Journey Bible Church “Pathways of Promise” Israel Tour

DAY 1, Departure from the U.S.

The plane lifts off, and with it, your heart soars with anticipation. As you settle in and the world sleeps below, you’re not just crossing time zones – you’re crossing millennia, journeying back to where it all began. Your “My Journey to the Holyland” guide and notebook rest in your lap, ready to capture the moments that will transform your understanding of Scripture forever. But the best part? You’re with friends and family, and individuals you’ll soon call friends.

DAY 2, Shalom and Welcome. Anticipation and Visions!

It’s a sunny and warm afternoon in Tel Aviv as our plane touches down, and suddenly, the Bible isn’t just words on a page anymore – it’s the very ground beneath your feet.

• Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport. Dwight and Anita are joined by tour staff to lead us through the airport to meet our guide, Malkah, who greets us with a warm “Shalom.” Our drive takes us past ancient cities and through modern Tel Aviv, arriving at our 5-star hotel along the Mediterranean Sea.
• Check into hotel, enjoy the sunset during a walk along the beach.
• Welcome dinner and brief orientation

DAY 3, Great Awakenings! Reset Your Clock to Biblical Time

Your first morning in Israel dawns with the cool breeze from the Mountains that saw miracles and battles. Eat from your first expansive Israeli breakfast buffet, then we board our tour coach and listen to a devotional from Pastor Mike.

• In Caesaria, where the waves still crash against Herod’s palace ruins just as they did when Paul stood trial here, we’ll visit Paul’s prison, and explore Herod’s amphitheater and hippodrome, plus famous Roman aqueducts. This is an important New Testament city from which the Gospel spread to both Jews and Gentiles, starting with Cornelius the Centurion who sent for Peter who was in Jaffa.
• Overview of the Valley of Meggido – Armageddon – the ancient battlefield where Scripture says the final battle will unfold. It is for archaeologists perhaps the most important site in Israel, dating from Old Testament times.
• A drive through the Galilee Hills. The center of Christ’s ministry.
• Nazareth Village. Here, you’ll step into a first-century world, complete with villagers in period dress working an ancient wine press that dates back to Jesus’ time, spinning yarn and tending sheep. It’s an open-air living history experience on the original site of Nazareth, reconstructing village life in the time of Jesus. Step into the actual wine press from Jesus’ boyhood!

 

• Mount of Precipice. The cliff where an angry mob attempted to throw Jesus from after his bold proclamation in the Nazareth synagogue. See an inspiring view of Mt. Tabor, the Jezreel Valley, Cana, Nain and more! This is the view Jesus saw.
• Check into our 5-star hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

DAY 4, Along the Route of Abraham and Paul’s “Road to Damascus”

• Tel Dan is our portal to the patriarchal age. An impressive archaeological site with unique remains of the Canaanite and Israelite cities and a Biblical High Place. See the oldest mud-brick gate in the world. Abraham walked through it!

• In sight of Mount Hermon’s snow-capped peak is Banias, whose springs feed the Jordan River with crystal-clear waters.
• Caesaria Philippi, a city of Greek-Roman culture where, amid the pagan temples, Jesus stood at the entrance to “Hades” and Peter proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah. Nearby is the Road to Damascus, on which Paul met the Jewish Messiah.
• Dinner at hotel

DAY 5, In the Footsteps of Jesus – Miracles and Ministry

Today, we visit the “Miracle Triangle” of communities central to Jesus and his many miracles.

• 

  Tabgha Region.  This area is where Jesus called his first disciples from their fishing nets. Central to Jesus’ ministry, so much happened here, including feeding the multitudes nearby and the restoration of Peter after his denials.

• Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter. The morning light dances on the Sea of Galilee just as it did that transformative dawn. At the Church of Primacy, Peter’s declaration of faith echoes across time. See the steps used in Jesus’ day to enter the Galilee boats.
• Mount of Beatitudes invites quiet reflection among gardens overlooking the waters where Jesus taught the multitudes as recorded in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6.
• Capernaum’s ancient stones tell the story of Jesus’ ministry and home base, including his synagogue and Peter’s house, which we can still see today.
• Dinner at the hotel

DAY 6, We are Fishers of Men as we Travel to Jerusalem

• Check out of our hotel for our drive to Jerusalem.
• Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and worship to experience the same waters that carried Jesus and his disciples.
• Gadara is on the eastern shores of the Galilee – the site where Jesus cast demons into swine, which then ran down into the water. We will see their path from the vantage point of our boat –unique to our tours!

