Holy Land Tour Trips to Israel. In-depth Bible-centered tour trips to Israel. May 1-17, 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 May 1 ~ 17, 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. Status of Our Holy Land Tour Trips We are leading trips to Israel and have had no safety issues. All our trips are proceeding as scheduled, with no plans to cancel future trips. 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 Holy Land Trip Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,450 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) HolyLandSite.com Fee: $ 1, 9 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 the tour bus driver and hotel staff. Personal Expenses: $2,800 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: $450 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 hotels we use, and you book them. ~ Hotels can be found below . Airfare: $1,150 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: $1, 9 50 Personal Costs: $2,900 (Estimated Costs) Total: $4,8 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. Eating breakfast at the hotels is ideal and recommended, as it's very convenient and time-saving. 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 nice hotels with private rooms and bathrooms. Our itinerary shows the hotels where we will stay (a total of three: 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 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. For convenience, you may place it inside your passport. 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 Travelers from visa-exempt countries (meaning they don't need to obtain a visa before arrival in Israel, but instead receive one upon landing) must obtain an ETA-IL before their planned travel to Israel. 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 two weeks before the trip departure date. You can submit your application sooner if you prefer. 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 ~ $1,450 USD FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE Your final payment deadline is February 1, 2026 . For those who wish to attend this trip after February 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 recouperated. Refund of Final Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries 1. If you need to cancel your trip for personal reasons before February 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 February 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 cancellation up to one week or so before your trip. 2. If Possible, Book Your Airfare With Cancellation 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 Agencies (Rated the Highest by Forbes.com) Forbes.com Adviser (compares many companies): https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance Allianz Travel Insurance: allianztravelinsurance.com Travel Guard (AIG): travelguard.com/travel-insurance/plans Seven Corners: sevencorners.com HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKINGS & AIRLINE FLIGHTS Lodging 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 2 Check-out: May 3, one-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, 1 El Hadif Street, Tiberias Check-in: May 3 Check-out: May 7, four-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem Check-in: May 7 Check-out: May 16, nine-night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Booking.com Note: For those with the time and resources, arriving a day early will allow you to rest up and better prepare for your experience in Israel. If, for some reason, 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@gmailcom Website : HolyLandSite.com Anchor 2 Anchor 4 DAILY ITINERARY FRI, MAY 1 DEPART FOR THE HOLY LAND Please plan to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, no later than May 2, 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 2 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 tourist visa you were provided. 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 3 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 4 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 5 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll journey north to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matt. 16:16). We’ll visit Chorazin , one of the towns cursed by Jesus, which boasts one of the most well-preserved synagogues in the Galilee area. We'll then visit Bethsaida , the hometown of Philip, Andrew, and Peter. We'll wrap up the day with a visit to Magdala , the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. At Magdala, we will visit a natural beach where you can dip your feet in the Sea of Galilee or swim if you'd like. Free time afterward. Tour Day 3: Google Map Itinerary WED, MAY 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 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 14 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 15 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 16 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 $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, MAY 17 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 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. Status of Our Holy Land Tour Trips We are leading trips to Israel and have had no safety issues. All our trips are proceeding as scheduled, with no plans to cancel future trips. 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 Holy Land Trip Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,450 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) HolyLandSite.com Fee: $ 1, 9 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 the tour bus driver and hotel staff. Personal Expenses: $2,800 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: $450 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 hotels we use, and you book them. ~ Hotels can be found below . Airfare: $1,150 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: $1, 9 50 Personal Costs: $2,900 (Estimated Costs) Total: $4,8 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. Eating breakfast at the hotels is ideal and recommended, as it's very convenient and time-saving. 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 nice hotels with private rooms and bathrooms. Our itinerary shows the hotels where we will stay (a total of three: 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 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. For convenience, you may place it inside your passport. 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 Travelers from visa-exempt countries (meaning they don't need to obtain a visa before arrival in Israel, but instead receive one upon landing) must obtain an ETA-IL before their planned travel to Israel. 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 two weeks before the trip departure date. You can submit your application sooner if you prefer. 