Experience immersive Israel. From the waves of the Mediterranean through the Galilee we will witness the locations of the early ministry of Christ and His Apostles. Jerusalem's winding, bustling streets with the aroma of saffron and frankincense will welcome us as walk the ancient streets.
Thursday, August 6
Depart USA. Flight information and arrival time will be determined at a later date. If you arrive with the group we will travel from the airport to the hotel together. We will fly into Tel Aviv (TLV).
Friday, August 7
Arrive in Tel Aviv and stay Beachside at the renowned Herod's Hotel.
Saturday, August 8
After breakfast we will travel to Caesarea the launch site of Christianity and the sacred testimony of Paul before Agrippa. We will also travel to Mt. Carmel and the Mount of Transfiguration.
Sunday, August 9
Today we head North to Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, and the ancient ruins of Chorazim as we contemplate the question, "Whom say ye that I am?"
Monday, August 10
Our focus today is Nazareth, where we will see working village set in the time of the Savior, The Church of the Annunciation, and an ancient Synagogue.
The ministry of Christ comes into focus as we see fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies in Capernaum, a first century road in Magdala, the Mount of Beatitudes and ending the day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.
Tuesday, August 11
As we travel south to Jerusalem we will experience the Baptisms site of Jesus before moving on to Jericho and Jerusalem. In the afternoon we will visit the Dome of the Rock and The pool of Bethesda.
Wednesday, August 12
Our focus turns to the Old Testament today and the City of David, including Hezekiah's famous tunnel. The southern steps and St. Peter's Galicantu church bring us back to New Testament times.
Thursday, August 13
After the hustle and bustle of the city, it is time to go south and cool off in the waters of En Gedi and the Dead Sea. We also visit Qumran and Masada. In late afternoon and evening we will see other Jerusalem sights.
Friday, August 14
We visit one of the most sacred sites in the Holy Land today: The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, with a special stop where we can imagine the quiet Christmas night and sing some Christmas carols. We will also stop at Herodian, one of Herod's final monuments. At night we visit the Western Wall and welcome in the Sabbath. In the afternoon we will have some free time and optional activities.
Saturday, August 15
Our Sabbath begins at church at the BYU-Jerusalem Center. Following services we will go to the Garden of Gethsemane and the empty tomb and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Upper Room of the Last Supper.
Sunday, August 16
After all of that, it's time to rest a bit. We will travel 4 hours to the resort city of Aqaba, Jordan. Aqaba is home to amazing resorts, red sand beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving will be available (not included in tour cost). From our Hotel the countries of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Israel and of course Jordan will be in our view.
Monday, August 17
Time for adventure. After a late check-out, we go to Wadi Rum with a 2 hour jeep ride (included in cost) through the deserts, sand dunes, and mountains of Jordan. Camel rides and other adventures will be available for additional purchase.
Tuesday, August 18
We travel up to visit the ancient Nabatean city of Petra. Here you will have several options on walking and hiking as much as you desire to see as many ruins and ancient buildings as you'd like. Our hotel is at the beginning of Petra in easy distance to the sites.
Wednesday, August 19
Flights from Amman to USA.
All accommodations in 4 and 5 star hotels
Transportation throughout
Licensed tour guide throughout including Dr. Ezra Gwilliam and local guides.
Tips to guide, drivers and hotel / restaurant staff for scheduled meals.
All entrance fees
Portage at all hotels
Israel Exit Tax ($60 pp)
Jordan Visa
2 hour Jeep ride in Wadi Rum
All Breakfast and Dinner's upon arrival in Israel.
Mandatory tips to local guides, hotel staff and bus driver (about $115, price and instructions will be given prior to departure)
3 preparatory zoom meetings with Ezra going over, culture, history, Islam, Judaism and Christian History. These are optional, but the last meeting will be very helpful in logistics, packing, etc. Having some entry knowledge reduces culture shock, and lets us dig deeper while we are on site.
Flights
Daily Lunches
Carriage ride in Petra
Drinks with meals
Travel Insurance
Israel Only: $3,195 pp*
Jordan Extension: $1,145 pp*
*Price based on Double Occupancy (Single room supplement Israel: $935, Jordan: $270) and a minimum of 22 participants.
April 21, 2025