Explore Porvoo, one of Finland’s oldest towns, and tour the festive family home of national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg. Snowshoe, ice fish or take a polar plunge with your choice of Design Your Day experiences in Rovaniemi. 

Ride by snowmobile into the Finnish countryside, where a rustic log chalet awaits with gingerbread and stories by the fire. Visit a Finnish family in their private forest home to get a taste of Lapland frontier life. 

In Swedish Lapland, try your hand at traditional Sami crafts beside a crackling fireplace. Tour Stockholm’s Skansen open-air museum and sparkling Christmas market. 

Itnerary: 

Day 1 | Arrive Helsinki, Finland

Arrive in Helsinki, a political, intellectual and cultural capital renowned for its fiercely independent artists and architects. The city’s warren of bays, inlets and islands invites guests to wander broad, tree-lined boulevards in search of world-class cultural, dining and shopping opportunities.

Day 2 | Helsinki | Capital City and Medieval Town

This morning, explore Helsinki’s Temppeliaukio Church, an iconic structure hewn directly into solid rock. Continue to medieval Porvoo, one of Finland’s oldest towns. Here, take in the festive atmosphere as you stroll amid traditional wooden shops and houses fully bedecked for the holiday season. Cap off your excursion with a festive tour of the home of Johan Ludvig Runeberg, Finland’s national poet.

Day 3 | Rovaniemi | The Heart of Finnish Lapland

Embark on the Lapland leg of your holiday adventure with a short flight to Rovaniemi, perched on the Arctic Circle. The high Arctic in microcosm, Rovaniemi is renowned the world over as the legendary realm of Santa Claus and his elves. Here, at a secluded lakefront cabin, take your pick from one of these Design Your Day options.

-Try Your Hand at Ice Fishing, learning time-tested tips and tricks from the locals.

-Snowshoe Through the Woods, immersed in the quiet beauty of the untouched wilderness.

-Experience Ice Floating, donning a survival suit for an unforgettable polar plunge in the lake’s Arctic waters.

Back at your hotel, a hearty dinner of Lappish dishes awaits.

Day 4 | Rovaniemi | Sleighing and Snowmobiling

Visit a local reindeer farm to meet the family that has worked on this land for seven generations. After a tour of the farm, hop aboard a reindeer sleigh for a romp through the forest. Then, change mounts for an Arctic snowmobile safari to a remote wooden cabin where you decorate (and taste) gingerbread along with a side of local folklore.

Day 5 | Rovaniemi | A Taste of Frontier Living

Get under the skin of rural Lapland with a visit to Palovaara Farm, home to the Posio family since 1860. Hosted by hunter and fisherman Jakko, explore the family’s generations-long history in the region and tuck into a traditional lunch of game and foraged berries. The rest of your day is free to relax or join your guide for an all-ages visit to Santa’s house.

Day 6 | Swedish Lapland | Sami Traditions

Cross a far-north frontier this morning as you pass from Finnish Lapland into Swedish Lapland. Next, step inside a local family home, where you try your hand at traditional Sami crafts beside a crackling fireplace. After a traditional Swedish Christmas lunch, head to nearby Lulea for your short flight to Stockholm.

Day 7 | Stockholm | One Last Holiday Toast

Stockholm is gorgeous: historic palaces, impressive castles, waterways and bridges, with a soaring ABBA soundtrack over the top. It’s easy to explore on foot, from the cobbled medieval streets of the old town Gamla Stan to the creative district of Sodermalm. Begin your tour with a visit to the Vasa Museum’s restored 17th-century ship. Then, stroll Skansen, an open-air museum of Swedish traditions, which hosts a bustling Christmas market. Take some free time for a bit of last-minute shopping or sightseeing at your own pace. This evening, gather with your fellow guests for a special farewell dinner as you recall the adventures of your festive journey.