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 ~ $1,450 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 recouperated. 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 cancellation up to one week or so before your trip. 2. If Possible, Book Your Airfare With Cancellation 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 Agencies (Rated the Highest by Forbes.com) Forbes.com Adviser (compares many companies): https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance Allianz Travel Insurance: allianztravelinsurance.com Travel Guard (AIG): travelguard.com/travel-insurance/plans Seven Corners: sevencorners.com HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKINGS & AIRLINE FLIGHTS Lodging 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 Note: For those with the time and resources, arriving a day early will allow you to rest up and better prepare for your experience in Israel. If, for some reason, 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@gmailcom 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 tourist visa you were provided. 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” (Matt. 16:16). We’ll visit Chorazin , one of the towns cursed by Jesus, which boasts one of the most well-preserved synagogues in the Galilee area. We'll then visit Bethsaida , the hometown of Philip, Andrew, and Peter. We'll wrap up the day with a visit to Magdala , the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. At Magdala, we will visit a natural beach where you can dip your feet in the Sea of Galilee or swim if you'd like. Free time afterward. Tour Day 3: Google Map Itinerary WED, 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, NOV 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 Tour Trips to Israel. In-depth Bible-centered tour trips to Israel. 17-day affordable tours of all the biblical sites in Israel: Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, Jordan Valley, Baptismal Site of Jesus, Jericho, Masada, and much more. Holy Land Tour Trips to Is rael Holy Land Experience Trips of a Lifetime! 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. Status of Our Holy Land Tour Trips We are leading trips to Israel and have had no safety issues. All our trips are proceeding as scheduled, with no plans to cancel future trips. Please see the videos below about travel safety in Israel. 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 October 17 ~ November 2, 2025 (Includes travel to and from Israel) 17-Day Trip $4,750 USD Click for Trip Details Successfully completed! The length of your trip can be shortened if needed. You can start or depart at any time. Holy Land Experience Trip May 1 ~ 17, 2026 (Includes travel to and from Israel) 17-Day Trip $4,850 USD Click for Trip Details Spots still available! 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 $ 4 ,850 USD Click for Trip Details Spots still available! The length of your trip can be shortened if needed. You can start or depart at any time. Holy Land Experience Trip May 7~23, 2027 (Includes travel to and from Israel) 17-Day Trip $5 ,150 USD Activation Coming Soon The length of your trip can be shortened if needed. You can start or depart at any time. Holy Land Experience Trip October 29 ~ November 14, 2027 (Includes travel to and from Israel) 17-Day Trip $5 ,150 USD Activation Coming Soon The length of your trip can be shortened if needed. You can start or depart at any time. TOUR HOSTS Todd & Letsy Fink More about the Finks

New discoveries of the Eastern Wall and Eastern Gate reveal that the actual location of the original temple was on the present-day Temple Mount. The Eastern Gate is situated on the eastern side of the Temple Mount, facing the Mount of Olives. It is an important gate because it plays a central role in Scripture and prophecy. Eastern Wall of Temple Mount Photo Gallery Places of Interest Eastern Wall & Eastern Gate Introduction Welcome to the Eastern Wall of the Temple Mount. This wall reveals hidden secrets dating back to around 3,000 years. 1. Discoveries of the Eastern Wall and Eastern Gate reveal that the actual location of the original temple was on the present-day Temple Mount. 2. The Eastern Wall of the Temple Mount is 1536 feet (468 m) long. 3. It was never moved farther eastward due to the Kidron Valley's sharp fall downward. 4. Muslims also put a cemetery directly in front of the Eastern Wall and Eastern Gate as an extra layer of precaution, believing that the Messiah, being a good Jew, would not walk through it and become unclean. However, whatever Christ touches becomes clean, so that presents no problem. Places of Interest Here are the highlights of the places we will see along the Eastern Wall: The expansion section added by Herod the Great to the Temple Mount Platform around 19 BC. This is marked by stones butted up to each other. The expansion section that the Hasmoneans added onto Solomon's Temple Mount Platform around 140 BC. This is marked by a curious bend in the wall. The original section of Solomon's Temple Mount Platform dates back to around 960 BC. An offset in the wall marks a tower that once stood here during the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. It marks the original Temple Mount Platform that Solomon built. 6. Mount of Olives Highlights: Top of Mount of Olives Lookout Point Triumphal Entry Path Dominus Flevit Church Church of Mary Magdalene Gethseme Kidron Valley 7. Kidron Valley Highlights: The Kidron Valley is on the eastern side of the Old City of Jerusalem, separating the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives. It extends along a 20-mile course to the Dead Sea. The Bible refers to this area as the “Valley of Jehoshaphat,” which boasts Jerusalem’s richest concentration of rock-hewn tombs. Jesus most assuredly walked this valley many times during His visits to Jerusalem, especially as He crossed over from Bethany to the Temple Mount on the Mount of Olives. This was also the valley where Jesus walked on the night He was arrested, traveling from south to north as He led His disciples from the Upper Room to the Gethsemane Grotto. It is the valley that He walked north to south as He was escorted on the same night from Gethsemane up the Maccabean stairs to the palace of Annas. This is why we refer to this latter journey of Christ as “The Final Path.” Tomb of Absalom Although it is traditionally ascribed to Absalom, the rebellious son of King David of Israel (around 1000 BC), this monument is dated to the first century AD. It is named following the Jewish tradition in 2 Samuel 18:18, which reads “Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself the pillar which is in the King’s Valley, for he said; I have no son to keep my name in remembrance, he called the pillar his by own name; and it is called Absalom’s monument to this day .” Obviously, the pillar referred to in this passage is not the same as the monument that bears his name today. For centuries, it was the custom among residents, Jews, Christians, and Muslims to throw stones at the monument. Residents of Jerusalem would bring their unruly children to the site to teach them what became of David’s rebellious son. Tomb of the Benei Hezir. It dates to around 150 BC, and is a complex of burial caves dug into the cliff, featuring a Hebrew inscription that indicates it was the burial site for several generations of a wealthy priestly family by the name of Benei Hezir during the Hasmonean period. Tomb of Zechariah It's a monument to the same prophet who wrote the Old Testament book that bears his name. There is no evidence as to where Zechariah was buried, and the tomb does not contain a body, as it is a solid object carved from the rock. Like the tomb of Absalom, archeologists date the construction of this tomb to around 50 AD, and it was the last of the three great tombs to be built. 