Holy Land Trust: Fact-Finding Tour

Bethlehem, Israel

HL
Holy Land 360 Tours
  • Email address verified
3 reviews
May 1 - 7, 2023
Group size: 10 - 20
Holy Land Trust: Fact-Finding Tour
Bethlehem, Israel

Holy Land 360 Tours
  • Email address verified
3 reviews

May 1 - 7, 2023
Group size: 10 - 20

About this trip

This tour invites you to see firsthand what is going on in Palestine and Israel.  You will wake up to the smell of freshly brewed Arabic Coffee being prepared daily by your host family before visiting religious and historical sites in the Holy Land. As you travel through the region, you will hear stories from the people who live here and taste the incredible food and cuisine of Palestine. You will meet politicians, clergy, and community leaders, as well as members of peace organizations and activists representing the different sides in this unique Holy Land experience.

Trip Details

Up To Date Curriculum 


Holy Land Trust continues to update its curriculum to reflect the shifting realities on-the-ground. The political situation continues to change, and new research continues to shed light on the culture and history of the region. As an organization, we push ourselves to keep the program relevant to the realities of the present-day.


History

Starting from Biblical times, the Encounter & Study Program charts out the historical moments that have shaped current realities on the ground. We will explore the rise of anti-Semitism, how those acts of violence spurred the Zionist movement, and the resulting development of a program of settler colonialism that displaced some 750,000 Palestinians in 1948. From there, we will examine different resistance movements, examining both violent trajectories and various forms of nonviolent resistance, and how that has led to the current political stalemate.


Cultural

The Holy Land is a land of diversity. While people oftentimes break this down into binary terms – Israeli/Palestinian – nothing could be further from the truth. On this land, we have Palestinian Arabs who belong to a multitude of religious identities – Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and others. There is an Armenian diaspora community with their own unique culture and language they have preserved overtime. There are Bedouin communities and Druze communities that have a very complex relationship within the settler colonial system. We also explore the complexity of the Jewish communities that came to settle on the land from far off places like Iran, Ethiopia, different parts of Europe and the former Soviet Union and how that interplay between these groups leads to interesting dynamics within the Israeli political system. Understanding the ways these groups of people have preserved their culture and heritage over time is crucial to how nonviolent resistance works within systems of oppression.


Political

We organize meetings with the most significant humanitarian and political organizations in the region, including international, Israeli, and Palestinian NGOs. By doing so, we offer participants a broader understanding of the system of settler colonialism and its impact on the native communities. We also analyze the histories and tactics of both international and indigenous resistance movements seeking a just peace.


Cancelation Policy

In the event of cancellation of travel services due to any reason, Holy Land 360 must be notified in writing. Cancellation refunds are determined based on the date of notification in writing. Refunds are as follows:

  • 45 days prior to arrival: 90% of the Tour/service cost
  • 30 days prior to arrival: 80% of the Tour/service cost
  • 15 days prior to arrival: 70% of the Tour/service cost
  • 07 days prior to arrival: 50% of the Tour/service cost
  • Less than 72 hours or No Show: No Refund

Some cancellation and refund policies are out of our control:

  • Refund for hotel payment will follow the hotel's cancellation policy
  • Transportation cancellations will follow the transportation company policy 
  • Flight tickets cancellations will follow the airline's company policy

In case Group/Individual cancels the trip after commencement, the refund will be limited to the amount that we would recover from the hoteliers/ contractors we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation & missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.


Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day & Welcome Activity

Day 2: Nazareth & Haifa

Day 3: Golan Heights & Galilee Region

Day 4: Geo-Political tour of Bethlehem ( Wall & Refugee Camp)

Day 5: Bethlehem

Day 6: Jerusalem

Day 7: Jerusalem

Day 8: Hebron

Day 9: Ramallah

Day 10: Jordan Valley, Dead Sea & Jericho

Day 11: Departure

What’s included

  • Land Transportation
    private air-conditioned motor coach
  • Accommodations
    All accommodations during tour
  • Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Rooms
    Shared double room (Private room available upon request at additional cost)
  • Guides
    Licensed English speaking guide
  • Fees
    All entrance fees to historical sites, parks and museums
  • Speaker Fees
    Honorarium fees for speakers & organizations

What’s not included

  • Air Fare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Meals
    Lunch on Arrival & Departure Day

Available Packages

Trip Price
$2,900
Deposit: $500

Your Organizer


HL
Holy Land 360 Tours
3 reviews
Holy Land 360 offers immersive and experiential tours, providing spiritual, historical, and cultural context often overlooked by other Holy Land tours. Learn from locals, sample the food, and experience the sites and sounds of a land immersed in cultural and religious diversity.

