11 Day Holy Land and Istanbul -

Holy Land and Istanbul Tour

Join us for a tour of a lifetime. We begin in the Holy Land where Jesus walked and visit the sites where the Lord performed miracles. Get spiritually elevated while walking in the alleys of the Holy City, along the Via Dolorosa. In this trip the Bible will come alive while visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Capernaum, Nazareth, Cana and many other Biblical Sites. We continue to Istanbul where you will visit Constantinople, Experience the Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast followed by a tour of A delight for your senses awaits at Eminönü’s Spice Bazaar.

Tour Itinerary

USA

DAY 01

We depart North America on our overnight flight to Tel Aviv. Dinner and breakfast will be served aloft.

Tel Aviv

DAY O2

Upon our arrival into Tel Aviv, we will be met by Lionsgate representatives who will assist us to our waiting bus for a short transfer to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

CAESAREA/MEGIDDO/TIBERIAS

DAy 03

A drive north along the Mediterranean coast will take you to Caesarea built by Herod the Great. See the Roman theater and its ruins. Continue to Mt. Carmel for a visit to Elijah’s cave. Proceed to Megiddo “Armageddon”, a very important strategic point on the Via Maris connecting Egypt and Damascus. Next, you will stop at Mt. Precipice for a panoramic view of Nazareth, Cana, and the Jezreel Valley. You will also visit the ruins of Magdala, the birthplace of Mary Magdalene. Proceed to your hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight. Lunch Provided.

GALILEE & UPPER GALILEE

DAy 04

This morning board a boat on the calm surface of the Sea of Galilee, cruising toward Capernaum. Upon landing, visit the site where Jesus started His ministry, the house of Peter, and the synagogue where Jesus taught. Continue to Tabgha, the site of Peter’s restoration, and the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish with its beautiful fourth-century mosaics. Drive to the top of the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee and surrounding areas. In the afternoon, drive to the Golan Heights in Upper Galilee. Visit the sources of the Jordan River at Caesarea Philippi. Return to the exit of the Jordan River from the Sea of Galilee where a baptismal service will take place. Return to your hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight. Lunch Provided.

SAMARIA/JACOB’S WELL/JERUSALEM

Day 05

Leave Tiberias and travel south along the Jordan River. Visit Beit She’an, the leading city in the Decapolis and place where the Philistines hung the bodies of King Saul and his sons on the city walls. Take a beautiful drive through the heart of Samaria to the city of Nablus. Here you will see Jacob’s Well, where Jesus asked a Samaritan woman for a drink. You will then enjoy a traditional Palestinian lunch. Continue to ancient Shiloh, the first capital of the Israelite Kingdom and site of the tabernacle. Before entering the Holy City, you will stop at Mount Scopus for a beautiful view of Jerusalem. Proceed to your hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. Lunch Provided.

MOUNTAINS OF JERUSALEM/BETHLEHEM

Day 06

Today takes you to the Mount of Olives with its outstanding views of the city. Visit the Church of Dominus Flavit, Spend time in quiet reflection and prayer as you visit the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. View the Kidron Valley. From there you will drive south to the little town of Bethlehem with a visit to the Church of Nativity. Visit The Shepherd’s Fields and the Fields of Boaz and Ruth. Proceed to Herodian, Herod’s mountain hideaway. Return to your hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. Lunch provided.

Jerusalem

Day 07

Step into history as you enter the Old City of Jerusalem. Stroll through the colorful bazaars, picturesque neighborhoods, and narrow streets as you make your way to the temple area, where Solomon’s Temple was built on Mount Moriah. Visit the Dome of the Rock enclosing the Rock of Sacrifice, the Mosque of Al Aksa, and the Pinnacle of the Temple. Enjoy lunch in the old city and take some time to shop for souvenirs, jewelry, and ancient coins. In the afternoon, you will visit the Church of Saint Anne, the Pool of Bethesda, the Lithostrotos, Pilate’s Judgment Hall, Antonia Fortress, and walk on the Via Dolorosa leading you to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In the afternoon, at Mount Zion where we will visit the Upper Room of the Last Supper as well as the Tomb of King David and the House of Caiaphas. You will visit the Garden Tomb and Gordon’s Calvary. A communion service will be held at the Garden Tomb. Dinner and overnight Jerusalem.

Masada / Dead Sea / Qumeran

Day 08

This morning you will drive into the wilderness of the Judean Desert. Visit Wadi Qelt and view the Valley of the Shadow of Death from the high cliffs. Continue to Qumran, the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a shepherd boy. Then to Masada, a desert fortress built by Herod the Great which was used as a stronghold by Jewish zealots who committed suicide rather than surrender to the Romans. Enjoy lunch in Jericho and see the ruins and excavations of the ancient city. See the Mount of Temptation where Jesus was tempted by Satan. Visit En Gedi before continuing on a beautiful drive that takes you along the shores of the Dead Sea. Stop at the lowest point on earth and float in the healing, mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Return to your hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. Lunch Provided.

TEL AVIV/ISTANBUL

Day 09

Depart Tel Aviv for Istanbul. Upon arrival, visit the historical highlights of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Stroll through Hippodrome Square, the social and sporting center of Constantinople which hosted chariot races during the Roman period. Witness the incredible majesty and splendor of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Popularly known as the Blue Mosque, this 17th-century Ottoman sanctuary is adorned with six minarets and more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. Experience the Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece, designed to be the major basilica of the Byzantine Empire. Next, visit Topkapi Palace, the main residence and headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Located on the very cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace still houses a legion of treasures to be admired, including an extensive collection of royal jewels. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Istanbul

Day 10

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast followed by a tour of A delight for your senses awaits at Eminönü’s Spice Bazaar. Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this exotic covered market was the international trade center of the Ottoman Empire. Cruise on the Bosphorus, a natural waterway that separates the continents of Europe and Asia and serves as the only connection between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. As you float along the strait, savor the picturesque views of old wooden mansions, Ottoman palaces, and ancient fortresses that dot the coast. Visit the Church of Saint Saviour in Chora, which boasts some of the finest 14th-century frescoes in the world. Marvel at the exquisite Byzantine architecture and gilded mosaics. End the day with an evening of shopping at the Grand Bazaar. Meander through the massive labyrinth of streets lined with shops offering jewelry, leather products, and handcrafted souvenirs. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

RETURN HOME

Day 11

Transfer to Istanbul airport for your return flight to the USA with your heart full of memories from unforgettable experiences.

Tour Inclusions

We take care of everything, from flight seats to restaurant tips. We think of everything, so you don’t have to! All you need to do is enjoy.

Round Trip airfare To Tel Aviv Return from Istanbul
Meeting services and transfers between airports and hotels including porterage
Full services of experience / government-licensed private tour guide
Touring by Deluxe air-controlled coach
Visas to Turkey
4- Star hotels (double occupancy)
Full breakfast and sit-down dinner daily
One way flight from Tel Aviv to Istanbul
Ferry ride to Kavala
Walking tour of ancient Rome including Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Roman Forum, Piazza de Venezia
Complete sightseeing in Corinth Athens Kavala Meteora Kusadasi
Complete sightseeing in Caesarea, Galilee, Tiberias, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, and more…
Entrances to all sites as per itinerary
Cruise Bosporus
Swim in the Dead Sea
Boat Ride across the Sea of Galilee
Qumran Caves
Optional Baptismal Service at the Jordan River
Cable Car Ride in Masada
Prayer Service at Garden Tomb
Complete Lions Gate Travel Documents prior to departure