holy land trip 2024

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Tours to the Holy Land: Trips & Israel Tour Packages 2024, 2025

"Every place we visited was breathtakingly beautiful, with stunning landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. We highly recommend visiting Israel to anyone who wants to experience an unforgettable journey. We had a life-changing time there and are already planning to return." Simon L. and Beatriz G. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024 "I had a wonderful time in Israel. I felt while I was there the precautions that were taken for our safety were well in hand. I still got to experience many holy sites and be blessed by walking the path that Jesus walked. Every day was started in prayer, singing, or scripture reading which also extended the blessing of the trip." Quincie L. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024

Our Israel tours & Holy Land tours of 9-24 days for the Evangelical Protestant Bible believer are what Pilgrim Tours does best. Prepare yourself for a life-changing journey to walk where Jesus walked and visit Jerusalem, Galilee, & Samaria. Each of our Israel tours is led by a local guide who is an experienced expert on the historical, cultural, scenic, and spiritual history of the Holy Land. If you travel with 10 or more people, a private group tour can easily be arranged. Pilgrim Tours can customize an itinerary to fit your group needs with many options to choose from.

Concerned about safety? As a Christian tour operator, the staff at Pilgrim Tours takes a Biblical perspective regarding the current situation in the Middle East. We do not believe that peace in Israel is something that will occur until the Prince of Peace comes to restore His kingdom. Please do not make a reservation with us based on the hopes of a calm future. If you long for the special blessings only available in Israel, we will take you there. An expert driver and guide will carefully keep you from any areas that could present a problem and treat you to the riches of Israel as our special guest.

Below is a large variety of Israel tour packages departing in 2024 and 2025 year-round.

View Our New Israel Tour Highlights Video! Click Here

Reserve your tour at least 6 months in advance for an early booking discount, groups and parties of 6 or more click here for special rates, scheduled 2024 & 2025 israel tours.

View our Israel tours ranging from 9-24 days.

Take a tour of a lifetime and bring the Bible to life.

Featured Sites in Israel

Explore a vast selection of beautiful historical and Biblical locations throughout Israel with our Israel Holy Land tour. You can visit Jerusalem, Galilee, and parts of Samaria, getting the life-changing opportunity to see where Jesus and many other Biblical figures lived and walked. We even offer Holy Land tours that allow you to see the Dead Sea, the Garden Tomb, and the Jordan River Baptism Site. Like all of our Europe tours , our Israel Holy Land tours are led by local guides who have extensive knowledge of the area and its history. If you want to experience the history of Israel and see the Bible come to life, our Holy Land tours give you that opportunity.

The city of Jerusalem offers a unique convergence of Judaism, Christianity, and the Muslim faith. For Christians who visit Jerusalem, you will learn about many stories of the Bible while walking her streets. Many actors in the Bible such as Abraham, King David, King Solomon, the twelve disciples and Jesus all lived, visited, or spent time there. The Passion week of Christ will be highlighted during our stay as we visit the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Western Wall, the Way of Suffering, and the Garden Tomb.

Sea of Galilee

Nowhere in Israel does the Bible come to life more than along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Pilgrims who visit the Galilee region have the opportunity to imagine what life was like 2,000 years ago and what Jesus and the twelve disciples experienced while fishing on the Sea of Galilee. The peaceful setting and the natural wonders of the Golan Heights to the east and Mt. Arbel to the west make for a great way to start your morning in quiet reflection. During our tour, we explore the Biblical towns of Capernaum, Magdala, and Nazareth and take a meaningful cruise on the Sea of Galilee.

The Dead Sea is not only the lowest and most lifeless lake in the world, but also nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean. Travelers will enjoy the beautiful colors of the blue water and the red mountains of Jordan to the east. Take time to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Dead Sea “float” either in the sea itself or at one of the warm salt water pools at our hotel. The Dead Sea experience is truly a bucket list visit you won’t want to miss!

Garden Tomb

Our visit to the Garden Tomb and its surrounding gardens is normally one of the highlights of our tour to Israel. The Garden Tomb is a rock-cut tomb in Jerusalem that was unearthed in 1867 and is considered by some Protestants to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. Our visit offers a unique time of prayer, reflection, communion, and praise, which will be a special life-long memory for many travelers.

Jordan River Baptism Site

The Jordan River Baptist Site or “Yardenit” is a baptism site located along the Jordan River just south of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. This site is frequented by Christian Pilgrims who enjoy imagining the setting of the baptism of Jesus. For anyone who would like to be baptized in the Jordan River, Yardenit has been developed to be a peaceful setting with beautiful gardens, clean colored water, changing facilities, showers, and a nice souvenir shop.

Caesarea Philippi

To many Pilgrim travelers, Caesarea Philippi is a special surprise while on their tour. Located along the rushing springs of Mt. Hermon, the beautiful and natural setting is where Jesus asked his disciples “Who do men say that I am?” He asked this question while observing the pagan worship of the god Pan as worshipers offered their sacrifice at the “Gates of Hell.” Our time at Caesarea Philippi is one of many opportunities throughout our tour to see the lessons and message of the Bible come to light in a special way.

Israel Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month for the Holy Land tour?

Taking a trip to Israel during the spring or fall offers the most enjoyable weather of the year but normally has the largest crowds. If you want to enjoy a peaceful tour with fewer crowds, consider visiting between December and February or June and August. We offer Israel and Jordan tours throughout the year, so you can select a trip that works for your schedule.

How many days do you need for a Holy Land tour?

We offer several types of tours of the Holy Land, so the duration of your tour depends on the tour package you choose. The Best of Israel Tour is our most basic offering and includes a Sea of Galilee boat ride, a trip to the Jordan River Baptism Site, the Dead Sea, and many opportunities to walk on the same land Jesus walked on. This is our shortest trip at just 9 or 10 days. Our most involved trips allow you to experience a wide range of historical locations over the course of a few weeks. Egypt tours are included in some of these packages, as well as tours in Greece and other countries. These tours can take up to 24 days, giving you the chance to spend an extended period of time learning about and visiting different parts of the world. From our Turkey tours to all of our Israel Christian tours, all of our tours feature a first-class hotel rating for the country you visit. We do offer some upgraded tours that offer better lodging options. You can review our hotel categories at https://www.pilgrimtours.com/company/hotelcomparison.htm . Check out any of our tours to view a day-by-day itinerary and see what amenities are included with each tour.

What is the dress code in Israel?

The dress code in Israel is different from other parts of the world. There are a few dress code basics you should understand before booking Israel tours: When you’re in Israel, there is no strict dress code. You can wear what you feel comfortable wearing. However, both men and women should try to dress conservatively and cover their shoulders and knees when visiting any of the religious sites throughout Israel. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid tank tops and shorts. Men need to cover their heads when visiting the Western Wall. Pilgrim Tours provides a Pilgrim Tours ball cap upon arrival in Israel, but you might consider purchasing an affordable kippa that you can bring when you visit Jewish sites. Some places may offer a free kippa, but these are generally low quality. (Women are not required to cover their heads at any sight.) You can figure out what you need to pack and how to dress each day by looking at the itinerary for our Holy Land tours. Guides normally offer guidance on how to dress for the next day while on tour. We also suggest looking at the extended weather forecast as you prepare and pack for your trip.

Is there a lot of walking involved on an Israel Tour?

Our Israel tours do require a significant amount of walking each day and you should be able to walk unassisted 3-4 miles per day on average. Make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes that provide adequate support. While there are bus and boat rides during these tours, you have to walk quite a bit to explore some of the Biblical sites. Our tour guides normally give the group a few options at sites for those that have physical limitations. One thing to keep in mind is that there are many hills and valleys in Israel which can make walking even more taxing. The amount of walking you have to do may vary based on the tour you take, so look at the itinerary before choosing your tour. The good news is that Israel is a beautiful country to see on foot, and you’ll have several opportunities to sit down and give your feet a rest. As long as you have a good pair of shoes and comfortable clothes, it’s easy to forget about all the walking you’re doing and enjoy the tour.

What passport & visa information do I need for your Israel tours?

U.S. citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond their intended stay to enter Israel. Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original. Israel: U.S. and Canadian Citizens do not need a Visa when entering Israel. Non U. S. /Canadian Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of destination. Contact your Consulate office for requirements.

What common languages will be spoken during your Israel tours?

Hebrew, Arabic and English.

What currency can I use on your Israel tours?

The U.S. dollar is widely accepted across Israel, and we suggest bringing about $30 for each day you’ll be on tour. U.S. dollars are recommended for use for small purchases and lunches. Lunches typically cost $15-20. It is important to bring about 20 $1 bills as some bathrooms charge a small fee for use. Credit cards may also be used for larger purchases. ATMs in Israel are all connected to European and American banking systems. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in SHEKELS – NOT U.S. DOLLARS. Please notify your bank before traveling overseas.

Do I need to bring a converter for the Israel tour?

Israel uses the European plug with two round pins. You will need to bring along the necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volt appliances such as hair dryers and electric razors as well as camera and cell phone chargers. Electricity in Israel is 220 volts 50 Hz.

What is the time zone for your Israel tours?

The time zone for Israel is seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT.

What climate should I expect during your Israel tours?

In Israel the climate is temperate, and temperatures all year-round are reasonable. Israel has two main seasons: winter (from November to March) is cold and rainy in most parts of the country; summer (from April to October) is hot and dry with little or no rainfall. The desert areas can be extremely hot in summer time.

Recent Reviews on Trustpilot, BBB, & Google

View what others are saying about our Israel tours on Trustpilot , BBB , and Google !

"Pilgrim tours is who I'll be recommending people to travel with. We've been trying to get to Israel for two years and finally made it!! Great company from booking to on the ground with great guides. All details taken care of with great hotels, bus, and the best guides!! Wonderful experience!"

"We had a great experience in Israel with Pilgrim Tours. Everything went very well and there were no glitches or problems of any kind. The bus and driver were top notch as were the hotels and daily breakfast buffets. Our tour guide was great as his depth of knowledge of the people, history and languages Israel was quite amazing. We will very likely use Pilgrim again in the future."

"We have toured with Pilgrim Tours three times and what a blessing. Accommodations, excursions, information and food were all high quality. Post pandemic, we were so thankful to return to Israel."

"I couldn't have asked for more for a trip to the Holy Land than what Pilgrim Tours provided me. It was the perfect balance of spiritual reverence, history, geography, and social issues. I am so grateful for the experience that I had on this trip."

"Our church group just returned from taking a "Best of Israel" ten day tour. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I am so glad we chose Pilgrim tours. From our excellent hotel accommodations, to our wonderful tour guide, we enjoyed everything. Our trip exceeded our expectations. I would recommend Pilgrim Tours to anyone who is planning a trip to the Holy Land. We definitely plan to travel with them again."

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Home / 2024/2025 Israel Tours & Trips to The Holy Land

2024/2025 Israel Tours & Holy Land Tours

Take part in an unforgettable journey when you join one of Holy Land Tours . We offer Christian tours and Jewish tours, as well as short tours, daily Israel tours and much more. From the northern Galilee, through to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Eilat down south – experience the beauty of these cities – and much more – with our fully guided tours to Israel.

Christian Israel Tours More Tours

The Roots of Your Faith Tour

The most popular of our journeys, this Christian tour offers 5 star accommodation.

Into The Promised Land Tour

Explore all biblical & historical sites of Egypt, Jordan & Israel, while enjoying 5 star hotels.

Both Sides of the River Jordan

Visit the most important biblical and historical sites in Israel and Jordan.

Greece & Israel Journey Tour

Visit the most important biblical sites in Israel and experience the beauty of Greece.

Israel & Rome Journey Tour

Visit the Holy Land, the Roman ruins and Vatican City in this spiritual journey.

Israel & Greece with Greek Island tour

Experience the beauty of Greece and Israel. Also enjoy an unforgettable cruise to the Greek islands.

Jewish Israel Tours More Tours

The New Jewish Heritage Tour

Join our vacation packages and connect with your Jewish heritage.

In Depth Jewish Heritage Tour

Travelers will become acquainted with Israel’s most important cultural, biblical and historical sites

Grand Jewish Heritage Tour

The Grand Jewish Heritage Tour will lead you through the land of Israel from a Jewish Heritage perspective.

Ultimate Jewish Heritage Tour

An incredibly popular tour for anyone who wishes to explore every inch of Israel from north to south.

New Classical Israel Tour

A nondenominational tour that will lead you through the land of Israel.

In Depth Classical Israel Tour

Travelers on this tour will become acquainted with Israel’s most important cultural & biblical sites.

Ultimate Classical Israel Tour

A 16 day nondenominational tour that will lead you through the land of Israel.

2024/2025 ISRAEL TOURS - HOLY LAND TOURS

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While we continue to pray for our entire AIT team in Israel, as well as their families and all innocents affected in Israel, we remain thankful for all passengers who returned home with us safely. We will be updating each of our passengers on the status of their October 2023 tours. Please check your email for updates from our Staff, and email or call us at 877-248-8687 with any questions, or if you don’t think you have received an email update(s). We appreciate your patience while we work with our many passengers.

Holy Land Tour Trip to Is rael

The holy land experience trip of a lifetime.

May 3~19, 2024

17-Day Trip

Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone worldwide with a valid passport for travel to Israel .

Would you like to have a life-changing and never-to-be-forgotten experience? If so, it is our joy to invite you to join us on a trip of a lifetime to the Land of the Bible, where you will find a new dimension in understanding the Bible and the life of Jesus. We will take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, visit places where Jesus walked, lived, taught, performed miracles, walked on the water, calmed the sea, and where He was crucified and raised from the dead. We will immerse ourselves in the Land of the Bible and experience it to the depths of our souls.​ You will never be the same or read your Bible the same after a trip like this.​

If it's Bible you want, then this trip is for you. At each site, we will give biblical and historical teaching along with a faith lesson. Therefore, this trip is designed to provide an in-depth study and perspective from the Scriptures of the events and places of the Bible.

___________________

"An absolutely amazing trip with a guy who knows his Bible and can relate it to you in-country.  I've gone with this dear friend of mine to Israel twice. It's an 11 out of 10 trip!"

Quick Links

Holy Land Trip Registration Form  (Required for each person)

Deposit Payment   ~ $500 USD

Final Payment ~ $1,350  USD

Hotel Reservation B ooking Section

About Your Tour Hosts

Trip Registration Info

Holy Land Trip Travel Orientation

Helpful Holy Land Learning Resources

The Holy Land Experience!

Holy land site fee :   $ 1,850  usd.

Items covered by Holy Land Site Ministries:

Transportation in Israel Via a Deluxe A/C Motorcoach

All Park & Entrance Passes

Holy Land Site Tour Guide and Bible Teacher, Dr. Todd Fink

Wireless Headsets for a Better Listening Experience

Individual Costs:   $2,800  USD

This cost can change depending on individual preferences and location.

To keep our trips as affordable as possible, we allow individuals to book their own lodging and airfare. Also, to see as many sites as possible and keep costs down, we have folks pack a sack lunch. The hotels will provide breakfast and dinners if desired. We recommend eating breakfast at the hotels for time and convenience sake. For those desiring to experience the culture, you can enjoy eating dinners out at the local restaurants of your choice.

Items to be covered by each individual:

The costs below are close estimates. Your price may vary depending on airfare from your location, room selections, and how expensive you want to eat. 

Sack Lunch & Dinner Meals in Israel  $450 per person

(Breakfast included in Hotel cost)  

Lodging in Israel (found on the itinerary)  $1,200 per person (Based on private, double occupancy rooms.)

Airfare  $1,100 per person

Personal transportation In Israel  $50 per person

Note: Personal transportation means travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites in Tel Aviv, and from Prima Park Hotel in Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. Taxis are the best method for this transportation. Due to multiple arrivals and departures from passengers, it is not possible for us to attend everyone’s various time schedules. However, we are happy to help in any way possible with these arrangements.​

Total Estimated Cost of Trip

Holy Land Site Fee     $1,850

Individual Costs       $2,800

Total $4,650  USD

THIS IS A CUSTOM-DESIGNED TRIP

If you want to spend more time in Israel and see more holy sites, then this trip is designed for you. Most trips to the Holy Land allow only around 7-8 full days in Israel. This severely limits what can be seen. Therefore, most who go to the Holy Land miss out on many significant holy sites as a result. This trip will have you in Israel for 13  full touring  days. You will, therefore, see almost  everything significant there is to see in Israel.

