Your Exciting Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Overnight Flight
Journey with Collette Vacations on an inspirational trip to the Holy Land - where it all began. Walk through city streets that are well over 2,000 years old and visit some of the most ancient sites in the entire world.

Day 2: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Arrive Tel Aviv, Israel
Your tour begins in Tel Aviv. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included.

Day 3: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tel Aviv - Jaffa - Caesarea - Haifa - Acre - Tiberias
Begin the day with a stroll through the winding alleys of the artists quarter in the ancient port city of Jaffa. Continue along the Mediterranean coast to the ruins of the ancient Roman capital, Caesarea, built by Herod the Great in 22 B.C. Visit the Roman Theatre, Aqueduct and Fortress. Your next stop is Haifa, where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the amazing Baha'i Shrine and Gardens on Mount Carmel (UNESCO World Heritage site). Travel the Valley of Armageddon to the excavation site of Tel Megiddo. *Then it is on to the ancient Crusader city of Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage site.* Next, you will drive to your hotel in Tiberias. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 4: Friday, March 19, 2010
Tiberias
This morning visit the Mt. of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount, and Tabgha, site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. Proceed to Capernaum and cross the River Jordan to visit the Golan Heights. This evening, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Next, tour and have dinner at a communal settlement known as a Kibbutz, where you may have the opportunity to interact with some of its residents. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Saturday, March 20, 2010
Tiberias - Nazareth - Jericho - Dead Sea
*Begin your day with a visit to Cana, considered to be the site of the First Miracle, where Jesus turned water into wine.* From Cana, you will travel to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation and Mary's Well. Next, it is on to Beit Shean to see the ancient theatre. Continue along the Jordan River Valley to Jericho which, at over 2,000 years old, is considered to be the oldest city on earth. Afterwards, proceed to the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps you will choose to enjoy a swim in the Dead Sea. Because of the density of the sea's waters, due to the salt content, you can effortlessly float in its beautiful healing waters. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 6: Sunday, March 21, 2010
Dead Sea - Masada - Qumran - Jerusalem
Today’s route via the shores of the Dead Sea leads to another UNESCO World Heritage site, the former palatial fortress of Masada. Originally Herod's palatial fortress, Masada later served as a last bastion for Jewish freedom fighters against the Romans. *Ascending the ancient walls of Masada by cable car, a visit to Herod's Palaces, the Roman Camp, and the Synagogue await.* Later, a drive along the Dead Sea shoreline to Qumran culminates in a tour of the caves where the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This evening you arrive in one of the holiest cities in the world, Jerusalem. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 7: Monday, March 22, 2010
Old City - Bethlehem - Jerusalem
A magnificent tour of the Holy City of Jerusalem begins with a drive to the old walled city. While walking through the four quarters that make up the Old City (UNESCO World Heritage site), you will visit the Western (Wailing) Wall, the Temple Area, the Dome of the Rock, the Pool of Bethesda, and the Church of St. Anne. Next you will walk the path of the Stations of the Cross as you traverse the Via Dolorosa, beginning at Pilate's Judgment Hall and ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. *A stop in the biblical city of Bethlehem, spread along the Judean Hills, allows for a visit to the Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus and the first church ever built.* Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 8: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Jerusalem
Drive to Mount of Olives for a breathtaking panoramic view of the amazing city of Jerusalem and the surrounding area. You will proceed to the Church of Ascension and the Garden of Gethsemane where you will view the Kidron Valley and the tombs of Mary, Absalom Zachariah, and James. Visit St. Peter in Galicantu and Mt. Zion where you will see the room of The Last Supper and the tomb of King David. You then view a scale model of Jerusalem and visit the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum to view the display of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Your sightseeing tour ends with a visit to the Garden Tomb. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 9: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Jerusalem
The day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 10: Thursday, March 25, 2010
Jerusalem – Tour Ends
Today breakfast will be included.

Day 10: Thursday, March 25, 2010
Jerusalem - Jordan
This morning you travel to the Jordan Valley, crossing the border* into Jordan. Travel the Desert Highway to the ancient city of Petra. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 11: Friday, March 26, 2010
Petra - Wadi Rum
*Enjoy a morning tour of the remarkable stone-carved city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the new Wonders of the World.* A treasure of the ancient world, Petra was “hidden” behind rugged mountains prior to its discovery in 1812 after being lost for over 300 years. Explore this breathtaking city, carved from sandstone by the Nabataeans, with an expert guide and learn about the importance of Petra to the ancient trade routes, the history of its prominence and decline, its rediscovery, and efforts at preservation. This afternoon, depart for the immense desert of Wadi Rum, stunning in its natural beauty and home of the famous film “Lawrence of Arabia.” Experience desert life and learn about the fascinating history of the Bedouin people who have lived for generations in the Wadi Rum’s stark, fragile and unspoiled desert. This evening, experience the flavors of the region with a delightful dinner at a popular local restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 12: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Petra - Madaba - Mt. Nebo - Amman
Travel along the Kings Highway, an ancient route from biblical times, to the city of Madaba, the “City of Mosaics.” *Visit the church of St. George to see the famous 6th century Byzantine mosaic map of the region, one of the oldest in existence, and the museum where many other spectacular mosaic examples are on display.* Visit a local mosaic school to learn the history of this ancient art and how to create your very own mosaic piece. You will also visit Mt. Nebo, where Moses saw the Promised Land – present day Israel – and is believed to be laid to rest. Later, arrive in Amman, known as the “White City” because of white limestone used to construct the majority of the buildings. *Gather this evening for a home-hosted dinner with a local family.* This wonderful experience allows you to interact with the local community, make new friends, experience local cuisine, learn about Jordanian daily life, education and work. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 13: Sunday, March 28, 2010
Amman - Jerash - Jordan Valley Border Crossing - Tel Aviv, Israel
Travel the quiet valley among the mountains of Gilead to the city of Jerash – the “Pompeii of the East.” Step back in time as you tour the ruins with a local guide. Walk through columned streets, hilltop temples, public squares and plazas. Archeologists uncovered evidence inside the city walls indicating Amman was occupied as far back as the Neolithic age over 6,500 years ago. Later, travel to the Jordan Valley Border Crossing*, returning to Israel. Continue to Tel Aviv for your overnight stay. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 14: Monday, March 29, 2010
Tel Aviv - Homeward Bound
This morning, return to the USA filled with memories of the amazing sights of Israel and Jordan. Today breakfast will be included.