Travel with us to the nation of Israel to experience its beautiful geography and varied landscapes, its profound historical significance, its educational and cultural richness, and for those seeking, its deep-rooted spiritual lessons. We will visit the places where Abraham and the patriarchs, Moses and the ancient nation of Israel, King David and the prophets, and Jesus of Nazareth and His disciples lived, worked, and left everlasting legacies. Stories you may know will come to life, and your life will never be the same. We would love to have you in our company! Pr. Bill and Katherine
Whether this is your first visit to Israel or a return visit, your walk of faith will be deepened as you follow the path walked by Jesus. Together in Christian fellowship we will visit the sacred places, picturesque villages and behold majestic panoramic vistas of the Holy Land. Our itinerary is designed to feed the faith of all who go with us and to provide an unforgettable cultural, historical and spiritually fulfilling journey.
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Contact 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” Matthew 4:23
ISRAEL ITINERARY
B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner
Day 1, Wednesday, April 10 Depart USA
Group flight arrangements will be confirmed from Chicago, IL.
Day 2, Thursday, April 11 Arrive Tel Aviv Israel
After completing customs, your group will be met by our professional English-speaking tour manager who will escort you to the private motor coach. We begin our journey with a scenic drive along the Mediterranean Sea to a coastal village of Netanya where your group will check-in to the hotel. Our group will meet this evening for a welcome dinner. Overnight Netanya
Day 3, Friday, April 12 Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Cana (B, D)
Today begin the day in Caesarea, the location where the Gentiles first heard the way of salvation from Peter and where the baptism of Gentiles began. It was here in Caesarea where Paul was imprisoned on his way to his trial in Rome. Next, visit Mt. Carmel with its panoramic view of the Plain of Jezreel. Then, on to Cana and the chapel commemorating Jesus' first miracle the transformation of water into wine. We end the day at the Arbel cliff, which affords a view over the Lake of Galilee and the main sites of Jesus' ministry. Check in to the hotel for 3 nights and later meet for dinner. Overnight Tiberias
Day 4, Saturday, April 13 Mt of Beatitudes, Tabgha, Capernaum, Magdala (B, L, D)
Today we drive to the Mount of Beatitudes location of “the greatest sermon in history”. Our group will gather together for worship service with Pr. Bill. After time for self-reflections and meditation we continue on to the lake at Tabgha where Jesus multiplied the bread and fish and fed his disciples breakfast after his resurrection. You will visit the Chapel of the Loaves and Fishes and the Church of the Primacy of Peter. Then, continue on to Capernaum, the location of the house of Peter and where Jesus performed most of His miracles including the feeding of the 5000. Our group will drive along the shore of the Sea of Galilee to the Fish Restaurant in Ein Gev for an authentic fish lunch experiencefrom the days of Peter. And complete the day at Magdala the 1st-century synagogue where Jesus preached. Group dinner. Overnight Tiberias
Day 5, Sunday, April 14 Worship Service, Sea of Galilee Boat, Tel Dan Nature Reserve, Caesarea Philippi, (B, D)
We begin our day with morning worship service on a wooden boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and Scripture readings from Pr. Bill, which brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples. The boat docks in Ginosar where we visit a museum to view the ancient Galilee fishing boat from the 1st century time of Jesus. Next, we travel to the biblical Bashan, known today as Tel Dan, a magnificent nature reserve combining antiquities with gorgeous natural sites. We will hike a trail to view the remains of an ancient city from the time of Abraham (approx. 3800B.C), the archeological remains with the inscription “House of David”, and the Abraham Gate from the Canaanite period. Afterwards, we visit the ancient archeological site of Caesarea Philippi, known today as Banias. Together we stand among the ruins of pagan temples to consider the words Jesus spoke here during his ministry, “Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am?” Our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Tiberias
Day 6, Monday, April 15 Nazareth, Ein Harod, Beit She’an, Jericho, Dead Sea (B, L, D)