• Beit She’an. A major Roman city (above) located at the crossroads between the Jordan and  Jezreel (Yizreel) Valleys. Here you will explore spectacular ruins of the glory that was the Roman Empire, including an amphitheater, Roman baths, shops, and the main pillar-lined “cardo”.
• Jerusalem unfolds like a golden scroll as you ascend the Mount of Olives. View the setting sun over Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.

• Garden of Gethsemane. Its ancient olive trees stand as silent witnesses to His prayers of anguish on the night of His betrayal and arrest.
• Church of All Nations. The architecture and the gold stars on the deep blue ceiling reflect the moods and atmosphere on the night of Jesus’ arrest.
• Check into our 5-star hotel near the Old City. Dinner.

DAY 7 Reflections on What Was to Come for Jesus

• City of David. Here we will see the King’s palace in this important active archaeological dig.
• On Mount Zion, the Last Supper Room and David’s Tomb connect Old and New Testament narratives.
• Enter into the Old City through the Zion Gate.
• Jewish Quarter Cardo stroll to view the architectural, historical, and archaeological points of interest.
• The Western Wall draws you into Judaism’s heart. One of the last remaining walls of the Temple Mount, on which stood the Jewish Temple at the time of Jesus. Today, prayers written on small papers fill ancient crevices. As Friday evening approaches, observe or join the jubilant celebration of Shabbat, where song and dance transform the Western Wall plaza into a scene of pure joy.
• Return to Hotel for Shabbat dinner and learn about true Sabbath rest.

DAY 8, Journey Along the Path of the Passion of the Christ

• Lions’ Gate, also known as St. Stephen’s Gate. Located on the north-east walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.
• Bethesda-Sheep’s Pool. The actual place of the healing of the paralyzed man, who had waited for 38 years for someone to help him into the pool.
• Via Dolorosa path, while we view many historical sites
• Church of Alexander Nevsky. Beneath this Russian Orthodox church is the ancient city wall and its “Eye of the Needle,” and the “Judgment Gate” through which Jesus passed on His way to Calvary.
• Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where 1600 years of devotion permeate the stone walls. Built by the mother of Constantine and recognized as the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion since the early Byzantine period.
• Christian quarter. Free time to stroll and enjoy lunch, the shops, treats and architecture.
• Dinner at the hotel
• Option to join us as we walk a few blocks to the pedestrian area of Ben Yehuda Street to experience Jerusalem coming alive after Shabbat ends. Close to the hotel, it features shops reopening with Israelis and tourists mingling, enjoying live music, shopping, and sipping coffee. Great time for souvenirs and last-minute gift shopping.

DAY 9, Desert Journey of Kings, Scrolls, and Baptisms

• Masada, King Herod’s ancient fortress, occupies a breathtaking, strategic location high on a flat plateau above the Dead Sea. This is where the Jews took their final stand against the Romans in 73 AD.
• Dead Sea stop to learn about biblical prophecy coming to life with new springs of fresh water emerging.
• Qumran Overlook to see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.
• We end the day at the Qasr Al-Yehud baptismal site on the banks of the Jordan River. Baptism opportunity, reflection.
• Dinner at hotel

DAY 10, The Biblical “Heartland” of Ancient Israel – Samaria

• Today we go deep into the Old Testament, starting with a Biblical overview. See the spectacular view of Shechem, Mt. Gerizim (Mt. of Blessing) and Mt. Ebal (Mt. of Curses). You will be able to identify sites where many biblical stories took place.
• Ancient Shiloh still bears the outline of the Tabernacle’s foundation, where the Ark of the Covenant rested for nearly four centuries.  We’ll see it up close and step over countless pottery shards left in testament to countless sacrifices.
• Bethel –Beit El. Time permitting, we’ll see where Jacob dreamed of a ladder to heaven and Abraham worshipped.
• Dinner at hotel.

• Free evening: Have coffee and dessert or a soda on the terrace of the famous King David Hotel down the street or take the elevator at the historical YMCA tower for a stunning view of Jerusalem at dusk (above).