Day 8 | Depart Stockholm

Ring in the New Year along the Danube River, with a grand fireworks display in Budapest celebrated from the privacy of your riverboat. Begin with a revealing tour of Munich’s iconic Residence Palace. In Vienna, stroll the stunning halls of Schönbrunn Palace and waltz like a pro with a private lesson in an exclusive local dance school. Explore Slovakian cuisine with a local chef in Bratislava. In the Austrian town of Melk, visit a Benedictine abbey housing a vast library of medieval manuscripts. 

Itinerary: 

Day 1 | Arrive Munich, Germany

Effortless style, warm summers and cold al fresco beers: little wonder Munich is wryly described as Italy’s most northern city. And yet the Bavarian capital is Germany at its most quintessential: the home of lederhosen, rococo palaces and BMW. In this former royal capital in the shadow of the Alps, days can be spent drifting from one world-class art gallery to the next, hitting the boutiques of Maximilianstrasse or idling by the banks of the Eisbach as it ripples through the vast English Garden.

Day 2 | Munich | Casting Off

Today, visit Munich’s Residence Palace, followed by time to explore the city on your own. Then, board your riverboat in nearby Passau. After relaxing in your cabin or suite, meet fellow guests for a cocktail and dinner on board.

Day 3 | Vienna, Austria | Waltzing Along the Danube

Perched on the banks of the Danube, there’s an effortless elegance to the place Beethoven called home. Here, drive the famous Ringstrasse, explore Schönbrunn Palace and step the Viennese waltz in one of the city’s most esteemed dance schools.

Day 4 | Budapest, Hungary | Ringing in the New Year

The Hungarian capital has long been one of Europe’s great powerhouses, and it certainly looks the part – the Danube is the living line between Buda and Pest, the spires of the national parliament shimmering in its surface, the neoclassical dome of St Stephen’s Basilica behind. Take in the city’s main sights, including Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square and the Great Synagogue, followed by a visit to the Parliament building. This evening, the city is illuminated by a spectacular fireworks display as you cruise the Danube on a floating New Year’s Eve celebration unlike any other.

Day 5 | Budapest | New Year’s Day

After a leisurely morning, your ship leaves Budapest with the remainder of the afternoon spent cruising the Danube.

Day 6 | Bratislava, Slovakia | Culinary Adventure

Bratislava’s Gothic old town is offset by Baroque palaces, imposing castles, communist-era apartment blocks and over-the-top statues. Here, see the castle and the "fairy tale" Blue Church. Then, join a local chef for a hands-on cooking class preparing classic Slovakian dishes. After time to explore Bratislava on your own, attend a private cocktail party and chef’s dinner.

Day 7 | Melk, Austria | Palatial Abbey

Arrive in Melk, where you visit its famed Benedictine abbey. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, the abbey allures with soaring gilded towers, an elaborately frescoed church and a vast library of medieval manuscripts. This evening, attend a Captain’s gala dinner on board.

Day 8 | Munich, Germany | Brewery Visit

Return to Passau and disembark your boat for a walking tour of the town. Continue to Munich, where you visit a traditional, family-owned brewery for a tasting and lunch. Tonight, join your fellow guests for a farewell dinner.

Day 9 | Depart Munich

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

Stroll the streets of Strasbourg, home to one of Europe’s most stylish Christmas markets, and taste wines in the Cave des Hospices, the city’s oldest cellar. Venture into the Black Forest to visit Freiburg’s market, exploring the small villages of the Alsace wine route along the way.

Cruise the Rhine River, experiencing exclusive sightseeing in your private small-group vehicle, escorted by your own Resident Tour Director. 

Savor the seasonal wines, cuisine and shopping of Heidelberg. In Cologne, explore the city’s majestic cathedral, browse its bustling market and sample lebkuchen, a traditional holiday gingerbread

Itinerary: 

Day 1 | Arrive Strasbourg, France

The Alsatian capital of Strasbourg delights with its charming neighborhoods, narrow streets, superb eateries, and eclectic mix of medieval, Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture. The city was a major trade hub in the Middle Ages and its marketplaces and squares remain lively today — and never more so than during the holiday season.