8. Eastern Gate Highlights: The Eastern Gate gives the most direct access to the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives. The Eastern Gate is unique in that it is completely sealed shut. Some commentators see the Eastern Gate’s obstruction as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. The ancient stones by the Eastern Gate date back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. The current gate that is seen today was rebuilt by Suleiman around 1541 AD and was built on the foundations of the earlier gates. The Eastern Gate’s outer facade today consists of two blocked-up gateways decorated with detailed carved relief arches. It was closed by the Muslims in 810 AD, reopened in 1102 AD by the Crusaders, and then walled up by Saladin after regaining Jerusalem in 1187 AD. Ottoman Sultan Suleiman rebuilt it, along with the city walls, and again walled it up in 1541 AD; it has remained that way to this day. Location 1. The Eastern Wall and Eastern Gate are located on the eastern side of the Temple Mount and face the Mount of Olives. 2. The Eastern Gate is an important gate because it plays a central role in Scripture and prophecy. 3. The current Old City of Jerusalem is surrounded by a wall containing eight major gates. Lions Gate (Stephen’s Gate) Eastern Gate (Golden Gate, Shushan Gate) Dung Gate Zion Gate Jaffa Gate New Gate Damascus Gate Herod’s Gate 4. The Eastern Gate is unique in that it is sealed shut. 5. It is the oldest gate in Old City Jerusalem. Historical Background 1. The original Eastern Gate was built by Solomon (960 BC), or at a later date, by Hezekiah (715 BC). The ancient posts located inside the gate today, along with the stones beside the gate of the Eastern Wall, date back to these time periods and would affirm its early existence and location at its present-day site. 2. It is very likely that Nehemiah rebuilt the Eastern Gate when he rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem around 444 BC. Some believe the original gate was then named the Eastern Gate by Nehemiah at this time. 3. Herod the Great then rebuilt the Eastern Gate around 19 BC and added a stairway, or rebuilt an existing one that led up to the gate. This stairway ran alongside the Eastern Wall. In the 1860s, Charles Warren discovered an outer wall that enclosed the stairway leading up to the Eastern Gate that Herod had built. 4. The best evidence suggests that the gate was then rebuilt during the Umayyad period (661–750 AD), on the foundations of the earlier gate dating to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. Part of the gate from this time period has been preserved. As mentioned above, the remains of two massive ancient gateposts are preserved inside this gate. These gateposts are situated in the same line as the Eastern Wall of the Temple Mount. They also line up with the lower massive stone masonry on both sides of the Golden Gate. The gateposts, along with the masonry sections of the Eastern Wall, suggest they are all part of the same construction. The upper part of the southern gatepost is level with the top of the ancient stone masonry visible to the south of the Golden Gate. The gatepost in the northern part of the gate is one stone course higher and is located just one stone course lower than the surface of the Temple Mount. These two ancient gateposts belong to the gate that dates back to the First Temple period, which is most likely the Shushan Gate mentioned in Mishnah Middot 1:3. At that time, this gate was the only gate in the Eastern Wall. 5. The current gate that is seen today was rebuilt by Suleiman around 1541 AD and was built on the foundations of the earlier gates. The Eastern Gate’s outer facade today consists of two blocked-up gateways decorated with detailed carved relief arches. 6. The original gate was thought to have been discovered in 1969 by Dr. James Fleming and was believed to be east of the current Eastern Gate a bit and about 8 feet (2.5 m) lower. However, after significant research and archaeological work were done and analyzed, it appears that what Dr. Fleming found were the arches of a stairway that led up to the Eastern Gate built by Herod the Great. Again, inside the gate are ancient posts that date back to the First Temple period. These reveal that the level of the current Eastern Gate is relatively the same as it has always been. The bedrock beneath the Eastern Gate rises sharply upward from the Kidron Valley to the Temple Mount, making it very unlikely that the original gate was located beneath the current one, as the bedrock would be in the way and prevent this. Moreover, the stones of the arch that Dr. Fleming discovered are Herodian, which are much later than the original Eastern Gate, making it unlikely that the arch that was discovered was part of the top of the Eastern Gate. Again, reputable archaeologists now believe that what Dr. Fleming discovered was one of the arches of the stairway leading up to the Eastern Gate. Herod built this stairway, so the stone type found would match the time era as well. However, it should be noted that what Dr. Fleming discovered does provide more evidence that the Eastern Gate’s current location is accurate. 7. The Eastern Gate gives the most direct access to the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives. 8. The Eastern Gate is unique in that it is completely sealed shut. Some commentators see the Eastern Gate’s obstruction as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. It was closed by the Muslims in 810 AD, reopened in 1102 AD by the Crusaders, and then walled up by Saladin after regaining Jerusalem in 1187 AD. Ottoman Sultan Suleiman rebuilt it, along with the city walls, and again walled it up in 1541 AD; it has remained that way to this day. It’s believed that the closing of the Eastern Gate was to prevent the Jewish Messiah from gaining entrance to the temple on the Temple Mount. Muslims also put a cemetery directly in front of the gate as an extra layer of precaution, believing that the Messiah, being a good Jew, would not walk through it and become unclean in doing so. However, whatever Christ touches becomes clean, so that presents no problem. 