SACRED ISRAEL
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![]() Would you like to experience Israel in a more profound and personal manner than what is available on the usual tour? Come visit one of the world’s most sacred and history-drenched lands on an adventure that only we can provide. Join us as we take you on an extraordinary journey through the Holy Land where three of the world’s largest religions converge in history. We are proud of the unique and exclusive access that we are able to provide to you, our guests and partners in the exciting adventure that is a BAS trip to Israel. Won’t you join us?
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Itinerary ![]() Registration
If you are unable to download this registration form, please contact the Travel/Study department at 1-800-221-4644 ext.208 ![]() Tour Price
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HighlightsJerusalem
The point where three of the world’s major religions converge, Jerusalem is one of the oldest sites in the world and home to some of the most significant sites in Christian, Jewish and Muslim religious traditions. Tiberias One of Judaism’s Four Holy Cities, Tiberias is also the district in which the Biblical narrative describes Jesus performing several of his miracles. The seaside city boasts a Roman theater that once held 7,000 people. Masada Site of the legendary siege by the Roman armies of the mountaintop Herodian fortress that took place during the First Jewish Revolt against Rome. Mt. Carmel Location of the Grotto of Elijah, where the Biblical text describes the construction of an altar by the prophet to Yahweh. ![]() ItineraryDay 1 | February 3
Depart U.S.
Day 2 | February 4
Arrive in Tel Aviv, a glittering and lively city on the shores of the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea. This afternoon we’ll explore ancient Jaffa, one of the oldest port cities in the world.
Day 3 | February 5
Begin the day with a journey to Antipatris, an ancient Bronze Age city rebuilt by Herod the Great in the first century. We’ll continue on to Ashkelon Park, which contains the remains of the numerous civilizations that rose and fell in the region, before visiting Tel Azekah. Our day concludes with a visit to Tel Be’er Sheva, believed to be the remains of the Biblical town of Be’er Sheva mentioned in the books of Judges and 1 Samuel.
Day 4 | February 6
The day begins with a visit to Philistine Gath at Tell es-Safi, the city of where the infamous Philistine general Goliath and one of the five Philistine city-states. A member of the excavation team will personally guide you through the site. This afternoon we’ll have the opportunity to literally uncover the past as you participate in an archaeological excavation at Beit-Guvrin. Afterwards, you’ll be able to relax and relive your day of adventure while participating in a wine-tasting at one of the local Shephelah wineries.
Day 5 | February 7
This morning, travel back to the ancient landscape of the Bible in the Biblical garden of Neot Kedumim, a nature preserve and cultivated collection of plants that are named in the Bible. We’ll explore Herod the Great’s legendary building program at Caesarea, where the ancient world’s largest artificial harbor attests to the extraordinary achievements of Roman engineering. Following the sparkling Mediterranean along the coast, we’ll come to Tel Dor—identified as Biblical Dor—and tour its spectacular nautical museum with a maritime archaeologist.
Day 6 | February 8
Follow the history of the land of Israel in chronological sequence at the Hecht Museum at Haifa University before visiting the poignant necropolis of Beth Shearim. The citizens of this prosperous ancient town were buried in more than 20 catacombs until its fiery destruction in 352 C.E. We’ll continue on to the underground city and Crusader fortress at Acco, one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in Israel. The day concludes at Muhraka, the enigmatic site of the battle with the pagan prophets.
Day 7 | February 9
Begin the day at the dramatic site of ancient Megiddo, where, according to the Book of Revelation, the fierce Battle of Armageddon will be staged. We’ll continue on to Sepphoris, the historically rich ancient city that is also the home of the magnificent mosaic known as the “Mona Lisa of the Galilee.” Finally, trace the steps of Jesus through Nazareth, the first-century village where Jesus spent his early life.
Day 8 | February 10
Visit the largest archaeological site in Israel at Hazor, one of the most important Caananite cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After following the Jordan River to its source, we’ll gaze over the road to Damascus from Mt. Bental. Discover what life was like in an ancient Jewish agricultural village in Qatzrin.
