‘In the Steps of Jesus’: A Tour to the Holy Land for the parish of the Itchen Valley (April 2024). The Revd Christopher Durrant and I are pleased to announce this exciting joint venture between our two neighbouring parishes here in the Valley. The tour starts on Wednesday 3 April (3 days after Easter) and includes 8 nights in the Holy Land (staying in Galilee, Bethlehem and Jerusalem): this gives us the opportunity to see almost all the places mentioned in the Gospels associated with the life of Jesus. Given the current worldwide economic uncertainties, the travel agent cannot quote an exact figure, but the land-tour cost is likely to be in the region of £1,750-£1,900. An outline itinerary can be below.
There will be two ‘presentation evenings’ (one in each parish) later in January: more details to follow.
In the Steps of Jesus – A tour to the Holy Land for the parishes of the Itchen Valley (Alresford Deanery in the diocese of Winchester)
April 2024. (8 nights: Galilee, Bethlehem & Jerusalem)
Itinerary
Wednesday 3 April 2024: Departure and Arrival
- Depart from UK (flight times to be arranged)
- Afternoon arrival at Tel Aviv airport & transfer to our hotel in Tiberias (for 3 nights)
Thursday 4 April 2024: The North and Caesarea Philippi
- Bethsaida & the River Jordan
- Tel Dan
- Lunch in Banias (Lebanese restaurant)
- Caesarea Philippi & hike to Banias Waterfalls
Friday 5 April 2024: Jesus’ Ministry around the Sea of Galilee
- ‘Jesus boat’ museum & boat ride
- Capernaum
- Tabgha (Peter’s Primacy; Loaves and Fishes)
- Lunch in Tanoureen Restaurant (nr Magdala)
- Magdala
- Mount of Beatitudes
Saturday 6 April 2024: Travelling up to Jerusalem
- Church of Annunciation
- ‘Sisters of Nazareth’ excavations
- Lunch in Nazareth [Nazareth Village likely closed: thus Casa Nova?]
- Old Testament Jericho
- Qumran
- Arrival at our hotel in Bethlehem (for 2 nights)
Sunday 7 April 2024: Exploring Bethlehem
- Worship in a local church
- Church of the Nativity
- Felafel lunch in Manger Square
- Shepherds’ Fields
- Shopping
- Dinner with local Christians (optional)
Monday 8 April 2024: Walking around Jerusalem
- Israel Museum: Model & Dead Sea Scrolls
- Byzantine ‘Mount Zion’ & St Peter’s in Gallicantu
- Take-away lunch in Jewish Quarter
- Temple Steps & Western Wall
- City of David & Hezekiah’s tunnel
- Transfer to our hotel in Jerusalem (for 3 nights)
Tuesday 9 April 2024: Jerusalem, Jericho & the Mount of Olives
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- Breakfast snack in Muristan (Christian Quarter): at own expense?
- Reflection in the Judean desert (near George’s Khoziba)
- River Jordan Baptismal site
- Lunch in Jericho (Al-Rawda)
- Mount of Olives: devotional walk from Bethphage to Gethsemane
Wednesday 10 April 2024: Enjoying the Dead Sea
- Masada
- Bagged lunch in Ein Gedi
- Dead Sea swim
Thursday 11 April 2024: Return Home
- Garden Tomb
- Reflection on the ‘road to Emmaus’ in Canada Park
- Imwas (Byzantine ‘Emmaus’)
- Bagged lunch in Canada Park
- Transfer to Tel Aviv airport for late afternoon flight home
Or Optional extension: Day FREE (On Thursday 11) in Jerusalem followed by extra night(s) continuing in our hotel