A 17-day trip like this normally is quite expensive (if you can find one). Why can we do it so inexpensively? Because we are eliminating tour companies, travel agencies, tour guides, etc., and are providing these services instead. We are also allowing you to book your own airfare, lodging, and some of your meals. And lastly, we are staying in nice, clean hotels /hostels instead of expensive hotels.  It is our pleasure to serve you and our Lord Jesus Christ in offering you this special and affordable trip of a lifetime.

Because this is a custom trip, each participant will be required to book their own airfare, lodging, and purchase some of their own meals. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This trip is not for the weak and faint of heart! There will be a fair amount of walking, some hiking, climbing stairs, times when it could be warm (Dead Sea area), etc. Those considering this trip need to be in good shape and able to withstand some discomfort at times due to heat, walking, stairs, steps, hiking, etc. Our estimated walking distance will be about 3   - 5 miles (4 - 7 km.) a day. Those considering this trip need to be prepared for a rewarding but full schedule of about 8 - 9 hours a day. However, if at any time you want to take time off for rest during the trip, you are welcome to do so.

GROUP SIZE LIMIT

In order to have a more intimate and better experience, we limit our group size to around  35 - 40  people.  This allows us to be more efficient and see more places in Israel. Larger teams bring a different dynamic that slows things down and makes travel more difficult.

Each person will be responsible for booking their own air travel to Israel (to and from Ben Gurion Airport). Please make plans to arrive with plenty of time to attend our required  orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm at our Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites in Tel Aviv. Due to customs and obtaining visas, please allow 3 hours from airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic.

Note: For those having the time and resources, arriving a day early will give you a chance to rest up and get better prepared for your experience in Israel.

TRANSPORTATION IN ISRAEL

We will be transported via a large, air-conditioned motorcoach . Our bus driver is an Arab Christian who is able to take us to all sites in Israel, even in the West Bank.

LODGING IN ISRAEL

We will be staying at hotels with private rooms and bathrooms during our time in Israel. Our itinerary shows the hotels where we will stay (a total of three: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, and Jerusalem). Click here for hotel reservation links

LUGGAGE SIZE AND AMOUNT

We don't have a luggage size and number allowance per person, but we suggest not exceeding over 40-50 lbs (18-22 kg) per piece of luggage as it makes it hard to handle. The lighter, the better. You will be responsible for handling your own luggage on the trip, so don't pack any heavier than what you can lift.

MEALS IN ISRAEL

Each person will be responsible for paying for their own lunches and dinners.

Breakfast  - The hotels will provide breakfast if desired. Some will provide dinners as well. These can be paid for when you book your lodging or at the hotels.  It's ideal to eat breakfast at the hotels as it's handy. However, you can eat your breakfast if desired at a local restaurant or made by hand. ​

Lunch  - Because eating out is expensive in Israel, time-consuming with a large group, and we will not always be close to a restaurant, each trip participant will prepare themself a daily sack lunch. Each day around noon, we will take a break to eat, or you can eat and snack as you wish. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores or extra items from the breakfasts buffets at the hotels can be taken (the hotels seem okay with this). The hotels will have refrigerators in the rooms if needed.

​ Dinner  – On your own. Enjoy the local culture as you eat at local restaurants or the hotel if you prefer.   

PARK & ENTRANCE PASSES

Holy Land Site Ministries will pay for all park and entrance fees to all sites. You will be responsible for paying for any entrance fees you want to see during your free time.

WHAT WILL OUR VISITS TO EACH SITE BE LIKE?

Our visits will normally last around two hours. We will begin with some orientation of the site. Then we'll do a walking tour to see the site and its points of interest. Afterward, we'll find a quiet spot to reflect on the main events from the Bible that happened at the site and close with a faith lesson to learn the key truths God would desire to teach us. Some of the Bible teachings might be filmed for publishing on our website. We'll then end our visit with some free time.  

A valid U.S. Passport is required. Passports must have at least six months left before they expire for travel to Israel.

TRIP PREPARATION

Please utilize the videos and info on our website that provide help and orientation to better understand many of the biblical sites we will be visiting, the history of Israel, and other helpful info. In addition, we will provide helpful info leading up to our trip that will help prepare you to get the most out of your holy land experience.

We also ask that you acquaint yourself with our Travel Orientation Material found on our website. You will find it extremely helpful.

TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TRIP

We’ve chosen these dates to visit Israel because the weather is stable, the days are longer, and there are no Jewish Holidays that will interfere with our travels.

DAILY ITINERARY

Please take into consideration that there might be slight adjustments to the schedule depending on things out of our control. Additionally, if the team would like some flexibility in seeing sights, we are happy to do this if possible.

MONEY IN ISRAEL

Credit cards and Dollars are readily accepted, and Shekels can be drawn from ATMs.

INTERNET IN ISRAEL

Phone SIM cards can be purchased for around $39.99 if you want Internet service at all times while in Israel. You can also activate your phone for international service.

If you don't have Internet via your phone service, at each hotel where we will be staying, free Internet service is provided. Also, the tour bus has free Internet service as well.

DIGITAL MAPS OF DAILY TRIP ITINERARY

For each tour trip itinerary , you will see at the bottom of each day's itiner ary a link to see a Google Map of the route and sites we'll be seeing each day. Here's an example: 

Tour Day 1:   G oogle Map Itinerary

DAILY SCHEDULE

We will leave our place of lodging each day at 7:45 am and return around 4:00 - 5:00 pm. From this time on, you will have free time to eat, relax, see the local sites and culture, etc. 

PERSONAL TRAVEL IN ISRAEL

You can take a taxi, walk, use the bus or light rail train system. The best option is to make sure you have Internet in Israel (you can activate your phone or get an Israeli SIM card) and use Google Maps. It will tell you exactly which bus, light rail train, or walking route will best suit you. It also works in real-time, so you can see exactly when buses and trains are arriving and departing.

The minimum age for trip participants is 12 years old unless other arrangements have been made with tour hosts.

Please see our detailed itinerary below.

Todd & Letsy Fink

More about the Finks

TRIP REGISTRATION INFO

How to register & confirm your spot.

1. P lease fill out the online registration form, and we will notify you of your acceptance on the tour trip team.

2. A fter being notified of your acceptance on the tour team, please pay your non-refundable registration deposit of $500 USD.  Your deposit is what confirms your spot on the tour team.

REGISTRATION, DEPOSIT, AND FINAL PAYMENT LINKS

Final Payment ~ $1,350 USD

REGISTRATION DEADLINE DATE

Your trip registration, deposit, and final payment deadline is March 1 , 2024 . Tourism is growing quite rapidly in Israel, and things need to be done earlier than in previous years. Therefore, booking lodging, bus transportation in Israel, etc., needs to be done no later than 2 months before trip departure to ensure availability (booking lodging is even recommended 6 months in advance for best availability). For these reasons, we have set March 1 , 2024 , as the deadline for trip registration. For those who desire to attend this trip after March  1 , 2024 , we will handle each person on a space availability case basis. Thanks for your understanding.

CANCEL ATIONS & REFUNDS

Deposit Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries

All deposit payments are non-refundable.

Refund of Final Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries

1. If you need to cancel your trip for personal reasons before March  1 , 2024 , Holy Land Site Ministries will only be able to refund one-half of your final payment.

2. If you must cancel your trip for personal reasons after March  1 , 2024 , Holy Land Site Ministries will not be able to refund any of your final payment due to expenses already incurred that cannot recuperated.

Transferring Payments to a Different Tour Trip Date

No payments to Holy Land Site Ministries can be transferred from one tour trip to a different tour trip.

Refunds from Purchases of Airline Tickets, Lodging, etc.

Holy Land Site Ministries will not refund any of these funds because they were not paid to Holy Land Site Ministries.

Refund if Trip is Canceled Due to Events Out of Our Control like Covid, Other Viruses, War, and So Forth

1. 100% of the final payment to Holy Land Site Ministries will be refunded.

2. Refunds from flights and lodging will be the responsibility of each person as these were booked personally.

TRIP PROTECTION INSURANCE

If you would like trip protection insurance to protect you, or if the trip is canceled for any reason, many third-party insurance agencies provide travel protection insurance in the case of cancelations due to unforeseen reasons.

Travel Protection Agencies  (Rated the Highest by Forbes.com)

Forbes.com Adviser (compares many companies): 

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance

Allianz Travel Insurance: allianztravelinsurance.com

Travel Guard (AIG): travelguard.com/travel-insurance/plans

Seven Corners: sevencorners.com

WHEN TO BOOK AIRFARE & LODGING

Please book your lodging at your earliest convenience, as lodging fills up quickly in Israel. You can book your flights around 6 months before trip departure or as desired.

HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKING LINKS

We show Bookings.com as an option because they offer no upfront charges, and cancelations can be done 72 hours in advance with no fees. However, if you want to book using another booking platform, you are welcome to do so.

Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel , 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv

Check-in: May 4, Check-out: May 5. One night stay.

Hotel Reservation Link:  Bookings.com   or   Kfar Maccabiah Direct Booking (It seems best to book directly with this hotel as bookings on Bookings.com aren't available until around six months before the dates.)

Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel,   El Hadif Street 1, Tiberias

Check-in: May 5, Check-out: May 9. Four nights stay.

Hotel Reservation Link:  Bookings.com

Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem

Check-in: May 9, Check-out: May 18. Nine nights stay.

Note: For those with the time and resources, arriving a day early will allow you to rest up and better prepare for your experience in Israel.

If, for some reason, the hotels are full, just book a hotel of your choice nearby and meet us at the check-in lobby of the main hotel by 7:45 am. Bus departure is scheduled daily at 8:00 am from each hotel.

CONTACT INFO:

Phone: (541) 603-0881

Email:   holylandsite.com@gmailcom

Website :   HolyLandSite.com

FRI, MAY 3   DEPART FOR THE HOLY LAND

Please make plans to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, no later than May 4, by 3:00 pm if possible. This will give you plenty of time to attend our orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm. We'll meet at the main check-in lobby of the Kfar Maccabiah & Suites Hotel and then go to our meeting place.

Note: For those with the time and resources, arriving a day early will allow you to rest up and get better prepared for your experience in Israel.

Clic k to see "Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Orientation Video"

SAT, MAY 4   TEL AVIV

After arriving at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, you will proceed through customs. Please don’t lose your small tourist visa provided to you. Afterward, you can take a taxi to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. Due to customs and obtaining visas, please allow approximately 3 hours from airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. Orientation and get acquainted meeting 7:00 pm. Please meet in the main hotel lobby.  Free time afterward.

Lodging at Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. One night total.

Google Map from Ben Gurion to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel

SUN, MAY 5    TEL AVIV – SEA OF GALILEE AREA

Refreshed from a good night's sleep, we’ll visit Old Jaffa (Joppa), the traditional home of Simon the Tanner, the port from which Jonah sailed and the logs arrived for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. We’ll then pass through the fast-growing towns and farms of the Plain of Sharon en route to Caesarea Maritima , where the Holy Spirit came to the Gentiles and the site of major events in the lives of Peter and Paul. We’ll drive through the rolling hills of Galilee to Nazareth , where Jesus grew up, and visit the  Church of the Annunciation , where the angel, Gabriel, announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. We'll then drive through Cana , where Christ performed His first public miracle. Then it’s on to Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee , which will be our base for the next 4 nights. Free time afterward.

Lodging at Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, El Hadif Street 1, Tiberias. Four nights total.

Tour Day 1: Google Map Itinerary

MON, MAY 6    SEA OF GALILEE AREA

This day alone is worth the trip! We are now literally walking in the footsteps of Jesus. We'll start the day at Ginosar , where we'll see an ancient boat  (Beit Yigal Allon Museum) from the time of Jesus. We'll take a most memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee  in a replica of an ancient wooden boat used in Jesus’ day. We’ll visit the  Mount of Beatitudes , the location of the beautiful Sermon on the Mount, where Christ preached his longest and most famous sermon. From the Mount of Beatitudes, we'll walk in the footsteps of Jesus down the hill to Tabgha by the Sea of Galilee. Then on to Capernaum , where Jesus set up His home ministry base and often preached in the ancient synagogue. We will continue our drive around the Sea of Galilee to Kursi , where Christ cast out a legion of demons out of a demon-possessed man. Time permitting, w e'll end the day at a breathtaking spot  overlooking the Sea of Galilee , where we'll see many sites around its shore, one of which is where the Feeding of the 5,000  took place. Free time afterward.

Tour Day 2: Google Map Itinerary

TUES, MAY 7    SEA OF GALILEE AREA

We’ll journey north to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matt. 16:16). We’ll visit Chorazin , one of the cursed towns, which has one of the  most preserved synagogues in the Galilee area. Then it's on to visit the most likely place Jesus called many of His disciples and the area where Peter was reconciled with Christ after denying Him three times. We'll  wrap up the day with a visit to  Magdala , the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. At Magdala, we will visit a natural beach   where you can dip your feet  in the Sea of Galilee  or swim if you'd like. Free time afterward.

Tour Day 3: Google Map Itinerary

WED, MAY 8    SEA OF GALILEE AREA

We’ll drive along the Jordan Valley to Beth Shean , a stunning Roman Decapolis city and the place where Saul and his son’s bodies were hanged after defeat in battle. We’ll visit Gideon’s Spring , where Gideon selected his soldiers to battle against the Midianites. We’ll return to the Sea of Galilee and finish the day on top of Mt. Arbel , the believed place where Christ gave the Great Commission, and which provides a breathtaking view of the Sea of Galilee. Free time afterward.

Tour Day 4: Google Map Itinerary

THURS, MAY 9    JORDAN VALLEY AREA

We’ll drive south along the Jordan Valley, following the footsteps that Jesus and His disciples would have walked, arriving at the Baptismal Site of Jesus, where Jesus was baptized by John. We'll provide an option for those who would like to get baptized to do so. Then to Jericho , the oldest known walled city and the first place Joshua and the Israelites conquered upon entering the Promised Land. We’ll then visit Qumran , where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. Then, we'll ascend and enter Jerusalem as pilgrims did since ancient times to fulfill the words of the prophet "I was glad when they said unto me: 'Our feet shall stand within thy Gates, O Jerusalem'" (Psalms 122:1–2). Free time afterward.

Lodging at Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem. Nine nights total. 

Tour Day 5: Google Map Itinerary

FRI, MAY 10    DEAD SEA AREA

We’ll begin the day by driving to  Masada , a massive fortress rock column that overlooks the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on earth). We'll ascend Masada by cable car to visit the remnants of Herod's Palace, where in 73 AD, the Zealots made their last stand against the might of Rome. We’ll visit ancient Gomorrah , one of the cities God destroyed by fire and brimstone due to their wickedness. Then, what would a visit to Israel be without taking a dip, or rather a float, in the Dead Sea ? Free time afterward.

Tour Day 6: Google Map Itinerary

SAT, MAY 11    BETHLEHEM – JUDAH AREA

We'll begin the day with a visit to Bethlehem, Manger Square, and the Church of the Nativity, where  Jesus was born. We'll then  visit the magnificent Herodian Fortress. While there, we'll   view the Shepherds' Fields,  the Fields of Boaz and Ruth, and see where David kept his sheep as a young man .  We’ll then travel to the Valley of Elah , where David slew Goliath. Then on to Beth Shemesh , where key events in the life of Samson took place and where the Ark of the Covenant miraculously was returned to the Israelites by the Philistines. Free time afterward.

Tour Day 7: Google Map Itinerary

SUN, MAY 12    SAMARIA AREA Today we’ll travel north to the ancient Samaria region of the Bible. We visit Shechem , where Abraham first entered the Promised Land and erected an altar. We’ll see and drink from Jacob’s Well , where Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman. We’ll see where Joseph’s bones were buried at the Tomb of Joseph . We’ll see ancient Shiloh , where the Tabernacle resided for 369 years and where Hannah prayed for a son (Samuel). Then it’s on to ancient Bethel , where Jacob saw a ladder to heaven, where the tabernacle resided, and where Jeroboam erected a Golden Calf. We'll drive by the site of ancient Ai , the second city Joshua and the Israelites destroyed. Free time afterward.