DAY 11, The Big “Dig”: Become an Archaeologist

• Sifting project. Guided by archaeologists, we’ll take part in sifting through archaeological treasures recovered from beneath the First and Second Temples!
• Southern Steps. The original 2,000-year-old steps that Jesus and worshippers climbed to the old Hulda Gates that led to the Temple Mount. From here, Peter baptized the multitudes.
• Wohl Museum, also known as the Herodian Quarters. The site includes 6 ancient houses overlooking the Temple Mount. The homes are from the wealthiest residents and the priestly class of Jesus’ day. The geometrically patterned mosaic floors, frescoes, and costly glassware and ceramics provide a glimpse into the lives of citizens in the days of Herod and Jesus up to the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans.
• Western Wall (Kotel). Return here at a less busy time for personal reflection, prayer, and leave a note.
• The bus can return you to the hotel for a free afternoon or you can stay in the Old City for shopping and exploring.
• Dinner at hotel
• After dinner stroll Jerusalem and enjoy the Nachlaot Neighborhood, Machane Yehuda Market, Montefiore Windmill, or the First Station with new friends–all nearby and within an easy walk.

DAY 12, The Tomb is Empty! Final Reflections on What We’ve Seen

• Garden Tomb, where the reality of resurrection pervades the peaceful grounds. We begin our day here, to share communion here, worship, and here a timely message of new life.

• Israel Museum Second Temple Scale Model. The model recreates Jerusalem of 66 CE on the eve of its destruction by the Romans. Inside the Museum, we’ll see a Roman nail used in crucifixions and other priceless artifacts that shed light on the scriptures.
• Dead Sea Scrolls. View some of the actual scrolls to see how the scriptures have NOT changed.
• If traffic and time permit, stop at Emmaus, where, after the resurrection, Jesus met the two travelers
• Farewell restaurant dinner. Leisurely fellowship for our last evening at a nice restaurant (included) to enjoy our church family and the memories we have made!
• Drive to Ben Gurion airport. Overnight flight.

As your plane lifts off from Ben Gurion Airport, you carry with you more than photographs and souvenirs – you take the living reality of Scripture, experienced through every sense, etched forever in your heart.

Your Tour Includes:

• Deluxe accommodations in 5-star hotels
• All entrance fees to biblical sites, museums, historic sites and special activities
• Breakfast and dinner daily
• Modern, air-conditioned motor coaches
• Our licensed Israeli guide is an archaeologist and Bible scholar who bring Scripture to life
• Personal audio headsets for clear tour guidance
• All transfers and porterage
• Pre-trip orientation materials and study guide
• Special lunch in the Galilee
• Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee

Land price is $4150 all-inclusive and includes:

• 11 days in Israel
• 10 nights (all upgraded lodging) in 5-star hotels
• Custom, personalized Tour Bible Study Guide & Notebook
• Pre-trip consultation and in-person meeting with the Widamans and Bickleys.
• All entrance fees to sites, including national museums, archaeological digs, special events, and more!
• Transfers from airport to hotel
• Air-conditioned premium travel coach with wi-fi
• Licensed tour guide who is a bible scholar, botanist, and archaeologist
• Licensed coach driver (licensed through the Israeli government)
• All breakfasts
• All dinners (with both Israeli and American food choices and drinks)
• Special lunch
• Last night farewell celebration dinner

Not Included:

• Tips for hotel, driver and tour guide
• Lunches while out touring (except included lunches)
• Flights. Most of the group will travel together from Kansas City, but others from around the country may join us for our international departure. Cost of airfare is TBD because airlines do not open up the reservation process until approximately 11 months prior to the flight.
• Travel Insurance
• Personal expenses
• Any fees associated with obtaining a passport or entry visa.

For solo travelers, there is an additional charge for a single room or you can choose to share a room if another solo traveler participates. Families up to three can share a room.

Mobility and physical expectations

The daily itinerary is robust. On most days, we begin between 7:30 and 8:30 and don’t return to the hotel until late afternoon. On some days, there is a fair amount of walking, often over uneven pavement or outdoor rustic areas and trails. While there may be considerable walking on some days, it is broken up by the group stopping for our teachings and archaeological explanations, restroom breaks and lunch. There are also steps in numerous areas.  The tour is not available for individuals using wheelchairs or walkers, or for those for whom walking is a challenge and not a part of their daily routine. If this describes you, contact us and we can help arrange a trip that suits your particular needs and abilities. Between now and the tour, make a point to walk daily for 45 minutes to an hour to build up your stamina. Bring good walking shoes. Sandals are not recommended. We use personal headsets for each guest to hear the pastor and guide. If you use a hearing aid, please let us know.

The itinerary above will change depending on highway detours or opening times of sites. The order of days may change and the order within a day may change due to circumstances out of our control (weather, detours, changed opening times etc.).

For more information call Dwight and Anita at 816-524-4522 or email heartlandtoholyland@gmail.com

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