Day 2 | Strasbourg | Timeless Christmas Market

Explore Strasbourg in the company of a local expert, followed by a specially arranged tasting at the Cave des Hospices, the city’s oldest wine cellar. Browse the city’s bustling Christmas market before boarding your riverboat.

Day 3 | Freiburg, Germany | Into the Black Forest

Embark on an overland day trip to Freiburg, Germany, gateway to the Black Forest region and site of a bustling Weihnachtsmarkt. After time to explore and shop on your own, cross back into France along the Alsace Wine Road, each village revealing markets and history more beautiful than the last.

Day 4 | Heidelberg | Christmas Within the Castle Walls

The lively university town of Heidelberg with its Christmas markets is an unforgettable setting for a holiday season excursion. Stroll the historic city center under the looming walls of Heidelberg Castle, pausing for a wine tasting paired with lunch. This evening, enjoy a private cocktail party followed by a Chef’s Table dinner, an A&K exclusive.

Day 5 | Rüdesheim and Koblenz | Cruising the Rhine Gorge

Awake in Rüdesheim to stroll the city’s charming Christmas market. Back on board, cruise a postcard-perfect stretch of river, the famous Rhine Gorge. Later, set out on a walking tour of Koblenz and its medieval center, capping things off with a Captain’s Gala dinner back aboard.

Day 6 | Bonn | Christmas Under Iconic Spires

Disembark in Cologne and travel overland to Bonn, the former provisional capital of West Germany. Here, visit the spired Bonn Minster, one of Germany’s oldest churches, and celebrate the life of the great composer at the Beethoven-Haus Museum. Return to Cologne and check in to your hotel in the heart of the city.

Day 7 | Cologne | Beethoven’s Legacy

Cologne is a Gothic masterpiece and cultural hub renowned for its reconstructed Old Town. The city is also home to storied Cologne Cathedral, with its filigree twin spires, gilded medieval reliquary and panoramic river views. Join a local expert for a city walk, followed by a free afternoon to visit the city’s inviting Christmas markets and museums. Tonight, gather at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner.

Day 8 | Depart Cologne

Cruise the Danube River, experiencing nine days of exclusive sightseeing in your private small-group vehicle, escorted by your own Resident Tour Director.

Peruse the finest Christmas markets (Christkindlesmarkts) in southern Germany and Austria, picking out treasures and sipping mulled wine in the intimate company of your small group.

Privately access a World War II art bunker in Nuremberg on an A&K-exclusive experience. Set out on unforgettable excursions designed by A&K, including a private tour of the Hofburg Palace Treasury in Vienna with its glittering jewels.

Itinerary:

Day 1 | Arrive Vienna, Austria

Arrive in Vienna, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your dedicated Resident Tour Director for a welcome dinner.

Day 2 | Vienna - Handcrafted Porcelain

Visit the Belvedere, seeing the stately palace complex, tranquil gardens and its Christmas market. View works by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. Then, enjoy lunch at a Viennese café before a privately guided tour of the Augarten Porcelain Factory. Transfer to your vessel, with priority embarkation. Settle into your premium cabin or suite with an open-air French or walk-out balcony. Enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner on board.

Day 3 | Vienna - A City's Christmas Finery

Privately tour Schönbrunn Palace, enjoy a demonstration in strudel making and receive a private waltz lesson. After lunch, walk Vienna's old town with a local guide. Visit the Imperial Treasury at Hofburg Palace and see St. Stephen's Cathedral. Later, peruse the main Christmas market at the Rathausplatz.

Day 4 | Melk - Palatial Abbey

Arrive in Melk, where you visit the Benedictine abbey, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Originally constructed as a palace, the abbey boasts soaring gilded towers, an elaborately frescoed church and a vast library of medieval manuscripts. Pause for lunch ashore at a local restaurant in the scenic Wachau Valley. Later, enjoy a private pre-dinner cocktail party in the ship's Amadeus Club, hosted by your Resident Tour Director, followed by an exclusive Chef's Highlights dinner.

