Compare A Biblical tour of the Holy Land by Christian Travel vs Gems of Britain - Small Group Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1

Flight from London to Tel Aviv. Meet on arrival and transfer to Bethlehem for dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 2

Drive to the top of the Mount of Olives for a spectacular view over the Old City and walk down the Palm Sunday road to the Garden of Gethsemane. Go up onto the Temple Mount, the site of Moriah and Araunah’s threshing floor. Lunch on Abraham’s Ridge overlooking the city (own expense). Walk through the Western Wall Tunnel and see the Herodian foundations of Temple Mount. Visit the Roman Pavement, Lithostratos, the Water Cistern and Ecce Homo, leading on to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 3

We will begin a walking tour of the Old City from the Pools of Bethesda. Visit the Jewish Quarter, Nehemiah’s broad wall. Visit Shevet Achim. Walking from the Dung Gate we go down to the archaeological centre for a multimedia presentation of the history of the City of David. Walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel to the Pool of Siloam (appropriately prepared with torches and water shoes), the easier Canaanite tunnel will be used by those who do not wish to get wet! Tour the Garden Tomb and see Skull Hill and share in the Lord’s Supper together. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 4

An early drive to Qumran, and note the importance of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Drive to En Gedi for a visit and there will be time to relax and float in the Dead Sea. We will stop for lunch by the Dead Sea (at own expense). On our return to Bethlehem see the Church of the Nativity and the Shepherds Fields. Visit projects. Gala Dinner in the Tent Restaurant and overnight Bethlehem.

Day 5

In the morning we leave Bethlehem for Tiberias. We visit the King David Museum before continuing via Jericho to Nazareth. Dinner and overnight Tiberias.

Day 6

The day begins early as we sail on the Sea of Galilee an experience not to be missed. We drive on to the nearby Mount of Beatitudes. Visit St. Peter’s Primacy and Tabgha, where the Lord Jesus met with His disciples by the shore. Continue to Capernaum where Jesus would often stay during His Galilean ministry to see the significant archaeological remains. Dinner and overnight Tiberias.

Day 7

We drive to Tel Dan Nature Reserve, walking though the park to the ancient gate of Tel Dan. Visit Caesarea Philippi (Banyas). We have lunch (at own expense) before returning to Tiberias via the Golan Heights, stopping at Mount Bental to see the superb views. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.

Day 8

We leave Tiberias and make our way to Ben Gurion airport visiting Caesarea to view the amphitheatre and aqueduct en route.

Day 1: London & Medieval York

At 07:15, meet your Travel Director at the trip hotel in London and depart for Stratford-upon-Avon. Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare and admire the architecture of this pretty town nestled beside the River Avon. Head north to historic York and walk inside the city walls see to the topsy-turvy Shambles, a picturesque street with warped overhanging timber-framed houses. Admire the glorious York Minster, which is the largest medieval church in northern Europe. In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Over the Border to Edinburgh

Pass the ruined Jedburgh Abbey, en route to Edinburgh. Your Local Expert will show you Edinburgh Castle, home to the Honours of Scotland. At the end of the Royal Mile see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of Her Majesty, the Queen. Cross over to Princes Street, passing the Sir Walter Scott Monument, to explore the elegant 18th century New Town with its classical Adam facades. In the evening, select departures will attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Day 3: The Lake District and Liverpool

Journey via Gretna Green, where many eloping English couples have married, and join in an amusing ceremony. Continue to the beautiful English Lake District where there is time at leisure to explore on your own. Why not choose the Optional Excursion of a cruise on Windermere and steam train ride? There really is no better way to admire the incredible scenery of rugged mountain and secluded bays. Continue to lively Liverpool, home of The Beatles, for an orientation.

Day 4: Roman Chester and Cardiff

Visit the former Roman fortress town of Chester. Walk along part of the city walls, see the Eastgate Clock, Chester Cathedral, remains of the Roman Amphitheatre and the unique black and white shopping arcades known as the ‘Rows.’ After time to explore, cross into Wales and head for the capital Cardiff for an orientation of the port city, on the River Taff. This evening indulge in a dinner of local ingredients, produced sustainably.

Day 5: Bath, Stonehenge and London

Cross the Severn Bridge back into England and travel to the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built above one of Britain's thermal, mineral springs. Explore Bath with Insight Choice. Choose to visit its incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths or alternatively, step into the world of an esteemed author on a private before the crowds visit to the Jane Austen Museum. Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the pre-historic and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Your journey concludes upon arrival at the trip hotel in London.