YWE Holy Land Tour
July 20 — 31st, 2023

(Extension options thru Aug 9th to Jordan & Egypt, & Rome)
Director: Dr. Clark D. Anderson EdD & Glen Andersen YWE Pres
Price for Israel: $3,550

Day 1-2 (Thurs & Fri July 20-21st): FLY FROM USA to TEL AVIV
Today we fly from the USA to Tel Aviv. When we arrive we will go directly to the Mount of Olives for a view of ‘the Golden City’. We overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 3 (Sat July 22nd): JERUSALEM CENTER / MT OF OLIVES / BETHLEHEM
This morning we enjoy Church Services at the remarkable BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. The view of Jerusalem during our Service is inspiring. On our way to lunch we will wander down the Mt. of Olives and pass thousands of Jewish graves, including those of the Biblical Prophets; Haggai, Zechariah, & Malachi. We make a brief stop at the ‘Teardrop Church’ and then enjoy lunch. This afternoon we will cross through ‘The Wall’ (20’ cement wall that separates Israel and Palestinian controlled land) and visit the traditional birthplace of the Savior in Bethlehem (Church of the Nativity). We conclude our day by visiting a local Shepherds’ Field near Bethlehem where we will review the account of the humble beginnings of the Saviors Life. In this setting we will review the Saviors Birth as well as consider Jesus as the ‘Good Shepherd’. We overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 4 (Sun July 23rd): JESUS/MARY AS A TEENAGERS: NAZARETH (CAESAREA)
Today we consider Jesus and Mary during their teenage years as we visit Nazareth and the surrounding areas. We will drive up north and our first stop features the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and represents the spot where the first Gentile convert joined the Church and the Gospel spread to the world. Paul was imprisoned for 2 years here and also departed for his 4 historic missionary journeys. We will view the ancient theater and aqueducts before making our way north to Mount Carmel. On Mt. Carmel is a great view of the Jezreel Valley (Valley of Armageddon). From this vantage point we will discuss Armageddon, the 2nd Coming and the future of this Holy Land as well as reenact the remarkable story of Elijah and the Priests of Baal. Following lunch, near Carmel, we travel to Nazareth and from Mount Precipice we will have an amazing view of Nazareth, Mt Tabor and the surrounding area. We will then drive to the Sea of Galilee and check into our hotel. Checking into our Hotel this evening is a joy. Every room is only steps away from the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This evening you can enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening strolling on the Sea shores, or taking a dip in the Sea.

Day 5 (Mon July 24th): BEATITUDES / PETER’S PRIMACY / MAGDALA / YARDENIT
Today we spend our day seeing the sights and sounds surrounding the Sea of Galilee. We begin with a visit to a beautiful overlook of the Sea of Galilee on Mount Arbel. Next we visit the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered. Lunch is a unique experience where those interested can enjoy St. Peter’s Fish. Next we visit Peter’s Primacy where we will discuss John 21. This afternoon we will visit Magdala (birthplace of Mary Magdalene) followed by Yardenit at the Jordan River (Jesus’ traditional baptismal site). We then drive around the Sea of Galilee to our Hotel. Checking into our Hotel this evening is a joy. Every room is only steps away from the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This evening you can enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening strolling on the Sea shores, or taking a dip in the Sea, etc.

Day 6 (Tues July 25th): JESUS’ MINISTRY: SEA OF GALILEE / CAPERNAUM / DAN
Today we explore more of the Galilee area where Jesus spent the majority of His ministry as well as some other significant scriptural sites. Our first adventure of the day is boarding a small fishing boat and crossing the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. On our way we cut the engines & have a short discussion. On shore we’ll visit Capernaum. Next we will drive to the very north border of Israel where we will look over into Lebanon and Syria. We will enjoy a short nature hike to view the ancient city and alter at Tel Dan. Our next stop is at Banias, the ancient site of Caesarea Philippi, where Peter was promised to receive the Keys of the Kingdom and is declares as ‘the Rock’. As we bus our way home we will travel on the Golan Heights where we can look over into Syria.

Day 7 (Wed July 26th): JESUS’ FINAL DAYS: BETHANY (LAZARU’S TOMB / DEAD SEA)
Today we visit and consider the events leading up to the death of the Savior and the final days of His mortal ministry. As we make our way back to Jerusalem we pass through the Green Line and parts of the West Bank and will take this opportunity to discuss the current political situation, borders, and history. As we pass Bet She’an we will consider the ‘Fall of Saul’. We drive by Jericho and then make a stop at the Jordan River (Children of Israel River Crossing and Jesus’ baptismal site). Following lunch we will enjoy a quick visit to Qumran (discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls) and also have the unique experience of taking a float in the Dead Sea. You cannot sink! From here we make our way up to Jerusalem. If it is available and possible we will visit Bethany and Lazarus’ Tomb. We overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 8 (Thurs July 27th): TEMPLE MOUNT / MUSEUMS / RAMPART / BETHESDA
Our morning begins with a visit to the place where Jews believe is the Center of the Universe and where the Spirit of the Lord resides with a visit to the Tunnels at the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. We view the Dome of the Rock, the Wailing Wall, etc. and discuss the past, present and future of that significant site for all three major religions: Jews, Muslims, & Christians. Next we will take a unique walk through the flowing waters in Hezekiah’s Tunnel. After lunch we will visit the unique historical museums in Jerusalem. The Israeli Museum displays the Dead Sea Scrolls and also features the very impressive miniature model of the city of Jerusalem in Christ’s day; The Model City. This afternoon we will enjoy the sights and sounds of Jerusalem by walking on the Old City Walls of Jerusalem on the Rampart. We will then visit St. Anne’s which is the ancient site for the Pool of Bethesda. As we make our way back to the hotel we will be introduced to the shopkeeper that makes LDS scripture covers, necklaces, etc. and after dinner those interested can peruse olive wood carvings from the shopkeepers who have been making LDS Olive Wood pieces for over 40 years.

