Holy Land Tour

Day 1 – Depart from Chicago

Day 2 – Arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel
In Tel Aviv, after proceeding through customs, we’re met by our tour guide. From here, we drive to our hotel in Tel Aviv for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 – Caesarea, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Nazareth, Cana, Galilee
We start by traveling to Caesarea Maritima (Acts 10), then venture to Megiddo and Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18) with lunch in a Druze Village. Afterwards, we continue to Nazareth (Jesus’ childhood home), then Cana (Jesus’ first miracle – John 2), concluding our day atop Mt. Precipice. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias near the Sea of Galilee.

Day 4 – Galilee, Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Boat Ride, Bethsaida, Jordan River
After watching the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee, we go to the site of the miraculous feeding of the 5000 and the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter. We read the Sermon on the Mount at the Mt. of Beatitudes, then travel downhill to Capernaum (Jesus’ ministry base). Next, we’ll sail on the Sea of Galilee with lunch on the lake. After lunch, we visit Gadara and Bethsaida (time permitting) before heading to the Jordan River for a baptism remembrance. Dinner and overnight again in Tiberias.

Day 5 – Golan Heights, Caesarea Philippi, Tel Dan, Gideon Springs, Beit Shean, Jerusalem
On day 5 we travel north to the Golan Heights for stunning views, then to Caesarea Philippi where Peter confessed Christ as Lord(Matthew 16:13-16). We take a hike through Tel Dan to see the altar of Jeroboam and then visit Gideon Springs. Traveling south, we explore Beit Shean, where King Saul was killed (1 Samuel 31:10-12). During the evening, we’ll ascend to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:1-2).

Day 6 – Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Palm Sunday Road, Western Wall, Temple Mount, Via Dolorosa, Southern Steps, Bethlehem
The day begins on the Mt. of Olives with a panoramic view of Jerusalem at the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed and was arrested. We’ll enter enter Jerusalem through the Palm Sunday road and head to the Western Wall (the holiest site in Judaism) and Temple Mount purchased by King David (2 Samuel 24:18-25). Next, we’ll retrace Jesus’ steps as he carried the cross down the Via Dolorosa, including stops at St. Anne’s Church and the Pools of Bethesda where he healed a leprous man. We conclude our walk at the traditional tomb of Jesus at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, then travel down to the original steps Jesus climbed as he entered the Temple Area. We finish with a visit to Bethlehem, passing by Rachel’s tomb on our way to the Church of the Nativity, and Shepherds’ Field. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 7 – Qumran, Ein Gedi, Masada, Dead Sea
On day 7, we drive down to Qumran, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls. From here, we head to Ein Gedi (where David hid from Saul), then travel to Masada to scale King Herod’s fortress (via cable car). Before returning to Jerusalem, we stop at the renowned Dead Sea for a swim or float. Time permitting, we’ll stop and visit Qasr el-Yahud (the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism) and possibly Jericho. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 8 –Shrine of the Book, Model City, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Pool of Siloam, St. Peter’s Denial, Garden Tomb, Golgotha
On day 8, we visit the Shrine of the Book Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls (found in Qumran) and a 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem from Jesus’ time. Afterwards, we explore the City of David and walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel (bring a flashlight and water shoes). Anyone wishing to stay dry can walk through Hezekiah’s Shaft. If time permits, visit the newly excavated Pool of Siloam and the site of Peter’s denial of Christ. We end with worship at Golgotha where Jesus was crucified and the Garden Tomb where Jesus rose from the dead! Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 9 – Free time in Jerusalem, Valley of Elah, Old City Jaffa
Leisure time in Jerusalem this morning before venturing to the Elah Valley where David defeated Goliath. Afterwards, we travel to Jaffa for a visit of the Old City and then return to Jerusalem for our last overnight and Farewell Dinner.

Day 10 – Depart from Tel Aviv, Israel
From here, we transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our flight back to the U.S.A. Arriving back in the U.S.A., we take home wonderful memories, renewed faith, and an unforgettable experience with Jesus.

What about Travel Insurance?
Imagine Tours & Travel does not include travel or medical insurance in their tour packages. It is optional, but they strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive coverage.

Imagine frequently recommends calling Travel Guard 1-800-826-5248 and using reference agent code 127152. Basic policies generally include coverage for medical assistance, medical-related issues/sickness, trip delays, interruptions, cancellations, or lost baggage.

How does Imagine Tours ensure our safety?
From Imagine’s website: Over the years, we’ve heard from countless travelers who not only felt safe during their time in Israel, but often shared that they felt safer there than in many places back home… Much of the concern around travel to Israel stems from how the region is portrayed in the media. While headlines tend to focus on conflict areas—particularly Gaza and the surrounding border regions—these locations are never included in our itineraries. Instead, our programs are built around peaceful, well-established destinations that are accustomed to welcoming visitors from around the world. Tourism remains one of Israel’s largest industries, and both Jewish and Arab communities place high importance on the safety of their guests.

The U.S. State Department typically places Israel under a Level 2 or Level 3 travel advisory, which is comparable to many cruise ports in the Caribbean, like Mexico & Honduras.

Do you have to be a member of St. Mark to attend?
Nope! If you have a relative or friend you’d like to join you on this trip, they’re welcome to join us. All we ask is that they have some sort of connection with a person who does attend St. Mark.

Can I register after October 31st?
All trip participants must be registered by October 31st.

What if I have to cancel?
The first $500 deposit is non–refundable. Future payments are subject to cancellation fees through the airline.

How long is each day on the trip?
The activities for each day are planned between breakfast and dinner.

How much walking is required?
Some days will have up to 3 miles of walking per day.

Tours involve extended walking, periods of standing, navigating uneven terrain, and climbing stairs. While many of the major sites are ADA-compliant, not all locations are fully wheelchair accessible, and elevator access may be limited or unavailable.

What’s the average temperature in Israel in February?
Average temperatures in Israel in late February are typically around a high of 57–59°F and a low of 44–46°F. Participants should pack to dress in layers.