Day 3 - Mt. Carmel, Meggiddo, Nazareth and Sepphoris

Today we departed from our Hotel and our first stop was Mt. Carmel. Brian delivered the message of Elijah and his victory over the false prophets of Baal and Asherah. We had time to visit the church there as well as take a rooftop view of the Armageddon valley.

   

We then traveled to Megiddo, a strategic city formerly occupied by the Canaanites (and others) located on the international trade route which connected Egypt to Mesopotamia. Ahab, king of Israel had tunneled through solid rock down to a water supply here. We walked through the tunnel today. We also saw stables, the gates to the city, an alter for child sacrifices, grain bunkers and a wide view of the Armageddon valley.  

   

From here we traveled to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus.  We went to the Nazareth Village where they recreate what the area looked like during the time of Jesus.  We experienced wine and olive presses, carpentry and farm workers, wool processing to make rugs and clothing.  We had a great traditional meal and finalized the visit in the temple with a moving reenactment and lesson of Jesus’ teachings. 

    

                   

Next we visited Sepphoris. Sepphoris, is located in the lower Galilee, halfway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee.  The mosaic tile here was unbelievable and we saw tiles that many call the Mona Lisa of the Galilees.  Our last stop today is at our new hotel at the Sea of Galilee.  We will stay here for two days as we travel the area.