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  • Israel Bible Sites, Holy Land Sites, Christian Tour Trips to Israel, Videos | Holylandsite.com

    See every Bible Site in Israel In-depth! Everything about Israel: Maps, Videos, Books about Israel, Tours, Holy Land Trips to Israel, Footsteps of Jesus, Bible Teachings, Jerusalem, Galilee, Samaria, Bethlehem, Masada, Dead Sea, Capernaum, Negev, Nazareth, Experience Israel Online. Christian Tour Trips to Israel. Exodus Route, Red Sea Crossing, Mount Sinai in Arabia, Noah's Ark, Temple Mount, Temple, City of David, Church of Holy Sepulchre, Church of Nativity, Church of Annunciation, Jordan Home Dear Friend, Perhaps you’d love to visit the Holy Land but can’t, or maybe you have the privilege of going and want to learn more about the places you'll visit. If either is the case, then this website is for you! See the Bible come to life as you walk in the footsteps of Jesus and see the places where the events of the Bible took place. This website enables you to experience the Holy Land online by watching videos and teachings from the Land of the Bible. You’ll discover a new dimension in understanding the Bible, and it will go from black and white to 3D, living color! Holy Land Experience Trip s 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. Our goal is to offer a highly biblical, non-touristy, and inspirational trip to the Land of the Bible. Our trips also include sites that are off the beaten path. ____________ "An absolutely amazing trip with a guy who knows his Bible and can relate it to you in-country. I've gone to Israel with this dear friend of mine twice. It's an 11 out of a 10 trip!" Dan Reeves "I've looked and looked, but I just haven't found any groups with the same approach I got spoiled by when we went with you to Israel. Also, they're not really Bible-teaching tours. Your teaching tour is still head and shoulders above anything else, so if it works out, I'd like to go with you again next year." Todd Yaney Holy Land Experience Trip May 1 ~ 17, 2026 (Includes travel to and from Israel) 17-Day Trip $5,150 USD Click for Trip Details This trip is currently full. Please consider our next trip or to be placed on the waiting list. Maximum group size 40. The length of your trip can be shortened if needed. You can start or depart at any time. Holy Land Experience Trip October 16 ~ November 1, 2026 (Includes travel to and from Israel) 17-Day Trip $5 ,250 USD Click for Trip Details This trip is currently full. Please consider our next trip or to be placed on the waiting list. Maximum group size 40. The length of your trip can be shortened if needed. You can start or depart at any time. Holy Land Experience Trip April 30 ~ May 16, 2027 (Includes travel to and from Israel) 17-Day Trip $5 ,350 USD Click for Trip Details Maximum group size 40. The length of your trip can be shortened if needed. You can start or depart at any time. Holy Land Experience Trip October 22 ~ November 7, 2027 (Includes travel to and from Israel) 17-Day Trip $5 ,450 USD Click for Trip Details Maximum group size 40. The length of your trip can be shortened if needed. You can start or depart at any time. Books by HolyLandSite.com Travel Guide Book 664 Pages Bible Companion Book 654 Pages Jerusalem & Central Israel Book 402 Pages Sea of Galilee & Northern Israel Book 222 Pages Negev & Southern Israel Book 222 Pages See some of our most popular videos below!

  • Israel History Timeline: Walls, Gates, People | Holylandsite.com

    See a detailed timeline of Israel's history from its beginning until now. No stone is left unturned. Great for understanding the basic periods in Israel's history. Videos, books, talks, maps, and more. Learn about its walls, gates, people, language, and more. Timeline of Israel's History Israel's History The importance of understanding Israel's historical periods. The Holy Land is an ancient place, one of the oldest in the world. While in the Holy Land, you’ll be seeing things as old as 6,000 years. That’s old! Different periods of history will be referred to when describing Israel’s holy sites and places. Please note that there will likely be several key events that have taken place at a particular site. Each event will have happened during a specific period in Israel’s history. If you can understand the different periods a little, you’ll get much more out of your experience. Chronology of Time Used by Archaeologists and Historians Early Bronze Age 4000–2000 BC Middle Bronze Age 2000–1500 BC Late Bronze Age 1500–1200 BC Iron 1 Age 1200–1000 BC Iron 2 Age 1000–586 BC Canaanite Period 4000–1875 BC 4000 BC – Canaanites inhabit the land of Israel. 2500 BC – Noah and the Great Flood. 2100 BC – Tower of Babel 2091 BC – Abraham moves to the land of Canaan from Ur of the Chaldeans. 1875 BC – Jacob and his family move to Egypt to live with Joseph. Israelite Period 1450–970 BC 1446 BC – Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. 1406 BC – Nation of Israel enters the Promised Land. 1043 BC – King Saul becomes the first king of Israel. 1010 – 970 BC – King David's reign. First Temple Period 970–586 BC 970–931 BC – King Solomon’s reign. Golden years of the Kingdom of Israel. 959 BC – Solomon completes the magnificent temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem (the same place Abraham intended to sacrifice Isaac). 931 BC – The Kingdom of Israel divides because of Solomon’s sins. Jeroboam reigns over the northern Kingdom of Israel from Samaria. Rehoboam reigns over the southern Kingdom of Israel from Jerusalem. 722 BC – Assyrians conquer and deport most of the northern Kingdom of Israel to Assyria. 586 BC – Babylonians conquer Jerusalem and Judah under Nebuchadnezzar and deport most of the southern Kingdom of Judah to Babylon. Second Temple Period 538–444 BC 537 BC – Many Jews return from Babylon; the rebuilding of the Second Temple begins under the leadership of Zerubbabel. 515 BC – Completion and dedication of the Temple. 458 BC – Ezra returns to Jerusalem with a second wave of Jews and teaches all Israelites about the Bible. 444 BC – Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. Hellenistic Period (Greek Rule) 333–167 BC 333 BC – Alexander the Great defeats the Persian Empire and sets out to conquer the world. After his sudden death in 323 BC, the Greek Empire was divided into several successor states. During this period, the Bible was translated into Greek (the Septuagint). Hasmonean Period (Maccabean Rule) 167–63 BC 167 BC – When the Jews were prohibited from practicing Judaism, and their temple was desecrated as part of an effort to impose Greek-oriented culture and customs on the entire population, the Jews revolted. First led by Mattathias of the priestly Hasmonean family and then by his son Judah the Maccabee, the Jews subsequently entered Jerusalem and purified the temple. This purification of the temple is commemorated by the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah (164 BC). Roman Period (Roman Rule) 63 BC–31 3 AD 63 BC – Roman general Pompey captures Jerusalem. 37 BC–4 BC – Herod, Roman vassal king, rules the Land of Israel. He enlarges the Temple Mount and rebuilds the temple. He also builds other monumental projects, including Caesarea Maritima, Herodian, Cave of the Patriarchs, and Masada. 4 BC – Jesus is born in Bethlehem. 27–30 AD – Ministry of Jesus. 30 AD – Jesus crucified. 66 AD – Jewish revolt against the Romans. 70 AD – Destruction of Jerusalem and Second Temple. 74 AD – Fall of Masada. 132 AD – Bar Kokhba Revolt. Roman Emperor Hadrian destroyed Jerusalem, rebuilt it, and named it Aelia (the emperor’s family name) Capitolina (cult of the Capitoline Triad, Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva), a pagan city. Many holy sites were preserved, but they also contained pagan shrines. He also renamed the country of Israel to Palestine, a name derived from the Philistines. Hadrian did this in an attempt to remove any association the Jews had with their land. Byzantine Period (Eastern Roman Empire Rule in Israel) 313–614 AD The word Byzantine refers to the period of time between when the Roman emperor Constantine I relocated his empire in 330 AD from Rome to Byzantium, which is modern-day Istanbul, and ending in 1453 AD with the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire. The Byzantine Empire lasted more than 1,000 years, but it only controlled Israel for about 300 years. In 638 AD, Muslims took over the Holy Land. After that, many churches and monasteries were destroyed by the Persians or Muslims, and most of them weren’t rebuilt until the Catholic Crusaders came in 1095 AD. 313 – Emperor Constantine recognized Christianity (Edict of Milan). He later converted to Christianity. 326 – Constantine’s mother, Helena, goes to the Holy Land and builds many churches and basilicas on holy sites. 380 AD – Edict of Thessalonica declared that Christianity was the only official religion of the Roman Empire. Persian Period 614–628 AD 614 – Persian conquest of the Holy Land. Many churches and monasteries were destroyed. Byzantines Recapture Israel 628–638 AD 628 – Holy Land recaptured by the Byzantines. Muslim Period 638–661 AD 638 – Muslim conquest of the Holy Land completed. Their rule originated from Damascus, then Baghdad, and subsequently from Egypt. Umayyad (Muslim) Period 661–750 AD 691 – Where the First and Second Temples were located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock was built by Caliph Abd el-Malik. Abbasid (Muslim) Period 750–1099 AD 1009 AD – A n Egyptian Muslim Caliph named Al-Hakim destroyed many of the Christian buildings in the Holy Land, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Crusader Period 1099–1291 AD 1099 – In response to the destruction of many churches in the Holy Land by the Muslims in 1009 AD, the Crusaders (Catholic armies from Rome) conquered Jerusalem and many parts of Israel. 1147 – Second Crusade arrives in the Holy Land. 1187 – Destruction of the Crusader army by Muslim leader Saladin. The collapse of the Crusader Kingdom begins. 1265 – Mamelukes, led by Sultan Beybars, conquer the Holy Land. 1270 – Final Crusade arrives, and all its participants are massacred. 1291 – The Last Crusader stronghold of Acco was taken, ending Crusader rule. Mamluk (Muslim) Period 1291–1517 AD 1291 – Mamluk rule begins. 1333 – Franciscan Order established in Jerusalem. Its members care for holy places and pilgrims. By the end of the Middle Ages, the country’s urban centers were virtually in ruins, most of Jerusalem was abandoned, and the small Jewish community was poverty-stricken. Political and economic upheavals, plagues, locust invasions, and devastating earthquakes darkened the period of Mamluk decline. Ottoman (Muslim) Period 1517–1917 AD 1517 – Following the Ottoman conquest in 1517, the land was divided into four districts and administratively attached to the province of Damascus, with rule from Istanbul. 1537 – Suleiman the Magnificent rebuilds the city walls of Jerusalem. 1799 – Napoleon Bonaparte invades Israel but fails to capture it and is forced to leave. 1860 – The first neighborhood, Mishkenot Sha'ananim, is built outside of Jerusalem’s city walls. 1882 – First large-scale immigration to Israel, mainly from Russia. 1904 – Second large-scale immigration from Russia and Poland. British Period 1917–1948 AD 1917 – British Foreign Minister Lord Balfour issued on November 2, 1917, the so-called Balfour Declaration, which gave official support for the “establishment in Israel of a national home for the Jewish people” with the commitment not to be prejudiced against the rights of the non-Jewish communities. 1947 – The United Nations approved the partition of Israel into separate Jewish and Arab states on November 29, 1947. State of Israel Period 1948 to Present 1948 – On the day when the British Mandate in Palestine expired, the State of Israel was instituted on May 14, 1948, by the Jewish National Council under the presidency of David Ben Gurion. 1948–1949 – The Arab-Israeli War; the Arabs refused to accept the newly established State of Israel. Egypt, Syria, Transjordan, Lebanon, and Iraq attacked Israel, but within a year, Israel defeated its attackers. 1950 – Western Jerusalem was proclaimed the capital city of Israel on January 23, 1950. 1956 – The Suez Crisis: Israelis invaded Egyptian territory in October 1956. 1956 – After Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the company that administered the Suez Canal, a joint attack by the French and British was launched. Egypt suffered a military disaster on November 2, 1956. Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula, but after international condemnation, Israel was forced to withdraw. 1967 – Six-Day War: after Egypt closed the Straits of Tiran on May 22, 1967, Israel launched an attack on Egyptian, Jordanian, Syrian, and Iraqi airports on June 5, 1967. After six days, Israel conquered Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, Sinai, and the West Bank. 1973 – Yom Kippur War: On October 6, 1973, on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, Syria and Egypt launched a surprise attack against Israel. After the initial success of the attackers, Israel managed to cross the Suez into Egypt and encircle Cairo. Following the intervention of the USA and the Soviet Union, military operations concluded on October 25, 1973. 1978 – The Camp David Accords were signed by Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anvar Sadat in September 1978, at Camp David, USA. Israel agreed to withdraw from the occupied Sinai Peninsula. 1979 – The Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty was signed on March 26, 1979, in Washington.