Tour Day 8: Google Map Itinerary

MON, MAY 13    JERUSALEM

We’ll start the day with a magnificent view of the Old City from the top of the Mt. of Olives and orient ourselves to the layout and places of Jerusalem . We’ll then visit the Chapel of Ascension , where Christ ascended back to heaven and where His feet will touch down at His glorious second coming. We'll visit Pater Noster Church , where Christ taught His disciples how to pray. We'll see the Tombs of the Prophets , where Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are believed to be buried. We’ll take the Palm Sunday Walk to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations . Along the way, we’ll visit Dominus Flevit , where Christ wept over Jerusalem. We’ll see  Mary’s Tomb  and underground caves that were part of  Gethsemane . Free time afterward.

Tour Day 9: Google Map Itinerary

TUES, MAY 14      JERUSALEM

Today, we’ ll visit and walk on the Temple Mount , the location where Solomon’s Temple was and the holiest and most battled-over piece of land in the world. We'll then see the Western Wall , the Jew’s most holy site in Israel. We’ll visit the Southern Stairs Area , which was the main entrance to the Temple Mount, a place Christ and His disciples would have often been, and the likely place where those who received Christ at Pentecost were baptized. We’ll then walk through part of the Cardo , an original Roman street, and then see the amazing remains of the massive Broad Wall  built by King Hezekiah. Free time afterward.

Tour Day 10 : Google Map Itinerary

WED, MAY 15    JERUSALEM

Today we will visit the Upper Room , the location of the Last Supper  and the place an early church/synagogue  was built by early Christians shortly after the time of Christ. Next, we'll see the House of Caiaphas , where Christ was tried before Caiaphas, Peter denied Christ three times, and where Christ was beaten and spent the night in a dungeon . While at the House of Caiaphas, we'll see a model of Jerusalem from around 135 AD . Then we'll have the privilege of visiting the City of David , where everything began in Jerusalem. While in the City of David, we'll see David's Palace , ancient ruins, the remains of  Nehemiah's Wall, and King David's Tomb.  For those who would like, you can walk through Hezekiah's Water Tunnel , which diverts the water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam.   For the others, you can walk the Canaanite Dry Tunnel . We'll then all meet and see the Pool of Siloam , where Christ healed a blind man. We’ll then walk part of the Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat), where God’s winepress of wrath will be poured out on the gathered nations at Christ's second coming and from where the blood (the height of a horse’s bridle) will flow to the Dead Sea and beyond. Free time afterward.

Tour Day 11: Google Map Itinerary

THURS, MAY 16      NEGEV AREA

Today, we’ll travel to Hebron , where Abraham had many encounters with God and from where King David reigned over Judah for 7 1/2 years. We'll begin by visiting the Oaks of Mamre , a preserved site over the place where Abraham lived for a period of time and had several amazing encounters with God. Just a short distance from the Oaks of Mamre is the place where the patriarchs are buried in the Cave of Machpelah . Close to Machpelah are the ruins of ancient  Tel Hebron . We’ll then travel to Beersheba , where Abraham lived and made a covenant with Abimelech. Farew ell  Dinner at 6:30 pm. Free time afterward.

Tour Day 12: Google Map Itinerary

FRI, MAY 17      JERUSALEM

We’ll begin the day by seeing  Pilate’s Palace and Gabbatha (stone pavement and judgment place where Christ was condemned to crucifixion). From there, we'll walk the biblical Via Dolorosa (painful path to the Cross) to Golgotha , where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is today. We'll then visit and explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see why it's the best candidate for Golgotha. We’ll walk the traditional path of the  Via Dolorosa  and see the Stations of the Cross . Then we'll walk to the Lions' Gate and see the famous Eastern Gate and Eastern Wall , where we'll see ancient stones dating back to the time of Solomon and see the evidence of the original Temple Mount and its expansions over the years. Then we'll see   the Church of St. Anne,  where the Pool of Bethesda  is located, the place Jesus healed a sick man after he had waited 38 long years. Free time afterward.

Tour Day 13: Google Map Itinerary

SAT, MAY 18      ISRAEL - HOME

Unless you plan on continuing your stay in Israel, you’ll transfer to the airport and arrive home with wonderful memories of a visit to the Land of the Bible!

The hotel in Jerusalem ​(Prima Park) ​provides several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv​ right from the hotel. All of them can be prearranged so you have no waiting time whatsoever. It is recommended to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport at least 4 hours in advance. This means you should leave Jerusalem 5 hours before your flight departure. 

Following are your transportation options:

1. Taxi: C osts around $100 USD for up to 4 people (depending on how much luggage each person has).

2. Shuttle Taxi: Costs around $120 USD for up to 6 people (depending on how much luggage each person has).

3. 12-passenger Shuttle Bus: Costs around $25.00 USD per person.

Please arrange transportation with the hotel front desk a day in advance. All transportation options take about an hour to reach the airport and run every day of the week, even on Shabbat (Saturday), the Sabbath.

Google Map from Prima Park Hotel to Ben Gurion Airport

C li ck t o see "Ben Gurion Airport Departure Orientation Video"

SUN, MAY 19   ARRIVE HOME

Return home filled with an overflowing heart knowing that you walked in the footsteps of Christ and experienced the actual places where many of the events in the Bible took place.

Holy La nd Site

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Biblical Sites

Israel Overview Tour of All Biblical Sites

Jerusalem Sites

Jerusalem Overview

Jerusalem Holy Sites Overview

Antonia Fortress

Bethany: Tomb of Lazarus

Chapel of the Ascension: Ascension & Return of Christ

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Church of Mary Magdalene

City of David Overview

Death, Burial, Resurrection of Christ

Dominus Flevit Church

Eastern Gate

Garden of Gethsemane: Church of All Nations

Gordon's Garden Tomb

Gethsemane to Golgotha:

Christ's Path to the Cross

Hezekiah's Broad Wall

Hezekiah's Water Tunnel

Hinnom Valley Overview

History Of Jerusalem's Walls and Gates

House of Caiaphas: Peter's Denial of Christ

Kidron Valley: Judgment of God

Mary's Tomb  & Gethsemane Cave

Mount of Olives Overview

Pater Noster Church: Lord's Prayer, Olivet Discourse

Pilate's Palace: Trial of Jesus

Pools of Bethesda & St. Anne 

Pool of Siloam

Prophecy, Proof t he Bible Is True: Mount of Olives

Solomon's Temple

Southern Stairs/Davidson Archaeological Site

Temple Mount Overview

Temple Location

Temple Mount: Pentecost

Temple Cleansing by Jesus

Temple & the Early Church

Tomb of King David

Tombs of the Prophets

The Old Testament Feasts & Jesus

The Upper Room

Triumphal Entry

Via Dolorosa

Western Wall & Tunnels Tour

Other Sites In Jerusalem

Sea of Galilee Sites

Sea of Galilee Overview

Calling of the Disciples

Capernaum: Jesus' Ministry Base

Feeding the 5,000

Gennesaret, Ginosar: Jesus Boat

Jesus Walks on Water, Calms the Sea

Kursi: Demonic Man Healed

Magdala: Mary Magdalene

Mount Arbel: The Great Commission

Mount of Beatitudes

Sower's Cove: Parables of the Kingdom

Tabgha: Restoration of Peter

Yardenit Baptismal Site

Other Sites Around the Sea of Galilee

Northern Israel Sites

Beth Shean Amphitheater

Caesarea Maritima Overview

Caesarea Maritima: Holy Spirit Given to the Gentiles

Caesarea Philippi

Cana: First Miracle of Jesus

Church of the  Annunciation & St. Joseph Church

Dan (City of Dan)

Gideon's Spring

J ezreel  Overview

Jordan River Overview

Megiddo: Armageddon

Mount Carmel & Elijah

Mount Tabor: Transfiguration of Christ

Nazareth Overview

Nazareth: Mt. Precipice

Sepphoris (Tsipori, Zippori)

Other Sites In Northern Israel

Central Israel Sites

Beth-Shemesh

Ein Karem (Kerem)

Emmaus Road 

Gezer: On Crossroads of the World

Gibeon - Nabi Samwil

Inn of the Good Samaritan

Jericho ~ Tell Es-Sultan

Joppa (Jaffa, Yafo) Overview

Jordan River: Crossing into the Promised Land

Jordan River Baptismal Site of Jesus (Qsar al-Yahud)

Judean Wilderness

Judean Wilderness: Testing of Jesus

M oun t Nebo & Moses

Philistine Cities of Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gaza, Ekron, Gath

Qumran: Dead Sea Scrolls

Samaria (Sabastia)

Shechem: Jacob's Well

Shiloh: Center of Worship

St. George's Monastery (Wadi Qelt)

Timnah: Life of Samson

Valley of Elah: David & Goliath

Other Sites In Central Israel

Southern  Israel Sites

Beer Sheba: The Patriarchs

Bethlehem Overview

Bethlehem:  Church of Nativity

Bethlehem: David & the Psalms

Bethlehem: Naomi, Ruth, Boaz

Bethlehem: Shepherds' Field

Dead Sea Area

En-Gedi: Living Waters

Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, Mt. Sinai

Tel Hebron Overview

Hebron Caves of Machpelah

Herodian   (Herodiu m) Fortress

Oaks of Mamre, Hebron

Kadesh Barnea

Mount Sinai

Sodom & Gomorrah

The Philistines & Their City Strongholds

Timna Park:  Tabernacle, Moses

Other Sites In Southern Israel

Other Biblical  Sites

Garden of Eden Location

Madaba ( Map), Jordan

Mount Nebo & Moses

Noah's Ark & the Great Flood

Noah's Ark Location

Petra, Jordan

Other Biblical Videos

Life & Ministry of Jesus Series

Jewish Hol y Days & How Jesus Fulfills Them

Future of Israel: Its Wars, Conflicts, Prophecies

What Are the Differences Between Islam and Christianity?

Who Has the Rights to the Holy Land? Jews or Arabs?

What Is the Reason for the War and Conflicts in Israel and the Middle East?

Christian Tours

Israel and the Holy Land including Petra

• Itinerary/Pricing
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FLIGHT TO ISRAEL:

Caesarea • roman amphitheatre • mt. carmel • megiddo • nazareth village • tiberias:, dan • caesarea philippi • cruise sea of galilee • capernaum • mount arbel:, jordan river baptismal • beit-shean/ scythopolis • jordan valley • jericho:, mount of olives • garden of gethsemane • temple mount • dome of the rock-wailing wall • rabbinical tunnels • upper room • st. peter in gallicantu • garden tomb:, via dolorosa • church of the holy sepulcher • shrine of the book • holocaust museum • ein kerem:, pool of bethesda • southern wall • bethlehem • church of the nativity:, dead sea • masada • ein gedi • qumran caves • allenby • jordan:, jordan • jerash • petra:, petra • amman:, madaba • nebo • israel:, tel aviv • home:.

Tour arranged by: Christian Tours

• Frequent walking on rough & uneven terrain

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Educational Opportunities Tours

Holy land classic | 2024.

Join us on a Holy Land Classic Journey in 2024, starting at $3398* from New York on the dates below. You will see the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes, the Church of the Fish and the Loaves at Tabgha, the Chapel of the Primacy, Magdala, the Wedding Chapel in Cana, Tel Megiddo, Caesarea, Jericho, Qumran, Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity, Shepherds' Field, Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust Memorial, the Mount of Olives, the Palm Sunday Road, the Garden of Gethsemane, Mount Zion, House of the High Priest Caiaphas, the Upper Room, Hezekiah's Tunnel, Jerusalem, and much more!

Register Early & Save $150 11 Months Prior to Departure $125 10 Months Prior to Departure $100 9 Months Prior to Departure $75 8 Months Prior to Departure $50 7 Months Prior to Departure $25 6 Months Prior to Departure Full deposit required. Savings are deducted from the balance .

$400 scholarships are available for clergy traveling for the first time, and $250 scholarships are available for clergy spouses traveling for the first time ! Send an e-mail to [email protected] to apply and confirm your eligibility.

Optional Experiences ( Special experiences available during touring )

Sound & Light Show Travel to the Old City at night as the breathtaking story of Jerusalem unfolds on the walls of the Old City in an open-air theatre. Spanning creation to today, you'll experience an innovative show featuring an original soundtrack, lights, animation, and video to leave you with a fantastic memory under the stars.

Masada & Dead Sea Tour Discover the mysteries of Masada, Herod's mountaintop fortress and the last stronghold of the Jewish Rebellion against the Romans. Depart your hotel in the morning and journey with your EO Tours Holy Land Guide to experience the history and beautiful views from this UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, visit the Dead Sea after enjoying an included lunch as you end your day floating in the salty, mineral-laden waters.

Dinner with a Palestinian Christian Family Take part in a special evening and enjoy a dinner prepared by a Palestinian Christian family. You'll travel to Bethlehem, where a local family will host you at their table and invite you into their lives. Discover the joy, trials, and everyday life over scrumptious food and riveting conversation with 5 – 10 of your fellow travelers.

Optionals will incur an additional charge, are available on select dates and conditions permitting, may require a minimum number of guests to operate, and have limited availability. Optionals are offered to the group's guests at the discretion of the tour host. Contact EO Tours for more details.

What’s Included

• All Inclusive Pricing
• Breakfast and Dinner Daily
• Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches
• Entrance and Program Fees
• First Class Hotels
• Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
• Guided Tours
• Hotel Gratuities
• International Airfare from NY
• Live Audio Headsets
• Overseas Airport Transfers
• Study Guide
• Administrative Fees

^ Additional Baggage & Optional fees may apply.

† If air purchased through EO.

• Download Brochure

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 day 1 - usa to the holy land, day 2 day 2 - welcome to the holy land.

You will be welcomed at the Tel Aviv airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel to enjoy dinner before retiring for the night.

Day 3 Day 3 - The Galilee

Worship as you sail across the Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum, center of Jesus’ ministry in the 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, a traditional site for feeding the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17). See the Chapel of the Primacy, where Peter professed his devotion three times to the risen Christ (John 21). In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene, visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue. Recall Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist at the Jordan River.

Day 4 Day 4 - Cana, Nazareth, Tel Megiddo & Caesarea

Visit the Franciscan Wedding Chapel in Cana, the site of Jesus’ first miracle, before continuing to Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood home (Matthew 2:23). Look out over Tel Megiddo (Armageddon) to view one of the most important archaeological sites in Israel. Today’s last stop is Caesarea, a center of the early Christians where an angel visited Cornelius, the first Gentile believer (Acts 10), and where Paul was imprisoned for two years before appealing to Caesar.

Day 5 Day 5 - Bet Shean, Jericho, & Qumran

Start the day in Bet Shean, a city continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years. The uncovered ruins date back to the Greek / Roman city that was part of the Decapolis of Jesus’ day. See colonnaded streets with marble sidewalks, Roman public baths, and a theater. As you stop in Jericho to view the ruins of the city conquered by Joshua (Joshua 6:1, 2, 20), in the distance, you can also see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). Continue to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947.

Day 6 Day 6 - Bethlehem & Jerusalem

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. Explore the poignant exhibits of Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Memorial.

Day 7 Day 7 - Jerusalem & the City of David

Begin your day with a group picture taken from the Mount of Olives, where Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-12). Walk the Palm Sunday Road, pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, and envision the scenes of the night before Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 26:36 - 44). Continue to Mount Zion to visit the House of the High Priest Caiaphas, where Jesus was questioned on the night of His betrayal (Matthew 26:57). Meditate on the events of the Last Supper as you visit the traditional location of the Upper Room (Mark 14:12-26). After lunch, wander through the excavations of the City of David. Explore Hezekiah’s Tunnel, an amazing engineering feat dug from either end and met in the middle! (Note: Those 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.

Day 8 Day 8 - Leisure Day (Masada/Dead Sea Option)

Today you have free time to explore on your own, or you may choose to visit Masada and the Dead Sea (additional charge). 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. End your day with a dip in the salt and mineral-laden waters of the Dead Sea.

Day 9 Day 9 - Jerusalem & the Old City

Explore ancient Jerusalem at the Teaching Steps and the Western Wall. 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, reflect on His sacrificial love. Visit the Garden Tomb for a time of reflection and communion.

Day 10 Day 10 - Return to the USA or Enjoy an Extension.

Enhance your journey, wonders of petra & the dead sea extension starting from $1098.

