Arrive in Amman, Jordan, settle into your hotel, and gather to enjoy the first of many meals together. With a population of more than 2 million, Amman is the political and cultural centre of Jordan. It is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Tour the ancient Citadel of Amman (Biblical Rammah) and the Roman city of Jerash.

Ascend the heights of Mount Nebo, where Moses surveyed the Promised Land that he could not enter. See Herod the Great’s mountaintop fortress of Machaerus, likely where John the Baptist was killed. Stop at the Byzantine Church which contains the oldest map of Palestine, dating to the 6th century. Follow the ancient Kings Highway south into the biblical land of Moab—home of Ruth from the Old Testament. Learn about the Israelites’ trek through this region on their way to the Promised Land, as well as the story of Balaam and his talking donkey. Stop for the night in Petra (called Seir in the Bible).

Take in the grandeur of Petra, an ancient trade centre and burial grounds of the Nabataean people during New Testament times. See amazing temple-like tombs chiselled from rose-coloured sandstone at this world-famous site. Then travel to the Dead Sea and relax as you float in its buoyant salty waters.

Explore the Jordan River valley, the site of many pivotal biblical events. See where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land and remember that God miraculously parted the waters for his chosen people. View the traditional spot where Elijah was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot. See where John the Baptist preached in the wilderness and where the heavens opened as Jesus was baptized.

Drive along the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, where we visit the synagogue and the place where early Christians remembered Peter’s house. We continue to Tabgha (short for Heptapagon, “seven springs”) to view the mosaics in the Church of the Loaves and Fishes. Enjoy a St. Peter’s Fish Lunch. Ascending the Mt. of Beatitudes, we listen to Jesus’ teachings. On an ancient trade route, we pass Hazor and then go on to Dan. Here we do a nature walk and visit the high place where Jeroboam son of Nebat set up a golden calf. We continue to Caesarea Philippi (Banias), where Peter answered Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” Our route then takes us over the Golan Heights, skirting Mt. Hermon, with a view toward Damascus. We end the day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

Take leave of the Sea of Galilee, ascending to the city of Nazareth.  As we look across at Mount Tabor, Mt. Carmel. Mount Gilboa, the Hill of Moreh and the Gilead, we reflect on how Jesus, as a young man in Nazareth was inspired by the acts of God that occurred here as he prepared himself for his mission. Descend to Nazareth Village for a parable walk, and visit a replica of a first-century synagogue. Explore nearby ancient Sepphoris, where Jesus may have been employed as a young man. Visit the Church of the Annunciation to see the traditional place where the angel visited Mary. Next, we cross the Valley of Jezreel to the ancient Har-Megiddo or Ar-mageddon, dominating the vital crossroads where so many battles have taken place. This afternoon, we continue through the narrow pass to the Mediterranean Sea at Caesarea, visiting the aqueduct, the ancient Herodian harbor, the remains of the seaside palace of Pontius Pilate and the theater. With the conversion of Cornelius by St. Paul (Acts 10), this impressive Roman harbor became the beachhead of the Christian mission to the Gentiles. We then continue through the Sharon Plain and ascend to the Holy City of Jerusalem. We catch our first glimpse of the city from Mount Scopus.

Travel to Bethlehem for a look at the Church of the Nativity and Shepherds’ Field. Visit Bethlehem Bible College for a faculty lecture. Be served lunch at the college ($15 USD per person), and peruse the college’s gift shop. At the Israel Museum, an extensive model will give you a bird’s eye view of ancient Jerusalem. Also, see the Shrine of the Book. See the Pool of Siloam at the edge of the Old City of David, which was rediscovered and excavated in 2004. Step into a medieval building with an Upper Room commemorating the Last Supper.

Head down to the desert for a visit to Masada, the magnificent site of Herod’s palaces and of the last stand of the Jews who rebelled against Rome (AD 66-73). At Qumran, survey the ruins of the first-century radical Jewish community in the desert that produced the Dead Sea Scrolls found in caves nearby. Later, learn from MCC workers in Jerusalem.

From the Mount of Olives—where Jesus often retreated—get a panoramic view of Jerusalem. Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Pause at the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall) in the Old City. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, and visit the Tower of David Museum to see the Kishle—the possible location of the Praetorium where Jesus faced Pilate. Celebrate communion in the Garden Tomb. Reminisce about your tour over a farewell dinner together.

Depart for home with rich new insights about your faith and the Bible.