Day 9 (Fri July 28th): JESUS’ FINAL HOURS: (THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST!)
Today is one of our most significant as we venture through the wonders of the ‘Eternal City’ and retrace the events and sites of the final moments of the Saviors Life! We begin in the Upper Room where the Savior held the Last Supper. From here we trace His steps to the Garden of Gethsemane (Church of all Nations). We next visit Caiaphas’ Palace (St. Peter of Gallicantu) where Jesus went before the Sanhedrin and where Peter allegedly denied Christ thrice. Following lunch we enjoy a stop at the Antonio Fortress (Jesus before Pilate) and from here we will follow the Via Dolorosa (or Path of Suffering), the path Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha. Next we will reflect on the burial & resurrection of the Savior as we visit the two possible sites for Golgotha & Calvary. First we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher [believed site for many Christians] and then the Garden Tomb [where others feel is the true site]. We will discuss the crucifixion and resurrection of the Savior and the majesty of the final moments of His mortal ministry! This evening those interested will view how the orthodox Jews bring in the Sabbath at the Western Wall. We overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 10 (Sat July 29th): MT OF OLIVES / JUDEAN WILDERNESS EXCURSIONS
Today we conclude our tour with one final visit to the Mount of Olives. From the Mt of Olives Jesus officially concluded His mortal ministry on that continent (Acts 1) and fittingly we will in similar fashion conclude our visits here as well. After attending Sacrament Meeting we will begin our journey south by departing Jerusalem and go “down by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea” (1 Nephi 2:5) just as Lehi and his family. As we do so we will be traveling on the road from “Jerusalem to Jericho” and will reflect on a certain parable (Luke 10). We will spend the rest of our day out in the historic Judean Wilderness. This is where Jesus fasted for 40 days, where John the Baptist spent his youth while avoiding Herod’s edict to kill all the infants and where he lived on locusts and wild honey. Today we will actually walk the road from Jerusalem to Jericho through wadi quelt. It also is the location of the Good Samaritan Inn as it is on the road that famous road that goes from “Jerusalem down to Jericho” (see Luke 10). It is also in the area where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoon/evening we will enjoy having a fireside and other meaningful learning activities all while taking advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings in the Judean plains. We overnight in Jericho.

Day 11 (Sun July 30th): BofM BEGINNINGS: WILDERNESS / MASADA / (PETRA)
This morning we will enjoy some repelling and other fun activities in the Judean Wilderness before we will continue our route south retracing Lehi and his family and the events of the Book of Mormon. When we get on the road and head south we will depart the Jerusalem region and go “down by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea” (1 Nephi 2:5). On the way we pass Qumran (discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls) and stop for a picture of the natural spring and waterfall at Ein-Gedi (where David hid from King Saul) and where we most always see ibex. We visit the majestic Masada and gondola to the top and reflect on its remarkable story. From here the group will divide; those continuing on will head southward and cross the border into Jordan (see below). Those returning home will make their way to the airport in Tel Aviv and begin their journey home. As we make our way to the Jordanian border we will discuss Sodom & Gomorrah as we drive through that remains of those ancient cities. We cross the border and make our way up to the fascinating city of Petra, Jordan where we will overnight.

Day 12 (Mon July 31st): FLY HOME!
Those participating in the Israel Only portion will arrive at their homes today.

Jordan Option: $980

Day 12 (Mon July 31st): 7 WONDER OF THE WORLD: PETRA, JORDAN / WADI RUM
This morning we explore Petra, one of the newly voted “7 Wonders of the World.” We will walk down the narrow canyon to the breathtaking view of the Treasury, Petra’s most famous landmark. You will have time to visit this fascinating city carved from the cliffs of the canyon and experience some of the best ruins found anywhere in the world. Petra was once a great commercial empire with a long history, it is best known today as the lost city in the Indiana Jones Movie, The Last Crusade. Following lunch we will venture out into the wilderness and enjoy a Jeep Safari ride into the beautiful desert and conclude the experience by spending the night in tents in Wadi Rum where we overnight.

Day 13 (Tues Aug 1st): EGYPT: SINAI / LIVING THE OLD TESTAMENT / MT SINAI
Those not participating in the Egypt Option will take a shuttle up to the airport in Amman, Jordan and begin their journey home!

