Bible Land Tour for
Returning Pilgrims

Depart North America via jet service to Tel Aviv, Israel. Meals will be served in flight.

Meet Eran at Ben Gurion Airport and drive to Jerusalem. Before checking into our hotel, we will visit the Chapel of the Ascension, the traditional site of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. We will also make a short visit to the cave beneath the Church of the Eleona, one of the earliest churches in the Holy Land, where, according to tradition, Jesus taught His disciples the Lord’s Prayer. We will conclude with a spectacular view of the Old City from the top of the Mount of Olives. Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem

We will begin our day walking from the slopes of the Mount of Olives, along the Kidron Valley, following the ancient pilgrims’ route. We will continue to the City of David National Park, visit the Pool of Siloam, and walk up the recently opened Pilgrims’ Road toward the Old City. Continue to Samaria for an archaeological tour of Ancient Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stood for 369 years and where Hannah prayed for a son. After lunch at Shiloh, we will continue to Joseph’s Lookout over Shechem, the “uncrowned queen of the Land of Israel.” Drive back to Jerusalem and stop at the Western Wall to experience the “Kabbalat Shabbat” before returning to our hotel. Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem

Drive south along the ancient Way of the Patriarchs toward Hebron, stopping at the Thousand-Meter Lookout for a spectacular view of the region. Continue to the Cave of the Patriarchs, where, according to Genesis, the Patriarchs and Matriarchs were buried. Return to Jerusalem and, after lunch, visit the Israel Museum for a tour of the Biblical Archaeology Wing. Those interested may continue for some free time in the Old City. After dinner, we will experience the Night Spectacular, the audiovisual show at the ancient Tower of David. Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem

After checking out, drive to the Judaean Foothills and visit Tel Beit Shemesh, where we will discuss the journey of the Ark of the Covenant and the story of Samson. Continue to Tel Azekah for a lookout over the Elah Valley, where David fought Goliath. Visit Tel Lachish National Park, the second-most important city in the Kingdom of Judah, which the Assyrian Empire conquered. After a picnic lunch, continue south to Tel Sheva National Park for a view of Beersheba and the Negev. If time permits, stop at David Ben-Gurion’s Tomb at Sde Boker, overlooking the beautiful Zin Valley. Continue to our hotel on the edge of Makhtesh Ramon. Overnight: Beresheet Hotel, Mitzpe Ramon

After checking out, drive south through the spectacular landscapes of Makhtesh Ramon. Continue along the Arava Road to Timna Park, where we will see Solomon’s Pillars and the ancient copper mines dating to the time of Solomon. Stop for lunch at the oasis of Yotvata, one of the stations where the Israelites camped during their wilderness journey. Continue to Eilat, Israel’s resort city on the shores of the Red Sea. Visit Coral Beach Nature Reserve, home to the northernmost coral reef in the world. Those interested can join a snorkeling tour of the beautiful reef. Overnight: Queen of Sheba Hotel, Eilat

Those interested can join an optional full-day tour to Petra, Jordan, departing early in the morning and returning in the evening. The rest of the group will enjoy a relaxing day with Eran in Eilat. We will take a three-hour yacht cruise on the Gulf of Eilat, with sunbeds, a BBQ lunch, and swimming in the Red Sea. Enjoy a free afternoon in Eilat, with time to explore the city or simply relax at the beach or by the pool. Overnight: Queen of Sheba Hotel, Eilat

After checking out, take an early morning flight from Ramon Airport to Ben Gurion Airport and continue north to the Galilee. Visit the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, commemorating the Annunciation to Mary. After lunch in Nazareth, visit the Synagogue Church, where, according to tradition, Jesus preached in the synagogue. Continue to Magdala and visit the recently excavated ancient harbor. Toward sunset, enjoy a boat ride on the lake in electric boats modeled after the Jesus Boat. Overnight: Magdala Hotel, Sea of Galilee.

Begin the day at Tel Hazor National Park, one of the most important biblical archaeological sites, where we will see the Canaanite palace, Solomon’s Gate, and the ancient water system. Continue to Gamla, the Jewish capital of the Golan in the time of Jesus, destroyed by the Romans during the Great Revolt. Enjoy lunch at Maya and Eran’s home in the Golan Heights. After lunch, visit Aniam and meet local residents to learn about life in the Golan. Continue to Hippos (Susita) National Park, the “city on a hill” overlooking the Sea of Galilee and one of the cities of the Decapolis. Overnight: Magdala Hotel, Sea of Galilee

After checking out, drive to Rosh Hanikra, the biblical “Ladder of Tyre,” where we will learn about the Phoenicians and visit the spectacular sea grottoes. Continue to Acre, one of the oldest and most famous port cities in the world. Visit the Crusader Knights’ Halls, the historic British Prison, and the colorful market and ancient harbor. Continue south to Haifa for a view of the Baha’i Gardens and Haifa Bay. Drive to Tel Aviv, Israel’s largest metropolitan center, and enjoy free time around Magen David Square, with the Carmel Market, the Nachalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Fair, and Tel Aviv’s famous boulevards nearby. Overnight: Herods Hotel, Tel Aviv

Enjoy a free day in Tel Aviv to explore the city, walk along the promenade, or relax on the beach. Eran and the hotel concierge will be happy to offer suggestions. In the evening, we will meet for our Farewell Dinner before transferring to Ben Gurion Airport for our flight home. Overnight: Herods Hotel, Tel Aviv

Return home with your heart full of beautiful memories of the Holy Land.