Starting at $1,098*

Day 10 – Jerash This morning you will journey across the Allenby Bridge on your way to Jerash, one of the best-preserved cities in the world. Stroll through the oval piazza and wander along colonnaded streets etched by the wheels of ancient chariots. Stand in the grand theatre where an onstage whisper can be heard in the top row. Continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 11 – Petra Begin your journey south toward Petra today. Explore the city of Petra. Its entrance passes through a long, narrow gorge known as the Siq and can only be accessed by carriage, horseback, or on foot. Once inside the city, marvel at the intricate detail of a city cut into the cliff sides of rose-colored rock. Travel to your hotel at the Dead Sea for dinner and overnight.

Day 12 – Madaba & Mt. Nebo Travel to Madaba, the City of Mosaics, to visit the Church of Saint George with its sixth-century, Byzantine mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites. Continue to Mount Nebo, where Moses caught a glimpse of the Promised Land (Deut. 34). On a clear day, you can see across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 13 – Free Morning at the Dead Sea Enjoy a free morning at your hotel. Cross the border back into Israel and enjoy dinner in Jerusalem. Afterward, you will travel to the airport in Tel Aviv to begin your journey home.

Day 14 – Return to USA

Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion. A minimum of 8 travelers are necessary to operate the extension. $138 for tips & taxes are charged separately (subject to change). *A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions.

Departure dates for Wonders of Petra & the Dead Sea extension: January 3, 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6,13, 20, 27 March 5, 12, 19 April 2, 9, 16 May 14, 21, 28 June 4. 11, 18 July 9, 16 September 10, 17  October 1 (reverse), 29 November 5, 12 December 3, 10

Cairo & the Route of the Exodus Extension Starting from $1298

Starting at $1,298*

Day 10 – Jerusalem to Mount Sinai Travel in the footsteps of the Holy family as you travel along the ancient caravan route from Jerusalem to the Sinai desert. Cross the border and check into your hotel near Mount Sinai for dinner and rest.

Day 11 – St. Catherine’s Monastery This morning, you can opt to climb Mount Sinai, where tradition says that Moses received the Ten Commandments. Everyone will experience a visit to fortified St. Catherine's Monastery, built in the 6th century, and one of the oldest working monasteries in the world with the world's oldest continually operating library. Both the Codex Sinaiticus and Syriac Sinaiticus, important early Biblical manuscripts, were discovered here. Even Muhammad found refuge here, and the site is sacred to all three monotheistic religions. Remember the story of Moses and the burning bush, which tradition places inside the monastery. Continue to Sharm el Sheikh for dinner and overnight stay at your hotel located on the shores of the Red Sea.

Day 12 – Route of the Exodus Trace the route of the Exodus along the eastern Sinai coast to Wadi Feiran, where the Children of Israel withstood the Amalekites. Travel to Elim, where the Children of Israel camped by the oasis of 70 palm trees. Your final stop of the day will be Marah by the Red Sea, where the “waters were bitter.” Continue to Cairo for dinner and a four-night stay.

Day 13 – Memphis, Saqqara, the Great Pyramids & the Sphinx Tour the rural region of traditional Egyptian farming. Travel as Abraham did to Memphis (Biblical Noph) and on to Saqqara, where you will see the Step Pyramid, the world’s oldest stone structure. See the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.

Day 14 - Cairo This morning, visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities to view the unique collection of Pharaonic art and the renowned treasures of King Tutankhamun. Tour the Old City and see the Citadel of Saladin, built in 1183 A.D., and view the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali. In Old Cairo, visit the Abu Serga Church built over the traditional site of the house where the Holy Family lived during their stay in Egypt. Prepare for your return flight home.

Day 15 - Return to the USA

Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion. A minimum of 10 travelers is necessary to operate the extension. $158 for tips & taxes are charged separately (subject to change). *A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions.

Departure dates for Cairo & the Route of the Exodus Extension : January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6,13, 20, 27 March 5, 12, 19 April 2, 9, 16 May 21, 28 June 4, 11, 18 July 9, 16 September 10, 17  October 1 (reverse), 29 November 5, 12 December 3

Nile Cruise Extension Starting from $2398

Starting at $2,398*

Day 10 – Jerusalem to Mount Sinai Travel in the footsteps of the Holy family as you travel along the ancient caravan route from Jerusalem to the Sinai desert. Cross the border and check in to your hotel near Mt. Sinai for dinner and rest.

Day 11 – St. Catherine’s Monastery This morning you can opt to climb Mt. Sinai, where tradition says that Moses received the Ten Commandments. Everyone will experience a visit to fortified St. Catherine's Monastery, built in the 6th century, and one of the oldest working monasteries in the world with the world's oldest continually operating library. Both the Codex Sinaiticus and Syriac Sinaiticus, important early Biblical manuscripts were discovered here. Even Mohammed found refuge here, and the site is sacred to all three monothesitic religions. Remember the story of Moses and the burning bush which tradition places inside the monastery. Continue to Sharm el Sheik for dinner and overnight at your hotel located on the shores of the Red Sea.

Day 12 – Luxor & Karnak This morning fly from Sharm el Sheik to Luxor, ancient Thebes which served as the Egyptian capital during the New Kingdom and time of Moses. Visit the magnificent, Temple of Luxor with its avenue of sphinx statues and mighty monumental columns Continue to the Karnak Temple which was built over 2,000 years and is the largest religious building ever constructed, and see the famed Hypostyle Hall, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tutomosis III, the temple of Amon, the Granite Scarabeus and the Sacred Lake. Board your Nile cruise ship and enjoy dinner.

Day 13 – Valleys of the Kings & Queens & Esna This morning enjoy sunrise over the Nile River before your visit to the Valley of the Kings. Tombs were constructed here for the kings and powerful nobles of Egypt for nearly 500 years. The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, across from Thebes (modern Luxor), within the heart of the Theban Necropolis. See the Colossi of Memnon, made of sandstone brought from Gabal El Silselah. Each colossus, including the pedestal and the crown, is about 21m tall and represents King Amenhotep III. See the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of only a handful of female rulers in Ancient Egypt. Her reign was the longest of all the female pharaohs. Sail to Esna, enjoying afternoon tea before visiting the Temple of Khnum. Dinner & Overnight onboard.

Day 14 – Edfu & Kom Ombo Visit the Edfu Temple on the west bank of the Nile. Dating to the Ptolemaic period, the temple was dedicated to the worship of god Horus represented as a falcon. It is one of the most beautiful Egyptian temples, distinguished by its huge splendid structure blending Pharaonic and Greek architecture. Enjoy lunch onboard as you sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Kom Ombo Temple. Built on a hillside, this temple was constructed in the Ptolemaic Roman era for the worship of the gods Haroeris and Sobek. It is noted for the relief engravings on its walls which show ancient surgical tools, bone saws and dentistry tools. Nearby, view the three mummified crocodiles in Hathor's chapel.

Day 15 – Aswan Set sail on a smaller boat across the Nile to visit the temples at Philae including the Temple of Isis, one of the greatest Temples in Egypt occupying a quarter of the island. Next, visit the High Dam, one of the most outstanding architectural achievements of the twentieth century. It was constructed to replace the old Aswan dam built in 1902. The 3600 meter long dam was constructed to protect Egypt from the floods as well as provide irrigation and electricity to its citizens. View the Unfinished Obelisk, made of red granites brought from the quarries of Aswan. After exploring Aswan, fly to Cairo to check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 16 - Cairo This morning visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities to view the unique collection of Pharaonic art and the renowned treasures of King Tutankhamen. Afterwards, visit the Pyramids of Giza, constructed over 1,000 years before the birth of Moses. See the Great Sphinx and have the opportunity to ride a camel in the desert near the Pyramids. Tour the Old City and see the Citadel of Saladin, built in 1183 A.D., and view the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. In Old Cairo, visit the Abu Serge Church built over the traditional site of the house where the Holy Family lived during their stay in Egypt. Prepare for your return flight home.

Day 17 - Return to USA

Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion. A minimum of 10 travelers are necessary to operate the extension. $168 for tips & taxes are charged separately (subject to change). *A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions.

Departure dates for Nile Cruise Extension: January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6,13, 20, 27 March 5, 12, 19 April 2, 9, 16 May 21, 28 June 4. 11, 18 July 9, 16 September 10, 17  October 1 (reverse), 29 November 5, 12 December 3

Departure Dates

• Tuesday, July 9, 2024 From $3998 Register Now! --> From $3998* Registration closed
• Tuesday, July 16, 2024 From $3998 Register Now! --> From $3998* Registration closed
• Tuesday, September 10, 2024 From $3898 Register Now! --> From $3898* Register Now!
• Tuesday, September 17, 2024 From $3898 Register Now! --> From $3898* Register Now!
• Tuesday, October 29, 2024 From $3998 Register Now! --> From $3998* Register Now!
• Tuesday, November 5, 2024 From $3898 Register Now! --> From $3898* Register Now!
• Tuesday, November 12, 2024 From $3898 Register Now! --> From $3898* Register Now!
• Tuesday, December 3, 2024 From $3398 Register Now! --> From $3398* Register Now!
• Tuesday, December 10, 2024 From $3398 Register Now! --> From $3398* Register Now!

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a Life-Changing

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Featured tours, click on the date above to view tour info., private tours, group tours.

Explore beautiful Israel with one of our group tours, and experience the historic sites with other travelers like you. Travel with us to places like Caesarea to the Garden Tomb on an immersive, unforgettable tour of Israel.  Take a look at the current tours we have available, and check back often as more are regularly added.

Interested in hosting a tour for your church or organization? PREMIER Israel will work with you to customize a trip that best fits your group. Please contact us for more information: [email protected].  We can't wait for you to join us!

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Who Are We?

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Multi-Day & Church Tours

Christian Multi-Day Tours

Open to the public group tours 2023 / 2024

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Bring your own group

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One Day Tours

Jordan River Baptism Tour

Full Day Tour Including Baptism Robes and Ceremony

Jerusalem Tour

Full day private tour including all admission fees

New Jerusalem Tour

Bethlehem Tour

Nazareth / Galilee Tour

Full day private tour including all admission fees & boat ride

Caesarea / Med Sea Coastline Tour

Masada / Dead Sea Tour

Full day private tour including all admission fees & cable car

4 x 4 Desert Safari's

8 hour, 6 hour & 4 hour options

Birth place of Jesus

Hometown of Jesus

Caesarea Maritima

Herods Port City

David & Saul

Garden of Gethsemane

Where Jesus cried out in prayer

Garden Tomb

Where Jesus was crucified & buried

The capital of Israel

Jordan River

Where Jesus was baptised

Mount of Beatitudes

Sermon on the mount

Mount of Olives

Triumphal entry on Palm Sunday

Mount of Temptation

Where Jesus was tempted after 40 days & nights

Childhood home of Jesus

Pools of Bethesda

Healing of the cripple

Sea of Galilee

Major site in Jesus’ ministry

Western Wall

Kotel & the Temple Mount

Akko & Rosh Hanikra

Northern tip of Israel

Beit She'an

The lowest place on Earth

Eilat & the Red Sea

The Southern tip of Israel

Herod’s Mountain Fortress

Negev & Zin Deserts

The Wilderness

Dead Sea Scrolls

Rafting on the Jordan River

Adrenalin time

Wilderness of Zin

Where Moses wandered

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Public multi-day tours.

In the Footsteps of Yeshua

8th – 17th May 2024

8th – 17th Sept 2024

12 Day Israel Tour with Petra Add-on – March 2024 (Easter)

20th – 31st march 2024 (small / medium group size: 16 – 30 pax), more tours coming soon. add your name to our mailing list to receive offers before they are publicly available.  see bottom of this page..

• Why Our Tour?

Booking Request

Day 1 (20/03/24)

Meet and Greet* at Ben Gurion Airport Arrivals area (*various arrival options available) Transfer to hotel in Tel Aviv Accommodation: Sadot Hotel (or similar) – 1st night Breakfast ONLY – no evening meal as arrival times unknown

Arrival time: 18:00 – 21:00 – if you arrive earlier / later we can arrange a private transfer for you

Depart from the Hotel after breakfast Drive up the Old Damascus Road (Paul) Visit Jaffa – Peter’s Vision (House of Simon the Tanner, Jonah and the whale, ..) Visit Caesarea – Herod’s Maritime Harbour City Visit Megiddo – Armageddon Visit Mt Carmel (where Elijah called down the fire) Visit El Muhraqa (Spectacular view of the Plains of Armageddon) Views of Jezreel Valley Continue to Galilee Accommodation: Ein Gev, Galilee (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included

Depart from the Hotel after breakfast Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation or visit the ruins of Jesus’ time Visit the Nazareth Village (Take a step back in time) Visit Cana (Jesus’ first miracle) Continue to the Sea of Galilee Visit Capernaum (The Town of Jesus) Visit Tabgtha (Loaves & Fishes) Accommodation: Ein Gev, Galilee (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included

Depart from the Hotel after breakfast Visit Mt of Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount) Visit Tel Dan (What happened to the tribe of Dan?) Visit Caesarea Phillippi (Who do people say I am?) Visit Golan Heights Visit Local Date Farm Accommodation: Ein Gev, Galilee (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included

Depart from the hotel after breakfast Visit the Jesus Boat Museum Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee (Praise boat with worship) Continue towards the Jordan River Valley Visit Beit She’an (An impressive Roman town) Visit Qasr el Yahud (Bethany by the Jordan) – where Jesus was baptised – (Baptisms Available) Visit Jericho (where the walls came tumbling down) View the Mt of Temptation (where Jesus was tempted after fasting for 40 days & 40 nights) Hotel – Jericho Resort (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included

Depart from the hotel after breakfast Travel South through the Judean Wilderness Visit Qumran – Dead Sea Scrolls Visit Masada – Herod’s Mountain Fortress Visit Ein Gedi – David / Saul Visit the Dead Sea – for a float Begin driving South through the Wilderness of Zin (Moses) Pass by Lot’s Wife Pass by Sodom Visit Eilat Stone Arrive in Eilat for an evening by the Red Sea / Shopping in the Mall / Time at the Marina Hotel – Prima Music Hotel, Eilat (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included

• Depart from the hotel after breakfast

Free day in Eilat (Red Sea) – Snorkelling on the Coral Reef (included)

FULL DAY EXCURSION TO PETRA, JORDAN (add-on price: $420 per person – includes all border taxes/crossing fees)

• Hotel – Prima Music Hotel, Eilat (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included

Depart from the hotel after breakfast Journey north through the Negev Desert (Moses) Visit the Ramon Crater and Space Center Visit Avdat – A point on the ancient Silk Road Visit Be’er Sheva and Abraham’s well Visit Beit Shemesh (the Ark of the Covenant) Visit the Elah Valley (David and Goliath) before arriving in Jerusalem Hotel – Leonardo Hotel, Jerusalem (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included

Depart from the hotel after breakfast Drive to the top of the Mount of Olives View of the Old City (Hinnom, Tyropoeon and Kidron Valley’s, Southern Steps) Walk down the Mount of Olives following the path taken by Jesus on Palm Sunday Stop at Dominus Flevit – the Lord wept Visit the Garden of Gethsemane / Church of All Nations Enter the Old City through the Lions Gate – visit the Pools of Bethesda (St Ann’s Church) Continue to the Antonia Fortress – where Jesus stood before Pilate Via Dolorosa (Walk of Sorrows) Church of Holy Sepulcher View Nehemiah’s wall Visit the Temple Mount (Kotel) Visit the Jewish Quarter Hotel – Leonardo Hotel, Jerusalem (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included

Depart from the hotel after breakfast David’s City Hezekiah’s tunnels Pool of Siloam Visit Mount Zion Visit St Peter in Gallicantu (where Peter denied Yeshua 3 times / House of Caiaphas) Upper room Ancient steps that Jesus would have used Visit the Garden Tomb Hotel – Leonardo Hotel, Jerusalem (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included  

Depart from the hotel after breakfast Visit the Israel Museum (Second temple period model) Visit the Shrine of the Book Drive to Bethlehem Visit Church of the Nativity & Manger Square Visit the Shepherds Fields Hotel – Leonardo Hotel, Jerusalem (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included  

PLAN FOR LATE FLIGHT HOME

Depart from the hotel after breakfast Visit Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum – optional) Ein Karem (John the Baptist) Transfer to Airport (arrival at airport around 16:00pm) Final goodbyes before flight home (Plan for Evening Flight home)

Note: if your flights are earlier in the day we can arrange transport to the airport for you* (contact us for more details)

Airport Transfers: Collection and Drop off (as a group) at Ben Gurion International Airport (Meet and Greet)* – contact us for more details – various options available Transportation: Fully Air-conditioned Coach with PA System Accommodation: 4 Star Hotels 1 night on B&B basis – Tel Aviv 10 nights on Half Board basis – Breakfast / Evening Meal included (Lunches NOT included)

Guide: Certified Christian (Spirit Led) Tour Guide Entrance Fees: All tickets & entrance fees are included in the price Galilee Boat Ride: included Masada Cable Car: Included Baptisms: Baptisms in the Jordan river included (Robes & Certificates included) Whisper Headsets: Included All Tolls / Taxes: Included Group Size: Small / Medium: 16 – 30 PAX

PETRA – Add-On Supplement: $420 per person (includes Israel & Jordan Border Taxes/Crossing Fees) PLEASE NOTE: if you need to apply for a visa to enter Israel (via your local consulate) then you must request a DOUBLE ENTRY visa if you intend travelling to Petra. For those arriving in Israel under the Visa Waiver Program (this will apply to most countries – USA, Australia, UK, …) this will not be required.