9. Jewish tradition states that the Messiah will pass through the Eastern Gate when He comes to rule. For Christians, Christ already did this at His first coming and will do it again at His second coming. Ezekiel 44:1–3: Then he brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, which faces east. And it was shut. 2 And the Lord said to me, “This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it, for the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered by it. Therefore, it shall remain shut. 3 Only the prince may sit in it to eat bread before the Lord. He shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gate, and shall go out by the same way.” 10. Though it is formally called the Eastern Gate, it is also known as the Golden Gate, the Gate of Eternal Life, the Mercy Gate, the Shushan Gate, and sometimes as the Beautiful Gate. Scripture says in Acts 3:1–10 that the Beautiful Gate was one of the temple gates. This would make the Nicanor Gate the best candidate for being the Beautiful Gate. 11. Some believe the Eastern Gate was in direct alignment with the gate into the temple's outer court, inner court, and main entrance doors. This belief comes from a misunderstanding of a writing in Middot 2.4 (which is part of the Jewish Mishnah) that says: “All the walls there were high, save only the eastern wall because the [High] priest that burns the [Red] heifer and stands on top of the Mount of Olives should be able to look directly into the entrance of the sanctuary when the blood is sprinkled.” However, the view from the top of the Mount of Olives through the Eastern Gate would only allow one to see into the ground because the gate was lower than the temple. This presents an impossibility, as you cannot look from a higher elevation through a lower gate and then see something higher than that gate. Therefore, a line of vision from the top of the Mount of Olives through the Eastern Gate makes it impossible to see anything on the Temple Mount, let alone the temple. Therefore, it appears that what was meant in the writing of Middot 2.4 referred to the Nicanor Gate. This was an outer gate of the temple complex. From the top of the Mt. of Olives, one could easily look directly through the Nicanor Gate and see the sanctuary. Therefore, the Eastern Gate was not in alignment with the temple, as some suggest. The original temple has very strong evidence that it was in the exact location where the Dome of the Rock stands today. 12. Some also believe that during the time of Christ, according to the Mishnah (a collection of Jewish oral laws), a bridge (causeway) led out of the Temple Mount eastward over the Kidron Valley, extending as far as the Mount of Olives. The Hebrew word for causeway is Kevesh , usually translated as “ramp,” not as “bridge.” It is highly unlikely that a major causeway spanned the Kidron Valley, as it would have been massive in size, extremely difficult to construct, and expensive. This causeway, most likely, refers to the stairway leading up to the Eastern Gate that ran along the eastern wall. Moreover, it wouldn't have been far to walk up the Kidron Valley a bit and then back to the Eastern Gate. People in ancient times were accustomed to walking, so saving a few steps to walk over a large bridge spanning the Kidron Valley seems less likely than simply walking. However, if a causeway or bridge had existed, it would have been on a small scale. 13. It should also be mentioned that the archaeological evidence supporting the Eastern Gate as being authentic provides strong evidence that the original temple was located on the current Temple Mount. Additionally, the ancient stones of the Eastern Wall, dating back to the First Temple period, also validate the temple’s location. The Eastern Gate in the Bible 1. It is the likely gate through which the ashes of the Red Heifer sacrifice were carried and then deposited in a clean place outside the city (Num. 19:1–10). 2. The glory of the Lord left the temple because of Israel’s disobedience. Ezekiel 10:18–19: Then the glory of the Lord went out from the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim. 19 And the cherubim lifted up their wings and mounted up from the earth before my eyes as they went out, with the wheels beside them. And they stood at the entrance of the east gate of the house of the Lord, and the glory of the God of Israel was over them. Ezekiel 11:23: And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city and stood on the mountain that is on the east side of the city [Mount of Olives]. 3. The glory of the Lord will return to the temple at Christ’s second coming. Ezekiel 43:1–5: Then he led me to the gate, the gate facing east. 2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory. 3 And the vision I saw was just like the vision that I had seen when he came to destroy the city, and just like the vision that I had seen by the Chebar canal. And I fell on my face. 4 As the glory of the Lord entered the temple by the gate facing east , 5 the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple. Zechariah 14:4: On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east , and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. 4. When Jesus entered Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives on Palm Sunday (Triumphal Entry), He most likely used the Eastern Gate. Luke 19:37–38: As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives —the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:45–46: And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” 5. It is the gate that Jesus would have entered and exited through repeatedly as He taught in the temple and then retreated to the Mount of Olives to rest and sleep. Luke 21:37–38: And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet . 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him. 6. The Beautiful Gate (most likely the Nicanor Gate) was where Peter and John healed a lame man. Acts 3:1–10: Now Peter and John went up together to the Temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour, and a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful to ask alms from those who entered the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Faith Lesson from the Eastern Gate 1. The Eastern Gate has seen many prophecies fulfilled. 2. There are still more prophecies it will witness. 3. Prophecy proves the Bible is accurate and that we can place our full confidence in it. 4. If all past prophecies have been fulfilled, we can rest assured that what is still prophesied will also come to pass. 5. Do we fully believe the prophecies in the Bible, and are we living in such a way that proves it?

