Today we embark on our thrilling Journey to Israel! Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience filled with wonder and discovery. Our overnight flight sets the stage with delightful dinner service and captivating movies to enjoy. Make sure to get some rest, as tomorrow you will be walking where Jesus himself walked! Imagine the stories that surround you as you explore the ancient paths.

While we plan each journey carefully, itineraries and site visits may change due to local conditions. Any adjustments will be made thoughtfully and with the heart of the journey in mind.

Today we depart for Israel and begin our journey to the land of Scripture. As we travel overnight, take time to rest and prepare for the days ahead. Tomorrow, we arrive in the land where the biblical story comes alive.

We board our deluxe air-conditioned coach and head to our hotel.

Our journey begins in Jaffa, a port city deeply woven into the biblical story. Scripture speaks of Jaffa as a gateway—used in the days of Solomon, the departure point of Jonah, and later the place where Peter witnessed God’s unfolding plan to bring the Gospel to both Jew and Gentile. Here, we reflect on God’s sovereign movement through history and His heart for all nations.

We continue north to Caesarea, where Roman power once dominated the coast and where the early Church took a decisive step forward. Standing in the amphitheater where Paul defended the faith, we also remember Cornelius—the first Gentile believer—and the moment when the Holy Spirit confirmed that the Gospel was for all people.

Traveling along the Mediterranean coast, we arrive at Mount Carmel, the site of Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal. This is a place that calls us back to decision and faithfulness—where God revealed Himself as the living God in the midst of a divided people.

From there, we pass through Cana and Nazareth, setting the stage for Jesus’ early life and ministry, before arriving at the shores of the Sea of Galilee. This region will serve as our base for the next two nights as we step into the heart of Jesus’ teaching and ministry

We begin the day along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, sharing breakfast before stepping onto the water for a quiet boat ride. This time on the Sea creates space for reflection and worship, setting the tone for a day centered on the ministry of Jesus.

From there, we travel to Capernaum, where Jesus made His ministry home. We visit the remains traditionally associated with Peter’s house, where Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law, and the nearby synagogue where He taught. Just a short distance away, we continue to Tabgha, remembered as the place of the feeding of the five thousand.

Lunch provides an opportunity to enjoy local Galilean fare, including the traditional St. Peter’s fish (lunch not included).

We then ascend the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Here, we reflect on His words in the very landscape where they were spoken.

The day concludes as we travel north to Caesarea Philippi, the setting of Peter’s declaration: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” It is here that Jesus spoke of building His assembly, declaring that the gates of hell would not prevail against it.

We return to the Sea of Galilee for the evening, carrying the weight and clarity of a day spent in the heart of Jesus’ teaching and ministry.

We begin the day at Mount Arbel, taking in sweeping views of the Galilee and reflecting on the region where much of Jesus’ ministry unfolded. From here, we travel to Yardenit, a baptismal site along the Jordan River, where we pause to consider themes of repentance, renewal, and obedience woven throughout Scripture.

Continuing south, we arrive at Beit Shean, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in Israel. This site also carries deep biblical significance as the place where the bodies of King Saul and his sons were taken down by the men of Jabesh Gilead—a powerful moment of loyalty and honor recorded in the closing chapters of 1 Samuel.

We then travel through the Jordan Valley, following the natural and biblical route that leads upward toward Jerusalem. This ascent marks an important shift in the journey—both geographically and spiritually.

The day concludes in Jerusalem, where we arrive at the Western Wall (the Kotel), the last remaining wall of the Second Temple. Here, we pause to reflect on the weight of history, worship, and longing tied to this sacred place before sharing a meal and resting for the night in the city at the heart of the biblical story.

We begin the morning in City of David (Ir David), at the Gihon Spring, where we explore the earliest foundations of Jerusalem and reflect on King David’s establishment of the city. Walking this area brings clarity to how Jerusalem first emerged as the center of Israel’s story.

From here, we make our way through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, emerging at the Pool of Siloam—a site tied both to Israel’s survival and to Jesus’ ministry of healing.

We continue to the Southern Steps, located at the base of Mount Moriah. These were the very steps pilgrims ascended as they entered the Temple, and where the early Church gathered following Pentecost. Here, we reflect on worship, gratitude, and obedience, recalling the moment when thousands responded to Peter’s message and were baptized, marking the birth of the early Jewish believers in Messiah.