Not included:

• Beverages with meals (Apart from Tea, Coffee, Juice at Breakfast & Table Water at evening Meal)
• Tips for guide, driver (expected rates: Driver $3 – $5 per day / per person, Guide: $5 – $7 per day / per person)
• Personal medical / baggage insurance (Insurance MUST cover COVID)
• COVID Tests / Vaccine Certificates (or any COVID group pre-arrival registration fees) – if they become required again

1. The sequence of the tour, hotels used, and sites visited may be amended due to circumstances. 2. Reservations received less than 90 days prior to departure are on a request only basis. 3. Sites within Palestinian areas are subject to situation 4. The group size will be between 16 – 30 passengers.  We keep our tour group sizes small to create a family type atmosphere and to ensure that each passenger gets the most from their tour with us.

PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary for this tour is given as a working guide. All sites on the itinerary will be visited but the order in which some sites are visited may be amended to avoid crowds / delays / traffic conditions due to the tour covering dates which coincide with the Easter period.

Our guides are in contact with various sites (& other guides) and will co-ordinate the tour to try to avoid delays and utilize the time you have in Israel to it fullest. During the Easter period some sites (especially in Jerusalem on and around Good Friday) will be crowded and if Israeli security forces / police feel an area is too overcrowded (or poses a risk to safety) then they may choose to close off areas to disperse crowds. This type of situation is out of our control so we reserve the right to change / alter the itinerary at a moment’s notice should circumstances / events / authorities dictate.

As stated above – we will try to ensure that ALL sites are visited but the order in which they are visited may change.

Prices below are (Per Person) and are in US DOLLARS

Adult (12 years & over): $2,595.00 ( based on sharing a Double / Twin room ) Child (2 – 11 years on dates of travel): contact us for rates Triple room: $2,495.00 (based on sharing a Triple room) Single Room Supplement: $1,370.00  ($2,595.00 + $1,370.00) Petra Add-On:  $420 per person (includes Border Crossing & all admission fees)

Payment Breakdown:

At time of booking: Non-refundable deposit of $200 per person Final Payment: 12 weeks before tour date: Final Balance

Full Terms, Conditions & COVID Cancellation Policy will be provided at time of booking.  

All of our tours run at a very ‘easy going’ pace – you will NOT be rushed from one site to another or herded on and off coaches all day long.

When reading the tour itinerary it may appear that there are a lot of sites to cover in one day but the routing for the tour has been carefully devised to reduce travelling time and to ensure that you get the most from your time in Israel (Many sites are also quite near to each other – especially in Jerusalem).

Our tours follow the leading of the Holy Spirit

All of our Tour Guides are Born Again Christian believers in Yeshua. As such, all of our tours are Spirit led and faith filled experiences. After many years of touring groups around the Holy Land we have found that the best way to ensure that all of our passengers are blessed is to allow the Lord to lead the tours (not us). This not only brings life and fulfilment to those on the tour (including staff) but it also allows the Glory of God to touch locals as we tour Israel with the Light of Jesus shining brightly.

Even though we provide an itinerary to all clients touring with us, we always explain that this is subject to change should the Lord decide to work in and through situations as we travel. All sites on our itineraries will be visited during the tour but if the Lord chooses to move in a specific direction we follow His leading and the route may be changed to suit.

Please note: our tours are NOT religious tours but rather faith filled experiences that allow believers to meet with and receive from the Lord in a living and dynamic way as they tour the Holy Land. We all tour as a family of believers – a group of brothers & sisters in Christ Jesus.

Our tours have small group sizes

We try to limit the size of our group tours to a maximum of 30 passengers. This ensures that people are offered a good price for the tour but it also avoids the problems that can occur with larger groups. Having a smaller group ensures that:

• We travel together as a ‘family’ of believers in Christ • Everyone has access to the Tour Guide / Driver • No one in the group will be ‘left out’ – or feel left out • There will not be the same delays that can occur with groups of 40+ PAX • It is easier to get to know everyone and make new friends • You will receive a tour where you know where you have been to and have been given the time required to appreciate each of the sites visited

(many passengers on larger tours quite often state how they visited so many places that they did not know where they had been to and did not have the time they required at many of the sites to appreciate their significance – this does not happen on our tours)

We run these tours to bring the Lord’s people to Israel and to see them blessed while in His land

Even though Elbow Holy Land Tours is a business, and it puts food on the table for it’s employees, the real reason for ‘Elbow’ – that which connects – is to bring a point of connection between Christian believers throughout the world and the Lord’s people in Israel. We run this business to provide other Christian believers with true Spiritual experiences while touring/visiting Israel and also to show the the locals living in Israel that Yeshua is real and available to them, as we allow His glory to shine through the groups we tour.

Come and join us

If you are planning on visiting Israel in 2023/2024 and are undecided about which tour to take or book onto, please pray about it and if you feel the Lord is leading you to us then we will be happy to assist you in anyway that we can. If you feel the Lord is leading you elsewhere, then don’t resist what He is doing – follow His leading and everything with work out as He see’s fit and for His glory.

Please fill in the form below to register your interest and one of our staff will contact you.

Easter 2024 Tour Request

Email Address

Telephone (include area / country code)

WhatsApp (include area / country code)

Billing Address

Passenger List (Names of passengers as shown on Passport plus age - Adult or Under 12 years)

Rooming Requirements: (Single Room, Double Room = 1 x double bed, Twin Room = 2 x single beds, Triple room = 3 x single beds)

No of Adults (12yrs +)

No of Children (11yrs or under sharing parents room)

Do you want the Petra Add-on included? Do you want the Petra Add-on included? Yes No

Any other requests?

• Why Use Us?
• Meet and Greet* at Ben Gurion Airport Arrivals area (*various arrival options available)
• Transfer to hotel in Tel Aviv
• Accommodation: Sadot Hotel (or similar) – 1st night Breakfast ONLY – no evening meal as arrival times unknownArrival time: 18:00 – 21:00 – if you arrive earlier / later we can arrange a private transfer for you
• Depart from the Hotel after breakfast
• Drive up the Old Damascus Road (Paul)
• Visit Jaffa – Peter’s Vision (House of Simon the Tanner, Jonah and the whale, ..)
• Visit Caesarea – Herod’s Maritime Harbour City
• Visit Megiddo – Armageddon
• Visit Mt Carmel (where Elijah called down the fire)
• Visit El Muhraqa (Spectacular view of the Plains of Armageddon)
• Views of Jezreel Valley
• Continue to Galilee
• Accommodation: Ein Gev, Galilee (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included
• Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation or visit the ruins of Jesus’ time
• Visit the Nazareth Village (Take a step back in time)
• Visit Cana (Jesus’ first miracle)
• Continue to the Sea of Galilee
• Visit Capernaum (The Town of Jesus)
• Visit Tabgtha (Loaves & Fishes)
• Visit Mt of Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount)
• Visit Tel Dan (What happened to the tribe of Dan?)
• Visit Caesarea Phillippi (Who do people say I am?)
• Visit Golan Heights
• Visit Local Date Farm
• Visit the Jesus Boat Museum
• Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee (Praise boat with worship)
• Continue towards the Jordan River Valley
• Visit Beit She’an (An impressive Roman town)
• Visit Qasr el Yahud (Bethany by the Jordan) – where Jesus was baptised – (Baptisms Available)
• Visit Jericho (where the walls came tumbling down)
• View the Mt of Temptation (where Jesus was tempted after fasting for 40 days & 40 nights)
• Hotel – Jericho Resort (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included
• Travel South through the Judean Wilderness
• Visit Qumran – Dead Sea Scrolls
• Visit Masada – Herod’s Mountain Fortress
• Visit Ein Gedi – David / Saul
• Visit the Dead Sea – for a float
• Begin driving South through the Wilderness of Zin (Moses)
• Pass by Lot’s Wife
• Pass by Sodom
• Visit Eilat Stone
• Arrive in Eilat for an evening by the Red Sea / Shopping in the Mall / Time at the Marina
• Depart from the hotel after breakfastFree day in Eilat (Red Sea) – Snorkelling on the Coral Reef (included)or FULL DAY EXCURSION TO PETRA, JORDAN (add-on price: $420 per person – includes all border taxes/crossing fees)
• Journey north through the Negev Desert (Moses)
• Visit the Ramon Crater and Space Center
• Visit Avdat – A point on the ancient Silk Road
• Visit Be’er Sheva and Abraham’s well
• Visit Beit Shemesh (the Ark of the Covenant)
• Visit the Elah Valley (David and Goliath) before arriving in Jerusalem
• Hotel – Leonardo Hotel, Jerusalem (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included
• Drive to the top of the Mount of Olives
• View of the Old City (Hinnom, Tyropoeon and Kidron Valley’s, Southern Steps)
• Walk down the Mount of Olives following the path taken by Jesus on Palm Sunday
• Stop at Dominus Flevit – the Lord wept
• Visit the Garden of Gethsemane / Church of All Nations
• Enter the Old City through the Lions Gate – visit the Pools of Bethesda (St Ann’s Church)
• Continue to the Antonia Fortress – where Jesus stood before Pilate
• Via Dolorosa (Walk of Sorrows)
• Church of Holy Sepulcher
• View Nehemiah’s wall
• Visit the Temple Mount (Kotel)
• Visit the Jewish Quarter
• David’s City
• Hezekiah’s tunnels
• Pool of Siloam
• Visit Mount Zion
• Visit St Peter in Gallicantu (where Peter denied Yeshua 3 times / House of Caiaphas)
• Ancient steps that Jesus would have used
• Visit the Garden Tomb
• Hotel – Leonardo Hotel, Jerusalem (or similar) – Half Board – Breakfast & Evening Meal included  
• Visit the Israel Museum (Second temple period model)
• Visit the Shrine of the Book
• Drive to Bethlehem
• Visit Church of the Nativity & Manger Square
• Visit the Shepherds Fields
• Visit Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum – optional)
• Ein Karem (John the Baptist)
• Transfer to Airport (arrival at airport around 16:00pm)

Guide: Certified Christian (Spirit Led) Tour Guide Entrance Fees: All tickets & entrance fees are included in the price Galilee Boat Ride: included Masada Cable Car: Included Baptisms: Baptisms in the Jordan river included (Robes & Certificates included) Whisper Headsets: Included All Tolls / Taxes: Included Group Size: Small / Medium: 16 – 30 PAX

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• Rome – Lourdes Pilgrimage
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• Our Lady of Lourdes Story, Apparitions, Pilgrimage Facts
• Divine Mercy Shrine Poland – St Faustina & JP II
• Medjugorje story – 5 Stones, Fr. Jozo, Apparitions
• Why Are Pilgrimages Important?
• Gift Certificates for Tours and Pilgrimages
• Terms and Conditions for Participation
• The Importance of a Holy Land Pilgrimage

Pilgrimages to the Holy Land – Pilgrimage to Bethlehem

Catholic Journey’s new Holy Land Pilgrimage staying in Bethlehem will reinvigorate your faith.  On these pilgrimages to the Holy Land, you stay in Bethlehem instead of Jerusalem .  On this Catholic Pilgrimage, you will walk in the Footsteps of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and the Apostles, visiting and celebrating daily Mass in the most important Shrines and Basilicas of Christianity. You will visit the Basilica of the Annunciation,  where the Angel of the Lord appeared to the Virgin Mary, and Mary professed her Magnificat. You will visit Bethlehem and celebrate the birth of Christ at the  Church of the Nativity .  You will have the opportunity to renew your baptismal vows at the Jordon River and your wedding vows in Cana, where Jesus performed His first Miracle. You will spend two days around the  Sea of Galilee where Jesus began His ministry, preaching to thousands as He gave His sermon on the Mount of Beatitudes, and miraculously fed the multitudes with fish and loaves of bread. The highlight of the Holy Land Pilgrimage Tour will be in Jerusalem where you will pray in the Garden of Gethsemane  and experience the Lord’s Passion along the  Via Dolorosa , aka the Way of the Cross on the way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre  which marks the place where Jesus was put to death on Calvary, and was buried and rose again! Visits to Mount Tabor,   Sepphoris , Bethany, and  Jericho are just some of the other places that you will visit on these Catholic pilgrimages to the Holy Land.  Why don’t you pilgrimage to Bethlehem by booking the Holy Land Pilgrimage staying in Bethlehem for 2024 or 2025 today?

Holy Land Pilgrimage 2025

Prices start at $2,595 for land only — $3,595 with airfare in 2025!  Our best price for pilgrimages to the  Holy Land.

Tour Details for Holy Land Pilgrimage 2025 with Bethlehem Stay

Departure & return location.

Your  local airport of choice —  Or you can choose land only and make your own flight arrangements.

Departure Time

Arrive for check-in 3 Hours Before Flight Time

Price Includes

• Air fares - Round trip airfare listed below Airfare is included for most major airports
• 1 Checked Bag with the Airlines
• Hotel Accommodations - First Class 4-star Hotels with Porterage
• Meals - Breakfast Lunch and Dinner Daily Bottled mineral water with dinners
• All transportation in destination location Airconditioned Motor Coach with Bottled Water and WiFi available onboard
• Tour Guide - Professional Catholic English Speaking Guides
• Entrance Fees - Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary Whisper Headsets where needed
• Daily Mass and Spiritual Activities Coordinated

Price Excludes

• Travel Insurance - optional but recommended
• Gratuities for Guides and Drivers
• Baggage Fees, if applicable
• ETA-IL application fee - REQUIRED
• Fees for Seat Assignments or upgrades, if applicable
• Private airport transfers when selecting Land Only and arranging your own flights.
• Any Personal Expenses

Complementaries

• Name and Luggage tags
• Neck Wallet

Itinerary Holy Land Pilgrimage 2025 with Bethlehem Stay

Day 1 home - tel aviv.

Day 2 Tel Aviv – Nazareth

Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport. After clearing Passport Control and collecting your luggage, you will meet your guide in the Arrivals Hall. He will escort you to your waiting motorcoach which will bring you to your hotel located in Nazareth. There will be time to freshen up before gathering for Mass and Welcome dinner. Overnight in Nazareth.

Day 3 Nazareth - Basilica of the Annunciation - Cana

Day 4 The Ministry of Christ in the Galilee: Tiberias - Boat ride on Sea of Galilee - Gerasene - Capernaum - Mt. Beatitudes

Some of today’s highlights are a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum to see the synagogue and St Peter’s house, a visit to Tabgha to see the splendid mosaic about the miracle of the loaves and fishes, and to the nearby Church of Peter’s Primacy where Peter was told: “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.” Visit Gerasene (Kursi) where Jesus exorcised demons out of a man and into a herd of swine, causing them to run down the hill into the Sea of Galilee where they drowned. There will be an unforgettable Mass on the Mount of the Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was given. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Nazareth.