This morning we drive up to Nazareth where Jesus spent his early life, including the Basilica of the Annunciation and Mary’s Well. We learn more about life in the first century at the Nazareth Village including a traditional Bedouin lunch. After lunch we descend in the Jezreel Valley and visit Ein Harod, a beautiful park and monument commemorating where Gideon brought the men to the spring and to Harod’s Valley the location where Jesus healed the ten lepers. Next, we visit the archeology site of Beit She’an – one of the most spectacular in all of Israel. We’ll walk the streets of the ruins and learn more about the times of this ancient Roman and Byzantine city. Afterwards, we drive south to Jericho. At Jericho, we visit the Tel of this oldest city and view the traditional mountain of Jesus’ temptation. Driving further south along the shore of the Dead Sea where our group will overnight. This evening enjoy a swim in the Dead Sea- at minus 1390 feet, it’s the lowest spot L, on earth! Grab a newspaper and a camera; snap a picture floating on your back, you can’t sink! Our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Dead Sea Resort
Day 7, Tuesday, April 16 Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran Cave (B, D)
Today we visit Masada- a cable car ride will take us to the top- Herods mountain bunker and the last stronghold of the Jewish revolt against Rome (66-73 AD). Next, we drive north along the western shores of the Dead Sea and stop at Ein Gedi. We enter the nature reserve of Ein Gedi, rich in flora and fauna, and walk to a lovely waterfall. Here we can also try to imagine a possible cave that brings to mind the biblical reference (1 Samuel 24:1-3), "Now when Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, saying, "Behold, David is in the wilderness of En Gedi." Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. Driving further north we stop at Qumran to view the caves which contained the Dead Sea Scrolls. We then drive through the Judean desert to Jerusalem passing by the Good Samaritan Inn on the way. We check into our hotel in Jerusalem for the next three nights. Our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Jerusalem
Day 8, Wednesday, April 17 Mt. of Olives, Palm Sunday Path, Upper Room, Via Dolorosa (B, D)
Today we travel to the Mt. of Olives with breathtaking views of the ancient city of Jerusalem and the Dome of the Rock- an Islamic Shrine located on the Temple Mount. We descend the Palm Sunday Path to the Church of Pater Noster and the Church of the Ascension, continuing our pilgrimage along the path to the Church Dominus Flevi (The Lord Weeps) and then to Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations where our Lord prayed before his trial and crucifixion. We visit the garden and the church where we will have time for prayer and reflection.
Next, we drive to the nearby Mount Zion to visit the Upper Room the location of the Last Supper. We’ll have a break for lunch, before continuing to the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site. Together we will walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ along the Via Dolorosa (Stations of the Cross) from the Church of Flagellation, with stops at the Pools of Bethesda and St. Anne’s Church, completing our walk at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Overnight Jerusalem
Day 9, Thursday, April 18 Garden Tomb, Bethlehem, Shepherds Field (B, D)
We begin our day at the Garden Tomb for a special visit with time for worship service in the garden. Next, we drive south to visit Bethlehem, walking through its quaint streets and markets to the Church of the Nativity. Here we will descend the stairs to the grotto where we can reach through a hole in the floor and touch the stone below, known to be the place of Jesus’ birth.
Before returning to Jerusalem, we stop at the Shepherds Field where the angels brought “good tidings of great joy” on the night Our Savior was born. We’ll have time to recall and reflect on God’s love and mercy shown to us that “Holy Night”. Proclaim your joy and lift your voices to sing the praises of our Lord Jesus Christ. Overnight Jerusalem
Day 10, Friday, April 19 Shrine of the Book Museum, Departure (B, D)
This morning is at leisure. This afternoon the group will visit the (Israel Museum) Shrine of the Book Museum to view the Dead Sea Scrolls. In addition, we will visit a model of Jerusalem, representing how the city looked on the eve of the Jewish revolt, 36 years after the Passion of Jesus. This evening we gather for our farewell dinner to reflect on this spiritual journey. Group will transfer to the Tel Aviv airport tonight for your late-night departure flight 11:00PM or later. Flight arrives USA April 20.
