Tour: 11 day tour of Israel
Date: April 17-27, 2023
Included:
Roundtrip air from Montreal including current air taxes and fuel surcharges (taxes and fuel charges are subject to change)
9 nights lodging at 4 star hotels
Breakfast and dinner daily
Full time English speaking tour escort – Katharine Van der Beek
Services of air conditioned deluxe motor coach
All guides, entrances, touring and transportation as appears on itinerary
Baggage handling at hotels (one piece)
Tips to driver, guides, and hotel staff
Not Included:
All lunches
Optional travel insurance.
COVID testing and any related expenses
Price is subject to change based on confirmation of services. Price per person based on double occupancy. Prices are in Canadian dollars.
10-15 Passengers: $4,950.00
16-24 Passengers: $4,730.00
25-34 Passengers: $4,510.00
35-39 Passengers: $4,405.00
Single Room Supplement: $1,270.00
Deposit Schedule:
December 29, 2022 $300 deposit per person
Completed reservation forms
February 2nd, 2023:
Final payment
Group rooming list
Cancellation Policy:
If group cancels, $500 group deposit is non refundable.
Cancellation in writing must be received by Pilgrim Tours prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees. Airline penalties are not part of the percentages below and vary based on each individual airline policy.
91+ Days Prior: $100 penalty
90-61 Days Prior: Deposit Amount of $300 per person
60-46 Days Prior: 40% of tour cost
45-31 Days Prior: 65% of tour cost
30-8 Days Prior: 85% of tour cost
7 Days Prior or less: 100% of tour cost
Travel insurance is non-refundable.
Hotels Confirmed:
West Lagoon Resort- Netanya (1 night)
Ron Beach Hotel- Tiberias (3 nights)
David Resort- Dead Sea (1 night)
Grand Court Hotel- Jerusalem (4 nights)
Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from Montreal (April 17)
Today we embark on our Journey to the Holy Land. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…tomorrow you will be walking where Jesus walked!
Day 2: Arrive Israel (April 18)
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 3: Caesarea, Megiddo & Mt Carmel (April 19)
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, harbor/palace area and aqueduct, and then journey on to Mt. Carmel, 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 will have free time, dinner and overnight lodging for the next three nights in the Tiberias area on the Sea of Galilee.
Day 4: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Bethsaida, Chorazin, Capernaum (April 20)
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites emphasizing the loss of God's blessing on Israel. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of pagan worship and Caesarea Philippi which is also the site of Peter’s Confession. Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum formed what has been called the "evangelical triangle," because most of Jesus’ miracles in Galilee were performed in these cities. Of special interest are the ruins of a 1st century synagogue in Chorazin, the House of the Fisherman in Bethsaida and Peter’s home in Capernaum.
Day 5: Jordan River Baptism Site, Nazareth, Mount of Beatitudes (April 21)
We begin our day with a visit to the Jordan River Baptismal site. A mid-morning drive through the hills of Galilee takes us 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. Continuing toward Tiberias we drive up to Mt. Arbel for a spectacular view of the northern Sea of Galilee allowing for an excellent time of teaching on the region of Jesus' ministry. This afternoon we travel on to the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee followed by a relaxing boat cruise. A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples. We dock at a working Kibbutz and visit the famous Fisherman Boat from the days of Jesus, a conclusion to a wonderful day.
Day 6: Magdala, Beth Shean, Dead Sea (April 22)
We begin today by traveling to Magdala for a view of the 1st century synagogue one of only a few in existences. Next we travel southward 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, view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world, before arriving at our lodging for the evening is at the Dead Sea – the lowest place on earth. Spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before dinner.
Day 7: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham's Tent (April 23)
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 Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time: a reliving of life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, camel ride and authentic food. Our lodging for the next four nights will be in Jerusalem.
Day 8: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times, City of David (April 24)
Conditions permitting we will visit the Temple Mount, with commentary on the Temple Periods, and the variety of belief systems past and present that make this area so valuable. From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’s Church. Passing by the Protestant Cemetery, we visit the "Upper Room" just outside the Zion Gate where the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His breast and where later Thomas cried, "my Lord & my God." We travel just outside the Dung Gate on the southeastern hill below the Temple Mount in the City of David. It was during the time of Solomon that the city limits extended past this part of Jerusalem. We visit Gihon Springs, the original water source for Jerusalem, view new excavations including a typical Israelite four-room house, and the lower city wall. A highlight today will be a water walk through the incredible Hezekiah's Tunnel to the pool of Siloam, the place of Jesus' miracle in John 9. We conclude the day with an interesting and educational time at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of centuries-old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and a then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem.
Day 9: Jesus' Steps, the Last Days (April 25)
Today we walk where Jesus walked, beginning the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount 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. Next we visit the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was beaten and spit upon. See a pit where he may have been held for the evening and the ancient hillside steps he walked as he was taken to be condemned. On our way into the city we will visit 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. 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. This evening following dinner we have an optional visit to the Friends of Zion museum to learn of the 19th & 20th century hero’s of the Jewish people.
Day 10: Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost, Shepherd’s Field (April 26)
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 that Christ was led. The actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study. Our 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. This afternoon 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 that Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. We will enjoy a challenge from God’s Word and a song before traveling to the Shepherds Field, just outside of Bethlehem to gain an understanding of the Saviors birth.
Day 11: Depart for Home (April 27)
An early morning departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight homeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.