Those continuing on to the Egypt portion of the tour will cross 2 borders and make their way down to St. Catherine’s in Egypt. We will orient ourselves to our current surroundings (Red Sea) and review the account of the Exodus as we bus our way through the Sinai. When we arrive we will enjoy a moonlit hike up Mt Sinai (camels are available for those interested in the adventure) where we will enjoy a relaxing evening reviewing the scriptural account of Moses and the Children of Israel on top of the mountain. We will overnight in sleeping bags on top of the ancient temple….Mt Sinai. 

EGYPT Option: $2,650

Day 14 (Wed Aug 2nd) MT SINAI / RED SEA ADVENTURES
We arise very early and enjoy the sunrise on top of Mount Sinai. Our Bedouin friends will make us breakfast on top of the Mountain and then we will enjoy a very special meeting before making our descent. Once off the mountain we will bus our way to one of the very best locations for snorkeling and deep sea diving in the world…Sharm El Sheikh (Ras Mohammed). Arriving at this luxurious resort is a very welcomed experience following our early morning hike. We will enjoy all the amenities and comfort of this 5-star resort for the next day and a half. There will time for deep sea diving, snorkeling, swimming, reading, spa treatments, relaxing, etc. We overnight in Sharm.

Day 15 (Thurs Aug 3rd): RED SEA
This morning we will continue to enjoy the Red Sea. Those who desire can enjoy some of the world’s best snorkeling & deep sea diving and those who are not interested in getting in the water can relax at the resort hotel which has several beautiful pools, a lazy river, spa options, para-sailing, boat adventures, etc. This afternoon those interested can participate in a 4 wheeling experience in the Sinai desert. Other options include a visit to Naama Bay for some shopping and night life, or one can enjoy retiring early and other various options at the resort. We once again overnight in Sharm.

Day 16 (Fri Aug 4th): TEMPLES: (LUXOR & KARNAK)
This morning we take a short flight from Sharm to Luxor. We will first enjoy lunch and then begin our exploration of Luxor where over 60% of the world’s ancient ruins are located. Today we will explore the sites on the East Bank of the river Nile. Our first site is one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and is also one of the largest temple structures in the world; the Karnak Temple. You will truly be amazed at this 64 acre temple. Following dinner we will enjoy an evening visit to the impressive Luxor Temple. These structures are amazing and must be seen to be believed. You might even enjoy these experiences more than the Pyramids in Cairo! We overnight in Luxor.

Day 17 (Sat Aug 5th): PEARL OF GREAT PRICE: (VALLEY OF KINGS / TEMPLES)
This morning we will explore the sites on the West Bank where we will visit one of the most intriguing spots in the world; the “Valley of the Kings” (burial spot for the Egyptian Pharaohs & Queens). You will marvel at the similarities in Egyptian and LDS beliefs and rituals! We will next take pictures of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Collosi of Memnon & Nobels as well as Pit Tomb #33 where the Book of Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price was discovered. We will next explore the Temple of Ramses III. Alabaster is mined near Luxor and we will visit a shop that specializes in hand carving alabaster items. This evening we will take a short flight to Cairo and overnight.

Day 18 (Sun Aug 6th): 7 WONDER OF THE WORLD: (PYRAMIDS & SPHINX)
Today we enjoy a full day touring the sites in Cairo! We begin with the splendor of the famous Pyramids & Sphinx. Those interested can go inside the Pyramid as well as take a camel ride (these have a small extra cost). From here we will make a visit to the Egyptian Museum and explore all the unique items there (including a Rosetta Stone replica and the opportunity to view real live mummies as well as King Tut items). This afternoon we will visit one of the largest mosques in the world; the Mohamed Ali Mosque. This evening we will enjoy our ‘last supper’ together with a short program followed by a short rest in our hotel rooms before making our way to the airport to begin our journey home.

Day 19 (Mon Aug 7th): FLY HOME
Today we arrive at our homes and will be reunited with our loved ones!

ROME Extension Option: $550
(Included; hotels, airport transports, entrance fees. NOT Included: flight from Cairo to Rome-this can very easily be added to your international flight itinerary. We use the Alitalia flight #895)

Day 19 (Mon Aug 7th): ROME: VATICAN / SISTINE CHAPEL / TREVI FOUNTAIN
We arrive early in the morning and make our way to our hotel to drop off our luggage. Next those interested will enjoy a visit to one of the more fascinating places in the world; the historical Vatican City. We will marvel at Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel and be in wonder at St. Peters Basilica. We will explore all we can and again take in some Italian Ice Cream (Gelato) and delicious Italian food. We overnight in Rome.

Day 20 (Tues Aug 8th): COLISEUM / SAN GIOVANNI / FORUM / NEW ROME TEMPLE
Today we will visit the area of the San Giovanni Cathedral, the Sacred Steps, Coliseum, and the Forum. We will also continue to enjoy some of the amazing sites in this historic city; the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piaza Navona, etc. This evening those interested in visiting the newly dedicated Rome Temple can do so. We again overnight in Rome.

Day 21 (Wed Aug 9th): FLY HOME!
Today we make our way to the airport and fly home to be reunited with our loved ones!