OPTIONAL 3-DAY TOUR EXTENSION TO JORDAN
JORDAN ITINERARY
Day 10, Friday, April 19 Jerusalem (D)
Travelers enjoy the final sightseeing day of the Israel tour and the group farewell dinner, then return to the hotel in Jerusalem for the night. Overnight Jerusalem
Day 11, Saturday, April 20 Allenby Bridge, Petra (B, D)
In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye, like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions. The LORD alone led him; no foreign god was with him. (Deuteronomy 32:10- 12)
Early this morning the group will board your private coach for a drive to the Allenby Bridge and cross over into Jordan. We pick up our Jordanian bus and guide and proceed to Petra, in the heart of the Seir Mountains, where Aaron brother of Moses was buried. Walk through the Siq, the main entrance to Petra to the Treasure (the one in the Indiana Jones' movie!). We continue past tombs and burial chambers to one of the largest theaters in Jordan, carved into the Sandstone Mountains. Known to be location where some sacrificial rituals used to take place. Then we walk uphill to the Royal Tombs for the view of the lower part of Petra and its Roman remains. Some may want to continue to the church of Petra and the Palace of Pharaoh’s Daughter, which is really a Nabatean tomb. Walk back to the entrance and check into the Nabatean Moevenpick Hotel in Petra. Overnight Petra
Day 12, Sunday, April 21 King’s Highway and the Dead Sea (B, D)
“Please let us pass through your country. We will not go through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the king's highway and not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory." (Numbers 20:17)
This morning we continue on the Exodus route, driving north along the historical King's Highway, passing by the well conserved Crusader city of Kerak. Drive through Wadi Mujeb to Umm al Rassas, whose churches offer fantastic examples of Mosaic art. From there we go to Madaba, with its 6th-century mosaic map depicting the Holy Land as Christian pilgrims knew it then. We end the day at Mt. Nebo, from which God showed Moses the Promised Land. We then drive to the salty Dead Sea to float and relax. Overnight Dead Sea Hotel
Day 13, Monday, April 22 Morning at Leisure, Bethany Beyond the Jordan Baptismal Site, Return to Israel, Departure from Tel Aviv Airport (B, D)
The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121:8)
We have a leisurely morning to relax and float in the waters of the Dead Sea or make use of the magnificent spa facilities of our hotel. This afternoon, we leave for the recently discovered baptismal site of "Bethany beyond the Jordan" nearby. Then we proceed to the Allenby Bridge, crossing the Jordan near the place where Elijah and Elisha crossed at Beth Abara. After passport control, we meet our Holy Land driver and continue for your final farewell group dinner before the transfer to the Tel Aviv Airport for our late-night departure from 11:00PM or later. Flight arrives USA April 23.
NOTE- Jordan is a muslim country and woman and men should dress modestly- medium length shorts may be worn, long or short sleeves and longer skirts and pants are ideal as they are considered modest and also help protect against the intense sun. Even in warm weather, light linen or cotton pants can keep you feeling cool and comfortable so just make sure to pack pants with materials that suit the weather.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
All travelers must travel with a valid passport, valid for at least 6-months beyond the return travel date. Non US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel to the countries included in this tour. At this time, all travelers entering Israel and Jordan must have valid medical insurance with coverage for Covid-19 treatment that lasts the entire period of their visit. Additional credentials to travel due to Covid-19 may be required. You will be advised as details are received for your departure.
