City Details: places

---

Capernaum:

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, brought up in Nazareth, and preached in Jerusalem but it was the significant Galilean Ministry years which he spent in Capernaum and where he performed many of his miracles. Capernaum became his home and the Bible calls it Jesus’ “own city”. Matthew 4:13 tells us that Jesus left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum after meeting temptation in the wilderness. Here he met James, John, Peter, Andrew all fishermen and Matthew a tax collector, five of his future disciples.   It was in the Capernaum synagogue that Jesus gave the Sermon on the Bread of Life (John 6:35-59) ” Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day”. Although dating the synagogue has been problematic, many believe the synagogue from this time was black basalt rock and now lies beneath a more recent construction. In this synagogue Jesus would regularly preach (John 6:59, Luke 4:33). Christ expelled a demon from a possessed man here (Mark 1:21-27) and cured a Roman officer’s servant of palsy, the centurion is thought to have had the synagogue built (Luke 7:3). Here Jesus is also famous for raising the daughter of Jairus from the dead (Luke 8:41-53).

The original synagogue was destroyed and later replaced in approximately 200AD. The remains of the synagogue include one complete wall, the ruins of the other walls and several columns. It is white stone, unlike the characteristic black basalt rock used for other Capernaum buildings. You can still see some of the stucco work, frescos and motif carvings on the walls as well as inscriptions in Greek and Aramaic commemorating the synagogue benefactors.

Cappadoccia:  Cappadocia, a semi-arid region in central Turkey, is known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys,” tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley, Göreme and elsewhere. Other notables sites include Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls by troglodytes (cave dwellers) and later used as refuges by early Christians. The 100m-deep Ihlara Canyon houses numerous rock-face churches.  The Bible's New Testament tells of Cappadocia, but in fact this part of central Anatolia has been important since Hittite times, long before the time of Jesus.

Kusadasi:

Kusadasi is a cruise port and resort town on Aegean Sea coast, and located south of Izmir. Kusadasi’s magnificent location makes it a good base to explore the cultural and historical sites nearby. Many of the best known attractions in Turkey are located close to Kusadasi including the ancient city of Ephesus and the temple of Artemis, the House of the Virgin Mary and St. John’s Basilica.

Smyrna, Turkey: The Agora of Smyrna was built by Greeks sometime in the 4th century BC and then rebuilt by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius after the region was ruined by the earthquake. The Agora that you see nowadays started to take its shape in 1933 when the excavation of the site began. Since then the site was cleaned up and some parts were nicely  restored, the streets started to take shapes and the Agora of Izmir was named a part of The World Heritage Sites. 

Istanbul/Constantinople

Cairo

  (/ˈkaɪroʊ/ KY-roh; Arabic: القاهرة, romanized: al-Qāhirah, pronounced [ælqɑ(ː)ˈheɾɑ]) is the capital of Egypt and the largest urban agglomeration in Africa, the Arab world and the Middle East. The Greater Cairo metropolitan area, with a population of 21.9 million,[3] is the 12th-largest in the world by population. Cairo is associated with ancient Egypt, as the Giza pyramid complex and the ancient cities of Memphis and Heliopolis are located in its geographical area. Located near the Nile Delta,   Cairo has long been a centre of the region's political and cultural life, and is titled "the city of a thousand minarets" for its preponderance of Islamic architecture. Cairo's historic center was awarded World Heritage Site status in 1979.   

Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza[a] is the biggest Egyptian pyramid and the tomb of Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu. Built in the early 26th century BC during a period of around 27 years,[3] the pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact. As part of the Giza pyramid complex, it borders present-day Giza in Greater Cairo, Egypt.   The Great Pyramid was built by quarrying an estimated 2.3 million large blocks weighing 6 million tonnes in total. The majority of stones are not uniform in size or shape and are only roughly dressed.[5] The outside layers were bound together by mortar. Primarily local limestone from the Giza Plateau was used. Other blocks were imported by boat down the Nile: White limestone from Tura for the casing, and granite blocks from Aswan, weighing up to 80 tonnes, for the King's Chamber structure.[6] 

Saqqarra Necropolis (Pyramids):  The custom of burying pharaohs at Saqqara dates back thousands of years to the time of the First Dynasty, when kings ruled over a united Egypt for the first time. No fewer than 17 pharaohs are known to have chosen Saqqara as their final resting place and royals, their family members, sacred animals and important officials continued to be buried there for more than 3,000 years. Today, the Saqqara necropolis covers an area of 4 square miles (10 square kilometers).

