Best of Israel

Price Per person double occupancy

Date	Price	Single Supplement
February 28 – March 9, 2027	$4,999*	$1,050
*Includes estimated roundtrip airfare from Pittsburgh Reservation Due: November 6, 2026 Final Payment Due: December 13, 2026

Included

8 nights lodging at 4 star accommodations, Estimated Roundtrip Airfare from Pittsburgh, Breakfast and dinner buffet daily plus Peter’s Fish Lunch & Genesis Land Lunch, Full time professional English-speaking tour escort, Services of air-conditioned deluxe motor coach, All guides, entrances, touring and transportation as appears on itinerary, Baggage handling at hotels (one piece), Tips to driver, guides, and hotel staff, Pilgrim payment processing (check, Visa, Master Card, or Discover), Whisper Headphone Systems in Israel (distributed upon arrival)

Not Included

Most lunches, Drinks with meals, Optional Travel Insurance (7.95% or 10.85% of tour cost), Israel ETA (approximately $7 USD), Israel VAT (value-add tax) - $160 fee for those passengers not providing passport information

DAY 1 - Sunday, February 28, 2027: Departure

Today we embark on our journey to the Holy Land. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…tomorrow you will be walking where Jesus walked!

DAY 2 - Monday, March 1, 2027: Arrive Israel

Arrive in Israel and travel northward to our hotel for one night in the coastal area near Tel Aviv. Upon arrival at the hotel you will meet your Israeli guide and have dinner before a good night’s rest to prepare for the many blessings to come in the days ahead.

DAY 3 - Tuesday, March 2, 2027: Caesarea, Mount Carmel, Megiddo & Nazareth

After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We will see the Roman Amphitheatre, hippodrome, a film on history and the remains of this famous port city, an aqueduct, and then journey on to Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Next, we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. We drive through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we will ascend Mount Precipice and visit the Nazareth Village, a wonderful recreation of Biblical times with costumed guides. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next three nights along the Sea of Galilee.

DAY 4 - Wednesday, March 3, 2027: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Mount of Beatitudes, Jesus Boat, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride, Magdala

Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of alternative sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s confession and pagan worship. Driving along the foot of Mount Hermon, we ascend onto the Golan Plateau for a magnificent view of upper Israel. Returning to Galilee for a St. Peter’s fish lunch (other selections available), we then visit the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 - 7) and a picturesque walk to the possible site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida. We then visit the ancient fisherman boat followed by a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. A brief Scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples. We conclude our day with a visit to Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation of the first century synagogue and well-preserved village makes Magdala one of the most interesting Biblical sites in Israel.

DAY 5 - Thursday, March 4, 2027: Capernaum, Chorazin, Mount Arbel, Jordan River Baptism Site

Today we visit the Biblical towns of Capernaum and Chorazin. Capernaum is located along the Sea of Galilee and was the hometown of Peter. It is likely where Jesus and the disciples lived during much of His ministry while in Galilee. Next, we visit Chorazin which offers another example of a Jewish synagogue and a replica of the “Seat of Moses” which was carved out of the local basalt block and from which the scribes and Pharisees would have read the Torah. We enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Galilee region atop Mount Arbel. Mount Arbel could likely be the location that Jesus would get away from the crowds to take time in prayer with His heavenly Father. Here our guide will point out the various towns listed in scripture during the time of Jesus. We conclude our day with an opportunity to be baptized at the Jordan River Baptismal Site.

DAY 6 - Friday, March 5, 2027: Beit Shean, Bethany Beyond Jordan, Dead Sea Scrolls, and Dead Sea Swim

We travel southward this morning to Beit Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa, the Philistines hung their bodies on the walls of Beit Shean. Those who want to can climb the ancient Tel and view the setting for King Saul’s death. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis – a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey” and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho and view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world. To the east of Jericho along the Jordan River Valley (Queser El Yehud) is the Israeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. In this area Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist; Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan; and the children of Israel, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land. Next, we visit the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoon we have an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing float in the Dead Sea. We proceed to our hotel in Jerusalem the next four nights. After dinner those interested may join Bill as he travels to a local Messianic congregation for a speaking engagement.

DAY 7 - Saturday, March 6, 2027: Masada, Ein Gedi, Abraham’s Tent, Mount of Olives & Garden of Gethsemane

Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, “Spring of the Goat,” an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. We will have time to walk to the caves and waterfalls in the Judean Wilderness which David used while fleeing from King Saul. This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham’s Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time to relive life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, camel ride and authentic food. Arriving in Jerusalem we will enjoy a beautiful view of the Old City atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus’ prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here.

DAY 8 - Sunday, March 7, 2027: Israel Museum, Temple Institute, City of David, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Bethlehem

An interesting and educational time awaits at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of century’s old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem. This model will help put into perspective all that you have seen over the previous days’ touring. We then travel to the Temple Institute; we will explore exhibits that bring ancient temple practices and Jewish history to life. The next stop is the City of David. It was during the time of Solomon that the city limits extended past this part of Jerusalem. We visit Gihon Springs, the original water source for Jerusalem, view new excavations including a typical Israelite four-room house, and the lower city wall. We drive past Rachel’s Tomb on our way to Bethlehem to conclude our day. “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). We visit Shepherds’ Field, enter a cave and see a stone manger, sing a Christmas carol and go to the Church of the Nativity to view the traditional birthplace of Jesus.

Day 9 - Monday, March 8, 2027: Jesus’ Steps, Western Walls, Southern Steps, Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb

Today we walk where Jesus walked, beginning the day with a visit to the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel, we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders. After prayer at the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site, conditions permitting we will ascend to the ancient Temple Mount. Next, we visit the Southern Wall Excavations and see a video that shows the Temple as it was at Jesus time. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place where Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. This afternoon we move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Christ and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen’s Gate, and St. Anne’s Church. While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our guide will explain the differing opinions on the route where Christ was led. (The actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study!) The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise.

DAY 10 - Tuesday, March 9, 2027: Return Home

We depart for home with many blessings to share with family, friends, and the church community from a life-changing experience with unforgettable memories in the Holy Land. Having walked in the footsteps of Jesus will bring new meaning to our Bible reading and relationship with Christ.

Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group.