  • Holy Land Trip: November 6-22, 2026 | HolyLandSite.com

    Holy Land Tour Trips to Israel. In-depth Bible-centered tour trips to Israel. November 6-22, 2026, 17-Day Package Trip. Affordable tours of all the biblical sites in Israel. Holy Land Tour Trip to Is rael The Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime November 6 ~ 22, 2026 17-Day Trip (Includes travel to and from Israel) The length of your trip can be shortened if needed. You can start or depart the tour at any time. 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 in the Holy Land? 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 in the depths of our souls. You will never be the same, nor will you read your Bible the same way, 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 on the events and places of the Bible as outlined in the Scriptures. Our goal is to offer a highly biblical, non-touristy, and inspirational trip to the Land of the Bible. Our trips also include sites that are off the beaten path. ___________________ "An absolutely amazing trip with a guy who knows his Bible and can relate it to you in-country. I've gone to Israel with this dear friend of mine twice. It's an 11 out of 10 trip!" Dan Reeves "I've looked and looked, but I just haven't found any groups with the same approach I got spoiled by when we went with you to Israel. Also, they're not really Bible-teaching tours. Your teaching tour is still head and shoulders above anything else, so if it works out, I'd like to go with you again next year." Todd Yaney Quick Links Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,750 USD Hotel Reservation Bookings & Airplane Flights About Your Tour Hosts Trip Registration, Deposits, Payments, & Cancelation Info Documents Needed to Enter Israel Itinerary Holy Land Trip Travel Orientation Helpful Holy Land Learning Resources Anchor 5 The Holy Land Experience! 17-Day Trip (Includes travel to and from Israel) Total Holy Land Trip Cost: $5,250 USD COST BREAKDOWN HolyLandSite.com Fee: $2 ,2 50 USD Items Included in HolyLandSite.com Fee: 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. All Tips for Tour Bus Driver and Hotel Staff Personal Expenses: $3,000 USD To keep our trips as affordable as possible, we have individuals book their own lodging, airfare, and pay for their own meals. The costs below are estimates. Your price may vary depending on airfare from your location, room selection, and the level of dining expense you prefer. Items each individual pays for on their own: Meals in Israel: $500 per person ~ Meals can be eaten at the hotels, local restaurants, or in your room. Lodging in Israel: $1,250 per person ~ Based on private, double occupancy rooms. ~ We provide links to the three hotels we use, and you book them. ~ Hotels can be found below . Airfare: $1,200 per person Personal transportation in Israel: $50 per person Note: Personal transportation means travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel in Tel Aviv and from Prima Park Hotel in Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. Taxis are the best method of transportation. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate everyone's time schedules due to the different arrival and departure times of our passengers. However, we are happy to help in any way possible with these arrangements. Total Cost of Trip HolyLandSite.com Fee: $2,2 50 Personal Costs: $3,000 (Estimated Costs) Total: $5,2 50 USD THIS IS A CUSTOM-DESIGNED TRIP If you want to spend more time in Israel and see more holy sites, this trip is designed for you. Most trips to the Holy Land include around 7-8 full touring days in Israel. This severely limits what can be seen. Therefore, most who go to the Holy Land miss seeing many significant holy sites. Our trips include 13 full touring days in Israel. This allows you to see almost every significant site in Israel. A 17-day trip like ours is typically quite expensive (if you can find one). Why can we do it so inexpensively? We eliminate tour companies, travel agencies, and tour guides, and provide these services directly. We also allow you to book your own airfare, lodging, and pay for your own meals, providing you with a great deal of flexibility and options. We are pleased to serve you and our Lord Jesus Christ by offering you this unique and affordable trip of a lifetime. Since this is a custom trip, each participant is responsible for booking their airfare, lodging, and purchasing their meals. DO WE OFFER SHORTER TOUR TRIPS? If the length of the trip is too long, you are welcome to start or end at any time. You are not required to participate in the entire trip. MEALS IN ISRAEL (Paid by Each Individual) Eating in Israel is really quite simple. Below is what most people on our tours do: Breakfast ~ The hotels provide a large buffet-style breakfast, which can be paid for when you book your lodging or at the hotel. We highly recommend eating breakfast at the hotels as it saves a lot of time. They are large buffet meals that are already prepared, hot, and ready to eat. However, you can eat breakfast at a local restaurant or make it yourself in your hotel room if desired (all rooms have small refrigerators). Lunch ~ Because eating out is expensive in Israel, time-consuming with a large group, and we will not always be close to a restaurant while sightseeing, each trip participant will need to prepare a daily sack lunch. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores, or you can take extra items and your leftovers from the breakfast buffets at the hotels. All hotels have refrigerators in the rooms. Dinner ~ Many enjoy the local culture by eating out at local restaurants. However, if you prefer to eat at the hotels, they offer large buffet-style dinners. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Those considering this trip should be in reasonably good physical shape. Our estimated daily walking distance (including some steps and minor hiking) will be about 2 to 4 miles (3 to 6 km). Each day will consist of about 8 hours of sightseeing. If desired, you are welcome to take a day off or stay on the tour bus to rest at any time during the trip. GROUP SIZE LIMIT To provide a more intimate and enhanced experience, we limit our group size to approximately 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. AIR TRAVEL Each person will be responsible for booking their own air travel to Israel (Ben Gurion Airport). Please plan to arrive with plenty of time to attend our required orientation and get-acquainted meeting, scheduled for 7:00 pm at the Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel in Tel Aviv. Due to customs, visa processing, luggage collection, and other factors, please allow 3 hours from the time of airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic conditions. 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. TRANSPORTATION IN ISRAEL We will be transported via a large, air-conditioned motorcoach . Our bus driver is an Arab Christian who can take us to all the sites in Israel. LODGING IN ISRAEL During our time in Israel, we will stay at three nice hotels with private rooms and bathrooms. Our itinerary shows the hotels where we will stay: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, and Jerusalem). LUGGAGE SIZE AND AMOUNT We don't have a specific luggage size and number allowance per person, but we suggest not exceeding 40-50 lbs (18-22 kg) per piece of luggage, as it makes handling easier. The lighter, the better. You will be responsible for handling your luggage during the trip (although we, or others in the group, can help you if needed), so please pack only what you can comfortably lift. PARK & ENTRANCE PASSES Holy Land Site Ministries will pay all park and entrance fees for all sites. You are responsible for paying any entrance fees you want to see during your free time. WHAT WILL OUR VISITS TO EACH SITE BE LIKE? Our visits will typically last around two hours. We'll begin with an introduction to the site, then explore and experience its key points of interest. When touring the sites, we will take our time and walk at a leisurely pace, stopping along the way to explore and discuss the points of interest. Our estimated daily walking distance (including some steps and minor hiking) will be about 2 to 4 miles (3 to 6 km). We'll then find a quiet spot to reflect on the main events from the Bible that took place there and conclude with a faith lesson to learn the key truths God desires to teach us. Afterward, you will have approximately 15 minutes to purchase souvenirs, if desired. TRIP PREPARATION Please utilize the videos and information on our website, which provide helpful guidance and orientation to better understand the many biblical sites we will be visiting, the history of Israel, and other relevant information. Additionally, we will provide helpful details leading up to our trip to help you get the most out of your Holy Land experience. We also ask that you familiarize yourself with our Travel Orientation Material, which can be found on our website. You will find it extremely helpful. TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TRIP We’ve chosen the dates of this trip to visit Israel because the weather is stable, and there are no Jewish Holidays that will interfere with our travels. DAILY ITINERARY Please note that the schedule may be slightly adjusted due to circumstances beyond our control. 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 in Israel. You can also activate your phone for international service. If you don't have Internet access through your phone service, free Wi-Fi is available at each hotel, and the tour bus offers complimentary Internet service. DIGITAL MAPS OF DAILY TRIP ITINERARY For each day's tour trip itinerary , a link to a Google Map of the route and sites we'll see is provided . These maps are in the Itinerary Section. Here's an example: Tour Day 1: G oogle Map Itinerary DAILY SCHEDULE We will meet in the main lobby of each hotel at 7:15 am and depart promptly at 7:30 am to board the tour bus. We will return around 4:00 - 5:00 pm. After returning to our hotel at the end of each day, you will have free time to relax, dine at the hotel, or explore the local sites, enjoy dining out, and experience the local culture. PERSONAL TRAVEL IN ISRAEL You can take a taxi, walk, or use the bus or light rail train system. It's helpful to have Internet service (you can activate your phone or obtain an Israeli SIM card) and use Google or Apple Maps to navigate. It will tell you which bus, light rail train, or walking route suits you best. It also works in real-time, so you can see precisely when buses and trains are arriving and departing. AGE LIMIT The minimum age for trip participants is 12 years old unless other arrangements have been made with us. ITINERARY Please see our detailed itinerary below. DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO ENTER ISRAEL Valid Passport Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone worldwide with a valid passport for travel to Israel. Passports must have at least six months left before expiration. B2 Stay Permit This permit is issued upon arrival at the airport. Self-service kiosks are available, where you can scan your passport, and a printed B2 Stay Permit will be issued. It's essential to keep this permit safe, as you will be required to present it multiple times during your stay in Israel. For convenience, you may want to place it inside your passport or wallet. Here is our helpful Ben Gurion Arrival Orientation Video that shows all about this: https://youtu.be/65N9VktYE0c Visa Israel does not require Visas from almost all countries in the world to enter its country. However, if you are from a country that Israel does require a Visa from before entering its country, you will need to check and verify this in advance. ETA-IL Electronic Document The rules for travel to Israel have changed. Starting from January 2025, visitors from Visa-exempt countries (meaning you don't need a Visa to enter Israel) are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel and stay for up to 90 days per visit. All Visa-exempt travelers to Israel must have an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. ETA-IL is designed to smoothen border control upon arrival in Israel and ensure Israel's national security. How long is an ETA-IL valid? Obtaining an ETA-IL indicates you can travel to Israel as a tourist and stay up to 90 days. Your ETA-IL authorization is generally valid for multiple trips over a period of two years from the date your application is approved, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. What does the ETA-IL application cost? 25 NIS ($7.50 USD) per applicant. How to apply for an ETA-IL? The application is made online through the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority website. Here's the link: ETA-IL (piba.gov.il) When to apply for ETA-IL Please apply no later than one month before your trip departure date to allow for any issues that may arise. You can submit your application sooner if you prefer. Helpful video from the Israeli government website about the ETA-IL document, and how to obtain it: How to Use ETA-IL for Eligibility to Enter Israel Anchor 1 TOUR HOSTS Todd & Letsy Fink More about the Finks TRIP REGISTRATION, DEPOSITS, PAYMENTS, & CANCELATION INFO HOW TO REGISTER & CONFIRM YOUR SPOT 1. Please fill out the online registration form, and we will notify you of your acceptance on the tour trip team. 2. After 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 Holy Land Trip Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,750 USD FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE Your final payment deadline is August 1, 2026 . For those who wish to attend this trip after August 1 , 2026, we will handle reservations on a space availability basis. Thanks for your understanding. CANCEL ATIONS & REFUNDS Deposit Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries All deposit payments are non-refundable and non-transferable to other trip dates, as HolyLandSite.com has significant overhead commitments invested in each trip, including reservations, office staff, travel arrangements, bus rental, and so forth, which cannot be recuperated. Refund of Final Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries 1. If you need to cancel your trip for personal reasons before August 1, 2026 , 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 August 1 , 2026 , Holy Land Site Ministries will not be able to refund any of your final payment due to expenses already incurred that cannot be recuperated. Transferring Payments to a Different Tour Trip Date No payments to Holy Land Site Ministries can be transferred from one tour trip to another. Refunds from Purchases of Airline Tickets, Lodging, etc. Holy Land Site Ministries cannot refund any of these funds because they were not paid to Holy Land Site Ministries. Refund if the 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. The deposit payment of $500 is not refundable because HolyLandSite.com has many overhead commitments invested in each trip, such as reservations, office staff, travel commitments, bus rental, and so forth, that cannot be recuperated. However, rest assured that we are "Old School" and don't cancel trips unless it's impossible for us to go. The fact that we have led tour trips during wartime reveals that we don't cancel our trips. 3. Refunds from flights and lodging will be the responsibility of each person, as these were booked personally. 4. Unfortunately, Holy Land Site Ministries cannot act as your trip insurance if the trip must be canceled or you choose to cancel for personal reasons. Therefore, we encourage you to follow our suggestions below to book your trip with little financial commitment. IDEAS TO BOOK YOUR TRIP WITH LITTLE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT 1. Book Your Lodging Through Booking.com They require no upfront charge and allow free cancelation up to one week or so before your trip. 2. If Possible, Book Your Airfare With Cancelation Coverage 3. Buy Trip Protection Insurance If you would like trip protection insurance to protect you in the event of trip cancelation for any reason, many third-party insurance agencies offer travel protection insurance in case of unforeseen cancelations. Travel Protection Agency Options Travel Guard: https://www.travelguard.com Allianz Travel Insurance: allianztravelinsurance.com Seven Corners: sevencorners.com World Nomads: https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKINGS & AIRLINE FLIGHTS Lodging For those with the time and resources, arriving a day or two early in Israel will allow you to rest up and better prepare for your experience in Israel. Hotels generally allow bookings about one year in advance. It's wise to book your lodging as soon as possible within this timeframe, as accommodations in Israel fill up quickly. Flights You can book your flights at your convenience. Most people book their flights around four to six months before the trip. Israel's main international airport is Ben Gurion Airport, abbreviated TLV. HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKING LINKS We list Booking.com as an option because they offer no upfront charges, and cancelations can be made 72 hours in advance with no additional fees. However, if you want to book using another booking platform, you are welcome to do so. When booking your lodging, please mention in the message section that you are part of the HolyLandSite.com Tour Group. They will give you better rooms, along with other benefits. Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel , 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv Check-in: November 7 Check-out: November 8, one-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, 1 El Hadif Street, Tiberias Check-in: November 8 Check-out: November 12 , four-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem Check-in: November 12 Check-out: November 21 , nine-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Booking.com Phone Number (USA): 1-888-876-1063 If, for some reason, a hotel is full, just book a hotel of your choice nearby and meet us at the main lobby of the hotel at 7:15 am, where the rest of the group is staying. We will promptly depart the hotel lobby to board the tour bus at 7:30 CONTACT INFO: Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website : HolyLandSite.com Anchor 2 Anchor 4 DAILY ITINERARY FRI, NOVEMBER 6 DEPART FOR THE HOLY LAND Please plan to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, no later than November 7, by 3:00 pm if possible. This will give you plenty of time to attend the required orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm. We'll meet at the main check-in lobby of the Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport 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. Click to see the "Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Orientation Video." SAT, NOVEMBER 7 TEL AVIV After arriving at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, you will proceed through the airport. Please don’t lose the small B2 Stay Permit paper you will be provided at one of the kiosks. Afterward, you can take a taxi to Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. Due to customs and visa processing, please allow approximately 3 hours of travel time from the airport to the hotel. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic conditions. The orientation and get-acquainted meeting is at 7:00 pm. Please meet in the main hotel lobby. Free time afterward. Lodging at Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. One night total. Google Map from Ben Gurion to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel SUN, NOVEMBER 8 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 by the beautiful Sea of Galilee . Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, 1 El Hadif Street, Tiberias. Four nights total. Tour Day 1: Google Map Itinerary MON, NOVEMBER 9 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 with a most memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee in a replica of an ancient wooden boat used during Jesus' time. 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. Then, on to Capernaum , where Jesus established 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 from a demon-possessed man. We'll conclude this amazing day of walking in the footsteps of Jesus by visiting Kinar Beach, where the Feeding of the 5,000 most likely happened. At this beach, you'll have the rare treat of swimming in the beautiful waters of the Sea of Galilee . Free time afterward. Tour Day 2: Google Map Itinerary TUES, NOVEMBER 10 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll journey north to Caesarea Philippi , where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God ." We'll then visit Chorazin , one of the towns Jesus cursed because of their unbelief in Him. We’ll visit Tabgha , the place where Jesus restored Peter to fellowship and ministry. We'll wrap up the day with a visit to Magdala , the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. Free time afterward. Free time afterward. Tour Day 3: Google Map Itinerary WED, NOVEMBER 11 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 site believed to be where Christ gave the Great Commission, and where we'll see all the sites of the Sea of Galilee from its breathtaking view. Free time afterward. Tour Day 4: Google Map Itinerary THURS, NOVEMBER 12 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 John baptized Jesus. 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 have done 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, NOVEMBER 13 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 drive by En Gedi , pointing out where David hid in this area from King Saul. 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, NOVEMBER 14 BETHLEHEM – JUDAH AREA We'll begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Herodian Fortress . While there, we'll view Bethlehem in the distance, the Shepherds' Fields, the Fields of Boaz and Ruth, and see where David kept his sheep as a young man . Then, we'll visit Bethlehem, Manger Square, and the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born. We’ll continue our travels 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 was miraculously returned to the Israelites by the Philistines. Free time afterward. Tour Day 7: Google Map Itinerary SUN, NOVEMBER 15 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 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, NOVEMBER 16 NEGEV & ISRAEL MUSEUM 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 seeing the Oaks of Mamre, where God made a covenant with Abraham, one of the most important covenants in the Bible. We'll then travel a short distance to the Cave of Machpelah , where the patriarchs and their wives are buried. Close to Machpelah are the ruins of ancient Tel Hebron . We'll then return to Jerusalem and visit the Israel Museum , where an amazing model of Jerusalem from 66 AD is located. We'll also see the Shrine of the Book and the archaeological wing of the museum. Free time afterward. Tour Day 9: Google Map Itinerary TUES, NOVEMBER 17 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day at the highest point on the Mount of Olives , where we'll v isit the Chapel of Ascension , the place Christ ascended back to heaven, and where His feet will touch down at His glorious second coming. We'll then visit Pater Noster Church , where Christ taught His disciples how to pray. As we descend the Mount of Olives , we’ll stop at a lookout spot that offers a magnificent view of Old City Jerusalem , allowing us to orient ourselves to the city's layout and key places . We'll see the Tombs of the Prophets , where Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are believed to be buried. We’ll then walk the Triumphal Entry Path to Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations . Along the way, we’ll visit Dominus Flevit Church , where Christ wept over Jerusalem. We’ll then see Mary’s Tomb and then finish the day visiting Gethsemane Cave , where Jesus spent His last hours before going to the cross to be crucified. Free time afterward. Tour Day 10: Google Map Itinerary WED, NOVEMBER 18 JERUSALEM Today, we’ll visit and walk on the Temple Mount , the location of Solomon’s Temple and the holiest and most contested piece of land in the world. We'll then see the Western Wall , the Jews’ most sacred site in Israel. We’ll visit the Jerusalem Archaeological Park , which has numerous amazing attractions, including the Southern Stairs Area , the main entrance to the Temple Mount —a place where Christ and His disciples would have often been —and the likely location where those who received Christ at Pentecost were baptized. We’ll then walk through part of the Cardo , an original Roman street, and see the amazing remains of the massive Broad Wall built by King Hezekiah. We'll wind up the day by walking the Rooftop Walk over Old City Jerusalem. Free time afterward. Tour Day 11 : Google Map Itinerary THURS, NOVEMBER 19 JERUSALEM Today, we'll be privileged to visit 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. We'll then visit the Upper Room , the location of the Last Supper , and where an early Christian church/synagogue was built 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 dating to around 600 AD. Tour Day 12: Google Map Itinerary FRI, NOVEMBER 20 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day by walking along the Eastern Wall and seeing the famous Eastern Gate , where we'll see ancient stones dating back to Solomon's time and evidence of the original Temple Mount and its expansions over the years. Then it's on to see the Pools of Bethesda , where Jesus healed a sick man after he had waited 38 long years. We’ll walk the traditional path of the Via Dolorosa and see the 14 Stations of the Cross that lead to Golgotha, where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located today. We'll then visit and explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see why it's the best candidate for Golgotha. From there, we'll walk the biblical Via Dolorosa (painful path to the Cross) to Pilate’s Palace and Gabbatha (stone pavement and judgment place where Christ was condemned to crucifixion). Tour Day 13: Google Map Itinerary Farew ell Dinner at 5:30 pm. Free time afterward. SAT, NOVEMBER 21 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! You will be responsible for your own transportation from the hotel to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The hotel in Jerusalem (Prima Park) offers several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. All of them can be prearranged in advance. Check-out time at the hotel is 11:00 am. However, they will hold your luggage in a safe place if your flight is later in the day or evening. The hotel in Jerusalem (Prima Park) offers several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. All of them can be prearranged in advance. Travel time to Ben Gurion Airport is about one hour. We recommend arriving at Ben Gurion Airport at least 3 hours before flight departure. This means you should leave the hotel in Jerusalem at least 4 hours in advance. The 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). Please arrange transportation with the hotel's front desk at least a day in advance. All transportation options take approximately an hour to reach the airport and operate daily, including on Shabbat (Saturday), the Sabbath. Google Map from Prima Park Hotel to Ben Gurion Airport C li ck t o see the "Ben Gurion Airport Departure Orientation Video." SUN, NOVEMBER 22 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. Anchor 3

