2025 Holy Land Tour

Depart LAX

Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Megiddo, Cana & Nazareth Visit the Roman Aqueduct and Theatre at Caesarea, a center of early Christianity where Paul was imprisoned for two years (Acts 10). View Mount Carmel, the site of Elijah’s victory over the prophets of Baal (I Kings 18). Travel the ancient caravan route through the Jezreel Valley to Tel Megiddo, an exciting archeological dig with layers of twenty different cities built on top of each other. Visit the Franciscan Wedding Chapel in Cana, the site of Jesus’ first miracle, before continuing to Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood home (Matthew 2:23).

Sea of Galilee In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene, visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue. Visit Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, and visit the synagogue built on the site where Jesus taught (Matthew 4:13, 23). On the Mount of Beatitudes, contemplate the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7). Explore the Church of the Fish and the Loaves at Tabgha, the traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17). Enjoy a traditional St. Peter’s Fish lunch. At Kibbutz Nof Ginosar, see the 2,000-year-old “Ancient Boat,” a rare example of the kind of boat Jesus might have sailed. Remember your baptism at the Yardenit Baptismal site, where the Jordan River exits the Sea of Galilee on its journey southward (Matt. 3).

Northern Galilee At the ruins of Tel Dan, see the altar built by King Jeroboam I (I Kings 12:25-30) and learn about where the “House of David” fragment from the First Temple Period was discovered. Continue to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter told the Lord, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!” (Matt.16: 16). A scenic drive along the Golan Heights will give you some beautiful views of Syria and Jordan, as well as, Israel. Look out from Mount Bental over the valley that leads to Damascus. Saul would have his life-transforming vision on his way there (Acts 9). Worship as you sail across the Sea of Galilee.

Jordan River, Qumran & Dead Sea Visit the baptismal site of Qasr el Yehud, where tradition says Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. In the distance, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). Continue to Qumran, the site of the Dead Sea Scroll discovery. End your day with the opportunity to take a dip in the mineral-laden waters of the Dead Sea.

Massada, Ein Gedi, Jericho & Bedouin Dinner Ascend by cable car to Masada, Herod’s legendary mountaintop fortress, which became the last desperate stronghold of the Jewish Zealots against the Romans. You can still look down on the remains of the Roman camps and the siege ramp below. Hike through Ein Gedi, where David hid from King Saul (1 Samuel 24). Head to Jericho to visit the ruins of the ancient city Joshua conquered (Josh. 6:20). Off in the distance, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matt. 4:1). Tonight, enjoy a special Bedouin dinner in the wilderness and a camel trek in the desert.

Mt. of Olives & Mount Zion Stand on the Mount of Olives for a remarkable view of Jerusalem (the Golden City); Jesus stood here before ascending into heaven forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:9-12). In the Kidron Valley across from the walls of Jerusalem, pray as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36). Continue to Mount Zion to visit the House of the High Priest Caiaphas, where Jesus was questioned the night of His betrayal (Matt. 26:57). Recall the events of the Last Supper as you visit the traditional location of the Upper Room (Mark 14:12-26). Visit the Garden Tomb, share communion together and experience the reality of the Resurrection (John 20).

Jerusalem After breakfast, you will head to the Western Wall Tunnel to see the foundation stones and southern steps of the Temple. Pastor Dave will teach on the same steps that Jesus did, and you will walk the Temple Mount (conditions permitting) once the site of the Temple of Solomon is home to the Dome of the Rock. Pray at the Wailing Wall. Explore the Davidson Center and the Southern Wall Excavations and its a magnificently beautiful archaeological garden. Wander through the excavations of the City of David. Explore Hezekiah’s Tunnel, an amazing engineering feat that was dug from either end and met in the middle! (Note: Those who are claustrophobic may want to meet the group at the other end of the tunnel!). Visit the Pool of Siloam, recently uncovered at the foot of the City.

Old City and Bethlehem This morning, enjoy a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem along the Cardo, once the city’s main street. View the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle (John 5:1-18). Sing a hymn in the Church of St. Anne and experience its rich acoustics. Visit Herod’s Antonia Fortress, where Jesus appeared before Pontius Pilate (Luke 23:1), and follow in Christ’s steps on the Via Dolorosa (“the Way of the Cross”). At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, take time to reflect on His sacrificial love. In Bethlehem, visit the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace and see the Church of the Nativity constructed over the site (Matthew 1:18-25). Gaze out over Shepherds’ Field before returning to Jerusalem.

Shiloh, Yad Vashem and Israel Museum Visit Shiloh, the newly refurbished and rebranded Tel of Shiloh, where the archeological remains of the Tabernacle Lie. This visit includes the newly finished visitor’s center, a viewing station, and an interactive multi-media presentation in which visitors can pick any number of historical guides to give explanations of different parts of the ancient site. In Jerusalem, visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Memorial, with its poignant exhibits honoring the lives lost during the Holocaust. Explore the Israel Museum and its First Century Model of the City of Jerusalem. Another highlight is the museum’s Shrine of the Book exhibit showcasing the Dead Sea Scroll book of Isaiah.

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