On this tour, we will visit much of the Land of Israel but most importantly, we will follow the footsteps of Jesus; from His ministry in Galilee to His final days in Jerusalem. In each key biblical site, we will enjoy teachings from our hosts and experts at the actual sites being described.
If you make your own flight arrangements, be sure to arrive in Israel in the afternoon of May 17th. Flying from the US is an overnight flight, requiring you to leave on May 16th.
This evening: Meet & greet in our beach front hotel
Today we begin our excursion to the north of Israel, a day rich with history, Scripture, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful reflection.
Our first stop will be Caesarea Maritima, the grand Roman capital of Judea. Built by Herod the Great, this city became the administrative center of Roman rule in the land of Israel. It is mentioned several times in the writings of Josephus Flavius, and archaeological discoveries confirm its importance as a major Mediterranean port. It was from here that the Apostle Paul was sent to Rome. The impressive amphitheater, nearly 2,000 years old, is still in use today—a powerful testimony to the enduring legacy of this remarkable city.
From Caesarea, we will ascend to Mount Carmel. At its peak, known as the Muhraqa, we will reflect on two significant biblical narratives. First, this is the traditional site of Elijah’s dramatic contest with the prophets of Baal. Standing there, we will revisit the story and its spiritual meaning. From the same vantage point, we overlook the Valley of Jezreel—better known as Armageddon. As the valley stretches before us, we will take time to reflect on its prophetic significance and what Scripture teaches about events associated with this place.
We will then continue to Haifa, where we will enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Israel,
overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the city below. The combination of mountain, sea, and skyline
creates an unforgettable scene.
Next, we travel to Acre (Akko), renowned for its extraordinary Crusader history. The city has been extensively excavated, revealing the impressive underground halls of the
Knights who once fought here during the Crusader period. Adjacent to the Old City is the vibrant market, famous for its spices and aromas. Here we will enjoy lunch—hummus, shawarma, falafel, and many other elements of the rich local cuisine.
From Acre, we will head east toward the Sea of Galilee, where we will conclude our day. Tonight, we will
stay at a hotel right on the shore of this historic and deeply spiritual body of water.
After a full and remarkable day—walking through Roman history, biblical landscapes, Crusader fortresses, and Mediterranean beauty—we will rest beside the peaceful waters of the Galilee.
It promises to be an unforgettable experience.
After breakfast we will make our way to the northern border where will arrive to Kibbutz Misgav Am, one of the border communities overlooking Lebanon. We will receive an up-to-date briefing on the situation in the north. We will now drive to Banias – ancient Ceasarea Philippi – where Jesus said “On this rock, I will build my Church”.
Continue to the beautiful Golan Heights before returning back to the Sea of Galilee. Dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, we will make our way to our wooden boat and sail on the Sea of Galilee as the disciples did over 2,000 years ago. The Sea of Galilee, where the Lord calmed the storm and where He made one of the most dramatic miracles, walking on the water. It was here along the shores of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus appeared for a third time after being raised from the dead and asked his disciples to throw their nets to the right side of the boat and caught many fish and where He made the disciples breakfast. We will dock at Ginosar and visit the “ancient Jesus boat”, the remains which dated back 2,000 year and was discovered during a drought in 1986. We continue to the Mount of Beatitudes for an amazing visit and views of the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus spent most of his ministry in what has been called “The Evangelical Triangle”. It is the area covering the biblical cities of Capernaum, Korazin and Bethsaida. Today, we will make our walk through these same biblical cities. Jesus chose to make his home in Capernaum. We will stand in what is left of the synagogue in which Jesus ministered, and where he performed many miracles. It is here that Peter’s mother-in-law lived and was healed. Chorazin (Korazin) next on our agenda, the town that was rebuked by Jesus for its lack of faith. The last stop on the triangle is Bethsaida, the place where Jesus was active as a preacher and healer. We close out our day with the opportunity to be baptized at the Jordan River Baptismal site.