See all the sites and a biblical tour of Joppa, Israel (Jaffa, Yafo). Joppa, Jaffa was the main seaport and entry gate to Israel for thousands of years until just before the time of Christ when Herod the seaport at Caesarea. Sites of interest include Simon the Tanner's House, Egyptian Fortress, Tel Joppa (Jaffa, Yafo), St. Peter's Monastery, Old City Joppa, Abrasha Park, Suspended Orange Tree, Old Sea Port, Alma Beach by Joppa, Ilana Goor Museum, Jaffa Museum, Old Jaffa Market, Kedumim Square. Joppa (Jaffa, Yafo) Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Joppa Overview Introduction Welcome to Joppa. Many events from the Bible took place here. Here are some of the highlights. Trees from Lebanon arrived here that Solomon used to build the Temple in Jerusalem around 965 BC. King Solomon’s ships came and went on their journeys around the known world from here. Joppa was the seaport from which Jonah sailed when he attempted to disobey the Lord’s calling and flee to Tarshish rather than preach a message of repentance to the Ninevites. Joppa was the seaport where logs arrived for rebuilding the Second Temple after the Israelites returned from their exile in Babylon, around 536 BC. After preaching to the Ethiopian Eunuch, Philip the Evangelist passed through Joppa preaching the gospel on his way to Caesarea. Joppa was where a famous woman, Dorcas, lived and was raised from the dead. Simon the Tanner lived in Joppa, where the Apostle Peter was staying when he received the vision to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. Location 1. Joppa (Jaffa or Yafo) is one of the oldest port cities in Israel and the Mediterranean area. 2. It's located on a hill and strategically located at the crossroads of Israel and the main travel routes linking Africa with Asia and Europe. This travel route was called the “Via Maris.” 3. Joppa is located about 45 miles (72 km) west of Jerusalem. Historical Background 1. Legend holds that the founder of Joppa (also called Jaffa) was Japheth, one of Noah’s sons. 2. Joppa was inhabited by the Canaanites, the Egyptians, the Israelites, the Greeks, and the Romans, and continues until modern times. 3. Joppa was the principal seaport and entry gate to Israel for thousands of years until just before the time of Christ, when Herod the Great built another seaport at Caesarea, about 35 miles (56 km) north of Joppa. Places of Interest 1. St. Peter's Church & Monastery According to Catholic tradition, the church is built over Simon the Tanner's home, the place where Peter received the vision to take the gospel to the Gentiles. On top of the church, just under the cross, is a large piece of rock brought from Caesarea Philippi, the place where Jesus told Peter that He would build His church upon Peter's confession of who Christ was. The church faces west, representing the truth that Christianity is for all nations, not just the Jews. 2. Simon the Tanner's House Acts 10:1-8: Now there was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and made many charitable contributions to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually. 3 About the ninth hour of the day [3:00 pm] he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in and said to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And he looked at him intently and became terrified, and said, “What is it, lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and charitable gifts have ascended as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon , who is also called Peter ; 6 he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea. ” 7 When the angel who spoke to him left, he summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier from his personal attendants, 8 and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. Ente ring the house is not allowed at this time because of an ongoing dispute between Christians and Muslims over who the owner is. 3. Egyptian Fortress, built by Ramses II, in about 1250 BC. 4. Tel Joppa (Jaffa, Yafo) 5. Old City Joppa 6. Abrasha Park 7. The Suspended Orange Tree 8. Old Sea Port 9. Alma Beach by Joppa 10. Ilana Goor Museum 12. Jaffa Museum 13. Old Jaffa Market 14. Kedumim Square Joppa In the Bible 1. The seaport of Joppa is where the trees of Lebanon arrived that Solomon used to build the Temple in Jerusalem around 950 BC. 2 Chronicles 2:16: Hiram king of Tyre replied by letter to Solomon - And we will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon and bring it to you in rafts by sea to Joppa , so that you may take it up to Jerusalem. 2. Joppa was also the seaport from which King Solomon’s ships came and went on their journeys around the known world at that time. 3. Joppa was the seaport from which Jonah sailed when he attempted to disobey the Lord’s calling and flee to Tarshish rather than preach a message of repentance to the Ninevites. Jonah 1:3: B ut Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. 4. Joppa was the seaport where logs arrived for rebuilding the Second Temple after the Israelites returned from their deportations in about 535 BC. Ezra 3:7: So they gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and the Tyrians to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa , according to the grant that they had from Cyrus king of Persia. 5. After preaching to the Ethiopian Eunuch, Philip the Evangelist passed through Joppa, preaching the gospel on his way to Caesarea. Acts 8:39–40: When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus (modern-day Ashdod), and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea. 6. Joppa was where a famous woman, Dorcas, lived and was raised from the dead. Acts 9:36-43: Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa , the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, "Please come to us without delay." 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa , and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. 7. Simon the Tanner lived in Joppa, and it was the place the Apostle Peter was staying when he received the vision to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. Acts 10:5: Now dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon , w ho is also called Peter ; 6 he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea. ” 7 When the angel who spoke to him left, he summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier from his personal attendants, 8 and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. Acts 10:9-15: The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." 14 But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, "What God has made clean, do not call common. Faith Lesson from Joppa 1. Jonah disobeyed the Lord here and ran from the presence of the Lord. Are we running away from something God wants us to do? 2. Peter obeyed the Lord here, trusted in God, and took the gospel to the Gentiles in Caesarea. Are we taking the gospel to those around us? 3. When we obey, we find life, and when we disobey, we find destruction and problems. What kind of problems are we facing because of some area of disobedience in our lives?