  • Holy Land Trip: October 22-November 7, 2027 | HolyLandSite.com

    Holy Land Tour Trips to Israel. In-depth Bible-centered tour trips to Israel. October 22 - November 7, 2027, 17-Day Package Trip. Affordable tours of all the biblical sites in Israel. Holy Land Tour Trip to Is rael The Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime October 22 ~ November 7, 2027 17-Day Trip (Includes travel to and from Israel) The length of your trip can be shortened if needed. You can start or depart the tour at any time. 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 in the Holy Land? 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 in the depths of our souls. You will never be the same, nor will you read your Bible the same way, 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 on the events and places of the Bible as outlined in the Scriptures. Our goal is to offer a highly biblical, non-touristy, and inspirational trip to the Land of the Bible. Our trips also include sites that are off the beaten path. ___________________ "An absolutely amazing trip with a guy who knows his Bible and can relate it to you in-country. I've gone to Israel with this dear friend of mine twice. It's an 11 out of 10 trip!" Dan Reeves "I've looked and looked, but I just haven't found any groups with the same approach I got spoiled by when we went with you to Israel. Also, they're not really Bible-teaching tours. Your teaching tour is still head and shoulders above anything else, so if it works out, I'd like to go with you again next year." Todd Yaney Quick Links Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,950 USD Hotel Reservation Bookings & Airplane Flights About Your Tour Hosts Trip Registration, Deposits, Payments, & Cancelation Info Documents Needed to Enter Israel Itinerary Holy Land Trip Travel Orientation Helpful Holy Land Learning Resources Anchor 5 The Holy Land Experience! 17-Day Trip (Includes travel to and from Israel) Total Holy Land Trip Cost: $5,450 USD COST BREAKDOWN HolyLandSite.com Fee: $2 ,4 50 USD Items Included in HolyLandSite.com Fee: 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. All Tips for Tour Bus Driver and Hotel Staff Personal Expenses: $3,000 USD To keep our trips as affordable as possible, we have individuals book their own lodging, airfare, and pay for their own meals. The costs below are estimates. Your price may vary depending on airfare from your location, room selection, and the level of dining expense you prefer. Items each individual pays for on their own: Meals in Israel: $500 per person ~ Meals can be eaten at the hotels, local restaurants, or in your room. Lodging in Israel: $1,250 per person ~ Based on private, double occupancy rooms. ~ We provide links to the three hotels we use, and you book them. ~ Hotels can be found below . Airfare: $1,200 per person Personal transportation in Israel: $50 per person Note: Personal transportation means travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel in Tel Aviv and from Prima Park Hotel in Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. Taxis are the best method of transportation. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate everyone's time schedules due to the different arrival and departure times of our passengers. However, we are happy to help in any way possible with these arrangements. Total Cost of Trip HolyLandSite.com Fee: $2,4 50 Personal Costs: $3,000 (Estimated Costs) Total: $5,4 50 USD THIS IS A CUSTOM-DESIGNED TRIP If you want to spend more time in Israel and see more holy sites, this trip is designed for you. Most trips to the Holy Land include around 7-8 full touring days in Israel. This severely limits what can be seen. Therefore, most who go to the Holy Land miss seeing many significant holy sites. Our trips include 13 full touring days in Israel. This allows you to see almost every significant site in Israel. A 17-day trip like ours is typically quite expensive (if you can find one). Why can we do it so inexpensively? We eliminate tour companies, travel agencies, and tour guides, and provide these services directly. We also allow you to book your own airfare, lodging, and pay for your own meals, providing you with a great deal of flexibility and options. We are pleased to serve you and our Lord Jesus Christ by offering you this unique and affordable trip of a lifetime. Since this is a custom trip, each participant is responsible for booking their airfare, lodging, and purchasing their meals. DO WE OFFER SHORTER TOUR TRIPS? If the length of the trip is too long, you are welcome to start or end at any time. You are not required to participate in the entire trip. MEALS IN ISRAEL (Paid by Each Individual) Eating in Israel is really quite simple. Below is what most people on our tours do: Breakfast ~ The hotels provide a large buffet-style breakfast, which can be paid for when you book your lodging or at the hotel. We highly recommend eating breakfast at the hotels as it saves a lot of time. They are large buffet meals that are already prepared, hot, and ready to eat. However, you can eat breakfast at a local restaurant or make it yourself in your hotel room if desired (all rooms have small refrigerators). Lunch ~ Because eating out is expensive in Israel, time-consuming with a large group, and we will not always be close to a restaurant while sightseeing, each trip participant will need to prepare a daily sack lunch. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores, or you can take extra items and your leftovers from the breakfast buffets at the hotels. All hotels have refrigerators in the rooms. Dinner ~ Many enjoy the local culture by eating out at local restaurants. However, if you prefer to eat at the hotels, they offer large buffet-style dinners. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Those considering this trip should be in reasonably good physical shape. Our estimated daily walking distance (including some steps and minor hiking) will be about 2 to 4 miles (3 to 6 km). Each day will consist of about 8 hours of sightseeing. If desired, you are welcome to take a day off or stay on the tour bus to rest at any time during the trip. GROUP SIZE LIMIT To provide a more intimate and enhanced experience, we limit our group size to approximately 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. AIR TRAVEL Each person will be responsible for booking their own air travel to Israel (Ben Gurion Airport). Please plan to arrive with plenty of time to attend our required orientation and get-acquainted meeting, scheduled for 7:00 pm at the Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel in Tel Aviv. Due to customs, visa processing, luggage collection, and other factors, please allow 3 hours from the time of airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic conditions. 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. TRANSPORTATION IN ISRAEL We will be transported via a large, air-conditioned motorcoach . Our bus driver is an Arab Christian who can take us to all the sites in Israel. LODGING IN ISRAEL During our time in Israel, we will stay at three nice hotels with private rooms and bathrooms. Our itinerary shows the hotels where we will stay: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, and Jerusalem). LUGGAGE SIZE AND AMOUNT We don't have a specific luggage size and number allowance per person, but we suggest not exceeding 40-50 lbs (18-22 kg) per piece of luggage, as it makes handling easier. The lighter, the better. You will be responsible for handling your luggage during the trip (although we, or others in the group, can help you if needed), so please pack only what you can comfortably lift. PARK & ENTRANCE PASSES Holy Land Site Ministries will pay all park and entrance fees for all sites. You are responsible for paying any entrance fees you want to see during your free time. WHAT WILL OUR VISITS TO EACH SITE BE LIKE? Our visits will typically last around two hours. We'll begin with an introduction to the site, then explore and experience its key points of interest. When touring the sites, we will take our time and walk at a leisurely pace, stopping along the way to explore and discuss the points of interest. Our estimated daily walking distance (including some steps and minor hiking) will be about 2 to 4 miles (3 to 6 km). We'll then find a quiet spot to reflect on the main events from the Bible that took place there and conclude with a faith lesson to learn the key truths God desires to teach us. Afterward, you will have approximately 15 minutes to purchase souvenirs, if desired. TRIP PREPARATION Please utilize the videos and information on our website, which provide helpful guidance and orientation to better understand the many biblical sites we will be visiting, the history of Israel, and other relevant information. Additionally, we will provide helpful details leading up to our trip to help you get the most out of your Holy Land experience. We also ask that you familiarize yourself with our Travel Orientation Material, which can be found on our website. You will find it extremely helpful. TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TRIP We’ve chosen the dates of this trip to visit Israel because the weather is stable, and there are no Jewish Holidays that will interfere with our travels. DAILY ITINERARY Please note that the schedule may be slightly adjusted due to circumstances beyond our control. 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 in Israel. You can also activate your phone for international service. If you don't have Internet access through your phone service, free Wi-Fi is available at each hotel, and the tour bus offers complimentary Internet service. DIGITAL MAPS OF DAILY TRIP ITINERARY For each day's tour trip itinerary , a link to a Google Map of the route and sites we'll see is provided . These maps are in the Itinerary Section. Here's an example: Tour Day 1: G oogle Map Itinerary DAILY SCHEDULE We will meet in the main lobby of each hotel at 7:15 am and depart promptly at 7:30 am to board the tour bus. We will return around 4:00 - 5:00 pm. After returning to our hotel at the end of each day, you will have free time to relax, dine at the hotel, or explore the local sites, enjoy dining out, and experience the local culture. PERSONAL TRAVEL IN ISRAEL You can take a taxi, walk, or use the bus or light rail train system. It's helpful to have Internet service (you can activate your phone or obtain an Israeli SIM card) and use Google or Apple Maps to navigate. It will tell you which bus, light rail train, or walking route suits you best. It also works in real-time, so you can see precisely when buses and trains are arriving and departing. AGE LIMIT The minimum age for trip participants is 12 years old unless other arrangements have been made with us. ITINERARY Please see our detailed itinerary below. DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO ENTER ISRAEL Valid Passport Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone worldwide with a valid passport for travel to Israel. Passports must have at least six months left before expiration. B2 Stay Permit This permit is issued upon arrival at the airport. Self-service kiosks are available, where you can scan your passport, and a printed B2 Stay Permit will be issued. It's essential to keep this permit safe, as you will be required to present it multiple times during your stay in Israel. For convenience, you may want to place it inside your passport or wallet. Here is our helpful Ben Gurion Arrival Orientation Video that shows all about this: https://youtu.be/65N9VktYE0c Visa Israel does not require Visas from almost all countries in the world to enter its country. However, if you are from a country that Israel does require a Visa from before entering its country, you will need to check and verify this in advance. ETA-IL Electronic Document The rules for travel to Israel have changed. Starting from January 2025, visitors from Visa-exempt countries (meaning you don't need a Visa to enter Israel) are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel and stay for up to 90 days per visit. All Visa-exempt travelers to Israel must have an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. ETA-IL is designed to smoothen border control upon arrival in Israel and ensure Israel's national security. How long is an ETA-IL valid? Obtaining an ETA-IL indicates you can travel to Israel as a tourist and stay up to 90 days. Your ETA-IL authorization is generally valid for multiple trips over a period of two years from the date your application is approved, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. What does the ETA-IL application cost? 25 NIS ($7.50 USD) per applicant. How to apply for an ETA-IL? The application is made online through the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority website. Here's the link: ETA-IL (piba.gov.il) When to apply for ETA-IL Please apply no later than one month before your trip departure date to allow for any issues that may arise. You can submit your application sooner if you prefer. Helpful video from the Israeli government website about the ETA-IL document, and how to obtain it: How to Use ETA-IL for Eligibility to Enter Israel Anchor 1 TOUR HOSTS Todd & Letsy Fink More about the Finks TRIP REGISTRATION, DEPOSITS, PAYMENTS, & CANCELATION INFO HOW TO REGISTER & CONFIRM YOUR SPOT 1. Please fill out the online registration form, and we will notify you of your acceptance on the tour trip team. 2. After 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 Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,950 USD FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE Your final payment deadline is August 1, 2027 . For those who wish to attend this trip after August 1 , 2027, we will handle reservations on a space availability basis. Thanks for your understanding. CANCEL ATIONS & REFUNDS Deposit Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries All deposit payments are non-refundable and non-transferable to other trip dates, as HolyLandSite.com has significant overhead commitments invested in each trip, including reservations, office staff, travel arrangements, bus rental, and so forth, which cannot be recouperated. Refund of Final Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries 1. If you need to cancel your trip for personal reasons before August 1, 2027 , 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 August 1 , 2027 , Holy Land Site Ministries will not be able to refund any of your final payment due to expenses already incurred that cannot be recuperated. Transferring Payments to a Different Tour Trip Date No payments to Holy Land Site Ministries can be transferred from one tour trip to another. Refunds from Purchases of Airline Tickets, Lodging, etc. Holy Land Site Ministries cannot refund any of these funds because they were not paid to Holy Land Site Ministries. Refund if the 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. The deposit payment of $500 is not refundable because HolyLandSite.com has many overhead commitments invested in each trip, such as reservations, office staff, travel commitments, bus rental, and so forth, that cannot be recuperated. However, rest assured that we are "Old School" and don't cancel trips unless it's impossible for us to go. The fact that we have led tour trips during wartime reveals that we don't cancel our trips. 3. Refunds from flights and lodging will be the responsibility of each person, as these were booked personally. 4. Unfortunately, Holy Land Site Ministries cannot act as your trip insurance if the trip must be canceled or you choose to cancel for personal reasons. Therefore, we encourage you to follow our suggestions below to book your trip with little financial commitment. IDEAS TO BOOK YOUR TRIP WITH LITTLE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT 1. Book Your Lodging Through Booking.com They require no upfront charge and allow free cancelation up to one week or so before your trip. 2. If Possible, Book Your Airfare with Cancelation Coverage 3. Buy Trip Protection Insurance If you would like trip protection insurance to protect you in the event of trip cancelation for any reason, many third-party insurance agencies offer travel protection insurance in case of unforeseen cancelations. Travel Protection Agency Options Travel Guard: https://www.travelguard.com Allianz Travel Insurance: allianztravelinsurance.com Seven Corners: sevencorners.com World Nomads: https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKINGS & AIRLINE FLIGHTS Lodging For those with the time and resources, arriving a day or two early in Israel will allow you to rest up and better prepare for your experience in Israel. Hotels generally allow bookings about one year in advance. It's wise to book your lodging as soon as possible within this timeframe, as accommodations in Israel fill up quickly. Flights You can book your flights at your convenience. Most people book their flights around four to six months before the trip. Israel's main international airport is Ben Gurion Airport, abbreviated TLV. HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKING LINKS We list Booking.com as an option because they offer no upfront charges, and cancelations can be made 72 hours in advance with no additional fees. However, if you want to book using another booking platform, you are welcome to do so. When booking your lodging, please mention in the message section that you are part of the HolyLandSite.com Tour Group. They will give you better rooms, along with other benefits. Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel , 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv Check-in: October 23 Check-out: October 24, one-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, 1 El Hadif Street, Tiberias Check-in: October 24 Check-out: October 28, four-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem Check-in: October 28 Check-out: November 6, nine-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Booking.com Phone Number (USA): 1-888-876-1063 If, for some reason, a hotel is full, just book a hotel of your choice nearby and meet us at the main lobby of the hotel at 7:15 am, where the rest of the group is staying. We will promptly depart the hotel lobby to board the tour bus at 7:30 CONTACT INFO: Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website : HolyLandSite.com Anchor 2 Anchor 4 DAILY ITINERARY FRI, OCTOBER 22 DEPART FOR THE HOLY LAND Please plan to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, no later than October 23, by 3:00 pm if possible. This will give you plenty of time to attend the required orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm. We'll meet at the main check-in lobby of the Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport 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. Click to see the "Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Orientation Video." SAT, OCTOBER 23 TEL AVIV After arriving at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, you will proceed through the airport. Please don’t lose the small B2 Stay Permit paper you will be provided at one of the kiosks. Afterward, you can take a taxi to Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. Due to customs and visa processing, please allow approximately 3 hours of travel time from the airport to the hotel. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic conditions. The orientation and get-acquainted meeting is at 7:00 pm. Please meet in the main hotel lobby. Free time afterward. Lodging at Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. One night total. Google Map from Ben Gurion to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel SUN, OCTOBER 24 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 by the beautiful Sea of Galilee . Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, 1 El Hadif Street, Tiberias. Four nights total. Tour Day 1: Google Map Itinerary MON, OCTOBER 25 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 with a most memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee in a replica of an ancient wooden boat used during Jesus' time. 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. Then, on to Capernaum , where Jesus established 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 from a demon-possessed man. We'll conclude this amazing day of walking in the footsteps of Jesus by visiting Kinar Beach, where the Feeding of the 5,000 most likely happened. At this beach, you'll have the rare treat of swimming in the beautiful waters of the Sea of Galilee . Free time afterward. Tour Day 2: Google Map Itinerary TUES, OCTOBER 26 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll journey north to Caesarea Philippi , where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God ." We'll then visit Chorazin , one of the towns Jesus cursed because of their unbelief in Him. We’ll visit Tabgha , the place where Jesus restored Peter to fellowship and ministry. We'll wrap up the day with a visit to Magdala , the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. Free time afterward. Free time afterward. Tour Day 3: Google Map Itinerary WED, OCTOBER 27 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 site believed to be where Christ gave the Great Commission, and where we'll see all the sites of the Sea of Galilee from its breathtaking view. Free time afterward. Tour Day 4: Google Map Itinerary THURS, OCTOBER 28 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 John baptized Jesus. 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 have done 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, OCTOBER 29 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 drive by En Gedi , pointing out where David hid in this area from King Saul. 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, OCTOBER 30 BETHLEHEM – JUDAH AREA We'll begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Herodian Fortress . While there, we'll view Bethlehem in the distance, the Shepherds' Fields, the Fields of Boaz and Ruth, and see where David kept his sheep as a young man . Then, we'll visit Bethlehem, Manger Square, and the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born. We’ll continue our travels 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 was miraculously returned to the Israelites by the Philistines. Free time afterward. Tour Day 7: Google Map Itinerary SUN, OCTOBER 31 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 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, NOVEMBER 1 NEGEV & ISRAEL MUSEUM 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 seeing the Oaks of Mamre, where God made a covenant with Abraham, one of the most important covenants in the Bible. We'll then travel a short distance to the Cave of Machpelah , where the patriarchs and their wives are buried. Close to Machpelah are the ruins of ancient Tel Hebron . We'll then return to Jerusalem and visit the Israel Museum , where an amazing model of Jerusalem from 66 AD is located. We'll also see the Shrine of the Book and the archaeological wing of the museum. Free time afterward. Tour Day 9: Google Map Itinerary TUES, NOVEMBER 2 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day at the highest point on the Mount of Olives , where we'll v isit the Chapel of Ascension , the place Christ ascended back to heaven, and where His feet will touch down at His glorious second coming. We'll then visit Pater Noster Church , where Christ taught His disciples how to pray. As we descend the Mount of Olives , we’ll stop at a lookout spot that offers a magnificent view of Old City Jerusalem , allowing us to orient ourselves to the city's layout and key places . We'll see the Tombs of the Prophets , where Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are believed to be buried. We’ll then walk the Triumphal Entry Path to Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations . Along the way, we’ll visit Dominus Flevit Church , where Christ wept over Jerusalem. We’ll then see Mary’s Tomb and then finish the day visiting Gethsemane Cave , where Jesus spent His last hours before going to the cross to be crucified. Free time afterward. Tour Day 10: Google Map Itinerary WED, NOVEMBER 3 JERUSALEM Today, we’ll visit and walk on the Temple Mount , the location of Solomon’s Temple and the holiest and most contested piece of land in the world. We'll then see the Western Wall , the Jews’ most sacred site in Israel. We’ll visit the Jerusalem Archaeological Park , which has numerous amazing attractions, including the Southern Stairs Area , the main entrance to the Temple Mount —a place where Christ and His disciples would have often been —and the likely location where those who received Christ at Pentecost were baptized. We’ll then walk through part of the Cardo , an original Roman street, and see the amazing remains of the massive Broad Wall built by King Hezekiah. We'll wind up the day by walking the Rooftop Walk over Old City Jerusalem. Free time afterward. Tour Day 11 : Google Map Itinerary THURS, NOVEMBER 4 JERUSALEM Today, we'll be privileged to visit 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. We'll then visit the Upper Room , the location of the Last Supper , and where an early Christian church/synagogue was built 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 dating to around 600 AD. Tour Day 12: Google Map Itinerary FRI, NOVEMBER 5 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day by walking along the Eastern Wall and seeing the famous Eastern Gate , where we'll see ancient stones dating back to Solomon's time and evidence of the original Temple Mount and its expansions over the years. Then it's on to see the Pools of Bethesda , where Jesus healed a sick man after he had waited 38 long years. We’ll walk the traditional path of the Via Dolorosa and see the 14 Stations of the Cross that lead to Golgotha, where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located today. We'll then visit and explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see why it's the best candidate for Golgotha. From there, we'll walk the biblical Via Dolorosa (painful path to the Cross) to Pilate’s Palace and Gabbatha (stone pavement and judgment place where Christ was condemned to crucifixion). Tour Day 13: Google Map Itinerary Farew ell Dinner at 5:30 pm. Free time afterward. SAT, NOVEMBER 6 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! You will be responsible for your own transportation from the hotel to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The hotel in Jerusalem (Prima Park) offers several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. All of them can be prearranged in advance. Check-out time at the hotel is 11:00 am. However, they will hold your luggage in a safe place if your flight is later in the day or evening. The hotel in Jerusalem (Prima Park) offers several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. All of them can be prearranged in advance. Travel time to Ben Gurion Airport is about one hour. We recommend arriving at Ben Gurion Airport at least 3 hours before flight departure. This means you should leave the hotel in Jerusalem at least 4 hours in advance. The 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). Please arrange transportation with the hotel's front desk at least a day in advance. All transportation options take approximately an hour to reach the airport and operate daily, including on Shabbat (Saturday), the Sabbath. Google Map from Prima Park Hotel to Ben Gurion Airport C li ck t o see the "Ben Gurion Airport Departure Orientation Video." SUN, NOVEMBER 7 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. Anchor 3