Return back to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, we will make a stop in Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation of the First Century Synagogue and preserved village makes Magdala one of the most interesting Biblical sites in Israel. Now it is time to begin our journey southward to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys.
Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis - a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey” and Israel’s intricate irrigation development from the new Dead Sea Lookout. Visit ancient Jericho, the oldest in the world. To the east of Jericho along the Jordan River Valley (Queser El Yehud) is the Israeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. In this area Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan, as well as where the children of Israel, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land. Drive up to Jerusalem and check into your hotel.
This evening we will partake in a most fervent “Kabalat Shabbat” service – the receiving of the Sabbath service at the Western Wall. Here we will mingle with thousands of Jerusalem Jews in praise & worship, this place is the only remnant of the temple atop Moriah.
This is “a not to be missed event” where young and old worship in song and dance in a way most never experienced before. This will follow with a traditional Shabbat Dinner.
After breakfast, we will make our way down to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea. Driving along the winding road of the Dead Sea we arrive to Masada.
Take the cable car ride up to the mountain top fortress where your guide will treat you to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterward proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat", an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat
Next, we visit Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and then time to enjoy the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea
We make our way back to our hotel
After breakfast, we will make our way to the City of David to see a film, its Canaanite and Israelite ruins, Jeremiah’s Cistern, King David’s palace, an optional walk thru Hezekiah’s Water Tunnel, view recently discovered 2nd Temple road, finishing at the Pool of Siloam where Jesus healed a blind man. Take the new underground tunnel visit the Southern Wall Excavations. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place that Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost.
Conditions permitting we will visit the Temple Mount, with commentary on the Temple Periods, and the variety of belief systems past and present that make this area so valuable.
We will visit the Western Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel, we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders.
After breakfast we will head to Abu Gosh to visit Saxum. A multimedia center the helps us to deepen our knowledge of the Holy Land in an interactive way. You are guided through the main events of sacred history, where the historical, geographical, and biblical contexts are brought together. The experience covers the heritage of the Holy Land from Abraham to the present day, going through the holy places across multiple historical periods.
To better understand the events of October 7th. 2023 we will venture and visit the Gaza Envelope, communities within a few kilometers of the Gaza border. Fortified schools, playgrounds with bomb shelters, and resilient gardens illustrate daily life under constant threat.
Visit Sderot, meeting local residents — children, parents, and elders — sharing personal stories of survival. Walk streets marked by past attacks, seeing both the scars of conflict and symbols of resilience.
Explore kibbutzim affected by October 7 — Netiv HaAsara, Be’eri, Kfar Aza, and Kisufim. Witness damaged structures, memorials, and hear survivors’ raw stories. Pause at the NOVA music festival site to honor young lives lost.
Meet both civilians and military personnel, observing the courage that unites the community. Conclude at a controlled vantage point overlooking Gaza, reflecting silently or praying amidst the view of ongoing conflict.
Latrun - The IDF Armored Division Center
Time permit, we will visit Latrun, Latrun is the fortress that was strategically built on Israel’s main crossroads and throughout history protected the Holy City of Jerusalem. The program features a full army ceremony including the laying of a wreath at the “Wall of Names”, in honor of our fallen soldiers and to pay tribute to our living warriors. Here we will mingle with the young soldiers; we will be briefed by experts who will give us the opportunity to gain a better understanding and insight into the region’s conflict.
Here we will pray for the young heroes of Israel – What a place to pledge our support and solidarity with their/our Godly plight. What a place to pledge our support and solidarity with Israel. Return to Jerusalem and your hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Breakfast at your hotel. Our final day in Jerusalem we will walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. Walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer, and take time for personal reflection is important here
Passing by the Protestant Cemetery, we visit the "Upper Room" just outside the Zion Gate where the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His breast and where later Thomas cried, "my Lord & my God." While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our guide will explain the differing opinions on the route that Christ was led and the actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study.
The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise. Return to your hotel for your final dinner.
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