Beersheba (Beer Sheva) was located on a significant travel route linking Africa and Egypt with Asia and Europe. The Nabateans, who were centralized in Petra, passed through here on caravans with trade goods. Beersheba is the beginning place of God’s master plan for the Nation of Israel. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob also lived in Hebron at times as well. Beersheba was in the territory of the Philistines (Gen. 21:33–34). Abraham’s Well (230 ft., 70 m. deep, is at Tel Beersheba. Beersheba Photo Gallery Places of Interest Beersheba Location 1. Beersheba is located in the Negev, which is a semi-desert. 2. The tel of Beersheba lies a little east of the modern city, which is the region's largest city and administrative capital. 3. It’s about 45 miles (70 km.) south of Jerusalem and about 30 miles (45 km.) from the Mediterranean Ocean. 4. It’s located between the Beersheba and Hebron Streams (which are dry much of the time). 5. It was located on a significant travel route linking Africa and Egypt with Asia and Europe. The Nabateans, who were centralized in Petra, passed through here on caravans with trade goods. Historical Background 1. Beersheba is the beginning place of God’s master plan for the Nation of Israel. 2. In essence, each person has the same tendencies as the Nation of Israel. Therefore, when God wanted to speak to all mankind, He used Israel as the example (1 Cor. 10:11). 3. The name Negev means “dry land” in Hebrew, but the Bible often uses the term to refer to the southern part of Israel. 4. Because Beersheba is in the Negev, which receives an annual rainfall of 6–8 inches (18 cm.), there was not a lot of population in the area, and most of the people living here were nomadic shepherds. 5. Beersheba was in the territory of the Philistines (Gen. 21:33–34). 6. After a conflict over Abraham’s well, which he had dug in Beersheba, a covenant was made between Abimelech and Abraham to settle the dispute (Gen. 21:25–34). To ratify the covenant, Abraham gave Abimelech seven ewe lambs. Therefore, Beersheba means “well of the oath” or “well of the seven lambs.” 7. Later, Abraham's son, Isaac, would have another conflict with Abimelech, and would confirm an agreement as well: "So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31 Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. 32 It came to pass the same day that Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well which they had dug, and said to him, “We have found water.” 33 So he called it Shebah. Therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day" (Gen 26:30-33). 8 . When the writers of Scripture wanted to speak of all Israel, they would often use the expression “from Dan (the northern-most city) to Beersheba" (the southern-most city). Places of Interest 1. Four Horned Altar This altar belonged to cult worship or was misused by the Israelites as it doesn’t comply with Scripture. Altars were to be made of “stones on which you have not used an iron tool” (Deut. 27:5). This altar used hand-shaped stones. The altar was likely one of those torn down during the religious reforms of King Josiah (2 Kings 23:8). 2. Abraham’s Well – 230 feet deep (70 m.) 3. Outer Gate 4. Inner Gates 5. City Square 6. Governor’s Palace 7. Roman Bath Pools 8. Basement House 9. Four-room House 10. Casement Wall 11. Roman Fortress 12. Observation Tower 13. Storerooms 14. Street with Shops 15. Beersheba Stream 16. Hebron Stream 17. Water Cistern Beersheba in the Bible 1. About 2000 years before Christ, God called Abraham from Mesopotamia to leave his family and possessions and journey to a new land with the promise that his descendants would become a great nation. Genesis 12:1–3: Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation , and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 2. After Abraham passed through the Land of Israel, he settled in the Negev area (Gen. 12:9). 3. When a severe famine came upon the land, Abraham left the Negev for a bit and went to Egypt (Gen. 12:10). 4. After the famine, Abraham returned to the Negev (close to Hebron), and God confirmed His covenant with him. Genesis 13:14–17: The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, 15 for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever . 16 I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth , so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. 17 Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.” The Abrahamic Covenant includes two promises: (1) a land, and (2) a nation of people. From this covenant comes the Nation of Israel and their land. 5. After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham settled in Beersheba and “Lived there many days” (Gen 21:34), probably meaning the rest of his life. 6. Close-by to Beersheba, Hagar, the mother of Ismael, was sent away by Abraham and an angel of the Lord ministered to her, saying “Her offspring would be blessed” (Gen. 21:14–18). 7. Isaac, the son and heir Abraham and Sarah had waited all their lives to have, was born in Beersheba. 8. It was from Beersheba that Abraham journeyed with his son Isaac to Mount Moriah at Jerusalem, where God had ordered him to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering. Mount Moriah is the exact place that Solomon would later build the temple in Jerusalem where countless sacrifices would be made, the most significant being the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. Genesis 22:1-5: After these things, God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." 2 He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day, Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you." Genesis 22:10-19: Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." 12 He said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me." 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called the name of that place, "The LORD will provide"; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided." 15 And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, "By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice." 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba. And Abraham lived at Beersheba. 9. It was at Beersheba that Isaac and Rebecca met, falling in love at first sight (Gen. 24:62–67). 10. Isaac’s son, Jacob, stole the birthright from his brother Esau while the family lived in Beersheba (Gen. 27). 11. Jacob lived in Beersheba when he and all his family moved to Egypt to live with Joseph (Gen. 46:45–47). 12. The Prophet Elijah came to Beersheba when he fled from Jezebel after the great showdown on Mount Carmel between God and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah. Elijah had the prophets killed, whom Jezebel supported, so he was running for his life. Faith Lesson from Beersheba 1. Beersheba is the beginning place of God’s sovereign master plan for the Nation of Israel, and through them, all mankind. 2. Beersheba played a key role in the lives of all the Patriarchs. 3. Abraham left his family and country in Mesopotamia in obedience to God and settled in Beersheba. 4. God tested Abraham at Beersheba, and he proved he loved God more than any earthly treasure, even his own son. 5. Do we understand that God often tests us as well? 6. Do we understand that God’s greatest question for us is, “What do you love more than me?” 7. Do I have anything in my life that stands between God and me? 8. Do I know what my “Isaac” is, and would I be willing to give it up to God if He asked me to? 9. Abraham is called "Our father of faith" because of his obedience and devotion to God. Do we have like Abraham?