Day 5 Mt Tabor - Mt Carmel - Caesarea - Emmaus - Jerusalem

Day 6 Ein Karem - Bethlehem the Nativity –Church of Visitation - Church of the Nativity - Shepherd’s Fields

Day 7 Jerusalem, the Holy City, The Passion of Jesus’ Last Hours: Mt Olives, Palm Sunday, Dominus Flevit, Gethsemane, Cave of Betrayal, Cave of Assumption, Pater Noster

Begin our day with a visit to the Mt. of Olives where you will be presented with an overview for a better understanding of its geography and some of the key sites surrounding the area. This includes a dramatic view of the Old City, revealing a city with 4000 years of history. From this vantage point see much of what makes Jerusalem such a unique city to the three major religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Visit the Pater Noster, which has the Lord’s Prayer in many languages, and the site of the Ascension from where Jesus ascended to Heaven. Walk the Palm Sunday route down the mountain stopping at Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Continue on to the Garden of Gethsemane, and celebrate Mass at the Rock of Agony where Jesus prayed His last prayer before His arrest. Visit the cave of betrayal then the cave of Assumption of Mary to heaven. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Bethlehem.

Day 8 The Wilderness: Bethany - Jericho -Mt Temptation - Jordan River Baptismal Site - Dead Sea

Day 9 Stations of the Cross - Church of the Holy Sepulchre - St Anne’s Church - Ecce Homo - Western Wall - Upper Room - Dormition

Early in the morning, the group will retrace the last steps of Jesus. Then walk along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow), through the markets of the Old City praying the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on the greatness of His sacrifice. Finally, you will arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Mass. After breakfast at your hotel, return to the Old City of Jerusalem to visit St. Anne’s Church, the home of the Virgin Mary, and her parents Saints Joachim and Anne. Pass the Ecce Homo where Pilate proclaimed “Behold the man”; then the Western Wall of the Temple, the holiest place for those of the Jewish faith. Nearby is the Dome of the Rock and the Haram al-Sharif or Temple Mount, exit at Mt Zion. At the Cenacle visit the Upper Room of the Last Supper. Next, go to Dormition Abbey where it is believed that the Blessed Mother’s earthly life came to an end. Visit St. Peter in Gallicantu, the House of Caiaphas, where Peter denied Him thrice. Special Farewell Dinner in Jerusalem. After dinner, transfer to Tel Aviv airport for the return flight to the USA.

Day 10 Flight Home

Return home.   This morning you will arrive back home.

Map - Holy Land Pilgrimage 2025 with Bethlehem Stay

Photos Holy Land Pilgrimage 2025 with Bethlehem Stay

Dates, Pricing, Booking for Holy Land Pilgrimage 2025 with Bethlehem Stay

2024 Holy Land with Bethlehem Pilgrimage Tour

2025 Holy Land with Bethlehem Pilgrimage Tour — coming soon

Reserve the dates and prices for your group now!  Contact us.

Single Room Supplement: $879 unless otherwise specified.

See the airports that we serve in the USA and Canada.  A few airports have an additional charge. Contact us if you don’t see your airport. 

Pre-Stay in Tel Aviv- Overnight Hotel & Breakfast

Double Room w/breakfast only p er person  $219 · Single Room w/breakfast only one person $409 · Private Airport Transfer p er person  $100

Post Stay in Jerusalem – Overnight Hotel & Breakfast

Double Room w/breakfast only p er person $225 · Single Room w/breakfast only one person  $419 · Private Airport Transfer p er person  $100

Flight Upgrades to Business Class or Premium Economy  

Upgrades to Business Class or Premium Economy are available – conditions apply!

Would you like to lead your parish or group on this pilgrimage to the Holy Land?   Click Here to get started.

Travel Insurance for Holy Land Pilgrimage 2025 with Bethlehem Stay

Travel Insurance is available for Pilgrimages to the Holy Land and –  recommended!

Click here for insurance plans including Cancel for Any Reason Coverage for a pilgrimage to Israel.

FAQ for Holy Land Pilgrimage 2025 with Bethlehem Stay

Do you have hotel information?   Click here for 4-star hotel accommodations for the Holy Land Pilgrimage with Bethlehem Stay.

Do I need an electrical adapter in Israel?    Yes, you will need an adapter for Israel.

Is a pilgrimage to Bethlehem or a pilgrimage to the Holy Land important?  For the Importance of a Holy Land pilgrimage click here.

Have the Bishops said anything about pilgrimages to the Holy Land?   For Holy Land Pilgrimage Guidelines from the United States Bishops click here.

Are your guides Catholic?   All of our guides are Roman Catholic!  Absolutely!  We are the only pilgrimage tour agency with a  Roman Catholic priest on staff!

Do you have other pilgrimages to the Holy Land?  Yes. We have the classic  Holy Land and Jerusalem Pilgrimage Tour we have offered for over 20 years, the new Holy Land Pilgrimage with Jordan and Petra Tour , and the delectable Holy Land Food and Faith Pilgrimage Tour which is our premium tour.

Would you like to lead or simply start your parish or group on this pilgrimage to Bethlehem and the Holy Land?   Click Here to get started.

Do you have FAQs for airlines, passports, vaccinations, travel insurance, tipping, packing, mobility, and others?   Yes. FAQ for all Catholic Journeys Pilgrimage Tours

Can I obtain Cancel for Any Reason Coverage for a pilgrimage to Israel?  Yes! Click here for insurance plan details — see the Select Plan with CFAR upgrade.

Related Tours

Educational Opportunities Tours

Holy land pilgrimage: 10-day catholic holy land pilgrimage | 2024.

Join us on a 10-day Catholic Holy Land Pilgrimage, starting at $3198 * from New York, on the dates below. You will see Bethlehem, Shepherds’ Field, Bethany, Ein Karem, Qasr El Yehud, Wadi Qelt, Jericho, Qumran, Dead Sea, Cana, Nazareth, Mount of Precipice, the Basilica of the Annunciation, Galilee, Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha, the Church of the Fish and the Loaves, the Chapel of the Primacy, Magdala, Mount Tabor, the Church of the Transfiguration, Mount Carmel, Emmaus, Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, the Church of Pater Noster, walk the Palm Sunday Road, the Garden of Gethsemane and much more.

Celebrate Mass Daily when a Priest Travels

Register Early & Save $150 11 Months Prior to Departure $125 10 Months Prior to Departure $100 9 Months Prior to Departure $75 8 Months Prior to Departure $50 7 Months Prior to Departure $25 6 Months Prior to Departure Full deposit required. Savings deducted from balance.

$400 scholarships available for clergy traveling for the first time and $250 scholarships available for clergy spouses traveling for the first time! Send an e-mail to [email protected] to apply and confirm your eligibility.

What’s Included

• All Inclusive Pricing
• Breakfast and Dinner Daily
• Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches
• Entrance and Program Fees
• First Class Hotels
• Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
• Guided Tours
• Hotel Gratuities
• International Airfare from NY
• Live Audio Headsets
• Overseas Airport Transfers
• Study Guide
• Administrative fees

^ Additional Baggage & Optional fees may apply.

† If air purchased through EO.

• Download Brochure

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 usa to the holy land.

Your spiritual pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on an overnight flight.

Day 2 Welcome to the Holy Land

You will be welcomed to the Holy Land by our airport representative and transferred to your Bethlehem hotel. Enjoy dinner before retiring for the night.

Day 3 Bethlehem, Bethany & Ein Karem

In Bethlehem, visit the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace, which now resides in the world’s oldest functioning church (Luke 2:1-7). Celebrate Mass in Bethlehem and then gaze out over Shepherds’ Field, where the angels first proclaimed the Good News. Visit Bethany, the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha.  Here, Jesus visited on several occasions and raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11). Travel to Ein Karem, the village where John the Baptist was born and the Virgin Mary visited Elizabeth prior to our Lord’s birth (Luke 1:26-40). Visit the Church of St. John, the birthplace of John the Baptist.

Day 4 Qasr El Yehud, Wadi Qelt, Jericho, Qumran & Dead Sea

Visit and renew your baptismal vows at the baptismal site of Qasr el Yahud, where tradition says Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Just off the Roman road that Jesus “walked” is the Wadi Qelt gorge, the site of the Monastery of St. George. Journey to Jericho (considered the oldest city in the world) to visit the ruins of the ancient city conquered by Joshua (Josh. 6:1). From Jericho, in the distance, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matt. 4:1). Celebrate Mass in the Church of the Good Shepherd in Jericho near a sycamore tree and remember Zacchaeus, who climbed a sycamore to see Jesus (Luke 18-19). Travel to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947. End your day with the opportunity to take a dip in the mineral-laden waters of the Dead Sea.

Day 5 Cana, Nazareth & Mount of Precipice

Visit the Franciscan Wedding Church at Cana, the site of Jesus’ first miracle, where He changed water into wine (John 2). Continue on to Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood home (Matthew 2:23), and celebrate Mass in the Basilica of the Annunciation. You will also see the House of the Holy Family, St. Joseph’s Workshop and St. Joseph’s Church (Luke 2:41-52; Matt. 2:19-23). Stand atop the Mount Precipice, where Luke describes how Jesus was rejected by those in the synagogue after He taught them. Filled with anger, they “led Him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast Him down headlong” (Luke 4: 29).

Day 6 The Galilee

Enjoy beautiful Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry, and visit the synagogue located on the site where Jesus taught (Matt. 4:13, 23). Sail across the Sea of Galilee, reflecting on the gospel stories of Jesus calming the storm. Listen to Jesus’ words from His Sermon on the Mount at the Mount of Beatitudes (Matt. 5-7) and celebrate Mass at the Church of the Beatitudes. At Tabgha, the traditional location of the feeding of the 5,000, explore the Church of the Loaves and Fish (Luke 9:10-17). Take a moment to reflect and pray in the Chapel of the Primacy, where Peter professed his devotion to the risen Christ (John 21). In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene, visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue.

Day 7 Mount Tabor, Mount Carmel & Emmaus

As you stand on Mount Tabor, contemplate what it must have been like for Saints Peter, James and John to behold the glory of the Transfigured Christ (Matt. 17:2). Celebrate Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration. Continue on your journey to Mount Carmel, where Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Biblically, Mount Carmel is referenced most often as a symbol of beauty and fertility.  To be given the “splendor of Carmel” was to be blessed indeed (Isa 35:2). In Emmaus, you’ll see the traditional site where Jesus appeared to two disciples after His resurrection. 

Day 8 Jerusalem

Be inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Jerusalem (“the Golden City”) as you stand on the Mount of Olives, the place from which Jesus ascended into heaven forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:9-12). Visit the Church of Pater Noster, walk the Palm Sunday Road, stopping briefly at the tear-shaped Dominus Flevit Church, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem.  Celebrate Mass in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before His crucifixion (Matt. 26:36-44). On Mount Zion, see the House of the High Priest Caiaphas, where Jesus was imprisoned the night of His arrest (Matt. 26:57-65). Nearby is the Upper Room, revered as the location of the Last Supper (Mark 14:12-26). Conclude your day by visiting the Church of the Dormition of Mary.

Day 9 Jerusalem & the Old City

Take time to pray at the Western Wall, which is all that remains of Herod’s Temple. Sit on the Teaching Steps where Jesus once taught. Take a leisurely stroll down the Cardo, the main street of the Old City, where modern shops stand between ancient ones.  View the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle of healing (John 5:1-31), and sing a hymn in the Church of St. Anne, renowned for its beautiful acoustics. At Herod’s Antonia Fortress, see where Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate (Luke 23:1-11). Walk the Via Dolorosa, “the Way of the Cross,” and celebrate the Mass of the Resurrection at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Day 10 Depart on an extension or return to USA

Enhance your journey, wonders of petra & the dead sea extension starting from $1098.

Starting at $1,098*

Day 10 – Jerash This morning you will journey across the Allenby Bridge on your way to Jerash, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world. Stroll through the oval piazza and wander along colonnaded streets etched by the wheels of ancient chariots. Stand in the grand theatre where an onstage whisper can be heard in the top row. Continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 11 – Petra Begin your journey south towards Petra today. Explore the city of Petra. Its entrance passes through a long, narrow gorge known as the Siq and can only be accessed by carriage, horseback or on foot. Once inside the city, marvel at the intricate detail of a city that was cut into the cliff sides of rose-colored rock. Travel to your hotel at the Dead Sea for dinner and overnight.

Day 12 – Madaba & Mt. Nebo Travel to Madaba, the City of Mosaics, to visit the Church of Saint George with its sixth-century, Byzantine, mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites. Continue to Mount Nebo, where Moses caught a glimpse of the Promised Land (Deut. 34). On a clear day, you can see all the way across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 13 – Free Morning at the Dead Sea Enjoy a free morning at your hotel. Cross the border back into Israel and enjoy dinner in Jerusalem. Afterward, you will travel to the airport in Tel Aviv to begin your journey home.

Day 14 – Return to USA

Depart ure dates for Wonders of Petra & the Dead Sea extension January 3, 17 February 14, 21 March 20 October 30 November 6 December 4

Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion. A minimum of 8 travelers are necessary to operate the extension. $138 for tips & taxes are charged separately (subject to change). *A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions.

Cairo & the Route of the Exodus Extension Starting from $1298

Starting at $1,298*

Day 10 – Jerusalem to Egypt Travel in the footsteps of the Holy Family as you travel along the ancient caravan route from Jerusalem to the Sinai desert. Cross the border and check into your hotel for dinner and rest. Day 11 – St. Catherine’s Monastery This morning, you can opt to climb Mount Sinai (conditions permitting), where tradition says that Moses received the Ten Commandments.  Everyone will experience a visit to fortified St. Catherine’s Monastery, built in the 6th century and one of the oldest working monasteries in the world with the world’s oldest continually operating library.  Both the Codex Sinaiticus and Syriac Sinaiticus, important early Biblical manuscripts, were discovered here.  Even Muhammad found refuge at the monastery, and the site is sacred to all three monotheistic religions. Remember the story of Moses and the burning bush, which tradition places inside the monastery. Continue to Sharm el Sheikh for dinner and overnight at your hotel located on the shores of the Red Sea. Day 12 – Route of the Exodus Trace the route of the Exodus along the eastern Sinai coast to Wadi Feiran, where the Children of Israel withstood the Amalekites. Travel to Elim, where the Children of Israel camped by the oasis of 70 palm trees. Your final stop of the day will be Marah by the Red Sea, where the “waters were bitter.” Continue to Cairo for dinner and a two-night stay. Day 13 – Memphis, Saqqara, the Great Pyramids & the Sphinx Tour the rural region of traditional Egyptian farming. Travel as Abraham did to Memphis (Biblical Noph) and on to Saqqara, where you will see the Step Pyramid, the world’s oldest stone structure. See the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Day 14 – Cairo This morning, visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities to view the unique collection of Pharaonic art and the renowned treasures of King Tutankhamun. Tour the Old City and see the Citadel of Saladin, built in 1183 AD, and view the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali. In Old Cairo, visit the Abu Serga Church built over the traditional site of the house where the Holy Family lived during their stay in Egypt. Prepare for your return flight home. Day 15 – Return to the USA

Departure dates for Cairo & the Route of the Exodus Extension January 17 February 14, 21 March 20 October 30 November 6 December 4 Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion. A minimum of 10 travelers are necessary to operate the extension. $158 for tips & taxes are charged separately (subject to change). *A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions.