Day 5 | Passau, Germany - Historic Christkindlemartkt

Arrive in Passau. Take a guided city walk, visiting the Christkindlesmarkt and St. Stephen's Cathedral for a private tour of its famed organ. Linger over an authentic Bavarian lunch with a glass of wine at a charming restaurant. Then, explore the historic center at leisure.

Day 6 | Regensburg - Walking Tour & Market Visit

Walk through Regensburg and visit one of its oldest breweries for a tasting. Tour St. Emmeram's Palace and stroll its Christmas market. Join the captain for a gala dinner back on board.

Day 7 | Nuremberg - Heart of the Old City

Transfer to Nuremberg and privately visit a World War II art bunker, an A&K exclusive. Then, walk through the old town to view its 900-year-old ramparts, Imperial Castle and Palace of Justice. Explore the Christkindlesmarkt, with time to shop or savor homemade gingerbread.

Day 8 | Munich - Bavarian Capital

Disembark in Nuremberg and drive to Munich, famous for its beer halls and beer gardens. Take a guided walking tour of its old town. Visit the Frauenkirche cathedral and Marienplatz, with its bustling Christmas market.

Day 9 | Depart Munich

Transfer to Munich Airport for your departure.

Celebrate Christmas on the Danube River, experiencing nine days of exclusive sightseeing escorted by your own Resident Tour Director. Visit a Benedictine abbey in the Austrian town of Melk and sample mulled wine at a tasting in Dürnstein.

Bask in the uplifting sounds of an organ concert at the Abbey of St. Florian and stroll the aisles of local Christmas markets (Christkindlesmarkts) on just two of the A&K-exclusive shore excursions featured on this journey. Awake Christmas morning in magical Vienna for a tour of the city bedecked in its Christmas finery.

Itinerary:

Day 1 | Arrive Munich, Germany

Arrive in Munich, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Resident Tour Director for a welcome dinner.

Day 2 | Munich - Christmas Crafts

Tour Munich's Old Town and visit the Frauenkirche with your small group. Shop for crafts in the Christmas market. Then, transfer to your riverboat in Passau for priority embarkation. After settling into your premium cabin or suite with an open-air French or walk-out balcony, enjoy a welcome cocktail, followed by dinner.

Day 3 | Salzburg, Austria - Mozart's Home

Join your Resident Tour Director for a full-day excursion to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Stroll the city's historic center, enjoy lunch and explore the Christmas market in Domplatz (Cathedral Square). Also visit the church of Mondsee, and later attend an exclusive Chef's Highlights dinner on board your vessel.

Day 4 | Melk & Dürnstein - Charming Christmas Eve

Disembark by small group to visit the Wachau Valley, with a guided visit to the Benedictine abbey of Melk and a tasting of glühwein (mulled wine) in Dürnstein. A special holiday celebration aboard your ship ends this festive day. Later, you may choose to attend mass in the picturesque village.

Day 5 | Vienna - Enchanted Christmas Morning

Arrive in Vienna this morning to visit Schönbrunn Palace with your small group. Enjoy a strudel-baking demonstration, privately explore the magnificent building with a guide and peruse the palace Christmas Market. After lunch aboard, drive along the Ringstrasse. See the State Opera and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Visit the Imperial Treasury at Hofburg Palace, and stroll through Vienna’s Christmas market. Tonight, mark Christmas with a special A&K-exclusive dinner ashore followed by the Christmas Concert at the Vienna Hofburg.

Day 6 | Bratislava, Slovakia - Historic Old Town

See Bratislava's castle district and Old Town. Visit the Church of St. Elizabeth, known as the Blue Church, and view the historic fortress of the city's Castle District. Enjoy a private cocktail party in the ship's Amadeus Club, hosted by your Resident Tour Director, followed by a gala dinner.