When the burial site fell out of use during the time of the Romans, it was gradually reclaimed by the desert. With the exception of the Pyramid of Djoser, the entire site was buried in sand by the time French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette uncovered the Serapeum in the mid-19th century. Since then, a constant process of excavation, recovery and restoration has been taking place at Saqqara. In 1979, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the pyramid fields that run from Giza to Dhashur. 

The most recent discovery took place in July 2018, when archaeologists unearthed a mummification workshop complete with five mummies and their jeweled sarcophagi. 

Masada National Park 

Descend to the Judean Desert and drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada where you will learn about the heroic story of the Jewish fighters. Ascend Masada by cable car to tour the 2000 year old fortress and palace built by King Herod, where the Zealots of the first century made their last stand against the Romans.  This is the largest and most complete Roman siege camp that remains today. Visit the remains of the walls, palace, synagogue, water cisterns, mosaic floors, roman baths and other findings. In 2001 UNESCO declared Masada as a World Heritage Site. Descend by Cable Car.

Ein Gedi, 

En Gedi,[1] meaning "spring of the kid",[2] is an oasis, an archeological site and a nature reserve in Israel, located west of the Dead Sea, near Masada and the Qumran Caves. Ein Gedi, a kibbutz, was established nearby in 1954.  Ein Gedi is a popular tourist attraction, and was listed in 2016 as one of the most popular nature sites in Israel.[3]  This morning we visit Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, where wild ibex roam free and glorious walking trails lead to waterfalls and sensational views across the Dead Sea. 

Old Jaffa Port 

We will be in Old Jaffa Port, the most amazing and the oldest part of Tel Aviv-Jaffa city that never sleeps. According to Christian legend, Jaffa was named after Noah’s son, Japhet, who built it after the Flood. There are others who believe that the name is derived from the Hebrew word “Yofi” – beauty. You will have plenty of time to observe the combination of modern and ancient. Visitors from both Israel and abroad enjoy dining in its unique restaurants or simply wandering around. People seem to gaze in fascination at the sight of the ancient Port and the rocks, and some are overwhelmed by the beauty of the renovated Jaffa harbor set against the back drop of the city of Tel Aviv -the first Jewish city in modern times – a vital, dynamic and vibrant metropolis that never sleeps – and which has grown out of Jaffa.

Jericho. 

We continue to Jericho, the oldest city in the world.  Stop at Zacheus Sycamore to see the oldest Sycamore tree, which Zacheus climbed in order to spot Jesus. Visit the Mound of Ancient Jericho, where 25 ancient cities were uncovered.  Founded in 8,000 BC, Jericho is also the oldest Jewish settlement and was captured by Joshua and Israel in 1,200 BC. Stop for overview of Mt. Temptation, where Satan endeavored to tempt Jesus, and get an overview of the oasis of Jericho and Elisha’s Spring.

Yad Vashem

Visit "Yad Vashem" the official memorial commemorating the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

Ephesus: 

Visit the city of Ancient Ephesus, the most important of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. See the great Library of Celsus, Agora, Odeon, Trajan Fountain, Domitianus Temple, Roman Latrines, Theater and Stadium in which St. Paul preached the gospel. Also visit the House of Virgin Mary, where she is said to have spent her final years and Isabey Mosque, a Byzantine church marking his burial place.  

Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city. We view the Library, Agora, theatre, colorful mosaics in the aristocratic Terrace Houses, and a panoramic outlook of the surrounding ancient port area (including a wealth of church history and cultural insight). Then we continue with a visit to the Basilica Church of St. John, which houses an immersion baptismal and is believed to be resting place of John. From here we have an excellent overview of the Ephesus harbor, the Mosque of Jesus, and see the site of the Temple of Artemis, which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

In ancient days, Ephesus was a bustling port town of 250,000, graced with wide, colonnade bordered streets. The St. Paul's first visit to Ephesus was brief - during his second missionary tour (Acts 18:19-21).

His second visit lasted about three years - during his third missionary tour (Acts 19:1 to 20:31). Luke's account of the worship of Diana appears in Acts 19:34-35.

The Great Theatre (stadium) mentioned in Acts 19:29-31 could seat 25,000 people. Walk the marble-paved street with grooves made by chariot wheels. See the Fountain of Trajan, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theatre with a capacity of 24.000 spectators. 