Nile Cruise Extension Starting from $2898

Starting at $2,898*

Day 10 – Jerusalem to Mount Sinai Travel in the footsteps of the Holy family as you travel along the ancient caravan route from Jerusalem to the Sinai desert. Cross the border and check into your hotel at Sharm el Sheikh for dinner and rest.  Day 11 – St. Catherine’s Monastery This morning, you can opt to climb Mount Sinai, where tradition says that Moses received the Ten Commandments. Everyone will experience a visit to the fortified St. Catherine’s Monastery, built in the 6th century, and one of the oldest working monasteries in the world with the world’s oldest continually operating library. Both the Codex Sinaiticus and Syriac Sinaiticus, important early Biblical manuscripts, were discovered here. Even Muhammed found refuge at the monastery, and the site is sacred to all three monotheistic religions. Remember the story of Moses and the burning bush that tradition places inside the monastery. Continue to Sharm el Sheikh for dinner and overnight at your hotel on the shores of the Red Sea. Day 12  – Free Day in Sharm el Sheikh Enjoy a free day to relax in your resort by the beach in Sharm el Sheikh. Day 13 – Luxor This morning, fly to Luxor and transfer to your Nile cruise ship. Ancient Thebes served as the Egyptian capital during the New Kingdom and the time of Moses. Visit the magnificent Temple of Luxor with its avenue of sphinx statues and mighty monumental columns. Continue to the Karnak Temple, which took over 2,000 years to build and is the largest religious building ever constructed, and see the famed Hypostyle Hall, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III, the temple of Amon, the Granite Scarabeus and the Sacred Lake. Dinner and overnight on board Day 14 – Valley of the Kings and Queens This morning, enjoy the sunrise over the Nile River before your visit to the Valley of the Kings. Tombs were constructed here for the kings and powerful nobles of Egypt for nearly 500 years. The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, across from Thebes (modern Luxor), within the heart of the Theban Necropolis. See the Colossi of Memnon, made of sandstone brought from Gabal El Silselah. Each colossus, including the pedestal and the crown, is about 21 meters tall and represents King Amenhotep III. See the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of only a handful of female rulers in Ancient Egypt. Her reign was the longest of all the female pharaohs. Enjoy lunch onboard as you sail through the Esna locks. The ship arrives in Edfu this evening. Dinner and overnight on board. Day 15 – Edfu Visit the Edfu Temple on the west bank of the Nile. Dating to the Ptolemaic period, the temple was dedicated to the worship of the god Horus, represented as a falcon. It is one of the most beautiful Egyptian temples, distinguished by its huge splendid structure blending Pharaonic and Greek architecture. Enjoy scenic cruising to Kom Ombo and visit the Kom Ombo Temple. Built on a hillside, this temple was constructed in the Ptolemaic Roman era for the worship of the gods Haroeris and Sobek. It is noted for the relief engravings on its walls which show ancient surgical tools, bone saws and dentistry tools. Nearby, view the three mummified crocodiles in Hathor’s chapel. Dinner and overnight on board. Day 16 – Aswan Cruise to Aswan, where you will sail on a smaller boat across the Nile to visit the temples at Philae, including the Temple of Isis, one of the greatest Temples in Egypt, occupying a quarter of the island. Next, visit the High Dam, one of the most outstanding architectural achievements of the twentieth century. It was constructed to replace the old Aswan dam built in 1902. The 3600-meter-long dam was constructed to protect Egypt from the floods as well as provide irrigation and electricity to its citizens. View the Unfinished Obelisk made of red granite brought from the quarries of Aswan. Lunch and dinner onboard. 

Day 17 – Egyptian Museum, the Great Pyramids & the Sphinx Depart Aswan by plane and head to Cairo. Visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities to view the unique collection of Pharaonic art and the renowned treasures of King Tutankhamun. Continue for a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Day 18 – Cairo Tour the Old City and see the Citadel of Saladin, built in 1183 AD, and view the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammed Ali. In Old Cairo, visit the Abu Serge Church built over the traditional site of the house where the Holy Family lived during their stay in Egypt. Enjoy some time to rest as your prepare for your return flight home. Day 19 – Return to the USA

Departure dates for the Nile Cruise Extension January 17 February 14, 21 March 20 October 30 November 6

Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion. A minimum of 10 travelers are necessary to operate the extension. $168 for tips & taxes are charged separately (subject to change). *A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions.

Departure Dates

• Wednesday, October 30, 2024 From $3698 Register Now! --> From $3698* Register Now!
• Wednesday, November 6, 2024 From $3698 Register Now! --> From $3698* Register Now!
• Wednesday, December 4, 2024 From $3198 Register Now! --> From $3198* Register Now!

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Journey to the Holy Land 2024

February 25 - march 8, 2024.

Daily Itinerary

General Information

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Experiencing the Holy Land will forever change your understanding of scripture, bringing it to life in 3D and giving you Biblical context and clarity like you never imagined. We will travel the land of Old Testament greats- including Abraham, Joshua, King David, and the prophet Elijah — and you’ll never be the same after standing atop Mount Nebo, the very place where God showed Moses the sprawling Promised Land. Walking where Jesus walked during his New Testament ministry will leave you more spiritually alive than ever before. After visiting Israel, it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll want to come back again, bringing every believer you know!

P.O. Box 118696 Carrollton, TX 75011 [email protected]

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8-Day Catholic Pilgrimage to the Holy Land | 2024

Join us for an eight-day Holy Land Pilgrimage starting at $2898 from New York on the dates below. You will see Jericho, the site of the Temptation of Jesus, Qasr-el-Yehud, Bethlehem, St. Catherine’s Church, Shepherds’ Field, Ein Karem, Cana, Emmaus, Church of the Visitation, Franciscan Wedding Church at Cana, Nazareth, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, Church of the Beatitudes, Tabgha, Church of the Fish and the Loaves, Chapel of the Primacy, Mount of Olives, Church of Pater Noster, Palm Sunday road, Garden of Gethsemane, Mount Zion, the Upper Room, Church of the Dormition of Mary, and much more!

ETS will aspire to fulfill Mass requests based upon priest and location availability.

Download Brochure

What's Included

• All Inclusive Pricing
• First Class Hotels
• Breakfast and Dinner Daily
• Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches
• Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
• Entrance and Program Fees
• Live Audio Headsets
• Guided Tours
• International Airfare from NY
• Overseas Airport Transfers
• Study Guide
• Hotel Gratuities

Additional Baggage and Optional fees may apply.

If air purchased through EO.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 day 1 - usa to the holy land.

Your spiritual pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on an overnight flight.

Day 2 Day 2 - Welcome to the Holy Land

You will be welcomed to the Holy Land by our airport representative and transferred to your Bethlehem hotel. Enjoy dinner before retiring for the night.

Day 3 Day 3 - Jericho & Bethlehem

Journey to Jericho (considered the oldest city in the world) to visit the ruins of the ancient city conquered by Joshua (Josh. 6:1). From Jericho, in the distance you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matt. 4:1). Visit Qasr-el-Yehud and renew the baptism of Christ. In Bethlehem, visit the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace which now resides in the world’s oldest functioning church (Matt. 1:18-25). Celebrate Mass in St. Catherine’s Church and gaze out over Shepherds’ Field, where the angels first proclaimed the Good News.

Day 4 Day 4 - Ein Karem, Cana, Emmaus & Nazareth

Travel to Ein Karem, the village where John the Baptist was born and the Virgin Mary visited Elisabeth prior to our Lord’s birth (Luke 1:26-40). See the Church of St. John, birthplace of John the Baptist, and celebrate Mass at the Church of the Visitation. In Emmaus, you’ll see the traditional site where Jesus appeared to two disciples after His resurrection. Visit the Franciscan Wedding Church at Cana, site of Jesus’ first miracle as He changed water into wine (John 2). Visit Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood home (Matt. 2:23).

Day 5 Day 5 - The Galilee

Enjoy beautiful Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry, and visit the synagogue located on the site where Jesus taught (Matt. 4:13, 23). Sail across the Sea of Galilee reflecting on the Gospel stories of Jesus calming the storm. On the Mount of Beatitudes (Matt. 5-7), listen to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and celebrate Mass at the Church of the Beatitudes. At Tabgha, the traditional location of the feeding of the 5,000, visit the Church of the Loaves and Fish. (Luke 9:10). Take a moment to reflect and pray in the Chapel of the Primacy, where Peter professed his devotion to the risen Christ (John 21). Continue to Jerusalem for overnight.

Day 6 Day 6 - Jerusalem

Be inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Jerusalem (Òthe Golden CityÓ) as you stand on the Mount of Olives, the place from which Jesus ascended into heaven forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:9-12). Visit the Church of Pater Noster before walking the Palm Sunday road (time permitting) with a brief stop at the tear dropped shaped Dominus Flevit Church, built on the traditional site where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Then celebrate Mass in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed before His crucifixion (Matt. 26:36-44). On Mount Zion, see the House of the High Priest Caiaphas, where Jesus was imprisoned the night of His arrest (Matt. 26:57-65). Nearby is the Upper Room revered as the location of the Last Supper (Mark 14:12-26). Conclude your day by visiting the Church of the Dormition of Mary.

Day 7 Day 7 - Jerusalem and the Old City

Visit the Southern Wall Excavations of the Temple, including the Teaching Steps and the Western Wall. Take a leisurely stroll down the Cardo, the main street of the Old City where modern shops stand among ancient ones. View the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle of healing (John 5:1-31), and sing a hymn in the Church of St. Anne, renowned for its beautiful acoustics. At Herod’s Antonia Fortress, see where Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate (Luke 23:1-11). Walk the Via Dolorosa, Òthe Way of the Cross,Ó and celebrate the Mass of the Resurrection at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Day 8 Day 8 - Return to the USA

Return to the USA

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Orlando Cepeda dies

More than 1,300 people died during Hajj, many of them after walking in the scorching heat

Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool, File)

FILE - Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun as they arrive to cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual hajj, in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. More than 1,000 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, officials said Sunday, June 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

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CAIRO (AP) — More than 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, Saudi authorities announced Sunday.

Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83% of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform the Hajj rituals in and around the holy city of Mecca .

Speaking with the state-owned Al Ekhbariya TV, the minister said 95 pilgrims were being treated in hospitals, some of whom were airlifted for treatment in the capital, Riyadh. He said the identification process was delayed because there were no identification documents with many of the dead pilgrims.

He said the dead were buried in Mecca, without giving a breakdown.

The fatalities included more than 660 Egyptians. All but 31 of them were unauthorized pilgrims, according to two officials in Cairo. Egypt has revoked the licenses of 16 travel agencies that helped unauthorized pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia, authorities said.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief journalists, said most of the dead were reported at the Emergency Complex in Mecca’s Al-Muaisem neighborhood. Egypt sent more than 50,000 authorized pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year.

Saudi authorities cracked down on unauthorized pilgrims, expelling tens of thousands of people. But many, mostly Egyptians, managed to reach holy sites in and around Mecca, some on foot. Unlike authorized pilgrims, they had no hotels to return to to escape the scorching heat.

In a statement Saturday, Egypt’s government said the 16 travel agencies failed to provide adequate services for pilgrims. It said these agencies illegally facilitated the travel of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia using visas that don’t allow holders to travel to Mecca.

The government also said officials from the companies have been referred to the public prosecutor for investigation.

According to the state-owned Al-Ahram daily, some travel agencies and Hajj trip operators sold Saudi tourist visas to Egyptian Hajj hopefuls, violating Saudi regulations which require exclusive visas for pilgrims. Those agencies left pilgrims in limbo in Mecca and the holy sites in scorching heat, the newspaper said.

Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun as they arrive to cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual hajj, in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

The fatalities also included 165 pilgrims from Indonesia, 98 from India and dozens more from Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Malaysia, according to an Associated Press tally. Two U.S. citizens were also reported dead.

The AP could not independently confirm the causes of death, but some countries like Jordan and Tunisia blamed the soaring heat. AP journalists saw pilgrims fainting from the scorching heat, especially on the second and third days of the Hajj. Some vomited and collapsed.

Historically, deaths are not uncommon at the Hajj, which has seen at times over 2 million people travel to Saudi Arabia for a five-day pilgrimage. The pilgrimage’s history has also seen deadly stampedes and epidemics.

But this year’s tally was unusually high, suggesting exceptional circumstances.

In 2015 a stampede in Mina killed over 2,400 pilgrims , the deadliest incident ever to strike the pilgrimage, according to an AP count. Saudi Arabia has never acknowledged the full toll of the stampede. A separate crane collapse at Mecca’s Grand Mosque earlier the same year killed 111.

The second-deadliest incident at the Hajj was a 1990 stampede that killed 1,426 people.

During this year’s Hajj period, daily high temperatures ranged between 46 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) and 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) in Mecca and sacred sites in and around the city, according to the Saudi National Center for Meteorology. Some people fainted while trying to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil .

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. More than 1.83 million Muslims performed the Hajj in 2024, including more than 1.6 million from 22 countries, and around 222,000 Saudi citizens and residents, according to the Saudi Hajj authorities.

Saudi Arabia has spent billions of dollars on crowd control and safety measures for those attending the annual five-day pilgrimage, but the sheer number of participants makes it difficult to ensure their safety.

Climate change could make the risk even greater. A 2019 study by experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that even if the world succeeds in mitigating the worst effects of climate change, the Hajj would be held in temperatures exceeding an “extreme danger threshold” from 2047 to 2052, and from 2079 to 2086.

Islam follows a lunar calendar, so the Hajj comes around 11 days earlier each year. By 2029, the Hajj will occur in April, and for several years after that it will fall in the winter, when temperatures are milder.

More than 1,300 people died on Hajj pilgrimage, many of them after walking in the scorching heat

The faithful faced soaring temperatures at Islamic holy sites in Saudi Arabia.

More than 1,300 people died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, Saudi authorities announced Sunday.

Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83% of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform the Hajj rituals in and around the holy city of Mecca.

Speaking with the state-owned Al Ekhbariya TV, the minister said 95 pilgrims were being treated in hospitals, some of whom were airlifted for treatment in the capital, Riyadh. He said the identification process was delayed because there were no identification documents with many of the dead pilgrims.

He said the dead were buried in Mecca, without giving a breakdown.

The fatalities included more than 660 Egyptians. All but 31 of them were unauthorized pilgrims, according to two officials in Cairo. Egypt has revoked the licenses of 16 travel agencies that helped unauthorized pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia, authorities said.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief journalists, said most of the dead were reported at the Emergency Complex in Mecca's Al-Muaisem neighborhood. Egypt sent more than 50,000 authorized pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year.

Saudi authorities cracked down on unauthorized pilgrims, expelling tens of thousands of people. But many, mostly Egyptians, managed to reach holy sites in and around Mecca, some on foot. Unlike authorized pilgrims, they had no hotels to return to to escape the scorching heat.

In a statement Saturday, Egypt's government said the 16 travel agencies failed to provide adequate services for pilgrims. It said these agencies illegally facilitated the travel of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia using visas that don't allow holders to travel to Mecca.

The government also said officials from the companies have been referred to the public prosecutor for investigation.

According to the state-owned Al-Ahram daily, some travel agencies and Hajj trip operators sold Saudi tourist visas to Egyptian Hajj hopefuls, violating Saudi regulations which require exclusive visas for pilgrims. Those agencies left pilgrims in limbo in Mecca and the holy sites in scorching heat, the newspaper said.

The fatalities also included 165 pilgrims from Indonesia, 98 from India and dozens more from Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Malaysia, according to an Associated Press tally. Two U.S. citizens were also reported dead.

The AP could not independently confirm the causes of death, but some countries like Jordan and Tunisia blamed the soaring heat. AP journalists saw pilgrims fainting from the scorching heat, especially on the second and third days of the Hajj. Some vomited and collapsed.

Historically, deaths are not uncommon at the Hajj, which has seen at times over 2 million people travel to Saudi Arabia for a five-day pilgrimage. The pilgrimage's history has also seen deadly stampedes and epidemics.

But this year's tally was unusually high, suggesting exceptional circumstances.

In 2015 a stampede in Mina killed over 2,400 pilgrims, the deadliest incident ever to strike the pilgrimage, according to an AP count. Saudi Arabia has never acknowledged the full toll of the stampede. A separate crane collapse at Mecca's Grand Mosque earlier the same year killed 111.

The second-deadliest incident at the Hajj was a 1990 stampede that killed 1,426 people.

During this year's Hajj period, daily high temperatures ranged between 46 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) and 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) in Mecca and sacred sites in and around the city, according to the Saudi National Center for Meteorology. Some people fainted while trying to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil.

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is one of the world's largest religious gatherings. More than 1.83 million Muslims performed the Hajj in 2024, including more than 1.6 million from 22 countries, and around 222,000 Saudi citizens and residents, according to the Saudi Hajj authorities.

Saudi Arabia has spent billions of dollars on crowd control and safety measures for those attending the annual five-day pilgrimage, but the sheer number of participants makes it difficult to ensure their safety.

Climate change could make the risk even greater. A 2019 study by experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that even if the world succeeds in mitigating the worst effects of climate change, the Hajj would be held in temperatures exceeding an "extreme danger threshold" from 2047 to 2052, and from 2079 to 2086.

Islam follows a lunar calendar, so the Hajj comes around 11 days earlier each year. By 2029, the Hajj will occur in April, and for several years after that it will fall in the winter, when temperatures are milder.

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Watch CBS News

Maryland couple dies during extreme heat on Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia

By Adam Thompson

Updated on: June 24, 2024 / 8:11 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE - A Maryland couple was among the more than 1,300 people who died during extreme heat at the Hajj pilgrimage in the Middle East.