Day 7 | Linz, Austria - Half-Timbered Houses

Explore historic Linz, home of the Linzer torte, and indulge in some samples of the iconic dessert. Then, take a privately guided tour of the Abbey of St. Florian, where you pause for a moving organ concert.

Day 8 | Munich, Germany - Bavarian Panorama

Disembark and drive to Munich, visiting the historic town of Landshut en route. Check in to your hotel, with time to unwind.

Day 9 | Depart Munich

Transfer to Munich Airport for your departure.

Cruise for 17 nights on an extended holiday voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, onboard a luxurious mega-yacht exclusively chartered by A&K. Spend two days in the Falkland Islands to explore this remote archipelago’s colorful history and wildlife. Explore historic, wildlife-rich South Georgia, where you visit spectacular king penguin colonies as well as the gravesite of one of Antarctica’s most intrepid explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton

Celebrate an unforgettable Christmas and New Year’s Eve with spirited onboard festivities while exploring the Southern Ocean. Young guests enjoy additional family programming led by dedicated Young Explorers Guides. Begin your adventure with a one-night stay in Buenos Aires, exploring this fiery Latin city. 

Itinerary:

Day 1 | Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina

Upon arrival in Argentina’s capital, you are met and transferred to the Palacio Duhau — Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. In the evening, gather for a welcome cocktail reception.

Day 2 | Ushuaia - Cast Off on Your Family Adventure

Fly to Ushuaia, your gateway to Antarctica. Here, you might opt for a trek in the Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve before boarding your vessel and cruising out to sea.

Day 3 | The South Atlantic - Welcome Aboard

Awake to your first morning aboard. Today, cruise east toward the Falkland Islands while A&K’s Expedition Team begins its lecture series and the Young Explorers Guides entertain with a host of onboard activities.

Day 4 | The Falkland Islands - Historic Outpost

Today, your Captain may set a course for the remote Falkland Islands, a starkly beautiful sub-Antarctic enclave harboring a wealth of marine and bird life. Conditions permitting, you may visit the historic capital of Stanley or explore its surrounding wilderness.

Day 5 | The Falkland Islands - A Holiday Celebration

Experience a Christmas Day like no other as you continue your exploration of the West Falkland Islands region. Here, you may spot gentoo or rockhopper penguins, or the majestic albatross. This evening, partake in memorable holiday festivities as your vessel is scheduled to sail toward South Georgia.

Day 6 | The South Atlantic - Cruising to South Georgia

Today, your planned course continues toward South Georgia. Time aboard is once again filled with fascinating lectures by your Expedition Team as well as exciting family-friendly programming led by Young Explorers Guides.

Day 7 | The South Atlantic - Sightings at Sea

As you approach South Georgia, deckside wildlife sightings may become more frequent. This stretch of ocean is a treasure chest bursting with life. Scan for seabirds as you keep an eye out for remote islets like the six distinctively pointed outcroppings of the Shag Rocks.

Day 8 | South Georgia - Wildlife Haven

The day’s planned destination is South Georgia, one of the Southern Ocean’s most biodiverse regions. Weather permitting, explore its glacier-carved coves and rugged shores, searching for vast colonies of king penguins, as well as southern elephant and fur seals.

Day 9 | South Georgia - Legendary Footsteps

Today, you might explore sites with your A&K historian as they share tales of the whaling era and the exploits of legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Day 10 | South Georgia - Photographer’s Paradise

A photographer’s paradise, beguiling South Georgia invites you to take your best shot. Conditions permitting, you may visit the southern end of South Georgia, home to fur seals, southern elephant seals and king penguins.

Day 11 | The Scotia Sea - New Year’s Eve Celebration at Sea

Today’s planned course plies the Scotia Sea. As the end of the year approaches, celebrate with onboard festivities and the anticipation of Antarctica.

