2012 Tour
March 14 - 24
Day 1
Departure
Our pilgrimage begins as we depart the United States on our international flight.
Day 2
Arrive Israel
We transfer to our hotel in Tel Aviv. Relax and prepare for our inspirational time. (D)
Day 3
Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Nazareth, Cana
We set out along the coastal road to Caesarea where Paul was imprisoned awaiting his appearance before Felix. We visit the Roman Theater and harbor. From the coast we move inland to Mt. Carmel where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. We then continue to Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus, then to Cana where Jesus turned water into wine. We arrive at our hotel on the Sea of Galilee. (B,D)
Day 4
Sea of Galilee, Capernaum & Mount of Beatitudes
After our morning devotional, we sail across the Sea of Galilee for a time worship, remembering the One who stilled the wind and waves. Arriving at Capernaum we visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue where Jesus taught. Nearby we visit the church of The Loaves and Fish. We pause for reflection at the Church of the Beatitudes then take a tour of the Jesus boat that was discovered at the bottom of the Sea of Galilee. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 5
Jordan River, Megiddo, Beth Shean
Our day begins with an opportunity to renew our baptisms in the Jordan River. This is such an inspirational time. Following our worship service, we make our way to Megiddo for a panoramic view of the valley of many armed conflicts. We then travel to Beth Shean, a magnificent Roman city made infamous by the Philistines who displayed the corpse of King Saul as an act of humiliation. Leaving the Galilee region, the day ends as we arrive in the Holy City of Jerusalem. (B,D)
Day 6
Jerusalem, Gethsemane, Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulchre
Jerusalem! Our day begins with a visit to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of the Agony as we remember the passion of our Lord. From the Garden we enter the Lion’s Gate and walk the Via Dolorosa. We visit the Churches of the Flagellation and Condemnation, St. Anne’s Monastery, the Pool of Bethesda, and the Ecce Homo Church as well as the Stations of the Cross. After lunch, we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was crucified and buried. This will be a day long remembered. (B,D)
Day 7
Mount of Olives, Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea
We start the day with a view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. The next stop is Masada where a cable car takes us to the fortress of King Herod and the place of refuge for the Jews during the Roman persecution. Following Masada, we stop at the oasis of Ein Gedi before traveling to Qumran, tracing the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The day ends with a visit to the Dead Sea before returning to Jerusalem. (B, D)
Day 8
Free Day in Jerusalem
Spend your free day strolling through the streets of the Old City, reflecting on the sights and sounds of our journey. We conclude our time of travel with a farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 9
Holocaust Memorial, Jerusalem, Bethlehem
Visiting the Holocaust Memorial is a moving event. After our tour of the museum we view a detailed scaled model of ancient Jerusalem as well as the Shrine of the Book. Here we will see the Dead Sea Scrolls, many containing the oldest known surviving copies of the Biblical books. We then travel to the town of Bethlehem for a visit to the Church of the Nativity and the grotto where Jesus was born. Return to Jerusalem. (B, D)
Day 10
Jerusalem Archaeological Park, Western Wall, Garden Tomb
Entering the Old City we tour the Temple Excavations of the Jerusalem Archaeological Park and stand on the stairs where Jesus stood in the first century. Afterwards we make our way to the Western/Wailing Wall and view the place of prayer as we offer our own prayers for the peace of Jerusalem. If permitted, we make our way to the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount. In the afternoon we visit the Garden Tomb and celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. (B, D)
Day 11
Departure
Filled with wonderful memories, we depart from Tel Aviv for our flight home.
ISRAEL 11 DAYS
Following the Footsteps of Jesus Christ
March 14 - 24, 2012
$3,885 from New York City
or
Contact Us for more information on this exciting tour
Dear Friends,
Elizabeth and I invite you to join us as we tour Israel and trace the footsteps of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Israel is a remarkable country, and on our journey together we will see the very places mentioned in the Old Testament and the Gospels.
Nowhere does the Bible come more to life than in Israel. We’ll join in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, renew our baptismal vows in the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized, and share in communion in the Garden Tomb to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Along the way we’ll come to appreciate the modern nation of Israel, its rich cultural heritage, and its unique blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Joining us on the tour will be Dr. Jeff McCrory, an Old Testament professor at Fuller Seminary and a dear friend, who will share with us from his vast knowledge of Biblical history.
As we travel together, I’ll be sharing insights with you into the divine life and message of Jesus Christ as we visit the places where Jesus was born, raised, and conducted his ministry. Imagine hearing the Beatitudes on the mount where they were proclaimed or taking a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus calmed the waters! This tour will forever change the way you read the Bible and will be a wonderful experience filled with Christian fellowship.
Our prayer is that your time in Israel will serve to strengthen your faith and draw you closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. By walking in his footsteps, we hope that you will better understand Jesus’ life and take his message to heart. I hope that you will consider joining us on this meaningful journey to Israel. This tour is sure to fill up quickly with many of our former travelers from Greece, Italy, and Turkey, so be sure to sign up soon!
In Christ’s service,
David Sparks
Rev. Dr. David Sparks
President
Footstep Ministries
Itinerary
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