Leaving Jerusalem, we travel to Bethlehem, where the Word became flesh. We visit the Church of the Nativity and Shepherd’s Field, reflecting on the humility and promise surrounding the birth of Jesus.

As evening approaches, we return to Jerusalem to welcome Shabbat at the Western Wall. Here, we pause to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and enter into the rhythm of rest, worship, and remembrance that has marked this city for generations.

The day begins on the Mount of Olives, where we take in a panoramic view of Temple Mount and Mount Moriah, the place long associated with God’s covenant purposes. From here, we begin the descent along the Palm Sunday path, retracing the steps of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. As we walk, we reflect on the words once shouted by the crowds—“Hosanna”—and consider their meaning in light of the days that followed.

We spend time in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus wrestled in prayer and submitted fully to the will of the Father. This is a place for quiet reflection, remembering the obedience of Christ and the cost He willingly embraced. Nearby, we visit Dominus Flevit and the Church of All Nations, each marking moments of deep sorrow and compassion in the final days of Jesus’ earthly life.

We then enter the Old City of Jerusalem, visiting St. Anne’s Church and the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the man who had been unable to walk for decades. From there, we walk the Via Dolorosa, following the path traditionally associated with Jesus’ journey to the cross, culminating at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, long revered as the site of the crucifixion and resurrection.

The day concludes as we return to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and rest, carrying with us the weight, gravity, and hope found along the path of the cross.

We begin the day descending into the Dead Sea region, the lowest place on earth. From here, we ascend to Masada, the mountain fortress overlooking the Judean wilderness. Traveling by cable car, we explore this historic site and reflect on its role in Jewish history, considering themes of faithfulness, endurance, and costly devotion.

We continue to Ein Gedi, whose name means “Spring of the Goat.” This lush oasis along the western shore of the Dead Sea stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding desert. Here, we reflect on the life of David—who spared Saul in these very caves—and on God’s provision and deliverance in times of wilderness and waiting.

Nearby, we visit Qumran, overlooking the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This site invites reflection on the preservation of Scripture and the long years of waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

The day concludes with time to experience the Dead Sea, where we enjoy the unique opportunity to float in its mineral-rich waters—bringing a fitting close to a day shaped by desert, silence, endurance, and the faithfulness of God.

We begin the morning at Beit El, where Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven and received God’s reaffirmation of covenant and promise. Here, we reflect on God’s faithfulness and His continued presence in the unfolding story of the land.

We continue to Nebi Samuel, traditionally associated with the prophet Samuel, overlooking Jerusalem and the surrounding hills. From this vantage point, the geography of Scripture comes into focus, reminding us how closely the land and the biblical narrative are intertwined.

Traveling through Beit Shemesh, an area connected to the period of the Judges, we then journey toward Israel’s southern region. We pause near the Gaza border to acknowledge the events of October 7, reflecting on the tragic loss of lives and unprovoked violence that took place that day. This is a solemn moment for prayer, remembrance, and compassion, approached with sobriety and respect.

We conclude the day in the Valley of Elah, where David confronted Goliath. Standing in this valley, we reflect on faith, obedience, and the reality that victory belongs to the Lord—not through strength or weapons, but through trust in Him.

Returning to the hotel, we share dinner and spend the evening in devotion, fellowship, and thoughtful discussion, allowing the weight of the day to settle as we reflect together on Scripture, history, and faith.

We begin the day on Mount Zion, where we visit the site traditionally associated with the Upper Room—the place of the Last Supper and the gathering of the disciples following the resurrection and Pentecost. Nearby, we also visit the traditional location of the Tomb of King David, reflecting on the Davidic line through which God’s redemptive plan unfolded.

From Mount Zion, we continue to the House of Caiaphas, where Jesus was held and mistreated before His trial. This is a solemn place, inviting reflection on repentance, obedience, and the cost of our redemption. Here, we take time for worship, prayer, and remembrance of the price paid for our spiritual freedom.

We then walk through the Kidron Valley, a route central to Jerusalem in the time of Jesus and closely tied to the final days of His earthly ministry. Our journey continues to Golgotha and the Garden Tomb, where we share Holy Communion. Here, we reflect on the cross and celebrate with quiet joy the victory of the resurrection and the hope secured through Christ.

Later, there is time to explore the Old City markets at your own pace before we gather for a farewell dinner (not included).

We return home with lasting memories, new friendships, and a renewed love for Scripture—often already dreaming of returning to the land.