TOUR LEVEL - MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER, WALKING SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Most sightseeing tours are walking tours and the historic sites you will visit date back hundreds of years and may not provide such amenities as elevators and ramps for the physically challenged. If you or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs (use a wheelchair, walker), hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
SMALL PRIVATE GROUP TOUR ~ CUSTOM-DESIGNED ITINERARY
ISRAEL TOUR INCLUDES
Private, customized itinerary with exclusive events
Group Airport Transfers in Israel
Professional Tour Manager throughout the tour
Deluxe air-conditioned motor coach and professional driver
8- Nights First-class Hotel Accommodations
Hotel tax
Breakfast and Dinner Daily and 2- Lunches
Life Enriching Sightseeing Daily including entrance fees
Personal Audio Listening Device
Time for worship, reflection and inspiration
Garden Tomb visit with private area for group worship
Visit to Qumran
Shine of the Book and Yad Vashem Museum
Morning Boat Ride and worship on Sea of Galilee
Shrine of the Book Museum and Ginosar Museum visits
Cable-Car Ride to top of the Mountain at Masada
Baggage Handling -1 checked luggage
ISRAEL TOUR PRICE per person based on double occupancy
$2990 with 26+ travelers
$3090 with 21+ travelers
$3490 with 15+ travelers
$1190 additional for Single Occupancy
Prices based on final number of travelers. Subject to change due to currency fluctuation
JORDAN TOUR INCLUDES
1-Night Jerusalem First-Class Hotel and Tax
Israel Escort and private coach transfer to Allenby Bridge for crossing to Jordan
Jordan Entry Visa Fee for Group
Jordan Professional Guide throughout the journey
Private Motor Coach and professional driver
2- Nights First-class Hotel and Hotel Taxes
Breakfast and Dinner Daily
Sightseeing and Admission as indicated
Assistance w/ Jordan crossing to Israel
Israel Escort and private coach transfer from Allenby Bridge to Israel
Farewell dinner in Israel
Group transfer to Tel Aviv airport, depart to U.S.A
JORDAN TOUR PRICE per person based on double occupancy
$1490 with minimum of 10 travelers
$380 additional for Single Occupancy
Prices based on final number of travelers. Subject to change due to currency fluctuation
Not Included – Departure Taxes For Those Traveling to Jordan (pay on spot)
$53 per person Israel Departure Tax payable at land border crossing
$15 per person Jordan Departure Tax payable at land border crossing
GROUP AIRFARE FROM CHICAGO is per person and additional to the tour price
A minimum of 10 traveling together is required. Indicate on your registration form if you would like to be contacted with group flight information.
PAYMENT
Deposit $350 per person
Final Payment due 75 days prior to departure
Please read our LT Terms and Conditions of Travel including cancellation and change policy. Up to 100% may be nonrefundable.
Please review the Terms and Conditions of Travel which includes the trip cancellation and change policy, to view visit click here or call 1.844.777.1517 to request a copy. LT and its travel partners reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary. Up to 100% of payments are nonrefundable.
Global COVID-19 conditions are dynamic. Those (including but not limited to U.S. citizens) who choose to travel internationally may encounter mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and testing requirements, quarantines, travel restrictions, and closed borders. Foreign governments in any country may implement restrictions with little notice. Any cost related to required travel regulations is the responsibility of the traveler.
U.S. Department of State Travel
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
For the most recent travel alerts and to enroll in S.T.E.P Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel alerts and register to ensure you can be located in an emergency.
Tour itinerary and accommodations subject to change. Flight schedules and prices are subject to change by airline.
A passport valid for at least 6-months beyond the return travel date is required. Contact LT for additional credentials required for non-US passport holders.
NOT INCLUDED
Meals/beverages not listed, Passport/ Visa fee. Personal items and any item not list under tour includes. Personal items such as internet Wi-Fi charges and phone calls.
TOUR GRATUITY RECOMMENDATIONS
Tour Manager $6 p/day per person, Coach Driver $3 p/day per person, Hotel Housekeepers $2 p/night per person. Gratuities for group meals are included; however, it is customary to leave a small token ($1 p/meal per person) on the table when your leave, as a gesture of appreciation for the waiter service provided.
Cancellation, Interruption and Medical Insurance is available. Learn more about the benefits, coverage and limitations of purchasing a Travel Guard travel insurance plan.
TOUR REGISTRATION
