Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus and Discover the Land of the Bible

Rev. H. Curtis McDaniel, Ph.D., D.Min., Tour Leader

curt@postchristiancondition.org

October 24-November 3, 2023

Seeing and experiencing the land of Israel is your gateway to a richer understanding of the Bible and a deeper spiritual life! See firsthand many of the sites that you have studied in the Scriptures, and gain greater meaning and biblical devotion in the process. We’ll laugh, we’ll cry, we’ll make friendships for life, as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus. This will be the trip of a lifetime as the Word of God comes alive right before your eyes. Join us as we sail on the Sea of Galilee, walk the streets of the Via Dolorosa, float on the healing waters of the Dead Sea, kneel where our Lord wept at the Garden of Gethsemane, and pray at the Garden Tomb, and along the way, enjoy great food, accommodations, and fellowship with old and new friends.

Limited space is available! Invest in yourself, in your children and grandchildren! This trip will change lives!

Itinerary

Day 1: October 24: Departure from Atlanta

Our life-changing journey begins as we board our overnight flight to Tel Aviv.

Day 2: October 25: Arrive in Israel

We arrive in the land of Jesus, the Patriarchs, King David, and the Prophets, and transfer to Herzliya for dinner and an early bedtime, as we prepare for a full day’s adventure tomorrow.

Day 3: October 26: Caesarea by the Sea, Megiddo, Mount Carmel, Nazareth, Tiberias

After breakfast, we tour by private motor coach with Wi-Fi along the Mediterranean Sea coastline to Caesarea where Cornelius the centurion was converted through the preaching of Peter (Acts 10) and consequently the gospel was launched to the Gentiles. Philip the evangelist resided here with his four daughters (Acts 21), and from here, Saul sailed for his native Tarsus when forced to flee from Jerusalem (Acts 9:30). He later landed at Caesarea when returning from his second missionary journey (Acts 18). He remained as a prisoner here for two years before his voyage to Rome (Acts 24-25). We’ll see the impressive Roman ruins, and then journey on to Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefield (Revelation 16) where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. From there, we head to the high elevation of Mount Carmel to see where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Next, we proceed to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we experience the Nazareth Village, a wonderful recreation of biblical times with costumed guides. Then we’ll enjoy dinner and lodging for the next three nights in the Tiberias area (Sea of Galilee).

Day 4: October 27: Arbel Overlook, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride, Ancient Galilee Boat Museum, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha

Following breakfast, we begin with a stop at the graceful and steep slopes of the Arbel Overlook, where on the eastern side they provide a picturesque view across the Sea of Galilee and beyond to the Golan Heights and to Israel’s tallest peak, Mount Hermon. This sets the stage for a memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, remembering the time when Jesus walked upon the water (Matthew 14:22, John 6). A brief walk takes us to the Ancient Boat Museum, site of a remarkably preserved first century Galilean fishing boat. A short drive takes us to Capernaum where we view the excavations of the sea-side village, Peter’s home, and the synagogue where Jesus gave His fourth great discourse (John 6), then journey to the Mount of Beatitudes and view the beautiful octagonal church near the traditional site where Jesus preached the famous Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). We finish the day with a stop at Tabgha, another site for the multiplication of loaves and fishes and Jesus’ fourth resurrection appearance (John 21). We return to Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: October 28: Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Kursi, Bethsaida, Magdala Synagogue