  • Holy Land Israel Tour Trip: April 30 - May 16, 2027! 17-Day Trip | HolyLandSite.com

    Holy Land Tour Trips to Israel. In-depth Bible-centered tour trips to Israel. April 30 - May 16, 2027, 17-Day Package Trip. Affordable tours of all the biblical sites in Israel. Holy Land Tour Trip to Is rael The Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime April 30 ~ May 16, 2027 17-Day Trip (Includes travel to and from Israel) The length of your trip can be shortened if needed. You can start or depart the tour at any time. Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone worldwide with a valid passport for travel to Israel. This trip is currently full. Please consider one of our upcoming trips or be placed on the waiting list. Would you like to have a life-changing and never-to-be-forgotten experience in the Holy Land? 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 in the depths of our souls. You will never be the same, nor will you read your Bible the same way, 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 on the events and places of the Bible as outlined in the Scriptures. Our goal is to offer a highly biblical, non-touristy, and inspirational trip to the Land of the Bible. Our trips also include sites that are off the beaten path. ___________________ "An absolutely amazing trip with a guy who knows his Bible and can relate it to you in-country. I've gone to Israel with this dear friend of mine twice. It's an 11 out of 10 trip!" Dan Reeves "I've looked and looked, but I just haven't found any groups with the same approach I got spoiled by when we went with you to Israel. Also, they're not really Bible-teaching tours. Your teaching tour is still head and shoulders above anything else, so if it works out, I'd like to go with you again next year." Todd Yaney Quick Links Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,850 USD Hotel Reservation Bookings & Airplane Flights About Your Tour Hosts Trip Registration, Deposits, Payments, & Cancelation Info Documents Needed to Enter Israel Itinerary Holy Land Trip Travel Orientation Helpful Holy Land Learning Resources Anchor 5 The Holy Land Experience! 17-Day Trip (Includes travel to and from Israel) Total Holy Land Trip Cost: $5,350 USD COST BREAKDOWN HolyLandSite.com Fee: $2 ,3 50 USD Items Included in HolyLandSite.com Fee: 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 All Tips for Tour Bus Driver and Hotel Staff Personal Expenses: $3,000 USD To keep our trips as affordable as possible, we have individuals book their own lodging, airfare, and pay for their own meals. The costs below are estimates. Your price may vary depending on airfare from your location, room selection, and the level of dining expense you prefer. Items each individual pays for on their own: Meals in Israel: $500 per person ~ Meals can be eaten at the hotels, local restaurants, or in your room. Lodging in Israel: $1,250 per person ~ Based on private, double occupancy rooms. ~ We provide links to the three hotels we use, and you book them. ~ Hotels can be found below . Airfare: $1,200 per person Personal transportation in Israel: $50 per person Note: Personal transportation means travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel in Tel Aviv and from Prima Park Hotel in Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. Taxis are the best method of transportation. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate everyone's time schedules due to the different arrival and departure times of our passengers. However, we are happy to help in any way possible with these arrangements. Total Cost of Trip HolyLandSite.com Fee: $2,3 50 Personal Costs: $3,000 (Estimated Costs) Total: $5,3 50 USD THIS IS A CUSTOM-DESIGNED TRIP If you want to spend more time in Israel and see more holy sites, this trip is designed for you. Most trips to the Holy Land include around 7-8 full touring days in Israel. This severely limits what can be seen. Therefore, most who go to the Holy Land miss seeing many significant holy sites. Our trips include 13 full touring days in Israel. This allows you to see almost every significant site in Israel. A 17-day trip like ours is typically quite expensive (if you can find one). Why can we do it so inexpensively? We eliminate tour companies, travel agencies, and tour guides, and provide these services directly. We also allow you to book your own airfare, lodging, and pay for your own meals, providing you with a great deal of flexibility and options. We are pleased to serve you and our Lord Jesus Christ by offering you this unique and affordable trip of a lifetime. Since this is a custom trip, each participant is responsible for booking their airfare, lodging, and purchasing their meals. DO WE OFFER SHORTER TOUR TRIPS? If the length of the trip is too long, you are welcome to start or end at any time. You are not required to participate in the entire trip. MEALS IN ISRAEL (Paid by Each Individual) Eating in Israel is really quite simple. Below is what most people on our tours do: Breakfast ~ The hotels provide a large buffet-style breakfast, which can be paid for when you book your lodging or at the hotel. We highly recommend eating breakfast at the hotels as it saves a lot of time. They are large buffet meals that are already prepared, hot, and ready to eat. However, if you prefer, you can eat breakfast at a local restaurant or make it yourself in your hotel room (all rooms have small refrigerators). Lunch ~ Because eating out is expensive in Israel, time-consuming with a large group, and we will not always be close to a restaurant while sightseeing, each trip participant will need to prepare a daily sack lunch. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores, or you can take extra items and your leftovers from the breakfast buffets at the hotels. All hotels have refrigerators in the rooms. Dinner ~ Many enjoy the local culture by eating out at local restaurants. However, if you prefer to eat at the hotels, they offer large buffet-style dinners. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Those considering this trip should be in reasonably good physical shape. Our estimated daily walking distance (including some steps and minor hiking) will be about 2 to 4 miles (3 to 6 km). Each day will consist of about 8 hours of sightseeing. If desired, you are welcome to take a day off or stay on the tour bus to rest at any time during the trip. GROUP SIZE LIMIT To provide a more intimate and enhanced experience, we limit our group size to approximately 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. AIR TRAVEL Each person will be responsible for booking their own air travel to Israel (Ben Gurion Airport). Please plan to arrive with plenty of time to attend our required orientation and get-acquainted meeting, scheduled for 7:00 pm at the Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel in Tel Aviv. Due to customs, visa processing, luggage collection, and other factors, please allow 3 hours from the time of airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic conditions. 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. TRANSPORTATION IN ISRAEL We will be transported via a large, air-conditioned motorcoach . Our bus driver is an Arab Christian who can take us to all the sites in Israel. LODGING IN ISRAEL During our time in Israel, we will stay at three nice hotels with private rooms and bathrooms. Our itinerary shows the hotels where we will stay: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, and Jerusalem). LUGGAGE SIZE AND AMOUNT We don't have a specific luggage size and number allowance per person, but we suggest not exceeding 40-50 lbs. (18-22 kg) per piece of luggage, as it makes handling easier. The lighter, the better. You will be responsible for handling your luggage during the trip (although we, or others in the group, can help you if needed), so please pack only what you can comfortably lift. PARK & ENTRANCE PASSES Holy Land Site Ministries will pay all park and entrance fees for all sites. You are responsible for paying any entrance fees you want to see during your free time. WHAT WILL OUR VISITS TO EACH SITE BE LIKE? Our visits will typically last around two hours. We'll begin with an introduction to the site, then explore and experience its key points of interest. When touring the sites, we will take our time and walk at a leisurely pace, stopping along the way to explore and discuss the points of interest. Our estimated daily walking distance (including some steps and minor hiking) will be about 2 to 4 miles (3 to 6 km). We'll then find a quiet spot to reflect on the main events from the Bible that took place there and conclude with a faith lesson to learn the key truths God desires to teach us. Afterward, you will have approximately 15 minutes to purchase souvenirs, if desired. TRIP PREPARATION Please utilize the videos and information on our website, which provide helpful guidance and orientation to better understand the many biblical sites we will be visiting, the history of Israel, and other relevant information. Additionally, we will provide helpful details leading up to our trip to help you get the most out of your Holy Land experience. We also ask that you familiarize yourself with our Travel Orientation Material, which can be found on our website. You will find it extremely helpful. TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TRIP We’ve chosen the dates of this trip to visit Israel because the weather is stable, and there are no Jewish Holidays that will interfere with our travels. DAILY ITINERARY Please note that the schedule may be slightly adjusted due to circumstances beyond our control. MONEY IN ISRAEL Credit cards and Dollars are readily accepted, and Shekels can be drawn from ATMs. INTERNET IN ISRAEL Phone SIM or eSIM cards can be purchased for around $39.99 if you want Internet service in Israel. You can also activate your phone for international service. If you don't have Internet access through your phone service, free Wi-Fi is available at each hotel, and the tour bus offers complimentary Internet service. DIGITAL MAPS OF DAILY TRIP ITINERARY For each day's tour trip itinerary , a link to a Google Map of the route and sites we'll see is provided . These maps are in the Itinerary Section. Here's an example: Tour Day 1: G oogle Map Itinerary DAILY SCHEDULE We will meet in the main lobby of each hotel at 7:15 am and depart promptly at 7:30 am to board the tour bus. We will return around 4:00 - 5:00 pm. After returning to our hotel at the end of each day, you will have free time to relax, dine at the hotel, or explore the local sites, enjoy dining out, and experience the local culture. PERSONAL TRAVEL IN ISRAEL You can take a taxi, walk, or use the bus or light rail train system. It's helpful to have Internet service (you can activate your phone or obtain an Israeli SIM or eSIM card) and use Google or Apple Maps to navigate. It will tell you which bus, light rail train, or walking route suits you best. It also works in real-time, so you can see precisely when buses and trains are arriving and departing. AGE LIMIT The minimum age for trip participants is 12 years old unless other arrangements have been made with us. ITINERARY Please see our detailed itinerary below. DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO ENTER ISRAEL Valid Passport Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone worldwide with a valid passport for travel to Israel. Passports must have at least six months left before expiration. B2 Stay Permit This permit is issued upon arrival at the airport. Self-service kiosks are available, where you can scan your passport, and a printed B2 Stay Permit will be issued. It's essential to keep this permit safe, as you will be required to present it multiple times during your stay in Israel. For convenience, you may want to place it inside your passport or wallet. Here is our helpful Ben Gurion Arrival Orientation Video that shows all about this: https://youtu.be/65N9VktYE0c Visa Israel does not require Visas from almost all countries in the world to enter its country. However, if you are from a country that Israel does require a Visa from before entering its country, you will need to check and verify this in advance. ETA-IL Electronic Document The rules for travel to Israel have changed. Starting from January 2025, visitors from Visa-exempt countries (meaning you don't need a Visa to enter Israel) are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel and stay for up to 90 days per visit. All Visa-exempt travelers to Israel must have an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. ETA-IL is designed to smoothen border control upon arrival in Israel and ensure Israel's national security. How long is an ETA-IL valid? Obtaining an ETA-IL indicates you can travel to Israel as a tourist and stay up to 90 days. Your ETA-IL authorization is generally valid for multiple trips over a period of two years from the date your application is approved, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. What does the ETA-IL application cost? 25 NIS ($7.50 USD) per applicant. How to apply for an ETA-IL? The application is made online through the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority website. Here's the link: ETA-IL (piba.gov.il) When to apply for ETA-IL Please apply no later than one month before your trip departure date to allow for any issues that may arise. You can submit your application sooner if you prefer. Helpful video from the Israeli government website about the ETA-IL document, and how to obtain it: How to Use ETA-IL for Eligibility to Enter Israel Anchor 1 TOUR HOSTS Todd & Letsy Fink More about the Finks TRIP REGISTRATION, DEPOSITS, PAYMENTS, & CANCELATION INFO HOW TO REGISTER & CONFIRM YOUR SPOT 1. Please fill out the online registration form, and we will notify you of your acceptance on the tour trip team. 2. After 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 Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,850 USD FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE Your final payment deadline is February 1, 2027 . For those who wish to attend this trip after February 1, 2027, we will handle reservations on a space availability basis. Thanks for your understanding. CANCEL ATIONS & REFUNDS Deposit Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries All deposit payments are non-refundable and non-transferable to other trip dates, as HolyLandSite.com has significant overhead commitments invested in each trip, including reservations, office staff, travel arrangements, bus rental, and so forth, which cannot be recuperated. Refund of Final Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries 1. If you need to cancel your trip for personal reasons before February 1, 2027 , 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 February 1, 2027 , Holy Land Site Ministries will not be able to refund any of your final payment due to expenses already incurred that cannot be recuperated. Transferring Payments to a Different Tour Trip Date No payments to Holy Land Site Ministries can be transferred from one tour trip to another. Refunds from Purchases of Airline Tickets, Lodging, etc. Holy Land Site Ministries cannot refund any of these funds because they were not paid to Holy Land Site Ministries. Refund if the 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. The deposit payment of $500 is not refundable because HolyLandSite.com has many overhead commitments invested in each trip, such as reservations, office staff, travel commitments, bus rental, and so forth, that cannot be recuperated. However, rest assured that we are "Old School" and don't cancel trips unless it's impossible for us to go. The fact that we have led tour trips during wartime reveals that we don't cancel our trips. 