Reviews

Firstly, the team: our guide Hussam was not only incredibly knowledgeable and personable, he had a true Catholic understanding of the Holy Land, which was rather remarkable. We felt utterly looked after and in the safest hands possible. Tom, one of the organisers was truly delightful, helpful and committed to the entire group having a unforgettable experience, which he achieved in abundance. I think everyone needs a Tom in their life! Shaki, our driver was a delight to return to after each visit - A brilliant driver, we always felt safe. Even the driver who collected us from the airport, George, a splendid man. Not to mention organisers, Elias and Said, who were true gems. They would accompany us on evenings, introduce us to the fabulous locals, and made the entire experience a very special and personal one. Father Dean, was a huge contribution to our group. The daily masses and spiritual guidance was one of grace and privilege, thank you Father for being with us on this journey. The hotel and food: Every hotel was utterly fantastic, as was the food each day. Everything was authentic, fresh and delicious; a joy to behold. The Pilgrimage: The daily pilgrimage itself was out of this world. I didn't know what to expect with this being my first pilgrimage and put it this way, I am hooked and incredibly moved by the experience. The unbelievable privilege of walking in Jesus' footsteps is one that words cannot describe. My cup runneth over. I believe every Christian, every human in fact should experience this at least once in their lifetime. It's soul food. Our group: We were part of a group of about 26 people from all over the globe. Building little relationships with these people was completely organic and nothing felt forced. It was just a pleasure to meet everyone, and we gelled incredibly well. I have certainly made friends for life amongst the group including organisers. Overall, the team organised a seemingly seamless and perfect trip. Thank you Holyland 360. You come highly recommended. Jacqueline Paul - Producer/Director BBC/ITV/Channel 4/Channel 5 in UK
By Jacqueline P for Catholic Pilgrimage to the Holy Land on Sep 12, 2023
I think an extra day or two would have been good. Sam brought us so much info, history, geography, theology, politics and the brought Jesus’ life current. It was hard to observe. Food and accommodations were great, loved they gave me a taste of Palestine. I do think mixing religious denominations was a little difficult, but Sam managed it well.
By Betty-Joe G for Catholic Pilgrimage to the Holy Land on Sep 11, 2023
I can't say enough good things about this trip, it was simply excellent. Firstly, the tour agenda was very well organised and clear from day one what we would be doing. Our tour guide was brilliant and brought rich theology into his explanations, the coach driver was excellent and the conditions in the bus were very comfortable. Our accommodation and food were top notch everywhere we went and stayed. The group of pilgrims was diverse and came from a variety of countries and ethnicities, so it was nice to connect with a mix of different people and to journey with them throughout the Holy Land and make new friends! The sites we visited were incredible in their own rights, and offered a range of different experiences from the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem to the quiet and prayerful at Dominus Flevit, each place added its own flavour to the tour. One of the most interesting parts of the experience was gaining a better understanding of the geo-political situation between the Israelis and the Palestinians which is an extremely sad plight, and something I am now better educated on and more interested to learn more, and hopefully bring attention to it to those who are far removed from the region. Fr Dean was a blessing to have to celebrate Mass and to be the chaplain for us pilgrims. Finally, thanks to Tom for being the impetus behind this tour, and who was a steady hand guiding us along the way. This pilgrimage has left me with lifelong memories and will be something that I cherish for the rest of my life as I reflect back fondly and with so much joy on how God called me to the Holy Land to be moved and to be sent back to my home so that I can be a better witness to Christ and all the wonderful things He has done for us.
By Daniel T for Catholic Pilgrimage to the Holy Land on Sep 05, 2023
Thank you Daniel! It was such a blessing to get to know you and know call you friend!
By Holy Land 360 Tours on Sep 05, 2023
HL