Join us on this fully escorted and special tour of the Holy Land as we explore the cradle of Christianity and walk in the Footsteps of Jesus and His Disciples. Together we will fulfill the Mission of Pilgrimage! Join us in evening songs, worship and fellowship as we form new friendships, which will last long after we return home. Christian fellowship is the main ingredient that makes this tour an experience of a lifetime ! This tour is truly the ultimate Holy Land experience.

• Return group economy flight on Turkish Air Ex Johannesburg
• Israel +3 star hotels
  2 nights in Galilee – Genossar Inn or Haon Village
  1 night in Dead Sea – Daniel Hotel
  3 nights in Jerusalem – Ramada Hotel (Royal)
• Turkey 4 star hotels
  2 nights in Izmir – SC Inn or Ege Palas or similar
  1 night in Pamukkale – Lycus River Hotel or similar
  1 night in Istanbul - All Seasons Hotel or similar
• Meeting and assistance at airports
• Touring with English speaking guide
• Air-conditioned bus
• Entrance fees
• Chartis insurance for persons under 70 years old

Depart tonight on Turkish Air.

Arrive in Istanbul. Our tour begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul - its three names span more than 2600 years, nearly 1600 of them as the capital of two of the greatest empires the world has known, Byzantine and Ottoman. We visit the Topkapi Palace including Harem ,Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Visit Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. Continue Grand Bazaar and then transfer to port for Boat trip on the phosphorus a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Izmir.

Dinner & Overnight in Izmir (B,D)

Enjoy a panoramic ride of Smyrna, the third largest city in Turkey and one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 2:12-17]. Smyrna is a city scarred with a bloody history of trade and warfare. We ascend to Mount Pagus where we visit the Citadel of Lysimachos, commander of Alexander the Great, erected in the 4th century BC. We will also see the Clock Tower. Drive to Pergamum, actually called Bergama. It is one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:12]. Here we explore the impressive Acropolis, the steepest theatre in the world, the Asklepieion, famous medical centre of classical times, see the Altar of Zeus which is mentioned as the «Throne of Satan» in the book of Revelation, the marble columns of the Temple of Trajan and the Library which was foremost in the world and was long a rival of the equally famous Library of Alexandria in Egypt. Its wealth of volumes was estimated at over 200,000. It inspired the invention of parchment.

We also visit the Red Basilica (St. John's Church). Then we continue our visit to Thyatira, now called Akhisar, another one of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:18-24; Acts 16:14]. It was a city famous for purple dyes. We visit the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period. Lydia, the seller of purple in Philippi, was from Thyatira. Continue to Sardis, presently Sart. This was the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom of the 6th century BC, portrayed as a dying church. We visit the great Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele, which became a Byzantine Church.

We will also visit some ancient Lydian houses, and the restored gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue. We also see the last several meters of the royal Persian Road from Susa to Sardis built by Cyrus the Great and the «golden» river Pactolos. Continue to Philadelphia, nowadays called Alasehir, another church of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:7], and the only church not censured. There we see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, with a bit of high arch and some 11th century frescoes. We drive to the healing city of Hierapolis, actually Pamukkale, the white «cotton fortress» where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools, channels and stalactites. The therapeutic waters were known to the founders of Hierapolis and of Laodicea in 190 BC. In Hierapolis [Col. 4:13] we visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip where he was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian.

Proceed to Laodicea (present name Denizli) yet another of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor [Rev. 1:11; 3:14; Col. 2:1; 4:13-16]. We see the ancient theatre, the remains of basilica and ancient stone water pipes.

Dinner & Overnight in Pamukkale (B,D)

Visit Laodicea (present name Denizli) yet another of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor [Rev. 1:11; 3:14; Col. 2:1; 4:13-16]. We see the ancient theatre, the remains of basilica and ancient stone water pipes. Continue to Ephesus visit to the ancient city of Ephesus including the Basilica of St. John and the Ephesus archaeological museum. The Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years. This church also received an epistle from him. We tour the spectacular ruins where excavations still continue in this once great and important city, which was founded in the 10th century BC. Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Theatre. The Temple of Diana of the Ephesians, another of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was built in this city. We visit the Basilica of St. John and the Ephesus archaeological museum. Visit The House of Virgin Mary.

Dinner & Overnight in Izmir (B,D)

Early transfer to Kusadasi port for 07.00 a.m. private ferry to Patmos. arrival and half day tour of Patmos till 14.30 and return back to Kusadasi at 18.00. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Istanbul.

Dinner & Overnight in Istanbul (B,D)

Visit the Mukhraka on Mt. Carmel, overlooking the Izrael Valley and the Kishon. The Canaanite inhabitants worshipped Baal and his consort Ishtar who were adopted by the Israelites. Here Elijah the prophet challenged the priests of Baal to prove whose god was more powerful and when he won, the Israelites abandoned the Canaanite deities and the false prophets were slaughtered (1 Kings 18). Mukhraka, the traditional site of the contest, is today marked by a Carmelite monastery, built in 1886. We then drive to Megiddo (Armageddon), overlooking the fertile Izrael Valley. Megiddo played a prominent role in the history of the ancient Near East and one of the largest Canaanites cities, controlling the access from Egypt to Mesopotamia, which was the cause for the fiercest battles that took place here. The bible tells about Joshua defeating the Canaanite king of Megiddo, a city which king Solomon built and the site where kings Ahaziah and Joshia killed. For Christians, Armageddon is where forces of God will defeat the forces of Evil in the Final Battle at the End Day. If time permitting drive to Nazareth to visit the Church of Annunciation and drive to the hotel through Cana the site where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water to wine in a wedding.