After breakfast, our tour starts at Tel Dan, one of the most important sites in the ancient Near East in general, and for biblical archaeology in particular. Highlights include massive Early Bronze Age fortifications (2900-2200 BC), the earliest preserved mudbrick arched gate in the world (1900-1500 BC), a spectacular treasure-filled Mycenaean tomb from the Late Bronze Age (1500-1200 BC), an early Iron Age I agrarian settlement that some associate with the Israelites (1200-1000 BC), major fortifications and what is apparently an Israelite temple from the Iron Age II (1000-700 BC), plus various figurines, statues, and inscriptions from the Persian, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. Perhaps the most famous find from Tel Dan is a stela, likely commissioned by Hazael of Aram sometime in the 9th century BC, identifying a Judahite king from the “House of David,” thus providing the only extrabiblical reference to King David in the Bible. From there we head to Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s Confession (Matthew 16:16) and see its strategic significance in contrast to the temple of Pan. We visit Kursi (Gadera in Matthew 9:28ff) where Jesus casted demons into the swine. We stop for a brief look at Bethsaida (Luke 9:10ff), the birthplace of Philip, Andrew, and Peter (John 1:44), then conclude the day with a visit to Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene.  The recent excavation of the first century synagogue and village makes Magdala one of the most interesting biblical sites in Israel, as it is believed that Jesus preached there. We overnight in Tiberias a final night.

Day 6: October 29: Mount Tabor, Gideon’s Spring, Beit Shean, Jericho, Jordan River Baptism Site & Dead Sea “Float”

After breakfast, we travel to Mount Tabor, famed site of Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:1), then continue south to Ma’ayan National Park, spot of the Spring of Harod (Judges 7:1ff), and see its biblical significance in the life of Gideon. Just minutes away is Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa, the Philistines hanged Saul’s body the next day on the walls of Beit-Shean (1 Samuel 31:10). During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis—a league of ten cities (Mark 5:20, 7:31) sharing Greek culture and government. We proceed to Jericho and see this infamous city both in Joshua’s time (Joshua 6) and in Jesus’ day (Luke 19:1ff). We continue to the alleged Jordan River Baptism site (Matthew 3:13ff), and those that desire may participate in a ceremonial baptism enactment. Our lodging for the evening propels us to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Spend time with a “float” on the Dead Sea’s healing waters before enjoying dinner and a night’s rest.

Day 7: October 30: Masada, Qumran, Bethany, Bethlehem

Our day begins visiting Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and learn about the Essenes and their role as keepers of the Dead Sea Scrolls and of the Scrolls’ importance in biblical studies and in the transmission of the Bible. Next, we arrive at the mountain top fortress of Masada and take a cable car ride to the top where our guide will share with us the history of the famous zealot stand against the Romans. Next, we journey to Bethany to visit the tomb of Lazarus (John 11), and then head to Bethlehem, the village of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2) to see the Church of the Nativity and the Shepherds’ Field (Beit Sahour) before heading to Jerusalem to spend our final three nights with deluxe accommodations.

Day 8: October 31: Around Jerusalem I

Start the day by examining one of most impressive scale models you will ever see: the Second Temple Period model of Jerusalem that recreates the AD 66 city at the height of its glory, the eve of the great revolt of the Jews against the Romans. At that time, the city stretched over some 450 acres. This scale measures some 1,000 square meters, and was created by Professor Avi-Yonah, a leading scholar specializing in ancient Jerusalem. Avi-Yona’s reconstruction is based on descriptions from Jewish sources, particularly the Mishnah, and the writings of the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. From there, we get a magnificent view of the Old City from the top of the Mount of Olives, then take a “Palm Sunday Walk” to the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26) and visit the Church of All Nations, then head across the Kidron Valley and enter the Old City through St. Stephen’s Gate (Lions’ Gate) to the Muslim Quarter to visit the beautiful Church of St. Anne and the Pool of Bethesda (John 5). Pilate’s Judgment Hall (John 18) is next, followed by the Ecce Homo Arch (“Behold the Man” in John 19:5), traditional site of Jesus’ sentencing by Pilate. Enjoy a contemplative walk along the Via Dolorosa (“the Way of Suffering”) into the Christian Quarter, that takes you to the Stations of the Cross, a traditional route symbolizing the path Jesus walked to Golgotha, where we will arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, one of the two traditional sites where it is believed Jesus was crucified and buried.

