftop FORTRESS of Masada, and hear how 960 Jewish zealots preferred death at their own hands to the indignity of surrender to overwhelming Roman forces. Around lunchtime, reach one of the comfortable Dead Sea resorts. You will have plenty of time here to experience the feeling of buoyancy in the heavy water. Then, back to Jerusalem (B)

Day 8 Jerusalem. Excursion to the Old City
(Sat.) After a panoramic view from the MOUNT OF OLIVES over the old and modern part of the city, start your guided walking tour. Via the Chapel of Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, arrive at the GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE. Here, see the Rock of Agony, where Jesus prayed his last prayer before his arrest (Matthew 26:36). Nearby is the Cave of the Assumption of Mary and the Cave of Betrayal. Follow the Stations of the Cross along the VIA DOLOROSA to Golgotha, and visit the CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE. Erected over the site of the crucifixion, this church is shared by six Christian communities. Walk past the Temple Mount from where you can see the Dome of the Rock, a splendid mosque on the holy mount. On to the WAILING WALL, the most holy shrine in Jewish religion. Then, stroll through the restored Jewish quarter to MOUNT ZION, where we visit the UPPER ROOM, the TOMB OF KING DAVID, and the HOUSE OF CAIAPHAS, where Jesus was kept the night after he was arrested (Matthew 26:57). (B)

Day 9 At Leisure in Jerusalem
(Sun.) A full day at leisure or attend mass in one of the chuches in Jerusalem. Later, maybe join your Tour Director on an optional excursion featuring the synagogue of Hadassah Hospital with its famous Chagall windows, representing the 12 sons of the Patriarch Jacob, who formed the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Continue to the Israel Museum with the Shrine of the Book and the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest Bible in the world, and the model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period. Also visit the famous Holocaust Memorial at Yad Vashem. (B)

Day 10 Jerusalem–Valley of Elah–Latrun–Jaffa–Tel Aviv
(Mon.) Take the scenic winding road through Wadi Sorek towards the ancient land of the Philistines. In the Valley of Elah, stop at the site of David’s victory over the Philistine champion, Goliath, and hear about this biblical event (Samuel 17:1-58). Later, refresh your memory with the tale of Samson and Delilah (Judges 16:1-20) as you proceed through the land of the Dan tribe to the wide Valley of Ayalon. At strategic Latrun you visit the MONASTERY OF THE TRAPPIST MONKS. Then, stop near the ruins of the basilica that is said to be the site of EMMAUS, where Jesus manifested himself to two of his disciples (Luke 24:13-35). Continue along the Mediterranean shore and stop in Jaffa for a walk through the beautifully restored ancient port, where medieval pilgrims started their strenuous 2-day trek to Jerusalem. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your traveling companions of an unforgettable journey through the Holy Land. (B,D)

Day 11 Tel Aviv
(Tue.) Your homebound flight from Tel Aviv arrives the same day.

Accommodations

MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Full Israeli breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners , including a welcome drink and a farewell dinner in Tel Aviv.

SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class

Tel Aviv Sheraton Moriah (SF)
•Located on the Mediterranean seashore. Local shopping, museums, theaters and nightlife just minutes away.
•All guestrooms are air-conditioned, TV, bathrobes, hairdryer, refrigerator, radio, telephone
•2 restaurants, 1 lobby bar

Haifa Gallery (F)
•In convenient location this hotel rises high above Mount Carmel and offers views of Haifa Bay
•266 guestrooms, all with telephone, TV, hairdryer, air-conditioning, safe
•3 restaurants, 1 bar

Kibbutz Kibbutz Lavi (F) or Kibbutz Ginosar (F)
•On the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and located on the site of the excavations where the ancient fishing boat was discovered
•172 guestrooms with air-conditioning, TV, telephone, radio, private bathrooms
•Kosher dairy and meat restaurant, coffee shop

Jerusalem Ramada (F)
•Located near the Israel Museum, Bible Museum and Israel Parliament
•620 guestrooms, all with air-conditioning, satellite TV, hairdryer, safe, telephone
•1 restaurant for breakfast and dinner, 1 restaurant for lunch and dinner, 1 restaurant for dinner 

To Know About Your Destination
•There will be a waiver that must be signed for all passengers
•Sometimes there is a small charge for public toilets
•Stores may close earlier than back home and are usually not open on Friday afternoon through Saturday for Shabbat
•Ice machines are not available in all hotels, nor are washcloths (you might like to pack a couple)
•Please remember that it is not always customary to drink iced water with meals. Ice is not normally added to drinks unless specifically requested.
•If you intend to visit a specific museum or other public venues, ask your tour director for the days and dates they are open.
•Request and keep receipts for all your personal spending (meals, souvenirs etc.) Sales tax or VAT (value added tax) is already included on price tags; VAT refunds, if applicable, will take about three months to process. Obtain the relevant tax form plus invoice from the store and hand it to the appropriate office when leaving.

Money
•1 U.S. Dollar = 6.42633 Israeli New Shekels
•We recommend use of a money belt while traveling.
•Please note that it is not very easy to change travelers checks.
•Even banks and exchange offices do not always offer this service and if it is offered, then charges are extremely high.
•We therefore recommend that you take a credit card with you plus a small amount of cash (preferably in US dollars).

Additional Information
•A safety waiver must be signed for every travel
•We recommend layered, easy care clothing, a pair of comfortable, tried-and-tested walking shoes, a heavy cardigan or jacket, and a small umbrella for the occasional shower.
•Evening dress: smart casual. Shorts and bare shoulders are considered inappropriate at some religious sites, so carry trousers and a pullover in your hand luggage, or ask your tour director.
•Having laundry done can be very expensive, so you may wish to bring some travel soap.
•Remember a good quality, electric current converter (check that it is sufficiently powerful for your appliance) and international plug adapter for using electrical equipment abroad.
•To reduce charges on calls home, we recommend you use a calling card (this service may not be available from every telephone).
•Items to pack in your hand luggage: a good supply of any medication you are taking as it may not be available, extra film and spare batteries for your camera, a pen, light rainwear, a sweater, a road map if you enjoy "plotting your progress," and maybe a small travel pillow.
•Label your camera and rolls of film with your name and tour code; should you lose them, there's a better chance of their being returned.
•Remember to check that you have not left your camera or film on the motorcoach at the end of your tour.

Baggage Allowance
•Globus will provide you with a carry-on bag
•If you would like to take your own, carry-on bags should not exceed the dimensions of 12”x11”x6”
•For safety reasons, wheeled carry-on bags are not suitable as hand luggage on the motorcoach
•Porterage for one suitcase per person is included
•One suitcase per person