Day 9 | February 11
Today we will explore the sites on the shore of the Sea of Galilee that are central places in the narratives of Jesus’ life. We’ll begin at Capernaum, where Jesus made his home and chose his first four disciples, then continue on to the Mount of Beatitudes. Accompanied by a member of the excavation team from Haifa University, we’ll explore the site of Hippos/Sussita, one of the cities of the Decapolis.
Day 10 | February 12
This morning, explore ancient Tiberias, which was the largest Jewish city in the Galilee, before a visit to Mt. Arbel. After a stop at Tiberias Hotspring Park, we’ll continue on to Beth Shean, an ancient city mentioned in Egyptian records. Conditions permitting, the day will conclude with a visit to a panoramic vista overlooking both Jericho and the Jordan Valley.
Day 11 | February 13
From your perch among the hilltop ruins of the Masada fortress, relive one of the most dramatic conflicts in history, where a small group of Jewish Zealots defied an entire Roman legion. From here, we’ll journey to beautiful Ein Gedi, where David fled when hiding from Saul. The afternoon is yours to enjoy leisure activities at the Dead Sea.
Day 12 | February 14
The site of Qumran, the settlement nearest to the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, is the starting point for today’s itinerary, which stops at Mt. Scopus before arriving at Emmaus, where according to some Christian scriptures Jesus appeared to two of his disciples after his resurrection.
Day 13 | February 15
Our adventure in Israel culminates in the legendary city of Jerusalem. An exploration of the mysteries of Jerusalem and the City of David with a local scholar will take you to the city’s foundation—literally—as you descend through millennia into Hezekiah’s Tunnel, the ancient water system that fed the Siloam Pool. A stroll up the Cardo in the Old City, the ancient Roman road that was once Jerusalem’s main thoroughfare, will conclude the day.
Day 14 | February 16
The morning begins at the Mount of Olives. According to the Bible, David fled here to escape from Absalom. Descending from the mountain, we’ll walk the Palm Sunday path to Gethsamene. We’ll continue into the city, visiting St. Anne’s Church as we begin our walk up the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Day 15 | February 17
Our day begins with a visit to Jerusalem’s most famous visual landmark: the Temple Mount complex. Here’s we’ll have the opportunity to take in the sites of the courtyard, including the area around the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque. We’ll then continue to (the?) Davidson Center, concluding our day (time permitting) with a visit to the Israel Museum.
Day 16 | February 18
Bid farewell to glorious Jerusalem as we transfer to the airport for our return to the U.S.
Note: We reserve the right to alter or modify the itinerary if it is deemed necessary by the guide. Local conditions or scheduling concerns may cause us to vary the details slightly. However, every effort will be made to see all the sites indicated here...and then some!
![]() Hotel AccommodationsFebruary 04 - February 07
Dan Panorama Tel-Aviv Hotel, Charles Clore Park, Tel Aviv, 68012, Israel Ph:+972-3-519 0190 Fax:+972-3-517 1777 February 07 - February 09
Dan Panorama, 107 Hanassi Avenue, Mt.Carmel-Haifa 34632, Israel Ph:+972-4-835 2222 Fax:+972-4-835 2235 February 09 - February 12
Leonardo Plaza, Habanim 1,Tiberias 14103, Israel Ph:+972-4-671 3333 Fax:+972-4-679 2320 February 12 - February 14
Daniel Hotel & Spa, MP Dead Sea, Ein Bokek 86939, Israel Ph:+972-8-668 9999 Fax:+972-8-668 9900 February 14 - February 18
Dan Panorama, 39 K.Hayessod St., Jerusalem 94188, Israel Ph:+972-2-569 5695 Fax:+972-2-623 2411 ![]() Terms and ConditionsPAYMENTS: Full payment is required at the time of reservation, along with signed application form. (Full deposit may be refunded only if Biblical
ArchaeologySociety/Canaan Tours withdraw the offer of
the program.) After November 2 late fees may be issued
by some land and air providers. ![]() ContactFor more information contact:
The Biblical Archaeology Society 4710 41st St. NW Washington, D. C. 20016 1-800-221-4644 x 208 or 202-364-3300 x 208 E-mail: travelstudy@bib-arch.org |
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