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Dr. Todd Michael Fink has authored many books: Israel Biblical Sites Travel Guide, Israel Biblical Sites Bible Companion, Biblical Discipleship: Essential Components for Attaining Spiritual Maturity, Biblical Discipleship Study Guide: 16-Week Discipleship Training Course, Discovering the True Riches of Life, A Biblical Analysis of Corrective Church Discipline, What Is the Gospel & How to Share It, Discipulado Bíblico, Discipulado Bíblico Guia de Estudio Books by Dr. Fink Dr. Fink is a Christ-Centered Pastor, Author, Speaker, and Teacher. He is also the founder of Go Missions to Mexico Ministries and Holy Land Site Ministries. Books by Todd Michael Fink Click on Books for More Info Clink to see more For more on Todd Michael Fink click ToddMichaelFink.com

Samaria was a central focus point in Israel and is mentioned around 117 times in the Bible. The word “Samaria” is used 3 different ways in the Bible. It can mean the capital city of Samaria, the geographical region in the hill country north of Jerusalem, or the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel. The city of Samaria became the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the kingdom was divided. As a result, it became the second most important city in Israel after Jerusalem. Samaria Photo Gallery Places of Interest Samaria Location 1. The biblical city of Samaria, also known as Sabastia, today, is located at Samaria National Park (Shomron National Park). 2. The city of Samaria is located about 33 miles (54 km.) north of Jerusalem and about 20 miles (32 km.) east of the Mediterranean Sea. 3. The city of Samaria was in the Samaria region of Israel in the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh during Bible times. 4. It was on a main east-west route that linked the coastal plain of Israel with the Jordan Valley. Historical Background 1. Samaria was a central focus point in Israel and is mentioned around 117 times in the Bible. 2. The word “Samaria” is used 3 different ways in the Bible and can mean: The capital city of Samaria. The geographical region in the hill country north of Jerusalem. The entire Northern Kingdom of Israel. 3. After the nation of Israel was divided in around 936 BC (after Solomon’s reign), the capital of the Northern Kingdom was first established in Shechem and then moved to Tirzah. Both capitals were founded by Jeroboam (931 - 910 BC). 4. King Omri began his reign in 882 BC and moved the capital of the Northern Kingdom from Tirzah, and established it in the city of Samaria. 5. The city of Samaria was to the Northern Kingdom what Jerusalem was to the Southern Kingdom. As a result, it became the second most important city in Israel after Jerusalem. 6. The city sits on a flat-topped, oblong hill with steep slopes on all sides. It was a huge city fortified with walls. 7. King Omri named the city “Shomron” (Samaria). 8. King Ahab built a palace at Samaria and overlaid it with ivory (1 Kings 22:39). This palace has been discovered with ivory in it, as mentioned in Scripture. 9. Samaria fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC, after 3 years of battle. 10. Samaria was given to Herod the Great by the emperor Augustus. Herod rebuilt Samaria and called it Sebaste (Greek form of Augustus) in honor of the emperor. 11. In order to honor John the Baptist, a Byzantine church was built on the southern side of the Acropolis in the 5th century. It was believed John’s body was buried here, but this seems quite unlikely according to the evidence. 12. During the Crusader Period (12th century), a church was built on the ruins of the eastern gate. Places of Interest 1. Visitor Center 2. Western Gate 3. Colonnade Street 4. Ahab’s Palace 5. Temple of Augustus Caesar 6. Roman Theater 7. Acropolis 8. Hippodrome 9. Byzantine Basilica 10. Hellenistic Tower 11. Roman Basilica 12. Church of John the Baptist 13. Modern-day Sabastia (Sabaste) Samaria In the Bible 1. Samaria was established as the capital of the Northern Kingdom under King Omri’s reign. 1 Kings 16:24: He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver, and he fortified the hill and called the name of the city that he built Samaria , after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill. 2. King Ahab erected an altar to the false god Baal in Samaria. 1 Kings 16:29–33: In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. 30 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him. 31 And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him. 32 He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria . 33 And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. 3. Because of Ahab’s great sin, God sent a famine upon Samaria, and the great prophet Elijah paid a visit here. 1 Kings 18:1–2: After many days the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth.” 2 So Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria . 4. Later, the great showdown between the 850 false prophets of Baal and Asherah and Elijah took place on Mount Carmel, just 28 miles (48 km.) north of Samaria. 1 Kings 18:20–21: So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. 5. Ben-hadad, the king of Syria, came up against Samaria and attempted to defeat it. However, because he mocked God, God gave King Ahab victory over him. 1 Kings 20:26–28: In the spring, Ben-hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. 27 And the people of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went against them. The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the country. 28 And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” 6. King Ahab killed Naboth to acquire his vineyard. This event took place north of Samaria at Ahab's summer palace of Tel Jezreel. 1 Kings 21:1–3: Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria . 2 And after this Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.” 3 But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” 7. God killed King Ahab because of his great wickedness. 1 Kings 22:37–38: So the king died, and was brought to Samaria . And they buried the king in Samaria . 38 And they washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood, and the prostitutes washed themselves in it, according to the word of the Lord that he had spoken. 8. God sent the prophets Elijah and Elisha to minister and perform many miracles to persuade the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) to turn from their false gods and serve Him. 9. Despite Israel’s great sins, God had mercy on them and delivered them from warring armies. 2 Kings 6:24–25: Afterward Ben-hadad king of Syria mustered his entire army and went up and besieged Samaria . 25 And there was a great famine in Samaria, as they besieged it, until a donkey's head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and the fourth part of a kab of dove's dung for five shekels of silver. 2 Kings 7:1: But Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord: thus says the Lord, Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria .” 2 Kings 7:3–7: Now there were four men who were lepers at the entrance to the gate . And they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘Let us enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die.” 5 So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there. 