3. Refunds from flights and lodging will be the responsibility of each person, as these were booked personally. 4. Unfortunately, Holy Land Site Ministries cannot act as your trip insurance if the trip must be canceled or you choose to cancel for personal reasons. Therefore, we encourage you to follow our suggestions below to book your trip with little financial commitment. IDEAS TO BOOK YOUR TRIP WITH LITTLE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT 1. Book Your Lodging Through Booking.com They require no upfront charge and allow free cancelation up to one week or so before your trip. 2. If Possible, Book Your Airfare with Cancelation Coverage 3. Buy Trip Protection Insurance If you would like trip protection insurance to protect you in the event of trip cancelation for any reason, many third-party insurance agencies offer travel protection insurance in case of unforeseen cancelations. Travel Protection Agency Options Travel Guard: https://www.travelguard.com Allianz Travel Insurance: allianztravelinsurance.com Seven Corners: sevencorners.com World Nomads: https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKINGS & AIRLINE FLIGHTS Lodging For those with the time and resources, arriving a day or two early in Israel will allow you to rest up and better prepare for your experience in Israel. Hotels generally allow bookings about one year in advance. It's wise to book your lodging as soon as possible within this timeframe, as accommodations in Israel fill up quickly. Flights You can book your flights at your convenience. Most people book their flights around four to six months before the trip. Israel's main international airport is Ben Gurion Airport, abbreviated TLV. HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKING LINKS We list Booking.com as an option because they offer no upfront charges, and cancelations can be made 72 hours in advance with no additional fees. However, if you want to book using another booking platform, you are welcome to do so. When booking your lodging, please mention in the message section that you are part of the HolyLandSite.com Tour Group. They will give you better rooms, along with other benefits. Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel , 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv Check-in: May 1 Check-out: May 2, one-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, 1 El Hadif Street, Tiberias Check-in: May 2 Check-out: May 6, four-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem Check-in: May 6 Check-out: May 15, nine-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Booking.com Phone Number (USA): 1-888-876-1063 If, for some reason, a hotel is full, just book a hotel of your choice nearby and meet us at the main lobby of the hotel at 7:15 am, where the rest of the group is staying. We will promptly depart the hotel lobby to board the tour bus at 7:30 am. CONTACT INFO: Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website : HolyLandSite.com Anchor 2 Anchor 4 DAILY ITINERARY FRI, APR 30 DEPART FOR THE HOLY LAND Please plan to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, no later than May 1, by 3:00 pm if possible. This will give you plenty of time to attend the required orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm. We'll meet at the main check-in lobby of the Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport 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. Click to see the "Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Orientation Video." SAT, MAY 1 TEL AVIV After arriving at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, you will proceed through the airport. Please don’t lose the small B2 Stay Permit paper you will be provided at one of the kiosks. Afterward, you can take a taxi to Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. Due to customs and visa processing, please allow approximately 3 hours of travel time from the airport to the hotel. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic conditions. The orientation and get-acquainted meeting is at 7:00 pm. Please meet in the main hotel lobby. Free time afterward. Lodging at Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. One night total. Google Map from Ben Gurion to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel SUN, MAY 2 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 by the beautiful Sea of Galilee . Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, 1 El Hadif Street, Tiberias. Four nights total. Tour Day 1: Google Map Itinerary MON, MAY 3 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 with a most memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee in a replica of an ancient wooden boat used during Jesus' time. 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. Then, on to Capernaum , where Jesus established 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 from a demon-possessed man. We'll conclude this amazing day of walking in the footsteps of Jesus by visiting Kinar Beach, where the Feeding of the 5,000 most likely happened. At this beach, you'll have the rare treat of swimming in the beautiful waters of the Sea of Galilee . Free time afterward. Tour Day 2: Google Map Itinerary TUES, MAY 4 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll journey north to Caesarea Philippi , where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God ." We'll then visit Chorazin , one of the towns Jesus cursed because of their unbelief in Him. We’ll visit Tabgha , the place where Jesus restored Peter to fellowship and ministry. We'll wrap up the day with a visit to Magdala , the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. Free time afterward. Tour Day 3: Google Map Itinerary WED, MAY 5 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 site believed to be where Christ gave the Great Commission, and where we'll see all the sites of the Sea of Galilee from its breathtaking view. Free time afterward. Tour Day 4: Google Map Itinerary THURS, MAY 6 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 John baptized Jesus. 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 have done 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 7 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 drive by En Gedi , pointing out where David hid in this area from King Saul. 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 8 BETHLEHEM – JUDAH AREA We'll begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Herodian Fortress . While there, we'll view Bethlehem in the distance, the Shepherds' Fields, the Fields of Boaz and Ruth, and see where David kept his sheep as a young man . Then, we'll visit Bethlehem, Manger Square, and the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born. We’ll continue our travels 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 was miraculously returned to the Israelites by the Philistines. Free time afterward. Tour Day 7: Google Map Itinerary SUN, MAY 9 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 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 10 NEGEV & ISRAEL MUSEUM 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 seeing the Oaks of Mamre, where God made a covenant with Abraham, one of the most important covenants in the Bible. We'll then travel a short distance to the Cave of Machpelah , where the patriarchs and their wives are buried. Close to Machpelah are the ruins of ancient Tel Hebron . We'll then return to Jerusalem and visit the Israel Museum , where an amazing model of Jerusalem from 66 AD is located. We'll also see the Shrine of the Book and the archaeological wing of the museum. Free time afterward. Tour Day 9: Google Map Itinerary TUES, MAY 11 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day at the highest point on the Mount of Olives , where we'll v isit the Chapel of Ascension , the place Christ ascended back to heaven, and where His feet will touch down at His glorious second coming. We'll then visit Pater Noster Church , where Christ taught His disciples how to pray. As we descend the Mount of Olives , we’ll stop at a lookout spot that offers a magnificent view of Old City Jerusalem , allowing us to orient ourselves to the city's layout and key places . We'll see the Tombs of the Prophets , where Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are believed to be buried. We’ll then walk the Triumphal Entry Path to Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations . Along the way, we’ll visit Dominus Flevit Church , where Christ wept over Jerusalem. We’ll then see Mary’s Tomb and then finish the day visiting Gethsemane Cave , where Jesus spent His last hours before going to the cross to be crucified. Free time afterward. Tour Day 10: Google Map Itinerary WED, MAY 12 JERUSALEM Today, we’ ll visit and walk on the Temple Mount , the location of Solomon’s Temple and the holiest and most contested piece of land in the world. We'll then see the Western Wall , the Jews’ most sacred site in Israel. We’ll visit the Jerusalem Archaeological Park , which has numerous amazing attractions, including the Southern Stairs Area , the main entrance to the Temple Mount —a place where Christ and His disciples would have often been —and the likely location where those who received Christ at Pentecost were baptized. We’ll then walk through part of the Cardo , an original Roman street, and see the amazing remains of the massive Broad Wall built by King Hezekiah. We'll wind up the day by walking the Rooftop Walk over Old City Jerusalem. Free time afterward. Tour Day 11 : Google Map Itinerary THURS, MAY 13 JERUSALEM Today, we'll be privileged to visit 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. We'll then visit the Upper Room , the location of the Last Supper , and where an early Christian church/synagogue was built 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 600 AD . Tour Day 12: Google Map Itinerary FRI, MAY 14 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day by walking along the Eastern Wall and seeing the famous Eastern Gate , where we'll see ancient stones dating back to Solomon's time and evidence of the original Temple Mount and its expansions over the years. Then it's on to see the Pools of Bethesda , where Jesus healed a sick man after he had waited 38 long years. We’ll walk the traditional path of the Via Dolorosa and see the 14 Stations of the Cross that lead to Golgotha, where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located today. We'll then visit and explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see why it's the best candidate for Golgotha. From there, we'll walk the biblical Via Dolorosa (painful path to the Cross) to Pilate’s Palace and Gabbatha (stone pavement and judgment place where Christ was condemned to crucifixion). Tour Day 13: Google Map Itinerary Farew ell Dinner at 5:30 pm. Free time afterward. SAT, MAY 15 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! You will be responsible for your own transportation from the hotel to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The hotel in Jerusalem (Prima Park) offers several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. All of them can be prearranged in advance. Check-out time at the hotel is 11:00 am. However, they will hold your luggage in a safe place if your flight is later in the day or evening. Travel time to Ben Gurion Airport is about one hour. We recommend arriving at Ben Gurion Airport at least 3 hours before flight departure. This means you should leave the hotel in Jerusalem at least 4 hours in advance. The following are your transportation options: 1. Taxi: C osts around $140 USD for up to 4 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). 2. Shuttle Taxi: Costs around $160 USD for up to 6 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). Please arrange transportation with the hotel's front desk at least a day in advance. All transportation options take approximately an hour to reach the airport and operate daily, including on Shabbat (Saturday), the Sabbath. Google Map from Prima Park Hotel to Ben Gurion Airport C li ck t o see the "Ben Gurion Airport Departure Orientation Video." SUN, MAY 16 ARRIVE HOME (Depending on when you leave for 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. Anchor 3