Day 12 | The Scotia Sea - Antarctic Anticipation

Awake to a New Year’s Day unlike any other as your Expedition Team ushers in tomorrow’s planned landing on the Antarctic continent.

Day 13 | Antarctica - Incredible White Continent

Weather and ice conditions permitting, your Expedition Team takes advantage of the best opportunities for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands in search of gentoo and chinstrap penguins.

Day 14 | Antarctica - The Ride of a Lifetime

If the weather holds, younger guests may get a turn at the tiller of a nimble Zodiac boat. In the evening, capture photos in the stunning Antarctic twilight.

Day 15 | Antarctica - Wondrous Wilderness

Antarctica invites another day of adventure as snowcapped mountains, shimmering glaciers and iceberg-strewn channels compete for your attention.

Day 16 | Antarctica - A Parting Glimpse

Pause to take it all in on this, your final day in Antarctica. Keep your eyes peeled for species that may have eluded you until this point.

Day 17 | The Drake Passage - Storied Seas

Bid farewell to Antarctica as your vessel transits north toward Ushuaia and the Young Explorers enjoy activities with their dedicated guide.

Day 18 | The Drake Passage - Reflections at Sea

While cruising this historic passage, keep an eye out for the giant petrel and the elusive albatross.

Day 19 | Depart Ushuaia

After your scheduled arrival in Ushuaia, disembark and transfer to your connecting flight to Buenos Aires.

For 9 days you will see Caesarea, Megiddo, Nazareth, Cana, Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Magdala, the Jordan River, Masada/Dead Sea Option, Jerusalem, Mt. Zion, the Upper Room, Caiaphas’ High Priest's house, the Temple Mount, the Western Wall, the teaching steps, lighting of the Christmas tree ceremony, Bethlehem, Bethany, Jericho, and much more!

Travel to the Old City at night as the breathtaking story of Jerusalem unfolds on the walls of the Old City in an open-air theatre. Spanning creation to today, you’ll experience an innovative show featuring an original soundtrack, lights, animation, and video to leave you with a fantastic memory under the stars. 

Masada & Dead Sea Tour 

Discover the mysteries of Masada, Herod’s mountaintop fortress and the last stronghold of the Jewish Rebellion against the Romans. Depart your hotel in the morning and journey with your EO Tours Holy Land Guide to experience the history and beautiful views from this UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, visit the Dead Sea after enjoying an included lunch as you end your day floating in the salty, mineral-laden waters.  

Dinner with a Palestinian-Christian Family 

Take part in a special evening and enjoy a dinner prepared by a Palestinian-Christian family. You’ll travel to Bethlehem, where a local family will host you at their table and invite you into their lives. Discover the joy, trials, and everyday life over scrumptious food and riveting conversation with 5–10 of your fellow travelers. 

What's Included

All Inclusive Pricing

First Class Hotels

Breakfast and Dinner Daily

Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches

Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes

Entrance and Program Fees

International Airfare from NY

Overseas Airport Transfers

Administrative Fee

Hotel Gratuities

Itinerary: 

Day 1-December 2 USA to the Holy Land

Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on an overnight flight.

Day 2-December 3 Welcome to the Holy Land

You will be welcomed at Tel Aviv Airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Tiberias, where you will enjoy dinner before retiring for the night.

Day 3 December 4 Caesarea, Megiddo, Nazareth & Cana 

Today’s first stop is Caesarea, a center of the early Christians where an angel visited Cornelius, the first Gentile believer (Acts 10), and where Paul was imprisoned for two years before appealing to Caesar. Look out over Tel Megiddo (also known as Armageddon) to view one of the most significant archaeological sites in Israel. See Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood home (Matthew 2:23). Visit the Franciscan Wedding Chapel in Cana, the site of Jesus’ first miracle.

