SUNDAY 1ST MAY 2011

Depart Brisbane to Bangkok.

MONDAY 2ND MAY

Early morning arrival into Bangkok, where we will have the use of a day room to freshen up. Afternoon departure to Tel Aviv. On arrival, we will be met by Inner Faith Travel representatives and transported to our hotel. (Meals on Plane) Overnight Tel Aviv.

TUESDAY 3RD MAY

Morning departure for our coastal tour of the MEDITERRANEAN SEA PORTS. En route we will visit CAESAREA, (Acts 23:31- 26:32) site of Herod's Palace, home of Cornelius and where Paul was brought to trial. Afterwards, we travel to the Crusader Capital of Ancient Acco or Acre as it is known today. Overnight in Acco. (B-D)

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY

We spend the morning in Acco, a UNESCO world heritage site because of the amazing Crusader underground city that is slowly being revealed. There is a very colourful and authentic market and fishing port with lots of character. Visit to the Turkish Bath House with sight and sound show. We journey a little further north to take the cable car down the cliff face to the grottos at Rosh Hanikra. Overnight Acco. (B-D)

THURSDAY 5TH MAY

After breakfast we visit MT CARMEL and Muhraqa, where Elijah called down fire from Heaven to defeat the prophets of Baal. We continue and pass through the MEGGIDO VALLEY, the large plain where the final battle of Armageddon is prophesied to take place. Our journey then takes us to Nazareth where Jesus grew to manhood visiting the Church of Annunciation, (Luke 1:26-38) which covers the boyhood home of Jesus. We spend time at Nazareth Village recreating village lifestyle during the time of Jesus experiencing the Nazareth Jesus knew! From there we will visit the Mount of the Precipice where Jesus was driven by the crowd. (Luke 4:16-30) Continuing on as we round the crest of a hill the SEA OF GALILEE unfolds in a breathtaking panoramic scene before our eyes. Overnight Tiberias. (B-D)

FRIDAY 6th MAY

Today, we explore this historical area of Galilee. Remember how Jesus walked on the water? (Mark 4:35-41) Our special traditional sailing vessel will take us across the Sea of Galilee, stopping in the middle for a time of reflection and worship. Rejoice! Jesus is alive. We disembark at Nof Ginnosar a kibbutz located on the shores of the Galilee where we will see the remains of a boat from the time of Jesus. Arriving later to CAPERNAUM, the city of Jesus, we visit the ruins of the synagogue where Jesus performed many miracles.(Luke 4:31-37) We will visit ST PETER’S PRIMACY CHURCH. You will see the new excavations of ST PETER’S house (Luke 4:38-41) and visit TABGHA, where Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fishes to feed the multitudes (John 6:1-14) and later ascending to the top of the MOUNT OF BEATITUDES, (Matthew 5:1-12) where we will read the Sermon on the Mount. Overnight Galilee. (B-D)

SATURDAY 7th MAY

Free day in Tiberius, by the Sea of Galilee. Enjoy a stroll around town, wander the boardwalk or enjoy a coffee at the Scot Hotel. Perhaps simply have some quiet time in the lovely grounds of the hotel overlooking the lake. Overnight Galilee (B-D)

SUNDAY 8TH MAY

Departing from Tiberias we travel north climbing the heights of the Galilee to the centre of Jewish Kabalah and mysticism, Safed. Stroll through the streets at leisure to visit ancient Synagogues and the many studios featuring the work of famous Israeli artists. We continue to the source of the Jordan River on the slopes of Mt Hermon where St Peter made his confession at CAESAREA PHILIPPI. (Mark 8:27-30) Before returning to our hotel we will travel round the Eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. Overnight Galilee. (B-D)

MONDAY 9TH MAY

Our travel plans take us south, following the scenic Jordan Valley and visiting the Decapolis city of BEIT-SHEAN where King Saul’s body was hung on the gates of the city. (1 Samuel 31:1-13) We continue following the Jordan River through the Jordan Valley where we visit Gideon’s Springs and also stop to attend a tree planting ceremony. Qumran, where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered, is our next stop. We end our day at a resort hotel located on the shores of the Dead Sea. Overnight at Dead Sea. (B-D)

TUESDAY 10TH MAY

This morning we ascend by cable car the mighty fortress of MASADA, the site of the last heroic 3-year stand of 960 Jewish defenders against the Roman Empire. From its heights we enjoy tremendous views of Jordan and the Dead Sea. We will also take an opportunity to share Communion together.

We return to our hotel to enjoy a ‘float’ in the medicinal waters of the Salt Sea. Overnight Dead Sea. (B-D)

WEDNESDAY 11TH MAY

Today we will visit David’s place of refuge from Saul, Ein Gedi. (1 Samuel 24:1-22) From there we begin our memorial ascent through the Mountains of Israel, with an opportunity to stand overlooking the valley of the shadow of death. We continue up to JERUSALEM, via the Old Jericho Road, enjoying spectacular views over JERUSALEM, CITY OF GOLD. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B-D)

THURSDAY 12TH MAY

We awaken in the city of the Great King, Jerusalem, the geographic centre of the world. You can feel the atmosphere that sets Jerusalem apart from any other city in the world. We have a full day of touring Old Jerusalem, following in the footsteps of Jesus. We visit the Mount of Olives, for an overview of the city, then descend via the Palm Sunday Walk to Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:36-46). In the afternoon we will follow the Via Dolorosa from Lion’s Gate to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also visiting the POOLS OF BETHESDA, (John 5:1-10) where Jesus cured an invalid, and continue to St. Anne’s Church and the Antonia Fortress. We continue along the Via Dolorosa to the Jaffa Gate. Overnight in Jerusalem (B-D)

FRIDAY 13TH MAY

This morning we visit the TEMPLE MOUNT and the WESTERN WALL, (Luke 25:5-24) the most sacred site for the Jewish people. We may be blessed to see young Israelis celebrating their BARMITZVAH. We will walk the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount before enjoying lunch in The Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon we will visit the Temple Institute and the Burnt House, followed by a wander throuigh the Jewish Quarter via the Cardo to Mount Zion.(Psalm 48)

SATURDAY 14TH MAY (JEWISH SABBATH)

This morning we will visit the Australian War Cemetery on Mount Scopus. From here we visit the Israel Museum before enjoying a lunch break. Afterwards, we will spend the afternoon at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum. We end the day with some quiet time in the Church of John the Baptist at Ein Kerem. (Luke 1:57-66).

SUNDAY 15TH MAY

Attend Service at Christ Church. Remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)

MONDAY 16TH MAY

We travel to BETHLEHEM to visit the Church of Nativity. (Luke 2:1-7) En route, we pass by Rachael’s Tomb and the Shepherd’s Fields. (Luke 2:8-20) Time will be given in Bethlehem for some good souvenir shopping at the Three Arches Souvenir Shop. Following this we will visit the Garden Tomb where we will celebrate Communion together. A spiritual oasis in this bustling city. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B-D)

TUESDAY 17TH MAY

Free day before our evening departure to Bangkok. (B-D)

WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY

Arrival into Bangkok, with connections to Brisbane. (Meals on Plane)

THURSDAY 19TH MAY

Arrive home with memories that will remain with you for a lifetime. (Meals in flight)