Pamukkale:

Pamukkale is a town in western Turkey known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. It neighbors Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Ruins there include a well-preserved theater and a necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for 2km. The Antique Pool is famous for its submerged Roman columns, the result of an earthquake.

Hierapolis; 

An ancient city of pagan cults, Hierapolis or "holy city" was evangelized by Paul and Epaphras. The Apostle Philip lived and is said to be buried here. Pamukkale, or "cotton castle" is a spa and resort center with its hot springs and cascading limestone pools. Col. 4:12-13.  Natural thermal springs which has high density of chalk inside formed glacier looking terraces on the areas where flowed for thousands of years. Walk on the white terraces of Pamukkale.  It was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. 

Pergamon, site of one of the Seven Churches, where St. John wrote of Satan’s throne being sited. Visit the Church of Pergamon, the famous Red-Court and the Acropolis. The church of Pergamum was praised for its forbearance; (Rev. 2:12-17) it was here that the first Christians were executed by Rome. We'll visit the fabled Acropolis, pass through the Royal Gates, view the foundations of the Altar of Zeus and visit the ruins of the library (which once held 200,000 volumes). 

Continue to Pergamum; a most memorable experience will be Pergamum, with its acropolis and Great Theatre, the steepest of the ancient world. Revelation 2:12-16 describes the city as "where Satan's seat is", a reference to the altar of Zeus, where we pause for reflection on the fulfillment of Scripture. Nearby, visit the Red Basilica; once a pagan temple, it later converted into a Christian church. Finally, walk through the Asclepion, the famous medical center of antiquity.

Sardis  

The capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. Walk the Royal Avenue and see the site of the Church of Sardis. Then, we travel to Sardis, which was berated by John for its facade of strength when, in reality, it was weak (Rev. 3:1-6). Here coins were minted and the dyeing of wool originated. We'll visit the gymnasium and synagogue.

Travel to Sardis, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Jesus told Sardis, "I know thy works, that thou hast a name, that thou livest, and art dead"(Rev. 3: 1-6). Coins were minted and the dyeing of wool originated in Sardis. You will be impressed by the massive scale of the Temple of Artemis, by the white marble Royal Road, by the gymnasium, and by the synagogue.

Thyatira 

Was once a busy trading center and famous as a "seller of purple," the most favored of the Seven Churches.  Thyatira; was once a busy trading center and famous in dyeing of purple clothes. Thyatira is one of the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelations tolerated the false prophetess, Jezebel (Rev. 1: 11; 2: 18-29). 

Philadelphia also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 3: 7-13). Christ told those who overcame that He would write upon them "the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem." (Rev.3: 12) Today, not much is left to mark the spot. You will see an ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica.  Philadelphia from where we are challenged to “hold fast” and look forward to the coming of the "new Jerusalem" (Rev. 3:7-13) in the Book of Revelation. Not much is left of the city except for the ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica in the modern city of Alasehir.

Laodicea 

Contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system.  The Christians of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches, (Rev. 3: 14-22) were chastised for being lukewarm, "You are neither cold nor hot" (Rev. 3: 15), and for being too comfortable incorporating pagan and Christian beliefs. In the famous scripture from Revelation (3: 20-21), Jesus says to the Laodicean church: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock...". Today, there are many acres of ruins to see, including the stadium and columned streets and a chance to witness the newest axcavations in Laodicea.

Caesarea Marittima National Park

Caesarea is a town on Israel's Mediterranean coast. It’s known for Caesarea National Park, which includes a large Roman amphitheater and the historic port. On the site is an archaeological park with pillars and sculptures, and the remains of a hippodrome, with frescoes and stone seating. The ruins of the seafront Promontory Palace include the remains of a mosaic floor.  It was built by King Herod in honor of Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar.  

Megiddo  

The “Armageddon” of  the Book of Revelation ,  After exploring the fascinating archaeological remains of this ancient city.

Sea of Galilee 

Join us for a short cruise on the lake for a visit  the ancient  Jesus boat museum near  kibbutz Nof Ginoshar. 

Jordan River 

Continue through the Jordan Valley to  the Baptismal site on the Jordan river where you can go to the water.  

Beit She'an National Park 

Beit She’an offers the most extensive archaeological site in Israel, with some of the best-preserved ruins in the Middle East, but its memory will forever be linked to one of the most ghoulish events in the Bible.