Day 9: November 1: Around Jerusalem II

We begin the day with a fabulous tour of the City of David, the original hilltop upon which King David dedicated ancient Jerusalem as his capital 3,000 years ago. Deep underground, it is revealing some of the most exciting archaeological finds of the United Kingdom period in Israel’s history, and we’ll see the history and strategic significance of water in Hezekiah’s Tunnel (2 Chronicles 32 in 701 BC) and Warren’s Shaft (10^th or 9^th Century BC) before heading to Mount Zion, south of the Old City’s Armenian Quarter, the highest point in ancient Jerusalem where we’ll tour the House of Caiaphas (modern site of the four leveled Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu (“cock’s crow”) to see where Jesus appeared before the High Priest Caiaphas along with the courtyard where Peter denied the Lord three times. Minutes away is the second-floor building where Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples was traditionally held, and where the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His breast and where days later Thomas would cry, “my Lord & my God” (John 20). There we will ponder the intimacy that our Lord had with His closest followers before suffering and betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane, as well as rejoice with His resurrection appearance.

Day 10: November 2: Around Jerusalem III

Our final tour day begins with a walk through the Jewish Quarter to the infamous Western or “Wailing” Wall, part of the Temple Mount Platform. When the Romans destroyed the temple in 70 AD, part of this western side survived. The Wailing Wall is the closest place that one could get to the Holy of Holies and the Ark of the Covenant, therefore, it is the place where many people go to pray. It is part of the retaining wall, or support wall, that Herod the Great built in 19 BC when he enlarged the Temple Mount complex in order to accommodate a larger temple and Temple Mount area. Here we will see the southern Temple steps, also called “The Rabbis’ Stairs” or the “Teaching Stairs” where rabbis taught their disciples. There is little doubt that Jesus would have walked on these stairs and taught His disciples here. It’s also likely that the young Saul sat here under the teaching of Gamaliel as well (Acts 22). These stairs were cut out of the bedrock of the mountain and part of them can still be seen today. Most likely, a portion of Pentecost either took place here or concluded here. From there we ascend to the Temple Mount (Mount Moriah), traditional site where Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22) and view the Dome of the Rock, one of the most iconic sites in all Jerusalem. The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb, the second traditional site where Jesus was crucified and buried, the place where we will celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of worship. That evening, we conclude with a farewell dinner, and prepare to head home.

Day 11: November 3: Departure from Israel to Atlanta

Total Cost:

• Less than 24 passengers: $4,028.00 (credit charge processing fees are additional)

• More than 32 passengers: $3,905.00(credit charge processing fees are additional)

The more that go, the more savings per passenger. Recruit your family and friends!

Single Room Supplement: $898.00

Land Only (no airfare); $2,989.00 (credit charge processing fees are additional)

This rate includes:

• Economy class airfare from Atlanta to Tel Aviv
• Airport taxes & airline fuel surcharges of $590, subject to change.
• Gratuities to guide, driver, and hotel staff
• Meeting and assistance upon arrival and departure at Ben-Gurion Airport by our representative
• Porterage at airport and hotels
• 9 overnight accommodations at the above-mentioned locations or similar
• Guide escort transfer from/to Ben Gurion Airport upon arrival and departure
• 8 Full days sightseeing as described in the itinerary 
• English speaking tour guide throughout the entire tour 
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
• Headsets
• Meal arrangement: Half Board, including daily full buffet breakfast and dinners at hotels
• Entrance fees (tickets) included as stated in the itinerary
• Pilgrimage Certificate in Israel
• Welcome kit in Israel

Our rate excludes: 

• Expenses of a personal nature
• Lunches throughout the entire tour 
• Bottle of mineral water ($1 each, 5 bottles per day per person)
• 1 St. Peter fish lunch

Book now using this online link: https://www.friendshiptours.com/product/trip-reservation/

Non-refundable deposit required to ensure your spot: $300.00 (no additional credit card processing fees here)

Group name is Dr. Curtis McDaniel. Proceed to pay your deposit by credit card.  The balance will be due on July 1, 2023.

Insure your trip! We highly recommend this. Follow this link: 

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