Land of the Gods

Welcome to Israel. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.

We begin at the old port of Jaffa, an atmospheric town where Jonah set sail before he was swallowed by the whale. Continue to Caesarea, an ancient port turned incredible archeological site. Built by Herod the Great in the 1st century BC, it was once the capital of Judaea. Admire what remains of Herod's grandiose building works, including the restored 3,500-seat Roman theatre, aqueduct, harbour and the Crusader Fortress. Travel to Meggido, an age-old fortified town and one of the world's most important biblical sites. According to the New Testament, this is where the Battle of Armageddon will take place. Finally visit Murhraqa on Mount Carmel where a 17th century monastery marks where the prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal

Enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and visit the Jesus Boat, at Yigal Allon center, where is displayed an ancient fishing boat. Continue to Capernaum, to visit the remains of the 2nd century synagogue. Stop at Tabgha to see the site of the miracle of the Fish and Loaves, visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4th century mosaic floor. Proceed to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Visit Yardenti the Baptismal site before returning to your hotel.

Visit the Church of the Annunciation, where the Archangel Gabriel told Mary she would conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. Head for Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding feast. Stop at Gideon's Spring, where Gideon tested his army so he could decide who would join him in battle against the Midianites. Then visit Beit She'an, one of the world's best-preserved Roman cities. Via the Jordan Valley, drive to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.

A walking tour of Jerusalem's Old Town, shows us the Mount of Olives, providing memorable views over the city. We stroll through the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed on the night before his arrest. Our guide leads us into the Jewish Quarter, where we view the Western Wall with its prayer notes and the Dome of the Rock located on Temple Mount. Walk the Station of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of the Resurrection of Christ.

Drive to Ein Karem to visit the Church of the Visitation. Proceed to the Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the second Temple period. Onto Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus and King David. Visit the Church of the Nativity, built over the cave thought to be the spot where Jesus was born.

Via the Judean desert, drive to Jericho where the shouts and trumpet blasts of Joshua and his army caused the city fortifications to crumble. Pass the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered; drive to the striking cliff top fortress of Masada. Ride by cable car to the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans. Explore the excavations of Herod's Palace before floating in the Dead Sea. Later, enjoy an evening meal at your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Allenby Bridge for a border crossing to Jordan. We journey to the white stone city of Amman, the capital of Jordan and an ideal base from which to explore the destination's extraordinary heritage.

Visit the 3rd century ruins at Jerash, a beautifully preserved and once prosperous Greco-Roman city north of Amman. The ruins spanning several centuries have been carefully preserved and tell the tale of its zenith and fall during the 12th century Crusades. Return to the seven hills of Amman for a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist of the impressive 6,000-seater Roman amphitheatre built between 128 and 161 CE into the northern side of a hill that once served as a graveyard, and Citadel Hill which towers over the city from atop Jabal al-Qala. Arrive later in Petra, and dine tonight at your hotel.

Spend the day in the rose-red city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and certainly one of the world's most famous archaeological sites. Carved into the sheer rock face over 2,000 years ago by Nabataeans, Petra was an important link in the Silk Road route where frankincense, myrrh and spices were traded. Enter the city through the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked on either side for over 1,200 metres by cliffs soaring 80 metres high; Nabatean sculpture representing gods feature prominently. Emerge from the path and see the magnificent 40-metre façade of the Treasury, with its ornate decorations, the first of many wonders to be explored.

Follow the King's Highway north, and visit the 12th century Crusader fortress, Kerak, which was used as a base to control Bedouin herders and trade routes. At Madaba's St. George's Church, view The Kings Way mosaic portrait of the Holy Land, the largest mosaic portrait in the world, dating from the 6th century. View the Promised Land from Mount Nebo. Continue to Amman and enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel with your fellow pilgrims.

This morning bid farewell to this extraordinary land. Transfers to Amman airport are available, conditions apply.