U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks confirmed in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that Alhaji Alieu Dausy and Haja Isatu Wurie died during a trip to Saudi Arabia.

Alsobrooks said the couple were both actively involved in their community. The woman was a volunteer for Alsobrooks' campaign, a spokesperson confirmed.

"Alhaji Alieu Dausy and Haja Isatu Wurie passed away during a pilgrimage to Mecca due to the severe heat," Alsobrooks said in a statement. "Haja Isatu Wurie was an incredibly active member of our community. She was involved in several community organizations, making transformational impacts that were felt both locally and globally. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their families during this difficult time. Their loss is profound, and they will be deeply missed."

It is with heavy hearts that my team and I received some devastating news today. Two beloved members of #TeamAlsobrooks , Alhaji Alieu Dausy and Haja Isatu Wurie, passed away during a pilgrimage to Mecca due to the severe heat. Haja Isatu Wurie was an incredibly active member of… pic.twitter.com/oyVMLhPo2l — Angela Alsobrooks (@AlsobrooksForMD) June 22, 2024

The couple from Bowie is believed to have died of heat stroke in 110+ degree temperatures in the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

"All we know is that it was natural causes and someone from the U.S. Embassy advised the natural causes could have been due to heat stroke, which based on the temperature, people were saying it was 110 degrees," their daughter Saida Wurie told CNN . "There are millions of people and they have to walk long hours. It was more than likely it was heat stroke for both of my parents."  

All Muslims are required to make the Hajj once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so. Many wealthy Muslims make the pilgrimage more than once. According to the Quran, Islam's holy book, the rituals largely commemorate the accounts of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail, Ismail's mother Hajar and Prophet Muhammad.

According to CBS News, the Hajj, the timing of which is determined by the lunar Islamic calendar, fell again this year during the oven-like Saudi summer.

Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims attempt to perform the hajj through irregular channels as they cannot afford the often costly official permits, CBS News says . 

This group was more vulnerable to the heat because, without official permits, they could not access air-conditioned spaces provided by Saudi authorities for the 1.8 million authorized pilgrims to cool down after hours of walking and praying outside.

Saida Wurie said her parents saved up their life savings for this excursion.

"They saved their life savings, I think it was about $11,500 per person, that they saved their entire lives to embark on this journey," she said. "They didn't receive the proper preparation and proper documents. It was just a nightmare experience of a trip."

Adam Thompson is a digital content producer for CBS Baltimore.

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JERUSALEM (OSV News) — Church leaders in Jerusalem accused local Israeli authorities of launching a “coordinated attack” against the Christian presence in the Holy Land after several municipalities initiated legal proceedings for alleged municipal tax debts.

“We follow with concern this campaign against the Churches and the Christian community in the Holy Land, which has reached an unprecedented level, dragging the Churches into legal proceedings from north to south. In response we assert our historical and legal rights, which Municipal actors are now trying to violate,” they said in a letter addressed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Christian leaders — including Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, and Franciscan Father Francesco Patton, the custos, or guardian, of the holy places — noted that “for centuries” since Ottoman times, church properties have been exempt from municipal taxes according to the established status quo and have used this right to invest in services to benefit their communities including schools, hospitals, convents, churches and houses for the elderly among others.

Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III, Armenian Apostoli Orthodox Patriarchate Nourhan Manougian and Anglican Episcopal Diocese Archbishop Hosam Naoum also signed the letter.

The church leaders called the actions “tendentious” and contrary to the historical stance of the churches and their relationship with the authorities, “violating existing agreements and international commitments that ensure the rights of the Churches.”

“It is an outrage that, specifically at these sensitive and complicated times when patience, compassion, unity in prayer and hope should prevail, municipalities are opening cases against Churches in courts and making threats,” they said in the letter. “This constitutes contempt of our customs and that which is dear to us, while trampling the mutual respect, which existed between us until this time.”

In early 2018 a similar dispute with municipal tax authorities in Jerusalem led to the closing of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher for three days before the Israeli government set up a negotiating team to resolve the property tax disagreement after the intervention of Netanyahu, who was also prime minister at the time.

At the time the Jerusalem municipality said it was aiming to collect close to $190 million in property taxes from some 887 church-owned properties that it said were not houses of worship.

In their June 18 letter the churches said the recent legal proceedings are contrary to the previous arrangement reached and accused the authorities of attempting to “drive the Christian presence out of the Holy Land.”

According to the church leaders’ letter, the municipalities of Tel Aviv, Nazareth and Ramla have also sent churches warning letters for alleged municipal tax debt.

In a statement sent to OSV News, the Jerusalem municipality said that though according to the law, every building is subject to property tax, places of worship may submit an application to the local authority to receive an exemption. However, it said, in recent years the churches have not submitted applications for exemption and also refused to allow municipal inspections in the mentioned premises.

“So far the municipality refrained from collecting the debts and currently a dialogue is taking place with the churches to collect debts for the commercial properties they own,” the municipality said.

The Tel Aviv municipality told OSV News it grants full or partial property tax exemption to properties held by religious institutions in accordance with the municipal property tax ordinance and government property tax ordinance.

“It should be emphasized that the Tel Aviv … municipality conducts respectful dialogue with all religious institutions in the city to arrange payments according to all legal provisions,” the municipality said in its statement.

The church leaders appealed to Netanyahu as their “last hope” to find a “sustainable resolution” as was promised in 2018 thanks to his intervention to avoid “another unwanted crisis.” They emphasized what they said was the importance of the prime minister’s previous statements on the need to respect the Christian community.

“We call on you to do all that is in your power to direct these local municipalities to cancel all legal proceedings against the churches and any other collection procedures. We want you to understand that in the face of this reality, we as Christian leaders cannot sit idly by and act as if everything is fine,” they said.

Judith Sudilovsky writes for OSV News from Jerusalem.

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Nearly 500 confirmed fatalities from hajj heatwave as hundreds more feared dead.

The official death toll from this year’s Hajj pilgrimage has soared to almost 500 and the true toll could be more than double that as reports emerged that as many as 600 Egyptian worshipers perished on the route to Mecca amid extreme heat.

At least 14 Malaysians, 165 Indonesians, 75 Jordanians, 35 Pakistanis, 49 Tunisians, 11 Iranians and 98 Indians have died, according to authorities in each country. A further 27 Jordanians are hospitalized and around 14 are still missing, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry said.

The US State Department said multiple US citizens died during the Hajj pilgrimage but did not provide a number. “We can confirm the deaths of multiple U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia. We offer our sincerest condolences to the families on their loss,” the State Department spokesperson said, adding that the agency stands ready to provide consular assistance.

Dozens of Iranians have also been hospitalized due to heatstroke and other conditions, the Iranian Red Crescent said Wednesday, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.

According to a CNN tally, this brings the latest official death toll for this year’s pilgrimage to at least 480.

The death tolls are expected to rise much further, as Saudi Arabia and Egypt have yet to release official figures. Additionally, the governments are only aware of pilgrims who have registered and traveled to Mecca as part of their country’s quota – more deaths are feared among unregistered pilgrims.

The pilgrims made this year’s journey in dangerously high temperatures of up to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit).

According to the Egyptian presidency, the crisis unit will be headed by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, and will “provide support for families of the deceased.”

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has also instructed the unit on “speedy coordination with Saudi Arabian authorities to facilitate the return of the bodies” of those who died, the statement added.

The official number of dead Egyptians stands at 28, according to an Egyptian cabinet statement Thursday. However, it is being widely reported by Reuters news agency and other outlets that as many as 500 to 600 Egyptians perished on the route.

Egyptian officials said they were working to gather an accurate tally of victims and missing persons. The discrepancy stems from vast numbers of unregistered pilgrims who are not accounted for among those who have registered and traveled to Mecca as part of their country’s quota.

Thousands more have been treated for heatstroke after an estimated crowd of 1.8 million Muslims contended with the high temperatures.

The Saudi Ministry of Health implemented safety measures including cooling stations along the official route, and urged pilgrims to use umbrellas and stay hydrated, The Associated Press reported. Despite this, this year’s event was overshadowed by tragedy, raising questions over whether more could have been done to ensure people’s safety.

It also highlights the dangers posed for the many unregistered worshipers who want to fulfil their religious duty despite not obtaining a Hajj permit, and who don’t have access to the official facilities.

Of the dozens of Jordanians who died of heatstroke while performing Hajj rituals, at least 68 pilgrims have been granted burial permits to be laid to rest in Mecca on the wishes of their families, the Head of the Jordanian Directorate of Operations and Consular Affairs, Sufian Qudah, said.

Malaysia’s Minister for Religious affairs, Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, said most of its pilgrims died from “heart disease, pneumonia and blood infection,” according to state-run Bernama News Agency. The Bernama report did not specify if the dead were members of the country’s official Hajj delegation.

A spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced the death of the 98 Indian nationals on Friday, saying: “These deaths have happened on account of natural illness, natural causes, chronic illness, also old age.”

On Saturday, the day when Muslims gather at Mount Arafat and where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his last sermon, six Indian nationals died amid extreme heat and another four died due to “accidents,” the spokesperson said, without giving further details.

The fallout from the deaths saw Tunisia’s President Kais Saied fire the country’s minister of religious affairs. Prior to his dismissal, Ibrahim Chaibi had acknowledged the possibility of negligence in the care of the pilgrims. “The negligence may have occurred. It will be present, and we will evaluate it at the ministry level, and whoever fails will be punished,” Chaibi said Friday.

The Saudi government said on Monday that more than 2,700 people had been treated for heatstroke. Meanwhile, hundreds of people have taken to social media to post about their loved ones being unaccounted for.

More than  1.8 million people  are taking part in this year’s Hajj, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics.

While deaths among pilgrims are not uncommon (there were more than 200 last year), this year’s gathering is being held amid particularly high temperatures.

Related article Six Hajj pilgrims die from heatstroke in Mecca, as temperatures head for 118 degrees Fahrenheit

Hajj season changes every year according to the Islamic calendar and this year it fell in June, one of the hottest months in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia advised pilgrims against performing the “stoning of the devil” ritual between certain hours after temperatures reached an extreme 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit).

Hajj officials asked pilgrims to carry umbrellas and stay hydrated amid the harsh conditions while the Saudi army deployed more than 1,600 personnel with medical units specifically for heatstroke and 30 rapid response teams. Another 5,000 health and first aid volunteers took part.

Performing Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, which requires every Muslim who is physically and financially able to make the journey to the holy city of Mecca at least once in his or her life.

The pilgrimage includes numerous detailed rituals including wearing a special garment that symbolizes human equality and unity before God, a circular, counter-clockwise procession around the cube-shaped Kaaba building, and the symbolic stoning of evil.

A source of prestige and revenue

The Hajj is a source of prestige for Saudi Arabia’s king, who holds the title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques as the guardian of Islam’s holiest sites. But the pilgrimage is also a significant source of revenue for the Saudi economy.

Related article The Hajj is back and Saudi Arabia is hoping to cash in

Soon after  King Salman bin Abdulaziz  took power in 2015, Saudi Arabia launched a  $21 billion project  to expand the Grand Mosque in Mecca to accommodate 300,000 additional worshippers. A year later, then Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman identified the pilgrimage as a key component of a plan to  diversify the Saudi economy  by 2030.

Experts say that with oil sales generating close to a billion dollars a day for the kingdom, the pilgrimage’s economic benefit is marginal by comparison. But its great, untapped potential could bring significant riches to the kingdom in the long term.

Pilgrimage revenues were forecast to average about  $30 billion a year  and create 100,000 jobs for Saudis when the kingdom attracted around 21 million worshippers annually during the 10-day Hajj as well as the yearlong Umrah pilgrimage, according to official data cited by Reuters. The government is targeting 30 million pilgrims by 2030.

This story has been updated with additional information. Edward Szekeres, Handi Alkhshali and Aishwarya S Iyer contributed reporting.

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‘we are happy he’s buried in mecca,’ says daughter of man who died in hajj heat wave.

The family of an elderly Indonesian man who  died during this year’s Hajj is happy he was buried in the holy city of Mecca, his daughter said, as the Southeast Asian nation mourns hundreds of its citizens who perished in extreme heat during the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

More than 1,300 people died on this year’s Hajj with “numerous cases” due to heat stress, according to Saudi Arabian authorities , after more than 1.8 million pilgrims took part despite temperatures soaring to dangerous levels. Authorities in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, said at least 215 Indonesians are among the dead.

Speaking to CNN on Sunday, Heru Jumartiyah said her 86-year-old father, Ngatijo Wongso Sentono, died on June 17 in his tent in Mina, southeast of Mecca, as he waited for midday prayers.

“He was asleep and had no symptoms of sickness before. Everyone said he was healthy during the Hajj procession,” she said.

Sentono had registered for the Hajj in 2018 and traveled to Mecca with his 83-year-old wife and neighbors from the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta, Jumartiyah said.

“My father was very enthusiastic about going on the Hajj. He wanted to leave immediately,” she said.

Related article Saudi Arabia says 1,301 died on Hajj this year

Performing Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, which requires every Muslim who is physically and financially able to make the journey to the holy city of Mecca at least once in his or her life.

According to Islamic belief, to die and be buried in Mecca is considered to be a blessing, with many Muslims traveling in their old age after having saved for many years to make the pilgrimage.

“We are happy that he was buried in Mecca,” Jumartiyah said, adding that she hoped to visit her father’s grave when she eventually makes the pilgrimage.

Jumartiyah said her mother, Pariyem Prawirodinomo, is healthy and due to return to Indonesia on July 7.

Some 241,000 Indonesian pilgrims were scheduled to make the journey to Mecca this year, according to Indonesian officials – the country’s largest ever quota.

According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, most of the Indonesians who died on the pilgrimage this year were over age 50.

It is not uncommon for Indonesia to register hundreds of deaths during each year’s Hajj – last year, 773 people died during the pilgrimage, according to records from the ministry.

‘I saw many pilgrims who died’

Extreme heat has been named as a main factor behind the hundreds of deaths and injuries reported this year during the Hajj. Mecca, the holy city that is central for Hajj pilgrims, saw temperatures soar to a record 125 degrees Fahrenheit (51 Celsius) on Monday.

Various authorities have also said the problems have been compounded by the number of unofficial pilgrimages, with the Saudi government saying Sunday that “unauthorized” trips accounted for more than four out of five of the fatalities.

Saudi Arabia requires each pilgrim to acquire one of the 1.8 million available licenses to legally access Mecca. These licenses can cost several thousand US dollars. Unlicensed pilgrims typically don’t travel in organized tour buses with air conditioning or easy access to water and food supplies.

As part of the pilgrimage, the faithful perform a series of rituals in and around the holy city of Mecca, often involving many hours of walking in the scorching heat every day.

Some pilgrims have lamented the poor infrastructure and organization of this year’s Hajj. Even pilgrims on official tours spend the bulk of their day walking outdoors in the heat.

Some  witnesses have told CNN  of how they saw worshipers losing consciousness and walked past bodies covered in white cloth.

A 44-year-old Indonesian man who only wished to be referred to as Ahmad, recalled seeing many dying from the heat.

“Along the way home, I saw many pilgrims who died. Almost every few hundred meters, there was a body lying and covered with an ihrom (white fabric) cloth.”

“Every time there is a distribution of water from local residents or certain groups, it is immediately overrun by the pilgrims,” he added, saying that he didn’t see health workers or a single ambulance along the road.

Related article ‘Not enough medics’ to help pilgrims with heat, Hajj witnesses tell CNN as toll mounts

In recent decades, the sheer size of Hajj crowds has been a factor in a number of deadly incidents during the pilgrimage, including a stampede that killed hundreds of people in 2015.

However, experts have warned that rising temperatures pose the deadliest threat to pilgrims as heat records tumble in the Middle East – one of the most vulnerable regions to the climate crisis – making mass gatherings riskier.

Climatologist and weather historian Maximiliano Herrera, who tracks extreme temperatures, told CNN that deserts in the region were “warming at night much faster than during the daytime,” which was supposed to provide a break and relief from the heat. “This didn’t exist until a couple of decades ago,” Herrera said.

“Everybody is affected by deadly heat and sadly I am not surprised by (the Hajj) death toll,” he added.

“Spending time outdoors in the extreme Mecca heat is risking death … so I am afraid there will be more deadly Hajj pilgrimages in the future.”