Dinner & Overnight - Galilee (B,D)

Breakfast at hotel. We spend the day around the Sea of Galilee and the north. We first visit Tabgha, where Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the fish and loaves and fed 5000. Inside the church is the famous mosaic. We walk a short distance to nearby Peter’s Primacy. Here Jesus met again with the disciples for the "last breakfast" and restored Peter to himself after the disciple's three denials by asking him three times if Peter loved Jesus. Continue to Capernaum, that in old times used to be for a border village on the way to Damascus. The Gospel tells about Jesus leaving Nazareth to settle in Capernaum, which became “his own town” and centre of his activities. From its community of fishermen he chose many of his disciples (Peter, Andrew, James, John and Matthew). View the remains of a synagogue 2-3 centuries earlier than when Jesus taught, though most likely on the same site. Nearby are the remains of an octagonal structure, thought to be built on the remains of Peter’s house. Enjoy a Boat Ride across the Sea of Galilee and hear how Jesus calmed the stormy sea and walked upon these waters. Enjoy a traditional St. Peter’s Fish Lunch. Continue to Mt. Beatitudes. Above the mountain is the traditional spot where Jesus delivered the Sermon, he taught on many occasions and also performed many of the miracles. Last visit is to Yardenit Baptismal site on the Jordan River.

Dinner & Overnight - Galilee (B,D)

After breakfast we drive along the Jordan Valley and visit Jericho the oldest city Joshah concured. In the horizon you will see Mt. of Temptation. We drive past Qumran where the Dead Sea scrolls.The scrolls were written by a Jewish sect, the Essenes. The Essenes described by Josephus Falvius sought the seclusion of the Judean Desert, where they could follow the Law more closely, and wait for the coming Messiah. They believed in two Messiahs: one from David’s line for the Monarch, and the other, a descendant of Aaron for the high priesthood. The settlement was destroyed by the Romans; the scribes, seeing the approaching legions, hastily stored the scrolls in nearby caves, found 1900 years later. All books of the Old Testament except Esther are present, as well as apocryphal psalms, commentaries and special scrolls dealing specifically with the sect’s code of ethics and beliefs. These Old Testament manuscripts are nearly 1000 years older than previously known manuscripts. The Dead Sea scrolls are presently exhibited at Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem. Ascend Masada by cable car. Our guide will take us on a fascinating tour of this mountain where 960 Jewish defenders organized the last resistance to the Roman conquerors. Enjoy a float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea and the spoiling facilities at the hotel.

Dinner & Overnight - Jerusalem (B,D)

After breakfast we we ascend the Judean Hills to Jerusalem, the “eternal city of GOD”. Drive up Mt. Of Olives. Here over looking the Temple, Jesus taught his disciples, prophesized the destruction of Jerusalem. From here the entire city of Jerusalem unfolds before us. Down the slopes we visit Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was taken captive. On the steep pathway between the Tomb of the Prophets and the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene is the Franciscan site of Dominus Flevit ("The Lord Wept"). The church was designed in 1955 by the famous Italian architect Anton Barluzzi in the shape of a tear drop. Here it is believed that Christ wept as he foresaw the fate of Jerusalem. From here we enter the Old City. Your guide will tell to you about the battle of Jerusalem’s old city during the 1967 war. Visit the Western Wall the most sacred place for the Jews. If time permitting and no Muslim prayer held, we walk up Temple Mount and view Dome of the Rock mosque. We continue to Pools of Bethesda, just north of the temple mount.

The pools were probably designed at times Herod the Great for the Jewish inhabitants to purify themselves and here Jesus performed the miracle of healing an infirm man. Walk through Via Dolorosa stations. We pass Ecce Homo Arch where Jesus trial took place and stop by the Church of Holy Sepulcher. We walk through the Oriental Bazaar and visit Upper Room of the Last Supper (time for prayer). Our last visit today is to the Garden Tomb, where some believe Jesus was buried (Prayer service time will be booked).

Dinner & Overnight - Jerusalem (B,D)

We travel to a lookout point to view Bethlehem. Visit Shrine of the Book, where on display are the Dead Sea Scrolls and Jerusalem Model illustrating how Jerusalem during the second Temple times. Continue to Yad Vashem, a memorial to the Six Million Jews that lost their lives in the Holocaust. Visit the picturesque village of Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist and where Virgin Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. According to tradition she stopped to drink from the water stream on her way to Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus. Drive to Drive through Emek Haelah where David killed Goliath.

Dinner & Overnight - Jerusalem (B,D)

Check out of hotel by 11:00. Half-Day tour. Visit City of David & Hazakiah Tunnel. This is an archeological park. The biblical City of David was situated on the southern slope of Mount Moriah. Excavations have provided a rich insight into daily life in and around the Temple percinent. Hezekiah’s Tunnel or the Siloam Tunnel was dug underneath the Ophel, leading from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam and was designed as an aquaduct to provide Jerusalem with water during an impending siege by the Assyrians. According to an inscription, two teams excavated the tunnel, one starting at each end of the tunnel and then meeting in the middle. Visit Nebi Samual where Profit Samuel believed to be barried. Enjoy last lunch at Abu Gosh and transfer to the airport for a flight home via Istanbul.

(B,L)