Click on the tabs for more information
Price Per person double occupancy
| Dates | Land Only No Transfers |
Early Reservation Discount (6 Mo. Adv.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||
| May 25-June 6 October 26-November 7 |
$3,399 | $3,299 |
| 2025 | ||
| April 5-17 May 3-15 October 25-November 6 |
$3,499 | $3,399 |
Single Supplement: |
||
Click here for "Frequently Asked Questions"
Price Includes: 4 star lodging, expert Biblical guides, admissions, sightseeing, and breakfast & dinner daily.
Please Note: Israel gratuities will be paid in advance ($125 per person will be added to your final invoice for gratuities to be paid to drivers, guides and hotel staff).
Not Included: Flight departures (low cost fares available nationwide), transfers (not included unless airfare is purchased from Pilgrim Tours), air taxes, airline fuel charges, gratuities.
Airport transfers are included only when airfare is purchased from Pilgrim Tours. Taxi service is available for those purchasing their airfare elsewhere.
Please Note: Travelers from Visa Exempt countries visiting Israel must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online at Israel ETA-IL Application | Apply for your Israel eVisa online (https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/). Once approved, an ETA confirmation will be emailed to you. There is no need to print this confirmation; simply save it on your phone. The cost of the ETA permit is 25 shekels (approximately 7 USD), and it permits stays of up to 90 days. The permit remains valid for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever occurs first. Failure to meet these entry requirements may result in loss of tour participation and associated penalties.
*Customers traveling to Israel that do not provide their full passport information will incur an additional fee of $160 per person to cover the Israel VAT (value-add tax) on their final invoice.
Deposit Required: A $300 per person US Dollar deposit (which includes a $100 non-refundable service fee) is required to secure a reservation.
Day 1: Depart USA
Overnight flight to Malta.
Day 2: Arrive in Malta
Today we arrive in the beautiful Mediterranean Island of Malta and embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history. We will be walking where the Apostle Paul walked! We transfer to a lovely hotel for dinner and our lodging for the next three evenings.
Day 3: Valletta, Harbor Cruise, St. Thomas Bay
A full day of guided sightseeing includes 7,000 years of history beginning in the walled capital city of Valletta, a World Heritage site. Dotted with quaint cafés and shops, the city is today one of Malta’s main tourist attractions, hosting among others, the majestic St John’s Co-Cathedral, the imposing bastions and a treasure of priceless paintings. Enjoy the history told of the Knight’s of St. John of Jerusalem, a Crusader order who defended the westward Islamic campaign into Europe. Relax on your harbor cruise providing a stunning snapshot of Malta’s Grand Harbor, often described as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Drive to the ramparts where you begin a tour viewing some of the palatial inns and residences en route to St. Thomas Bay, a possible shipwreck site of the Apostle Paul.
Day 4: Mdina, Mosta Church, Dingli Cliffs, Rabat, St. Paul Bay, Catacombs
After breakfast, we have a full day excursion on Malta. The first stop will be a visit to St. Paul’s and the site of the shipwreck. Our tour will take you from the point of the shipwreck, along the route said to be taken by St. Paul where he preached, where he baptised the first Maltese at San Pawl Milqi Chapel (meaning "St. Paul welcomed"), to the place where he rested. Paul stayed for several months in the town of Rabat, here we will visit the St. Paul's Grotto, the actual place where the saint is known to have stayed. Next a visit to the “Mosta Rotunda” a magnificent domed church in Mosta. Enroute to Rabat, we will visit St. Paul’s Church and Grotto, a church founded in 1575 over the ancient caves where according to some traditions, the Apostle Paul was held captive. After a lunch break, we will walk through the streets of Mdina, Malta’s first capital where we will visit the Cathedral dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. Mdina is also located in the highest elevations of Malta where magnificent views of the entire island are possible. Concluding our sightseeing on the western shore, we view the spectacular Dingli Cliffs before turning toward our return route. The last stop of the day will be the Catacombs of St. Paul, a fascinating labyrinth of 3rd-century AD subterranean tombs and the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.
Day 5: Arrive Israel
Arrive in Israel and travel northward to our hotel for one night in the coastal area near Tel Aviv. The remainder of the day is free to walk along the Mediterranean, relax, and have dinner. The time is right for a personal devotional with the sunset over the “Great Sea.” Meet your Israeli guide, enjoy a time of prayer of thanks for safety and the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of the "Promised Land," and a good night’s rest.
Day 6: Caesarea, Megiddo & Nazareth
After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre, hippodrome, a film on history and the remains of this famous port city, an aqueduct, and then journey through the Mt. Carmel range, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. We drive through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we visit the Nazareth Village, a wonderful recreation of Biblical times with costumed guides. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next three nights along the Sea of Galilee.
Day 7: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Jesus Boat, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride, Magdala
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of alternative sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s confession and pagan worship. We pass the possible site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and the Mount of the Beatitudes. Returning to Galilee for a St. Peter’s fish lunch (other selections available), we then visit the ancient fisherman boat followed by a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples. We conclude our day with a visit to Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation of the first century synagogue and well-preserved village makes Magdala one of the most interesting Biblical sites in Israel.
Day 8: Capernaum, Corazin, Mt. Arbel, Jordan River Baptism Site
Today we visit the Biblical towns of Capernaum and Corazin. Capernaum is located along the Sea of Galilee and was the hometown of Peter. It is likely where Jesus and the disciples lived during much of His ministry while in Galilee. Next, we visit Corazin which offers another example of a Jewish synagogue and a replica of the “Seat of Moses” which was carved out of the local basalt block and from which the scribes and Pharisees would have read the Torah. We enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Galilee region atop Mt. Arbel. Mt. Arbel could likely be the location that Jesus would get away from the crowds to take time in prayer with His heavenly Father. Here our guide will point out the various towns listed in scripture during the time of Jesus. We conclude our day with an opportunity to be baptized at the Jordan River Baptismal Site.
Day 9: Beit Shean, Bethany Beyond Jordan, Abraham's Tent, Mt. of Olives & Garden of Gethsemane
We travel southward this morning to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis - a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey” and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho and view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world. To the east of Jericho along the Jordan River Valley (Queser El Yehud) is the Israeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. In this area Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist; Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan; and the children of Israel, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land. This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time to relive life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, camel ride and authentic food. Arriving in Jerusalem we’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the Old City atop the Mt. of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next four nights in Jerusalem.
Day 10: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Dead Sea Swim
Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next, we visit the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoon we have an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing float in the Dead Sea.
Day 11: Jesus’ Steps, Western Walls, Southern Steps, Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb
Today we walk where Jesus walked, beginning the day with a visit to the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel, we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders. Next, we visit the Southern Wall Excavations. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place where Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. This afternoon we move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate, and St. Anne’s Church. While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our guide will explain the differing opinions on the route where Christ was led. (The actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study!) The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise.
Day 12: Israel Museum, Friends of Zion Museum, Bethlehem
An interesting and educational time awaits us today at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of century’s old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem. This model will help put into perspective all that you have seen over the previous days’ touring. We then visit the Friends of Zion Museum to learn of the 19th and 20th century heroes of the Jewish people. We spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ with a visit to Bethlehem. This evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel.
Day 13: Home
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight home.
*The tour itinerary is subject to change or be slightly modified in order to best meet the interests of the group.
Important Note: Although the itinerary above obviously emphasizes the spiritual aspect of this marvelous country, our guides are also experts in and passionate about the miracle of the return of the Jews and the restoration of the state of Israel. This fact, along with many modern day topics (military, politics, education, and other cultural aspects), will be woven into the commentary in order to give you well rounded information.