  • Holy Land Trip: October 16-November 1, 2026 | HolyLandSite.com

    Holy Land Tour Trips to Israel. In-depth Bible-centered tour trips to Israel. October 16 - November 1, 2026, 17-Day Package Trip. Affordable tours of all the biblical sites in Israel. Holy Land Tour Trip to Is rael The Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime October 16 ~ November 1, 2026 17-Day Trip (Includes travel to and from Israel) The length of your trip can be shortened if needed. You can start or depart the tour at any time. Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone worldwide with a valid passport for travel to Israel. This trip is currently full. Please consider our next Holy Land Trip with availability or to be placed on the waiting list. Would you like to have a life-changing and never-to-be-forgotten experience in the Holy Land? 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 in the depths of our souls. You will never be the same, nor will you read your Bible the same way, 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 on the events and places of the Bible as outlined in the Scriptures. Our goal is to offer a highly biblical, non-touristy, and inspirational trip to the Land of the Bible. Our trips also include sites that are off the beaten path. ___________________ "An absolutely amazing trip with a guy who knows his Bible and can relate it to you in-country. I've gone to Israel with this dear friend of mine twice. It's an 11 out of 10 trip!" Dan Reeves "I've looked and looked, but I just haven't found any groups with the same approach I got spoiled by when we went with you to Israel. Also, they're not really Bible-teaching tours. Your teaching tour is still head and shoulders above anything else, so if it works out, I'd like to go with you again next year." Todd Yaney Quick Links Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,750 USD Hotel Reservation Bookings & Airplane Flights About Your Tour Hosts Trip Registration, Deposits, Payments, & Cancelation Info Documents Needed to Enter Israel Itinerary Holy Land Trip Travel Orientation Helpful Holy Land Learning Resources Anchor 5 The Holy Land Exp erience! 17-Day Trip (Includes travel to and from Israel) Total Holy Land Trip Cost: $5,250 USD COST BREAKDOWN HolyLandSite.com Fee: $2 ,2 50 USD Items Included in HolyLandSite.com Fee: 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. All Tips for Tour Bus Driver and Hotel Staff Personal Expenses: $3,000 USD To keep our trips as affordable as possible, we have individuals book their own lodging, airfare, and pay for their own meals. The costs below are estimates. Your price may vary depending on airfare from your location, room selection, and the level of dining expense you prefer. Items each individual pays for on their own: Meals in Israel: $500 per person ~ Meals can be eaten at the hotels, local restaurants, or in your room. Lodging in Israel: $1,250 per person ~ Based on private, double occupancy rooms. ~ We provide links to the three hotels we use, and you book them. ~ Hotels can be found below . Airfare: $1,200 per person Personal transportation in Israel: $50 per person Note: Personal transportation means travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel in Tel Aviv and from Prima Park Hotel in Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. Taxis are the best method of transportation. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate everyone's time schedules due to the different arrival and departure times of our passengers. However, we are happy to help in any way possible with these arrangements. Total Cost of Trip HolyLandSite.com Fee: $2,2 50 Personal Costs: $3,000 (Estimated Costs) Total: $5,2 50 USD THIS IS A CUSTOM-DESIGNED TRIP If you want to spend more time in Israel and see more holy sites, this trip is designed for you. Most trips to the Holy Land include around 7-8 full touring days in Israel. This severely limits what can be seen. Therefore, most who go to the Holy Land miss seeing many significant holy sites. Our trips include 13 full touring days in Israel. This allows you to see almost every significant site in Israel. A 17-day trip like ours is typically quite expensive (if you can find one). Why can we do it so inexpensively? We eliminate tour companies, travel agencies, and tour guides, and provide these services directly. We also allow you to book your own airfare, lodging, and pay for your own meals, providing you with a great deal of flexibility and options. We are pleased to serve you and our Lord Jesus Christ by offering you this unique and affordable trip of a lifetime. Since this is a custom trip, each participant is responsible for booking their airfare, lodging, and purchasing their meals. DO WE OFFER SHORTER TOUR TRIPS? If the length of the trip is too long, you are welcome to start or end at any time. You are not required to participate in the entire trip. MEALS IN ISRAEL (Paid by Each Individual) Eating in Israel is really quite simple. Below is what most people on our tours do: Breakfast ~ The hotels provide a large buffet-style breakfast, which can be paid for when you book your lodging or at the hotel. We highly recommend eating breakfast at the hotels as it saves a lot of time. They are large buffet meals that are already prepared, hot, and ready to eat. However, you can eat breakfast at a local restaurant or make it yourself in your hotel room if desired (all rooms have small refrigerators). Lunch ~ Because eating out is expensive in Israel, time-consuming with a large group, and we will not always be close to a restaurant while sightseeing, each trip participant will need to prepare a daily sack lunch. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores, or you can take extra items and your leftovers from the breakfast buffets at the hotels. All hotels have refrigerators in the rooms. Dinner ~ Many enjoy the local culture by eating out at local restaurants. However, if you prefer to eat at the hotels, they offer large buffet-style dinners. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Those considering this trip should be in reasonably good physical shape. Our estimated daily walking distance (including some steps and minor hiking) will be about 2 to 4 miles (3 to 6 km). Each day will consist of about 8 hours of sightseeing. If desired, you are welcome to take a day off or stay on the tour bus to rest at any time during the trip. GROUP SIZE LIMIT To provide a more intimate and enhanced experience, we limit our group size to approximately 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. AIR TRAVEL Each person will be responsible for booking their own air travel to Israel (Ben Gurion Airport). Please plan to arrive with plenty of time to attend our required orientation and get-acquainted meeting, scheduled for 7:00 pm at the Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel in Tel Aviv. Due to customs, visa processing, luggage collection, and other factors, please allow 3 hours from the time of airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic conditions. 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. TRANSPORTATION IN ISRAEL We will be transported via a large, air-conditioned motorcoach . Our bus driver is an Arab Christian who can take us to all the sites in Israel. LODGING IN ISRAEL During our time in Israel, we will stay at three nice hotels with private rooms and bathrooms. Our itinerary shows the hotels where we will stay: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, and Jerusalem). LUGGAGE SIZE AND AMOUNT We don't have a specific luggage size and number allowance per person, but we suggest not exceeding 40-50 lbs (18-22 kg) per piece of luggage, as it makes handling easier. The lighter, the better. You will be responsible for handling your luggage during the trip (although we, or others in the group, can help you if needed), so please pack only what you can comfortably lift. PARK & ENTRANCE PASSES Holy Land Site Ministries will pay all park and entrance fees for all sites. You are responsible for paying any entrance fees you want to see during your free time. WHAT WILL OUR VISITS TO EACH SITE BE LIKE? Our visits will typically last around two hours. We'll begin with an introduction to the site, then explore and experience its key points of interest. When touring the sites, we will take our time and walk at a leisurely pace, stopping along the way to explore and discuss the points of interest. Our estimated daily walking distance (including some steps and minor hiking) will be about 2 to 4 miles (3 to 6 km). We'll then find a quiet spot to reflect on the main events from the Bible that took place there and conclude with a faith lesson to learn the key truths God desires to teach us. Afterward, you will have approximately 15 minutes to purchase souvenirs, if desired. TRIP PREPARATION Please utilize the videos and information on our website, which provide helpful guidance and orientation to better understand the many biblical sites we will be visiting, the history of Israel, and other relevant information. Additionally, we will provide helpful details leading up to our trip to help you get the most out of your Holy Land experience. We also ask that you familiarize yourself with our Travel Orientation Material, which can be found on our website. You will find it extremely helpful. TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TRIP We’ve chosen the dates of this trip to visit Israel because the weather is stable, and there are no Jewish Holidays that will interfere with our travels. DAILY ITINERARY Please note that the schedule may be slightly adjusted due to circumstances beyond our control. 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 in Israel. You can also activate your phone for international service. If you don't have Internet access through your phone service, free Wi-Fi is available at each hotel, and the tour bus offers complimentary Internet service. DIGITAL MAPS OF DAILY TRIP ITINERARY For each day's tour trip itinerary , a link to a Google Map of the route and sites we'll see is provided . These maps are in the Itinerary Section. Here's an example: Tour Day 1: G oogle Map Itinerary DAILY SCHEDULE We will meet in the main lobby of each hotel at 7:15 am and depart promptly at 7:30 am to board the tour bus. We will return around 4:00 - 5:00 pm. After returning to our hotel at the end of each day, you will have free time to relax, dine at the hotel, or explore the local sites, enjoy dining out, and experience the local culture. PERSONAL TRAVEL IN ISRAEL You can take a taxi, walk, or use the bus or light rail train system. It's helpful to have Internet service (you can activate your phone or obtain an Israeli SIM card) and use Google or Apple Maps to navigate. It will tell you which bus, light rail train, or walking route suits you best. It also works in real-time, so you can see precisely when buses and trains are arriving and departing. AGE LIMIT The minimum age for trip participants is 12 years old unless other arrangements have been made with us. ITINERARY Please see our detailed itinerary below. DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO ENTER ISRAEL Valid Passport Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone worldwide with a valid passport for travel to Israel. Passports must have at least six months left before expiration. B2 Stay Permit This permit is issued upon arrival at the airport. Self-service kiosks are available, where you can scan your passport, and a printed B2 Stay Permit will be issued. It's essential to keep this permit safe, as you will be required to present it multiple times during your stay in Israel. For convenience, you may want to place it inside your passport or wallet. Here is our helpful Ben Gurion Arrival Orientation Video that shows all about this: https://youtu.be/65N9VktYE0c Visa Israel does not require Visas from almost all countries in the world to enter its country. However, if you are from a country that Israel does require a Visa from before entering its country, you will need to check and verify this in advance. ETA-IL Electronic Document The rules for travel to Israel have changed. Starting from January 2025, visitors from Visa-exempt countries (meaning you don't need a Visa to enter Israel) are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel and stay for up to 90 days per visit. All Visa-exempt travelers to Israel must have an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. ETA-IL is designed to smoothen border control upon arrival in Israel and ensure Israel's national security. How long is an ETA-IL valid? Obtaining an ETA-IL indicates you can travel to Israel as a tourist and stay up to 90 days. Your ETA-IL authorization is generally valid for multiple trips over a period of two years from the date your application is approved, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. What does the ETA-IL application cost? 25 NIS ($7.50 USD) per applicant. How to apply for an ETA-IL? The application is made online through the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority website. Here's the link: ETA-IL (piba.gov.il) When to apply for ETA-IL Please apply no later than one month before your trip departure date to allow for any issues that may arise. You can submit your application sooner if you prefer. Helpful video from the Israeli government website about the ETA-IL document, and how to obtain it: How to Use ETA-IL for Eligibility to Enter Israel Anchor 1 TOUR HOSTS Todd & Letsy Fink More about the Finks TRIP REGISTRATION, DEPOSITS, PAYMENTS, & CANCELATION INFO HOW TO REGISTER & CONFIRM YOUR SPOT 1. Please fill out the online registration form, and we will notify you of your acceptance on the tour trip team. 2. After 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 Holy Land Trip Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,750 USD FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE Your final payment deadline is August 1, 2026 . For those who wish to attend this trip after August 1 , 2026, we will handle reservations on a space availability basis. Thanks for your understanding. CANCEL ATIONS & REFUNDS Deposit Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries All deposit payments are non-refundable and non-transferable to other trip dates, as HolyLandSite.com has significant overhead commitments invested in each trip, including reservations, office staff, travel arrangements, bus rental, and so forth, which cannot be recuperated. Refund of Final Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries 1. If you need to cancel your trip for personal reasons before August 1, 2026 , 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 August 1 , 2026 , Holy Land Site Ministries will not be able to refund any of your final payment due to expenses already incurred that cannot be recuperated. Transferring Payments to a Different Tour Trip Date No payments to Holy Land Site Ministries can be transferred from one tour trip to another. Refunds from Purchases of Airline Tickets, Lodging, etc. Holy Land Site Ministries cannot refund any of these funds because they were not paid to Holy Land Site Ministries. Refund if the 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. The deposit payment of $500 is not refundable because HolyLandSite.com has many overhead commitments invested in each trip, such as reservations, office staff, travel commitments, bus rental, and so forth, that cannot be recuperated. However, rest assured that we are "Old School" and don't cancel trips unless it's impossible for us to go. The fact that we have led tour trips during wartime reveals that we don't cancel our trips. 3. Refunds from flights and lodging will be the responsibility of each person, as these were booked personally. 4. Unfortunately, Holy Land Site Ministries cannot act as your trip insurance if the trip must be canceled or you choose to cancel for personal reasons. Therefore, we encourage you to follow our suggestions below to book your trip with little financial commitment. IDEAS TO BOOK YOUR TRIP WITH LITTLE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT 1. Book Your Lodging Through Booking.com They require no upfront charge and allow free cancelation up to one week or so before your trip. 2. If Possible, Book Your Airfare With Cancelation Coverage 3. Buy Trip Protection Insurance If you would like trip protection insurance to protect you in the event of trip cancelation for any reason, many third-party insurance agencies offer travel protection insurance in case of unforeseen cancelations. Travel Protection Agency Options Travel Guard: https://www.travelguard.com Allianz Travel Insurance: allianztravelinsurance.com Seven Corners: sevencorners.com World Nomads: https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKINGS & AIRLINE FLIGHTS Lodging For those with the time and resources, arriving a day or two early in Israel will allow you to rest up and better prepare for your experience in Israel. Hotels generally allow bookings about one year in advance. It's wise to book your lodging as soon as possible within this timeframe, as accommodations in Israel fill up quickly. Flights You can book your flights at your convenience. Most people book their flights around four to six months before the trip. Israel's main international airport is Ben Gurion Airport, abbreviated TLV. HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKING LINKS We list Booking.com as an option because they offer no upfront charges, and cancelations can be made 72 hours in advance with no additional fees. However, if you want to book using another booking platform, you are welcome to do so. When booking your lodging, please mention in the message section that you are part of the HolyLandSite.com Tour Group. They will give you better rooms, along with other benefits. Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel , 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv Check-in: October 17 Check-out: October 18, one-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, 1 El Hadif Street, Tiberias Check-in: October 18 Check-out: October 22, four-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem Check-in: October 22 Check-out: October 31, nine-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Booking.com Phone Number (USA): 1-888-876-1063 If, for some reason, a hotel is full, just book a hotel of your choice nearby and meet us at the main lobby of the hotel at 7:15 am, where the rest of the group is staying. We will promptly depart the hotel lobby to board the tour bus at 7:30 CONTACT INFO: Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website : HolyLandSite.com Anchor 2 Anchor 4 DAILY ITINERARY FRI, OCTOBER 16 DEPART FOR THE HOLY LAND Please plan to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, no later than October 17, by 3:00 pm if possible. This will give you plenty of time to attend the required orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm. We'll meet at the main check-in lobby of the Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport 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. Click to see the "Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Orientation Video." SAT, OCTOBER 17 TEL AVIV After arriving at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, you will proceed through the airport. Please don’t lose the small B2 Stay Permit paper you will be provided at one of the kiosks. Afterward, you can take a taxi to Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. Due to customs and visa processing, please allow approximately 3 hours of travel time from the airport to the hotel. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic conditions. The orientation and get-acquainted meeting is at 7:00 pm. Please meet in the main hotel lobby. Free time afterward. Lodging at Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. One night total. Google Map from Ben Gurion to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel SUN, OCTOBER 18 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 by the beautiful Sea of Galilee . Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, 1 El Hadif Street, Tiberias. Four nights total. Tour Day 1: Google Map Itinerary MON, OCTOBER 19 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 with a most memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee in a replica of an ancient wooden boat used during Jesus' time. 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. Then, on to Capernaum , where Jesus established 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 from a demon-possessed man. We'll conclude this amazing day of walking in the footsteps of Jesus by visiting Kinar Beach, where the Feeding of the 5,000 most likely happened. At this beach, you'll have the rare treat of swimming in the beautiful waters of the Sea of Galilee . Free time afterward. Tour Day 2: Google Map Itinerary TUES, OCTOBER 20 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll journey north to Caesarea Philippi , where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God ." We'll then visit Chorazin , one of the towns Jesus cursed because of their unbelief in Him. We’ll visit Tabgha , the place where Jesus restored Peter to fellowship and ministry. We'll wrap up the day with a visit to Magdala , the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. Free time afterward. Free time afterward. Tour Day 3: Google Map Itinerary WED, OCTOBER 21 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 site believed to be where Christ gave the Great Commission, and where we'll see all the sites of the Sea of Galilee from its breathtaking view. Free time afterward. Tour Day 4: Google Map Itinerary THURS, OCTOBER 22 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 John baptized Jesus. 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 have done 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, OCTOBER 23 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 drive by En Gedi , pointing out where David hid in this area from King Saul. 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, OCTOBER 24 BETHLEHEM – JUDAH AREA We'll begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Herodian Fortress . While there, we'll view Bethlehem in the distance, the Shepherds' Fields, the Fields of Boaz and Ruth, and see where David kept his sheep as a young man . Then, we'll visit Bethlehem, Manger Square, and the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born. We’ll continue our travels 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 was miraculously returned to the Israelites by the Philistines. Free time afterward. Tour Day 7: Google Map Itinerary SUN, OCTOBER 25 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 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, OCTOBER 26 NEGEV & ISRAEL MUSEUM 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 seeing the Oaks of Mamre, where God made a covenant with Abraham, one of the most important covenants in the Bible. We'll then travel a short distance to the Cave of Machpelah , where the patriarchs and their wives are buried. Close to Machpelah are the ruins of ancient Tel Hebron . We'll then return to Jerusalem and visit the Israel Museum , where an amazing model of Jerusalem from 66 AD is located. We'll also see the Shrine of the Book and the archaeological wing of the museum. Free time afterward. Tour Day 9: Google Map Itinerary TUES, OCTOBER 27 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day at the highest point on the Mount of Olives , where we'll v isit the Chapel of Ascension , the place Christ ascended back to heaven, and where His feet will touch down at His glorious second coming. We'll then visit Pater Noster Church , where Christ taught His disciples how to pray. As we descend the Mount of Olives , we’ll stop at a lookout spot that offers a magnificent view of Old City Jerusalem , allowing us to orient ourselves to the city's layout and key places . We'll see the Tombs of the Prophets , where Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are believed to be buried. We’ll then walk the Triumphal Entry Path to Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations . Along the way, we’ll visit Dominus Flevit Church , where Christ wept over Jerusalem. We’ll then see Mary’s Tomb and then finish the day visiting Gethsemane Cave , where Jesus spent His last hours before going to the cross to be crucified. Free time afterward. Tour Day 10: Google Map Itinerary WED, OCTOBER 28 JERUSALEM Today, we’ll visit and walk on the Temple Mount , the location of Solomon’s Temple and the holiest and most contested piece of land in the world. We'll then see the Western Wall , the Jews’ most sacred site in Israel. We’ll visit the Jerusalem Archaeological Park , which has numerous amazing attractions, including the Southern Stairs Area , the main entrance to the Temple Mount —a place where Christ and His disciples would have often been —and the likely location where those who received Christ at Pentecost were baptized. We’ll then walk through part of the Cardo , an original Roman street, and see the amazing remains of the massive Broad Wall built by King Hezekiah. We'll wind up the day by walking the Rooftop Walk over Old City Jerusalem. Free time afterward. Tour Day 11 : Google Map Itinerary THURS, OCTOBER 29 JERUSALEM Today, we'll be privileged to visit 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. We'll then visit the Upper Room , the location of the Last Supper , and where an early Christian church/synagogue was built 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 dating to around 600 AD. Tour Day 12: Google Map Itinerary FRI, OCTOBER 30 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day by walking along the Eastern Wall and seeing the famous Eastern Gate , where we'll see ancient stones dating back to Solomon's time and evidence of the original Temple Mount and its expansions over the years. Then it's on to see the Pools of Bethesda , where Jesus healed a sick man after he had waited 38 long years. We’ll walk the traditional path of the Via Dolorosa and see the 14 Stations of the Cross that lead to Golgotha, where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located today. We'll then visit and explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see why it's the best candidate for Golgotha. From there, we'll walk the biblical Via Dolorosa (painful path to the Cross) to Pilate’s Palace and Gabbatha (stone pavement and judgment place where Christ was condemned to crucifixion). Tour Day 13: Google Map Itinerary Farew ell Dinner at 5:30 pm. Free time afterward. SAT, OCTOBER 31 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! You will be responsible for your own transportation from the hotel to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The hotel in Jerusalem (Prima Park) offers several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. All of them can be prearranged in advance. Check-out time at the hotel is 11:00 am. However, they will hold your luggage in a safe place if your flight is later in the day or evening. The hotel in Jerusalem (Prima Park) offers several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. All of them can be prearranged in advance. Travel time to Ben Gurion Airport is about one hour. We recommend arriving at Ben Gurion Airport at least 3 hours before flight departure. This means you should leave the hotel in Jerusalem at least 4 hours in advance. The 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). Please arrange transportation with the hotel's front desk at least a day in advance. All transportation options take approximately an hour to reach the airport and operate daily, including on Shabbat (Saturday), the Sabbath. Google Map from Prima Park Hotel to Ben Gurion Airport C li ck t o see the "Ben Gurion Airport Departure Orientation Video." SUN, NOVEMBER 1 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. Anchor 3