Day 4 December 5 Sea of Galilee

Explore the Church of the Loaves and Fish at Tabgha, the traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke 9:10). On the Mount of Beatitudes, contemplate the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt. 5-7). Visit Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, and see the synagogue built on the site where Jesus taught (Matt. 4:13, 23). Cross the waters of the Sea of Galilee on a very special boat ride, complete with an onboard worship service. In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene, visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue. Check in to your hotel in Bethlehem tonight.

Day 5 December 6 Lesiure Day (Masada/Dead Sea Option) 

Today, you have free time to explore on your own or you may choose to visit Masada and the Dead Sea (additional charge). Ascend by cable car to Masada, Herod’s legendary mountaintop fortress, which became the last desperate stronghold of the Jewish Zealots against the Romans. You can still look down on the remains of the Roman camps and the siege ramp below. End your day with a dip in the salt and mineral-laden waters of the Dead Sea.

Day 6 December 7 Jerusalem 

Visit Mount Zion and stand in the Upper Room, where Jesus is said to have celebrated the Last Supper (John 13), near the traditional site of the Last Supper (Mark 14). Walk through some of the ancient rooms of Caiaphas' High Priest's house beneath the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. Here, Jesus was held overnight before His crucifixion (Luke 22). Visit the Temple Mount, once the site of the Temple of Solomon. Take time to pray at the Western Wall. Sit on the Teaching Steps where Jesus once taught.

Day 7 December 8 Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qasr El Yehud

In Bethlehem, gaze out over Shepherd's Field and visit the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace (Matt. 1:18-25). Walk through Nativity Square and enjoy the Christmas stalls and the large Christmas Tree. Visit the Church of the Nativity, where the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace is located in the world’s oldest functioning church (Matt. 1:18-25). Travel to Jericho, the world's oldest known inhabited city. Visit the ruins of the ancient city, which was conquered by Joshua (Josh. 6:1, 2, 20), and see parts of the ancient city walls that have been uncovered. From Jericho, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11) and the Judean wilderness. Visit Qasr el-Yahud, the traditional site of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist.

Day 8 December 9 Jerusalem 

Stand atop the Mount of Olives as Jesus did and enjoy a remarkable view of the "Golden City" of Jerusalem. Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:9-12). Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26) among olive trees in the Kidron Valley across from the walls of Jerusalem. View the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle (John 5 1-31). Sing a hymn in the Church of St. Anne, known for its superb acoustics. Visit Herod’s Antonia Fortress, where Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate (Luke 23 1-11). Walk the Via Dolorosa, “the Way of the Cross,” and stand in reverence at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Your final destination allows time for reflection at the Garden Tomb. Enjoy dinner tonight before transferring to the airport for your return flight.

Day 9 December 10 Return to USA 

Enhance Your Journey (optional) 

Wonders of Petra & the Ded Sea

December 10 – Jerash

This morning you will journey across the Allenby Bridge on your way to Jerash, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world. Stroll through the oval piazza and wander along colonnaded streets etched by the wheels of ancient chariots. Stand in the grand theatre where an onstage whisper can be heard in the top row. Continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

December 11 – Madaba & Mt. Nebo

Begin your journey south towards Petra today. Stop in Madaba, the City of Mosaics, to visit the Church of Saint George with its sixth-century, Byzantine, mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites. Continue to Mount Nebo, where Moses caught a glimpse of the Promised Land (Deut. 34).  On a clear day, you can see all the way across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. End your day at the shore of the Dead Sea and check in to your hotel. 

 December 12 - Petra 

Explore the city of Petra. Its entrance passes through a long, narrow gorge known as the Siq and can only be accessed by carriage, horseback or on foot. Once inside the city, marvel at the intricate detail of a city that was cut into the cliff sides of rose-colored rock. Return to your hotel at the Dead Sea for dinner and overnight.

December 13 – Free Morning at the Dead Sea

Enjoy a free morning at your hotel. Cross the border back into Israel and enjoy dinner in Jerusalem. Afterwards, you will travel to the airport in Tel Aviv to begin your journey home.

December 14 – Return to USA