Israel Biblical Archeology Package Tour

This day is dedicated to surveying the ruins in the Old City corresponding with biblical stories. We will follow the amazing subterranean ancient city beneath the 21st century housing, inspect the Roman Cardo, the Hasmonean Tower, Wide Wall, Herodian quarter, look at the Medeba 1,500-year-old map of Jerusalem, compare and contrast with the contemporary image of the city, reach the Wailing Wall, and of course, put our precious notes in between the 2,000-year-old stones.

Our next visit is the Western Wall Tunnels. We will walk on the same tiles and look at the same wall as we think and ponder over the same human issues that our forefathers had 2,000 years ago. By quoting the ancient sources, you will feel as if you’ve stepped in the history with your own two feet.

The exit is right beneath the Antonia Fortress, built by Herod 2,000 years ago, and is the place where according to the New Testament, Jesus was condemned by the Pontius Pilot.

Walking further down the street, we will stop for a soft drink, at the Austrian hotel, and enjoy an interesting overview from their roof.

We will continue to the Damascus Gate, observing the ancient Byzantine 1,500-year-old gate that stands in the same location.

Reading the terrible description of Tzidkiyahu the king, while being captured by the Babylonians in between two gates, brings us to “Tzidkiyahu’s Cave“.

The next site is maintained by a Christian Protestant volunteer congregation that preserves the Garden Tomb, the Jewish 2,000-year-old excavated facilities, and a Jewish burial tomb.

Starting early, we get to the Temple Mount, enjoy observing the Muslim shrines on top and discuss how it looked like in biblical times. Following this, we will get to the Lion’s Gate, and visit the Pools of Bethesda – told us about at the New Testament.

Our next stop will be the Israel Museum, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, an incredible model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, and the comprehensive archaeological department (containing all the significant biblical treasures found in Israel).

We will also admire the Parliament building known as the Knesset and we will witness the beauty of the Menorah reliefs.

Below you will find two additional optional sites to visit for the day:

• Holocaust museum of Yad Vashem
• Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

This day focuses on visiting different Biblical sites around Jerusalem.

Some the highlights of the day include Michmash (where Saul fought the Philistins), Beth El (where there was one of the temples of the Kingdom of Israel), Anatot (A priest’s City), Givon, Shilo, Hebron (where the cave of the Patriarchs is located), and Bethlehem (Rachel Tomb).

Today we drive to the Judean Lowlands and, accompanied by an open bible, visit several sites in the area.

In Bet Shemesh, we will see the large valley where the Ark of the Covenant was given back to Israel by the Philistines. Following this, we will observe the Ella Valley where the famous battle between David and Goliath took place.

We will arrive at Samson’s homeland, between Tzora and Eshta’ol, and track his life story.
In addition to this, we will visit a few cities attached and conquered by the Assyrians 2,700 years ago, at the time of Hezekaya and Izayah (Azekah, Lachish, Mereshah).

Passing by Beersheba, we will be heading to the Dead Sea for an overnight.

If time permits, we can include a visit to the ruined ancient city of Arad.

First, we visit Lot’s Wife’s Pillar, and continue to the Masada fortress, known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by King Herod and 70 years later was inhabited by Jewish families that escaped from Jerusalem and fortified themselves from the Roman army.

We will also think about the terrible dilemma the rebels’ families had in their last minutes and how this heritage is connected to the modern State of Israel.

Following this, you will have a free afternoon to enjoy the water of the Dead Sea and Spa at the hotel.

Heading the north, we will stop at the oasis of Ein Gedi, where David was hiding from King Saul.

Another stop will be Qumran, where many of the Dead Sea Scrolls were written 2,000 years ago. We discuss the biblical connection of this desert to divine revelations. We travel through the Jordan Valley, and pass by Jerichoand Gilgal while reading the biblical stories related to the area.

Then, we will arrive at Mount Gilboa to have a breathtaking observation of the Jezreel Valley and hear about the history of this wonderful area. Reading about the last war of King Saul, and discussing this event, while being presented at the place that he died, is one of the most spiritual experiences that a person can experience.

Last but not least, we seek out the site where Queen Jezebel took over Naboth’s vineyard at Tel Jezreel. Following a visit to the Sea of Galilee, we will have a meeting with members of a Kibbutz, where we’ll spend the night.

This day is dedicated to the Upper Galilee. We start with the Dan Reservation, where the biggest spring in the middle east can be found. Here, we observe many kinds of local vegetation, followed by the amazing archeological excavations of the ancient town of Dan. We link this 3,000 years old site to the Bible’s written word.

Continue to Tel Hatzor, a biblical excavated town with an exceptional water system, and wide biblical sources. We will have a nice view observation to discuss the biblical prophecy: “From North, will come the evil…”

Today we explore two important ancient Jewish cities located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

First is Capernaum, a 2,000-year-old Jewish town mentioned several times in the New Testament related strongly to Jesus in his ministory, with its amazing synagogue, and family house.

Magdala – opened to the public only in 2016, it presents an outstanding synagogue with the most ancient Jewish relieved stone from the first century B.C.

Zipory, a Jewish ancient town with wonderful mosaics and impressive ruins. This city was used at a certain time (Rabi Yehuda Hanasi – 200 A.D.) as one of the locations of the Sanhedrin.

Next is Tel Megiddo, the prophetic site of Armageddon. There, we talk about daily life during biblical times, discuss some important political and historical facts, and enjoy the beautiful view. Following this, we continue to Muhraka, where Elisha performed the famous competition between God and the 450 prophets of Baal. Overnight in Haifa.

Our day starts with a gorgeous observation of the city of Haifa on top of Mount Carmel, providing a view of the Baha’i Gardens, Haifa’s bay and the Western Galilee.

We pay a visit to Rosh Hanikra, Tunisian Synagogue in Akko. Finally, we make our way to Caesarea.

Caesarea, built by King Herod 2,000 years ago was used as a modern local capital by the Romans and the Byzantines. This city has amazing inventions and a beautiful history.

The last site we will visit for the day is the ancient port of Jaffa.

Overnight in Tel Aviv.