  • Holy Land Trip: April 30 - May 16, 2027, Registration Form | HolyLandSite.com

    April 30 - May 16, 2027, Registration Form. In-depth 17-day Bible-centered Holy Land tour trip to Israel that allows you to see more holy sites in Israel. Holy Land Trip Registration Form April 30 ~ May 16, 2027, Trip How to Register and Secure Your Spot on the Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime! 1. Fill out and submit the online registration form below. 2. Upon receiving and accepting your form, we will notify you of availability and acceptance into the tour trip group. 3. Upon acceptance into the group, please pay your $500 non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot. Registration Deposit Link Final Paym ent Link CONTACT INFO: Pastor Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website: HolyLandSite.com NEXT STEPS 1. Upon receiving and accepting your form, we will notify you of availability and acceptance into the tour trip group. 2. Upon acceptance into the group, please pay your $500 non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot. Registration Deposit Link Final Payment Link 3. In the meantime, check out our video teachings to the left or see other info about Holy Land Trip orientation, etc. CONTACT INFO: Pastor Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website: HolyLandSite.com TOUR HOSTS Dr. Todd & Letsy Fink - Tour Hosts More about the Finks

  • Tabgha: Church of the Multiplication of Loaves & Fishes, St. Peter's Church | HolyLandSite.com

    Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes, Church of the Primacy of Peter. Place Jesus Restored Peter and met with the disciples after His resurrection. Sites of interest include: Church of the Multiplication, Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, beach close-by to the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, Heart-shaped stones by the beach, Rock Monument with carved Cross and verse above Tabgha, Mount of Beatitudes Tabgha: Church of the Primacy of St. Peter Photo Gallery Places of Interest Church of the Primacy of St. Peter Restoration of Peter Introduction 1. Welcome to the place where the risen Jesus met with seven of His disciples and prepared them a breakfast of fish and bread after they had fished all night. 2. It was here that Jesus restored Peter to fellowship with Him and entrusted him to feed His sheep. 3. We'll see the very place, according to tradition, where Jesus and His seven disciples met. 4. We'll go down by the seashore and reflect on the miraculous catch of fish Jesus performed just before calling them to land to eat, and the restoration of Peter. Location 1. Tabgha is located on the northwest side of the Sea of Galilee. 2. There are seven springs found in this area, which provide one of the best places for fishing around the sea. 3. Some of the springs provided warm sulfuric water that caused the fish to gather here. It was also used for health purposes, and many came from far away to find healing and relief in its waters. 4. Waters from these springs were also taken to nearby fields and villages via canals. Historical Background 1. The first church was built here around 350 AD by the Byzantines. 2. At the base of the current church, opposite the main altar, the foundations of the first church are visible. 3. In around 808 AD, the church was referred to as the Place of the Coals. This name refers to the incident in which Jesus prepared a meal for the apostles, building a charcoal fire on which to cook the fish. 4. Also first mentioned in the year 808 AD are the "Twelve Thrones", a series of heart-shaped stones, which were placed along the shore to commemorate the Twelve Apostles. 5. The church survived longer than any other in the area, finally being destroyed in 1263 AD. 6. The church today was built in 1933 and incorporated parts of an earlier 4th-century church. Places of Interest 1. Church of the Primacy of St. Peter. 2. Floor Mosaics As visitors step inside the church, they are greeted by a stunning display of mosaic decorations adorning the floor. These intricate designs showcase the diverse flora and fauna of the region in vibrant colors, creating an atmosphere of reverence and beauty. The most famous mosaic, located near the altar, depicts a basket of loaves flanked by two fish, serving as a powerful symbol of the miracle the church commemorates. 2. Mensa Christi (Table of Christ) The church features a limestone rock projection in front of the present altar, which is venerated as a "Mensa Christi," meaning the table of Christ in Latin. According to tradition, this is the spot where Jesus is said to have laid out a breakfast of bread and fish for the Apostles. 3. Statue of Jesus and Peter Inscription: "Feed My sheep." 4. Beach close to the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter. 5. Stones by the Beach Just outside the church are six heart-shaped stones placed along the shore. Because these stones serve no structural purpose in their current location on the beach, archaeologists and historians believe they were salvaged from the ruins of older buildings (such as abandoned synagogues) and deliberately placed on the shoreline by early Christians sometime between the 5th and 9th centuries AD. Even though there are only 6 stones, they are traditionally known as the "Twelve Thrones" and were placed there to commemorate the Twelve Apostles. 6. Outside the church, by the beach, there are some stairs cut into this rock by the church. It’s believed that someone carved these steps in the second or third centuries, which is why in the year 381 AD, Egeria visited this area and reported that, “next to the Church of the Loaves and Fishes, which is nearby, there are some stone steps where the Lord stood". 7. Ancient Boat Docks The beach is flanked by two ancient piers constructed from black basalt boulders. That proves that this was a fishing spot during the time of Jesus, and it was on these piers that fishermen would embark and disembark from their boats. Restoration of Peter The disciples had returned to their home towns on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ in Jerusalem. 2. They undoubtedly felt very depressed, lonely, and as if their whole world had come to an end. 3. Their beloved Master had been crucified, and they were left wondering what would happen now. 4. They probably called into question how they had spent their past 3 ½ years following Christ. 5. Peter especially felt depressed and spiritually sick. He had denied Christ his Lord and Master three times after he had just moments earlier said he would follow Him even to death. Restoration of Peter in the Bible 1. After Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, the disciples went back to fishing like old times. John 21:1–3: Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberius. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee [James and John], and two other disciples were together [7 disciples in all]. 3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 2. Jesus appears to the disciples. John 21:4–14: Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered. 6 He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread [in John 18:18 Peter denied Christ by a charcoal fire]. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught." 11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153 [according to Hebrew alphabetics, this number meant “I Am God”], but even with so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish [same food as the feeding of the 5,000]. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. 3. Jesus restores Peter. John 21:15–17: When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." 16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." 17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.” 4. This encounter was like the first time Christ called Peter to be His disciple. Luke 5:1–11: On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." 5 And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word, I will let down the nets." 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish , and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Faith Lesson 1. Peter’s original calling to be a disciple and his restoration follow the same miracle pattern. Christ did this on purpose because He wanted Peter to remember his roots and beginning. 2. Christ was the one who reached out to Peter and took the initiative to restore him. 3. Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him 3 times because Peter denied Him 3 times. 4. God realizes we are human and make mistakes. 5. The main thing God looks for in restoration is a spirit of repentance and a contrite, humble heart. 6. Am I in need of restoration in some way? 7. Do I understand that God is more interested in my restoration with Him than I probably am?

