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ECWA USA Israel Pilgrimage
7 DAYS ISRAEL TOUR PROGRAM
NOVEMBER 14-22, 2023
Day 1: Wednesday 15th of November 2023
ARRIVAL IN ISRAEL, NAZARETH, AND MOUNT CARMEL
We are met and assisted by our Israel Partner representative, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Psalm 118:26). At Ben Gurion Airport we will be served breakfast, following that we will travel north to Nazareth in the Galilee where Jesus Christ grew up a little over 2000 years ago. And so, here, we begin our journey following in his footsteps. After the lunch and brief rest, we will visit the Great Sea – The Mediterranean and Mt. Carmel where Prophet Elijah challenged King Ahab and defeated the false prophets of Ba’al. (1Kings 18). Overnight at Tiberias.
Day 2: Thursday 16th of November 2023
SEA OF GALILEE, CAPERNAUM, TABGHA, JORDAN RIVER, MOUNT OF BEATITUDES
Today we will explore the surroundings of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus began his ministry. We will start by driving to Capernaum, the fishermen town that became Jesus`s new home. We will visit the ancient synagogue where he preached and the new church above Peter`s house. We will continue to Tabgha (seven springs), where Jesus fed the five thousand. We will visit the church of Loaves and Fishes and the Mensa Christy Church, where Jesus gave Peter the primacy. At noon we will cruise the Sea of Galilee on a boat and enjoy some St. Peter`s Fist for Lunch. Following lunch, we will drive to the Jordan River to feel the cold water and climb to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.
Day 3: Friday 17th of November 2023
NAZARETH AREA: NAZARETH, CANA OF GALILEE, MOUNT TABOR
After breakfast, we will explore the city of Nazareth starting at the church of Annunciation where Angel Gabriel met Virgin Mary. Then we will continue to St. Joseph Church, built on the remains of his carpentry shop. Following those sites, we will drive to the Mount of Precipice where Jesus fled from the city. We will continue to Cana of Galilee, where we will visit the wedding church where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. After lunch, we will climb Mount Tabor; visit the church of the Transfiguration. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.
Day 4: Saturday 18th of November 2023
WORSHIP AT ECWA GOODNEWS IN TEL AVIV, BETHLEHEM, EIN KEREM: BIRTHPLACES OF JESUS AND JOHN
We will drive to Tel Aviv 36 Levanda street and worship at ECWA GOODNEWS Church, Tel Aviv. We will visit Ein Karem, the place of Zachariah and Elizabeth. There we will visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, which was built above the site of his birth. We will visit the church of the visitation, where Mary and Elizabeth met. We will spend the afternoon in the city of Bethlehem – the native land of King David and the birthplace of Jesus Christ, “Son of David.” We will visit the church of Nativity, which was built by Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, on the site that Jesus was born. We will continue to St. Jerome Chapel where he wrote the “Vulgata” and to the shepherds` Field, where the angels announced the birth of Christ. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 5: SUNDAY 19th of November 2023
GALILEE TO JUDEA: JORDAN VALLEY, JERICHO, AGRIC VISIT, DEAD SEA, QUMRAN
The day will begin by driving south along the Jordan Valley, the way Jesus and his family use to walk to Judea and continue to Jericho the Palm City. We shall then have a visit to Kibitz for Agric tour before driving to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, and to Qumran where the Essene community lived and where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 6: MONDAY 20TH of November 2023
JERUSALEM: MOUNT OF OLIVES, MOUNT ZION, ST. ANNA CHURCH, VIA DOLOROSA, HOLY SEPULCHRE WAILING WALL
After breakfast, we will go to the Mount of Olives, the best observation point over-looking Jerusalem. We will go down the road where Jesus entered the city as a king on Palm Sunday. We will visit the chapel of Dominus Flevit, the Chapel of Peter Noster, and the church of Agony. We will end at the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested. Next, we will drive to Mount Zion to visit the last Supper room (Coenaculum), King David`s tomb and the Church of the Dormition. Then we will continue to visit the church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. We will enter the Old City walls through St. Stephens Gate (Lion’s Gate) and visit the Church of St. Anne and the pools of Bethesda. From there we will start walking the path Jesus took to his crucifixion-the Via Dolorosa. We will begin from the place of the trial, presided over by Pontus Pilate, and continue walking along the Stations of the Cross to the Golgotha Hill, where he was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Then we will visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built by Helena. Our day of touring will conclude with a visit to the western wall, which is the remnant of the wall surrounding the Temple Mount then to Jaffa gate market.
Day 7: TUESDAY 21ST of November 2023
JAFFA, ABU GOSH, JP CEREMONY, END OF THE JOURNEY AND RETURN BACK HOME
After breakfast, we will visit the Old town of Jaffa, the oldest port city in the world. From here, John took the boat to Tarshish and here St Peter had his dream to evangelize Gentiles and brought Tabitha back from the dead. After lunch, we will visit Abu Gosh- ancient Kiriat Yearim. Here the ark of covenant rested for twenty years before being brought by King David to Jerusalem. We perform our JP ceremony and leave Jerusalem for the Tel Aviv Airport. We will pray together for a safe trip back.
Cost
For 30 People on the trip: $1550/person for double occupancy in 4-5-star Hotel.
For 30 People on the trip: $1950/person for Single occupancy in 4–5-star Hotel.
Note: If we have more than 30 people, the cost will be less. If we have less than 30 people, the cost will be a little higher.
Included
✔ All rates in US Dollars
✔ Meet & assistance on formalities upon arrival and departure at airports
✔ Fees for entries in Israel as per Itinerary attached
✔ Tour gift by ECWA Jerusalem Pilgrimage and Ground handler
✔ Transportation with a modern and AC vehicle
✔ Accommodation on FULL BOARD (7 lunches)
✔ Health Insurance
✔ Singles: maximum of 20% of the rooms reserved at single rates.
Not Included
X Extras and personal expenses.
X Drinks and meals other than the mentioned above
X Portage services at hotel and restaurants.
X tips (guide, driver, boat ride, etc.)
Airfare: Flying out of Chicago for economy seats is about $1000 round trip.
NB: These prices are tentative and actual costs will be determined by September.
Requirement
✔ US Passport or Green Card holders will get visas on arrival at no cost.
✔ Other passport holders will apply for visas.