***Day 8***

Judaean Desert

• Masada
• Dead Sea
• Qumran
• Jericho
• Qasr al Yahud Baptismal Site 
• St. George's Monastery at the Wadi Qelt

We will travel over the top of the Mount of Olives and into the Judaean wilderness where the Mediterranean climate turns hot and dry in a few short miles. We will wind our way down the Jericho road to the Dead Sea and Herod’s mountaintop fortress that became the last stronghold of the Jewish Rebellion against the Romans. Ride the cable car to the top to explore. Peer down upon the remains of the Roman camps and siege ramp below. 

Stop by the shores of the Dead Sea for a quick dip in the salt and mineral laden waters or lather up in the therapeutic mud. 

Travel to Qumran, site of the Dead Sea Scroll discovery, to discuss the mysterious community of Essenes who once lived on the shores of the Dead Sea.

Cave where some of the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. 

Travel to Jericho and visit the ruins of the ancient city, which was conquered by Joshua.                 (Josh. 6: 1, 2, 20).

From Jericho, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matt. 4: 1-11). 

At the Qasr al Yahud Baptismal Site on the River Jordan we will recall the baptism of Jesus and those who wish to be baptized will have that opportunity. 

Group that were baptized in 2013

Even today, the road from Jericho to Jerusalem twists for miles as it climbs from below sea level into the Judean Mountains. Jesus traveled the nearby Roman road, the setting of His parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 30-36).

On the way back to Jerusalem we will stop at the Wadi Qelt to view St. Georges Monastery. Many believe this is the site of the Prophet Elijah was sustained by ravens. 1 Kings 17: 1-6. The Wadi is also thought to be the setting for the "Valley of Death in Psalm 23