On nearby Mount Gilboa in 1004 BC, the army of King Saul, Israel’s first king, was defeated by the Philistines and Saul’s three sons were killed. To avoid capture, the wounded Saul fell on his sword.

The triumphant Philistines took the bodies of Saul and his sons and fastened them to the wall of Beit She’an. They put Saul’s armor in their temple.

David, who was to succeed Saul as king, composed a memorable lament over the tragedy, with the recurring line “How the mighty have fallen . . . ” (2 Samuel 1:17 – 27).

Beit She’an is about 13 kilometers south of the Sea of Galilee. Its location at the strategic junction of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys made it a coveted prize for conquerors.  Join us as we explore its recently excavated amphitheater and the preserved remains of this beautiful Roman City which was partly destroyed in an earthquake. 

Dead Sea

Travel to the shores of  the Dead Sea. Nearly 1,300 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the earth’s surface.  We will Float in the mineral-rich Dead Sea which, at 400m below sea level, is the lowest place on earth. Take a mud-bath and benefit from the therapeutic qualities of the natural Dead Sea mud. Enjoy the unique opportunity to float in the Dead Sea and cover yourself with the mineral rich mud, that many believe has its therapeutic effects. 

Qumran National Park

Qumran is best known as the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered not so long ago. Located on the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea in the Judean Desert approximately, Qumran is located between Jerusalem and the major Dead Sea beaches and attractions such as Ein Gedi and Masada. Missed by many tourists, Qumran tells an interesting historic story, and offers some amazing educational opportunities.

Masada National Park

We continue to Masada citadel which is situated on the top  of an isolated cliff in the Judean Desert. the Masada was declared  a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Ascend by cable car to the Masada fortress on which King Herod built a luxurious palace and which later was the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans. Visit the excavations and marvel at the ancient ingenious water saving installations. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea.

Jerusalem Old City

Jerusalem occupies a unique place in the world. It is holy to Judaism/Christianity, and Islam.   This day’s tour   starts on Mt. Scopus with a panoramic view of the city from the east. Then to  the Mount of Olives, and the Garden of Gethsemane. Walk into the Old City to see and touch  the Western  Wall  (Wailing wall), the only one remnant of the Second Temple. Walk the Way of the Cross, the Via Dolorosa, to Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, housing both the traditional site of Crucifixion and the Tomb of the Resurrection. Then turn southwest, just outside the Old City, visit Mount Zion, with the traditional tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper. Return to hotel.

Qasr al-Yahud

 Qasr al-Yahud (Arabic: قصر اليهود, lit. "The tower of the Jews",[3] Hebrew: קאסר אל יהוד), also known as Al-Maghtas,[1] is the western section of the traditional site of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist on the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17). It has also been traditionally identified with two episodes from the Hebrew Bible, as one of the possible points through which the Israelites have crossed the Jordan river as they reached the Promised Land (Joshua 3), and as the site where prophet Elijah ascended to heaven (2 Kings 2:1-14).[4][5] "Qasr al-Yahud" is actually an Arabic name given to the nearby Monastery of St John the Baptist, but is also being used for the West Bank section of the baptism site itself.[6]

The spot is located in Area C of the West Bank[7] and it sits directly across the eastern section (on Wikipedia as "Al-Maghtas"; known officially in Jordan as "Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond the Jordan"") and close to the Palestinian city of Jericho. Since the Six-Day War in 1967, the baptism site has been under Israeli occupation, and the site and facilities are currently administered by the Israeli Civil Administration and the Israeli Ministry of Tourism as part of a national park, where baptism ceremonies can be performed.

Nazareth Village

 An authentic depiction of a first-century village located on a genuine ancient farm. Most tour agencies include the Village in their itinerary for northern Israel and it is consistently ranked among the very top of the areas attractions.

Situated upon land that has remained largely unchanged since the time of Jesus, the Nazareth Village was created to preserve the past and bring the first-century to life in vivid, archaeologically-accurate detail. Offering more than a tour of ancient ruins, the Village helps visitors to appreciate the geographical and cultural nuances of Jesus’s teachings, which were often vital for understanding their meaning. Exact replicas of first-century houses, a synagogue and terraces, as well as olive and wine presses, have been carefully built using the same methods that would have been used at the time.

The Village is a highly popular attraction in the Galilee region and is well-known internationally with visitors from over 110 countries. Since its opening in 2000, the Nazareth Village has drawn thousands of people through its gates, with current visitor numbers at around 100,000 per year.