ITINERARY

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SATURDAY, MARCH 18

Depart the U.S.

Our spiritual adventure begins as we depart from the U.S. for our long-awaited destination!

ISRAEL

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SUNDAY, MARCH 19

Arrival into Israel

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

• Arrive Tel Aviv (TLV) - You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel on the Mediterranean Sea

OVERNIGHT

Vert Lagoon Netanya – Netanya

CAESAREA AQUEDUCT

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MONDAY, MARCH 20

Caesarea by the Sea

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

• Caesarea - the place where Peter first took the gospel to the Gentiles, and where Paul was imprisoned and evangelized to his captors

• Mount Carmel - the mountain on which Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal

• Megiddo - a strategic city overlooking the gathering place for the world’s end-time armies (Armageddon)

• Mount Arbel - a stunning vista of the Sea of Galilee and sites of Jesus’ public ministry

OVERNIGHT

Magdala Guesthouse – Migdal

SEA OF GALILEE

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TUESDAY, MARCH 21

Around the Sea of Galilee

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

• Capernaum - the town and synagogue where Jesus preached during His Galilean ministry

• Boat Ride – Sea of Galilee - sail the Sea of Galilee in a replica of a boat from Jesus’ time

• Mount of Beatitudes - the traditional place where Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount, including the Beatitudes

• Primacy of Peter Church - the traditional place where Christ prepared a meal for His disciples and instructed Peter to care for His sheep

• Chorazin - the community Jesus rebuked for their lack of faith

OVERNIGHT

Magdala Guesthouse – Migdal

ANCIENT DAN

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22

Northern Israel

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

• Tel Dan - the northernmost city of Israel and the location of one of King Jeroboam’s golden calves

• Caesarea Philippi - where Peter professed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

• Banias Waterfall - one of the headwaters of the Jordan River

• Golan Heights - a view of Paul’s route to Damascus and the site of recent conflicts between Israel and Syria

• Kursi Overlook - the traditional site where demons entered the swine after being cast out of the demoniac

OVERNIGHT

Magdala Guesthouse – Migdal

BETH SHE’AN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 23

Down to the Dead Sea

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

• Beth She’an / Scythopolis - the ruins of a Roman city, and the site where the Philistines displayed the bodies of King Saul and his sons

• Spring of Harod - the place where Gideon chose his 300 men for battle

• Jericho - the first Canaanite city the Israelites conquered in the Promised Land

• Wadi Qilt - the wilderness where Jesus was tempted by Satan

• Qumran - the desert caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered

OVERNIGHT

Isrotel Ganim Hotel – Dead Sea

MASADA

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FRIDAY, MARCH 24

The Judean Wilderness

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

• Masada - the impenetrable fortress where Jewish zealots made a final stand in their revolt against Rome

• Ein Gedi Oasis – Overlook - a view of the waterfalls and desert caves where David, in his exile, encountered King Saul

• Swim in the Dead Sea - experience the most floatable body of water in the world

OVERNIGHT

Isrotel Ganim Hotel – Dead Sea

GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE

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SATURDAY, MARCH 25

Up to Jerusalem

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

• Up to Jerusalem

• Mount of Olives - a hill overlooking Jerusalem from the east where Jesus ascended to heaven

• Dominus Flevit on Palm Sunday Road - walk in the footsteps of Jesus down Palm Sunday Road and visit a church commemorating Christ’s weeping over Jerusalem

• Garden of Gethsemane / Private Garden - the traditional location where Jesus prayed the night he was betrayed

• Model of Herodian Jerusalem - a model of Herodian Jerusalem as it looked at the time of Christ

• Shrine of the Book - a section of the Israel Museum housing the Dead Sea Scrolls

• Israel Museum - the home of Israel’s greatest archaeological treasures

OVERNIGHT

Dan Panorama Hotel – Jerusalem

HERODIUM

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SUNDAY, MARCH 26

Bethlehem

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

• Herodium - a fortress built by Herod the Great which later became his burial site

• Bethlehem – Church of the Nativity - traditional site of the birth of Jesus

• Shepherds’ Field - a serene hillside overlooking Bethlehem where shepherds tended their flock

• Elah Valley - the famous battlefield of David and Goliath

OVERNIGHT

Dan Panorama Hotel – Jerusalem

SOUTHERN TEMPLE STEPS

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MONDAY, MARCH 27

Ancient Treasures

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

• Zion Gate - a bullet-riddled gate to the Old City which stands as a testament to the modern struggle of the Israeli people

• Hezekiah’s City Wall - wall built by King Hezekiah to prepare for the Assyrian invasion

• Roman Cardo - the ancient Roman main street through the Old City

• Western “Wailing” Wall - a section of the Temple Mount foundation dating back to the 2nd Temple Period and the most sacred Jewish site in Jerusalem