6 For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and of horses, the sound of a great army, so that they said to one another, “Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to come against us.” 7 So they fled away in the twilight and abandoned their tents, their horses, and their donkeys, leaving the camp as it was, and fled for their lives. 2 Kings 7:16: Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Syrians. So a seah of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the Lord. 10. The Northern Kingdom continued to reject God, so He allowed Assyria to conquer and lead them into captivity. 2 Kings 17:5–8: Then the king of Assyria invaded all the land and came to Samaria , and for three years he besieged it. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria , and he carried the Israelites away to Assyria and placed them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. 7 And this occurred because the people of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods 8 and walked in the customs of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel, and in the customs that the kings of Israel had practiced. 11. As a common Assyrian conquest practice, the Israelite exiles were replaced by people from Mesopotamia and other areas. However, some of the Israelites were left in the land by the Assyrians. 2 Kings 17:24: And the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the people of Israel. And they took possession of Samaria and lived in its cities. 12. The beginning of the Samaritan people. Assyria led into captivity most of the inhabitants of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. However, some were left in the land. Those who were left intermarried with foreign unbelievers that were placed there by the Assyrians and were thereafter called Samaritans. When Ezra and Nehemiah returned with many Jews to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, these Samaritans and others would attempt to stop them. The Samaritans established their own religion at Mount Gerizim and built their own temple. They were despised and rejected by the Jews and considered unclean because they weren’t pure bloodline Jews. The Samaritans, likewise, despised the Jews and had few dealings with them. The Samaritan people still exist today and only believe in the Torah (first 5 books of the Old Testament). 13. Part of Samaria was repopulated by Jews from Judah (Southern Kingdom of Israel), and worship of God was restored. 2 Kings 23:19: And Josiah [King of Judah] removed all the shrines also of the high places that were in the cities of Samaria , which kings of Israel had made, provoking the Lord to anger. He did to them according to all that he had done at Bethel. 14. Jesus ministered in the area of Samaria. John 4:1–5: Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria . 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar [Shechem) , near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 15. In the New Testament, believers from Jerusalem spread to the Samaria region due to persecution. Acts 8:1: And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria , except the apostles. 16. Philip preached Christ in the city of Samaria. Acts 8:4–8: Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city . Faith Lesson from Samaria 1. Unfortunately, the division of the Nation of Israel into two parts was born out of disobedience to God. 2. Nonetheless, God sent prophet after prophet to warn them to leave their false Gods and return to Him. 3. God extended mercy and patience upon them despite their continual rejection of Him. 4. Because of their hardhearted rejection, God had no choice but to discipline the Northern Kingdom and deport most of them to Assyria. 5. Do we really believe that disobedience to God causes pain and suffering (Rom 8:6)? 6. Do we understand that God is merciful and patient but disciplines those He loves (Heb. 12:7–11)? 7. The Samaritan people gladly received the gospel under Philip’s preaching. Do we realize that those living in darkness are the most receptive to the light?

See an overview of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. This will help you see everything in perspective. Old City Jerusalem, Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Triumphal Entry, Western Wall, City of David, Kidron Valley, Southern Stairs, Temple Mount, Bethesda, Pool of Siloam, Pater Noster Church, Chapel of Ascension, Dominus Flevit Church, Cardo, House of Caiaphas, Upper Room, Kidron Valley, Hinnom Valley, Via Dolorosa, Pilate's Palace and Judgment of Jesus. Jerusalem Holy Sites Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Jerusalem Sites Overview Summary of all the Biblical Sites and Their Locations 1. Mount of Olives 2. Bethphage Beginning of the Triumphal Entry. 3. Chapel of Ascension Place from which Christ ascended to heaven and will return to in power and great glory at the end of the Great Tribulation. 4. Pater Noster Church Place Christ taught the Lord’s Prayer. 5. Tombs of the Prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. 6. Triumphal Entry Pathway The road Christ descended on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before His crucifixion on Friday. 7. Church of Dominus Flevit Place Christ wept over Jerusalem on the Triumphal Entry and prophesied her future destruction. 8. Church of Mary Magdalene Christ cast out seven demons from Mary, and she became a passionate follower of Christ. 9. Garden of Gethsemane – Church of All Nations 10. Tomb of Mary (mother of Jesus) 11. Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat) Place Christ will gather the nations in judgment at the end of the Tribulation Period, and their blood will flow to the depth of a horse’s bridle down toward the Dead Sea and beyond. 12. Temple Mount It was enlarged by Herod the Great. It’s the size of 35 football fields (35 acres, 14 hectares). The original temple was located exactly where the Dome of the Rock is today. Place the prophets ministered. The glory of the Lord filled the temple here. Place Christ ministered. Place the apostles ministered. Place the early church met. The Antonia Fortress was located just north of the Temple Mount. 13. Dome of the Rock (not a mosque but a shrine) 14. Western Wall It was part of the original wall of the Temple Mount Herod built. It existed during the time of Christ. It is the closest place (for a large gathering) to the original temple where the Jews pray. 15. Pool of Bethesda - St. Anne Church A lame man was healed here after waiting 38 years. 16. Via Dolorosa (painful path) It’s the believed path Christ took on the way to the Cross. It has 14 stations. 17. Gordon’s Garden Tomb - Golgotha 18. Church of the Holy Sepulcher 19. Absalom’s Tomb 20. Southern Stairs Place Christ taught His disciples. Likely location of Pentecost. 21. City of David 22. David’s Palace 23. Gihon Spring 24. Wall repaired by Nehemiah 25. Pool of Siloam 26. Hinnom Valley Gehenna – Idea of hell and eternal burning. 27. House of Caiaphas Place Peter denied Christ. Place Christ was condemned before Ananias and Caiaphas the high priest. 28. Tomb of David 29. The Upper Room 30. Herod’s Palace ~ Later, it would become Pilate's Palace 31. Citadel of David Gates of Jerusalem 1. Eastern Gate (Golden Gate, Shushan Gate) Gate Christ regularly entered on His way to the temple from the Mount of Olives. Peter and James healed a lame man after entering this gate. Closed by Ottoman Turkish Muslims in the 1541 AD. 2. Lions Gate (Stephen’s Gate) 3. Herod’s Gate 4. Damascus Gate 5. New Gate 6. Jaffa Gate 7. Zion Gate 8. Dung Gate