  • St. George's Monastery at Wadi Qelt, Jericho, Israel | HolyLandSite.com

    St. George’s Monastery is a Greek Orthodox cliff-hanging complex carved into a sheer rock wall in the Judaean Desert that overlooks an unexpectedly lush garden with olive and cypress trees. It’s one of the most striking sights in the Holy Land. It's nearby to Jericho and was located on the road leading from Jericho to Jerusalem. It was on this road that the story of the Good Samaritan takes place as told by Jesus. Inn of the Good Samaritan commemorates this event. St. George's Monastery Photo Gallery Places of Interest St. George’s Monastery Location 1. St. George’s Monastery is located about 2.5 miles (4 km.) west of Jericho in a deep and breathtaking gorge called “Wadi Qelt.” 2. It’s located on the ancient road connecting the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem and beyond. Jesus would have used this well-traveled road regularly. 3. The story of the Good Samaritan took place on this road. For more on this story and event, please see the Inn of the Good Samaritan. Historical Background 1. St. George’s Monastery is a Greek Orthodox cliff-hanging complex carved into a sheer rock wall in the Judaean Desert and is one of the most breathtaking sights in the Holy Land. 2. Starting in the 4th century, monks began to live in the many caves of Wadi Qelt. 3. The monastery of St. George was founded in the 5th century by John of Thebes, an Egyptian. He gathered a small band of five Syrian hermits who had settled around the cave where they believed the prophet Elijah was fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:1–7). 4. Tradition also holds that Elijah visited the cave by the monastery while traveling to the Sinai Peninsula as he fled the threats of Jezebel after he had killed the false prophets of Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 19:1–3). 5. However, it was named after its most famous monk, St George of Koziba, who came as a teenager from Cyprus in the 6th century to follow the ascetic life in the Holy Land after his parents died. 6. The monastery was destroyed in 614 AD by the Persians and was more or less abandoned after the Persians swept through the valley and massacred the fourteen monks who dwelt there. The bones and skulls of the martyred monks can still be seen today in the monastery chapel. 7. The Crusaders made some attempts at restoration of the monastery in 1179. However, it was abandoned after Muslims regained control of the Holy Land and drove out the Crusaders. 8. In 1878, a Greek monk, Kalinikos, settled here and restored the monastery, finishing it in 1901. History of Christian Monasticism 1. Today, in Israel, there are 33 functioning monasteries. During the 4th century, there were hundreds of monasteries built as almost every holy site had a monastery on it. 2. Because Christianity was prohibited in the Roman Empire before Constantine embraced Christianity, no monasteries or churches were permitted until 313 AD. After this point, monasteries sprung up everywhere throughout the empire. 3. The idea of a monastic lifestyle was taken from both the Old and New Testaments. The Nazarite Vow The prophets (Elijah being fed by ravens in the desert) John the Baptist living in the desert Christ fasting for 40 days in the desert 4. There were also the Essenes who lived in the desert by the Dead Sea at Qumran during the time of John the Baptist and Jesus. 5. Monasticism took on different forms and meanings throughout its history. Some lived like hermits all alone. Later, many lived in monasteries in communal groups. They withdrew from society to live a separated life fully devoted to seeking the Lord and becoming godly. Over the years, monasticism changed so that many monasteries prepared men and women for a life of service to God. They would live in the monastery for a few years then go out to serve the Lord. Monasteries were not always Catholic. There were many monasteries before Catholicism became what it is today, and there were different kinds of monasteries from different religious orientations, i.e., Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Armenian, etc. 6. In general, monasticism is a religious way of life wherein a person denounces worldly pursuits and fully devotes themselves to seeking the Lord through religious vows and disciplines. 7. The word monk, or monastery, originates from Greek (monos) and means to “dwell alone.” 8. In different periods of monasticism, some chose lives of celibacy as well. Places of Interest 1. St. George’s Monastery It is quite a hike down into the gorge to see the monastery, so only those in good physical shape should attempt it. It can also be extremely hot through the Spring to Fall seasons as well. 2. Lookout – Just to the west of the parking area is a trail that leads to a beautiful lookout area over the monastery for those just wanting to see the site without hiking down to it. 3. Monastery Upper Level – Elijah’s Cave 4. Monastery Middle Level – Main Church 5. Monastery Lower Level – Storehouses and vault where the remains of the early monks are kept. 6. Stairs from the inner court of the monastery lead to the cave-church of St. Elijah. From this cave, a narrow tunnel provides an escape route to the top of the mountain. 7. Wadi Qelt – Fertile ravine where small-scale farming and irrigation takes place. 8. Caves where monks lived. 9. Small Chapel St. George’s Monastery In the Bible 1. It seems very unlikely that St. George’s Monastery is the location where God supernaturally fed Elijah by ravens. The Bible says the place was east of the Jordan River, and St. George’s Monastery is west of the Jordan River. 1 Kings 17:1–7: Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” 2 And the word of the Lord came to him: 3 “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan . 4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan . 6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 7 And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. 2. It is possible Elijah stayed in the cave at St. George’s Monastery when he fled after being threatened by Jezebel, but it’s not certain. 1 Kings 19:3: Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. Faith Lesson from St. George’s Monastery 1. We can certainly admire those who took God so seriously that they often sold their possessions and chose a life of solitude and strict discipline to seek the Lord. Do we love the Lord to such a degree we are willing to give up whatever God might ask us so we can be more devoted followers of Him? 2. Do we set time aside to remove the distractions of life and just seek God? 3. While it’s good to set time apart for solitude and seeking the Lord, we are also called to be in the world but not of it. Are we doing a good job of being in the world but not a part of its values and philosophies? 4. Are we disciplined in our Christian lives? 5. While monasticism has many admirable qualities, it does have some unbiblical concepts. For some, it was a withdrawal and escape from society. Like Christ, we are called to influence society and be lights to the world. Are we influencing those around us with the light of God’s Word and His love? And are we fulfilling the Great Commission in one way or another? 6. Are we part of a Bible-believing church community where we can grow and serve others?

  • Beth-Shean (Beit Shean, Bet She'an): King Saul's Downfall, Roman Decapolis City | HolyLandSite.com

    Beth-Shean, also known as Beit Shean or Bet She’an, was a major biblical and secular city for thousands of years. It's the place King Saul's body was hung because he disobeyed God. It’s located in the center of several main crossroads between the Jordan Valley and the Jezreel (Yizreel) Valley. It was a thriving Roman Decapolis city during the time of Jesus. Beth-Shean Photo Gallery Places of Interest Beth-Shean Introduction Welcome to Beth-Shean. It has a rich history, with significant events from the Bible having occurred here. These are the highlights. 1. It was a tel with many layers of history. 2. It was a Canaanite fortress. 3. Later, it would be captured by the Israelites. 4. Saul and his son's bodies were hung on the wall of ancient Beth-Shean. 5. The Greeks made it into a Decapolis City. 6. Then, the Romans took it over and developed it into a glamorous city. 7. Beth-Shean was near Nazareth, and it’s possible that Jesus, as a young man, worked here with His father as a builder. It is undoubtedly one of the most preserved Roman cities in Israel. 8. It has breathtaking pillars, buildings, columns, a theater, and more. Location 1. Beth-Shean, also known as Beit Shean or Bet She’an, was a major biblical and secular city for thousands of years. 2. It’s located in the center of several main crossroads between the Jordan Valley and the Jezreel (Yizreel) Valley. 3. It’s about 15 miles (25 km) south of the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee and about 35 miles (55 km) east of the Mediterranean Sea. 4. It’s located on the Harod Stream, which provides it with much water. This Harod Stream is the same stream that originates at Harod Spring, just west of here (15 miles or 20 km), and is where Gideon chose 300 men under God’s command to defeat the Midianites and other armies. 5. The main entrance faced the east, as did most other major cities and structures in ancient times. In fact, the word "orientation" comes from the word “orient,” which means east. Because creation, the beginning civilizations, and the sun rose from the east, to be oriented was to position yourself with your focus on the east. Today, maps use the north for orientation, but in ancient days, maps used the east for orientation purposes. Historical Background 1. Beth-Shean was a key city long before the arrival of the Israelites because of its location. During the late Canaanite period (1600–1400 BC), the Egyptians had political control over the land of Canaan. 2. Later, around 1050 BC, the Philistines also ruled the city for a time because they hung King Saul's body on its walls after defeating Israel's armies in the Battle of Gilboa. 3. When King David reigned (1010–970 BC), he conquered Beth-Shean, making it part of Israel’s territories. 4. Later, in 732 BC, the Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser III, destroyed Beth-Shean after defeating the northern Kingdom of Israel. 5. In around 325 BC, Hellenistic (Greek) new settlers established a city-state (polis) in Beth-Shean. During the Hellenistic period, the city was named Nisa Scythopolis. 6. In 63 BC, the Romans conquered the City. It became one of the Decapolis, a group of cities with a Hellenistic-Roman cultural character, most of which were located in Transjordan. Beth-Shean was one of the key cities of the Roman Empire in this area south of Galilee. 7. Beth-Shean was not far from Nazareth, and it’s possible that Jesus, as a young man, worked here with His father as a builder. 8. Undoubtedly, Christ walked by it regularly. 9. Beth-Shean was destroyed in 749 AD due to an enormous earthquake. 10. The biblical tel of Beth-Shean has around 20 layers of civilizations that have been discovered. Places of Interest 1. Model of Beth-Shean 2. Old Testament Beth-Shean Tree marking the place where Saul’s body was hanged. Canaanite Ruins Israelite Ruins Roman Temple Egyptian Governor’s House 3. Theater – Often, immoral and indecent acts took place there. Therefore, early Christians avoided them and were persecuted as a result. 4. Bathhouse – Often, it was a place of prostitution. Therefore, Christians avoided such places. 5. Cardo (Palladius Street) – Comes from the word “Cardiac,” which means the central street of the city. Sigma - A mosaic depicting Tyche, Goddess of the city. Pillars Shopping stores 6. Marketplace (Agora) – Just below the Cardo, to the south, was an area of the city known as the Agora. It was a large plaza with many shops and places to visit. It was the center of the city's activities. It was places like Paul would be dragged into during his visits to cities in the Roman Empire (Acts 16:19). 7. Temple – Paul spoke against the gods of these temples in each Gentile city where he ministered (Acts 14:13). For those who failed to pay their respect to all these false gods, they would be persecuted and even put to death. 8. Northern Street Entrance 9. Nymphaeum – Public Fountain 10. City Gate during Greek and Roman times. 11. Valley Street - Main entrance street from the Jordan Valley. 12. Silvanus Street - North/South Street with large pillars on the west side. It was the second largest street after the Cardo. 13. Eastern Bathhouse—Bathhouses were a big part of life in the Roman Empire and its larger cities, Beth Shean being no exception. In addition to its upper bathhouse, which consisted mainly of hot water and a sauna, this lower bathhouse had pools of cold water for a different use. 14. Public Bathrooms – These bathrooms are quite interesting. As you can see, there was no privacy whatsoever. You would sit right beside your neighbor while here. Both men and women used the same bathrooms. While at the time, they were state-of-the-art and had flowing water for cleansing purposes, by today's standards, they were pretty gross and disgusting, with no privacy whatsoever. 15. Cultic Temple Area – In addition to the lower temple, Beth Shean also had an upper temple area. It had altars, a raised podium, and a stairway leading up to it. Everyone was expected to worship here, and, as we mentioned earlier, those who didn't would face persecution. Beth-Shean in the Bible 1. Beth-Shean is mentioned in the division and conquering of the Promised Land. Joshua 17:11: Also in Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh had Beth-Shean and its villages. 2. The Canaanites were a strong and fortified people. Joshua 17:16: The people of Joseph said, “The hill country is not enough for us. Yet all the Canaanites who dwell in the plain have chariots of iron, both those in Beth-Shean and its villages and those in the Valley of Jezreel. 3. The tribe of Manasseh could not conquer the city of Beth-Shean and its villages. Judges 1:27: Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-Shean and its villages. 4. The major biblical event about Beth-Shean has to do with the life of King Saul. As a result of Saul’s persistent disobedience and presuming upon God’s grace, his life was taken by the Lord, and his body, along with his sons, were hanged here on the walls of the biblical Beth-Shean, which is the hill above the lower Beth-Shean . Saul’s Disobedient Life 1. Saul had incredible jealousy and tried to kill David for many years. Scripture records several instances where Saul attempted to kill David: 1 Samuel 18:11, 1 Samuel 18:25, 1 Samuel 19:9–15, 1 Samuel 20:31–33, 1 Samuel 23:9, and 1 Samuel 23:25–26. Saul even gave his daughter, Michal, in marriage to David as a means to ensnare and kill him. 2. When Saul felt pressured during a battle, he offered sacrifices that only a priest was allowed to do. 1 Samuel 13:5-7: And the Philistines mustered to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude. They came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth-aven. 6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble (for the people were hard pressed), the people hid themselves in caves and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and in cisterns, 7 and some Hebrews crossed the fords of the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul was still at Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 3. Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice. 1 Samuel 13:8–14: He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering. 10 As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. 11 Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, 12 I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the Lord.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” 13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” 4. Saul failed to obey God by not destroying God’s enemies. 1 Sam. 15: 1–3: And Samuel said to Saul, "The LORD sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel; now therefore listen to the words of the LORD. 2 Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'I have noted what Amalek did to Israel in opposing them on the way when they came up out of Egypt. 3 Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey." 5. Samuel confronts Saul’s disobedience. 1 Samuel 15:22–23: And Samuel said, "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king." 6. In a heated battle with the Philistines, Saul disobeyed God and visited a witch of Endor. 1 Samuel 28:15–19: Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul answered, “I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. Therefore, I have summoned you to tell me what I shall do.” 16 And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy? 17 The Lord has done to you as he spoke by me, for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. 18 Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day. 19 Moreover, the Lord will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The Lord will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.” 7. As a result of Saul’s repeated disobedience, God took his life. 1 Samuel 31:1-13: Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. 2 And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi - shua , the sons of Saul. 3 The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by the archers. 4 Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me." But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore, Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. 5 And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him. 6 Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together. 7 And when the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley and those beyond the Jordan saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled. And the Philistines came and lived in them. 8 The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 9 So they cut off his head and stripped off his armor and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines, to carry the good news to the house of their idols and to the people. 10 They put his armor in the temple of Ashtaroth, and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan. 11 But when the inhabitants of Jabesh- gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all the valiant men arose and went all night and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. 13 And they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh and fasted seven days. Faith Lesson from Beth-Shean 1. Saul cared more about what people thought of him than what God thought of him. 2. He made big decisions without consulting the Lord. 3. Saul always had an excuse for his sin and disobedience. 4. We must realize that obedience delights God more than asking forgiveness. 5. Rebellion & arrogance are the same as witchcraft because both attitudes fail to obey God and instead seek their own will and pleasure. 6. Saul presumed upon God’s grace. In other words, he believed he could disobey God, that God would forgive him, and that there would be no consequences. This attitude proved to be both dangerous and sinful, ultimately costing him his life and ministry. 7. Are we committed to submitting to God, or do we set ourselves up as our own authority like Saul?

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