• City of David Excavations – Overlook - the original site of King David’s capital of Israel

• Warren’s Shaft - part of the water system connected to the Gihon Spring

• Canaanite Tunnel (dry) - historic and amazing tunnel dug by Hezekiah to survive the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem

• Pool of Siloam - the pool built by King Hezekiah where Jesus sent the man born blind to be healed

• Southern Temple Steps - part of extensive excavations that have unearthed steps from the time of Jesus leading up to the Temple Mount

OVERNIGHT

Dan Panorama Hotel – Jerusalem

GARDEN TOMB

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TUESDAY, MARCH 28

The Passion of the Christ

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

• Temple Mount - where the second Jewish Temple once stood, now home of the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque

• Pool of Bethesda / St. Anne’s Church - the pool where Jesus healed an infirm man

• Via Dolorosa - the “way of the cross” leading to the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion

• Church of the Holy Sepulchre - the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion

• Free Time – Old City of Jerusalem - walk through the winding streets and colorful markets within the city walls of old Jerusalem

• Garden Tomb - a memorable communion service and an ancient tomb similar to the one in which Christ was buried

• Farewell Dinner - a special dinner to rejoice and reminisce over the extraordinary days spent together

OVERNIGHT

Dan Panorama Hotel – Jerusalem

 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29

Homeward bound

With heart-changing memories of our walk in the footsteps of history, we arrive back home. May we never be the same!

*Itinerary is subject to change. To best serve the group, the schedule may be altered or substitutions made at the discretion of your tour leader and guide.

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FAQs

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When should I purchase airline tickets?

Morning Star Tours recommends waiting to purchase your airfare until the minimum number of guests have registered for this tour.  This is in order to avoid penalties and fees imposed by the airlines should changes occur. Morning Star Tours will notify you once this number has been reached and are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding airfare.

What is the baggage allowance?

For international flights, you are generally allowed one checked bag and one carry-on at no additional cost, with the following parameters: up to 50 pounds and 62 inches (L+W+D) for a checked bag and up to 40 pounds and 45 inches (L+W+D) for carry-on.  Baggage restrictions often vary by airline.  It is important to refer to the airline’s international baggage regulations prior to packing, as these can change without notice.

When should I arrive in Tel Aviv?

Please plan to depart the U.S. on Saturday, March 18, 2023, and arrive at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on the afternoon of Sunday, March 19, 2023.

When should I depart from Tel Aviv?

Please plan to depart from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 (after 10 PM), or the morning of Wednesday, March 29, 2023  *(Hotel overnight on March 28 is included in the tour cost).

Can I use frequent flyer miles to purchase my airline ticket?

Yes; however, due to airline contract restrictions, MST cannot purchase these tickets for you. Please see Tel Aviv arrival and departure information.

Can Morning Star Tours help me with my flights?

Yes! We are pleased to assist with flight arrangements! Please contact Jenny Davis, at jenny@morningstartours.com.

What is the Cancellation Policy for this tour?

To review the Cancellation Policy for this tour, please go to the Terms and Conditions.

What are the Covid protocols for visiting Israel?

At this time, Israel does not require Covid vaccination nor a negative arrival test. Please note: specific airlines and countries may require a negative Covid test for presentation at check-in. Please check with your particular airline and transiting countries regarding their specific policies. Israel is requiring tourists to have proof of insurance covering the costs of medical treatment related to Covid, including quarantine coverage if it were to be needed.

Should I purchase Travel Insurance?

At this time, Israel is requiring guests to provide proof of insurance that covers Covid-related illnesses before entry. Companies vary regarding the length of time to purchase trip insurance to cover pre-existing conditions and/or the “cancel for any reason” feature (example: TravelSafe requires purchasing insurance with 21-days of your deposit date). You are welcome to use any company for trip insurance. The company we have worked most closely with is TravelSafe Insurance, and their plans with pricing can be reviewed on their website. Using this link provided will link your policy to Morning Star (which makes it much easier for us to assist you should a claim be necessary).

Are all gratuities included?

Yes! A generous tip to guides, drivers, hotel staff, and those serving you at applicable sites are included in your tour cost. We pray that this provision is a blessing and a testimony to those who serve you in The Land.

What out-of-pocket expenses should I expect?

Please plan to bring spending money for lunches (about $20-$30 per day), sodas, bottled water, and personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, or room service.

Should I bring my young children on the tour?

Young children may find the pace of the tour to be too rigorous and may find the time on the tour bus and quiet times of teaching challenges. We recommend that guests be aged 13 or above.

How much walking will we be doing?

You will average three to five miles of walking per day on your tour. This walking is done in small increments throughout the day and you will have frequent opportunities to rest if needed. To prepare yourself, start walking a little each day. We recommend properly “breaking in” any shoes you plan to wear while touring.