Israel Tour with Pastor Salomon & Magda Ruano

Overview

Dates & Prices

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 December 3: Depart USA

• Board your overnight flight to Tel Aviv, Israel

Day 2 December 4: Tel Aviv, Israel

• Arrival in Tel Aviv, meet your tour director, and transfer to your hotel in Netanya
• Enjoy a welcome dinner

Leonardo Plaza Netanya Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, meet your guide, and transfer to your hotel in Netanya. Settle in and enjoy your first Israeli dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 December 5: North to the Galilee

• Visit Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea
• Tour Akko, an ancient port city with remains from the Roman and Crusader periods
• Stop in Nazareth and visit Mary’s Well

Leonardo Hotel Tiberias Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Travel north along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea, the former Roman capital of Judea, where Peter baptized Cornelius, where Paul was imprisoned and preached, and where Philip the evangelist lived. See the restored theater, ancient ruins, harbor, and aqueduct. Continue inland to Akko (Acre), the final capital and primary Mediterranean port of the Crusader Kingdom, known as Ptolemais, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Crusader’s Fort and the underground city.

Later today, travel to Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, and visit Mary's Well, the traditional site of the Annunciation. Then, arrive at your hotel near the Sea of Galilee.

Day 4 December 6: Galilee & Golan Heights

• Explore Tel Dan and Caesarea Philippi (Banias)
• Stop at Bethsaida
• Visit Kursi National Park, the site of the Miracle of the Swine

Leonardo Hotel Tiberias Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Journey north towards the Golan Heights and visit Tel Dan, an archeological site with artifacts from multiple historic periods, including unique remains of Canaanite and Israelite cities. Next, visit the Banias (Caesarea Philippi), a pagan city reconstructed in ancient times. Here, Peter publicly professed his faith in Jesus, recognizing him as the Messiah.

On your return south, stop at Bethsaida, home of apostles Philip, Simon, and Andrew, where Jesus fed the five thousand and healed the blind man. Later, tour Kursi National Park, traditionally associated with the Miracle of the Swine, or the healing of the Gadarene demoniac.

Day 5 December 7: Around Galilee

• Ascend Mt. Arbel for a panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee
• Set sail on the Sea of Galilee
• View the 1st-century Jesus Boat at Nof Ginosar
• Visit Magdala, where Jesus taught the multitudes and healed the afflicted
• Join an optional excursion around the Sea of Galilee

Leonardo Hotel Tiberias Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, travel to Mt. Arbel, traditionally associated with the Great Commission Site, and enjoy the most beautiful views of the Sea of Galilee. Descend the mountain and travel toward the Sea of Galilee to set sail on the tranquil waters. 

Continue to view the 1st-century “Jesus Boat,” discovered by members of Kibbutz Ginosar when a 1985 drought lowered the water level of the Sea of Galilee and revealed the vessel after nearly two millennia buried in mud. Then visit Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, where Jesus taught the multitudes and healed the afflicted.

This afternoon, especially if it is your first time visiting the Holy Land, you may join your guide on an optional excursion around the Sea of Galilee to visit some of the most important Christian sites.

Optional Excursion: Christian sites around the Sea of Galilee, $25

Whether it is your first visit to the Sea of Galilee or an opportunity to revisit this meaningful region, join this optional excursion tracing the footsteps of Jesus around the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Begin in Capernaum, where Jesus lived and carried out much of his ministry in Galilee, and explore the remains of the ancient synagogue that stands as a testament to the area’s deep biblical heritage. Then, continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, the hillside traditionally recognized as the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. 

Day 6 December 8: Galilee to Jerusalem

• Visit Yardenit for a special Baptism
• Stop at Gideon Springs, the Biblical site from the Judges period
• Tour the city of Jericho, the oldest known city in the world

Prima Kings Jerusalem Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, travel to Yardenit on the Jordan River for a special baptism service. Then continue to Gideon Springs, the Biblical site where God demonstrated His power over human strength. Later, travel south to Jericho, the world's oldest city. There, meet your local guide  and explore permitted sites in the city, including Mount of Temptation.

This evening, arrive in Jerusalem, the highlight of your tour.

Note: The tour in Jericho is subject to military permission and dependent on the security situation at the time of visit.

Day 7 December 9: Jerusalem Outskirts

• Visit Tel Shiloh, the first home of the Tabernacle
• Explore Herodium National Park

Prima Kings Jerusalem Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, travel north to Tel Shiloh, the site of Biblical Shiloh, the primary religious center and first home of the Tabernacle, for almost 300 years. Later, continue to Herodium National Park, an archaeological site of King Herod's palace and his burial place. Explore the ruins of the palace, the bathhouse, the ancient churches, and more.

Day 8 December 10: Jerusalem Old City

• Tour the City of David
• Explore Davidson Center Archeological Gardens
• Visit the Tower of David Museum
• Pray at the Garden Tomb

Prima Kings Jerusalem Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, enter the Old City of Jerusalem within its walls and arrive at the fascinating excavation site, the City of David. Walk in the footsteps of the Biblical kings and prophets through underground passages that reveal some of the most exciting archaeological finds of the ancient world, including Hezekiah’s Tunnel, which still flows with water, and the Pool of Siloam. Continue with a visit to the Southern Wall Excavations, an impressive archaeological park, and the Davidson Center, a museum within the park with presentations and exhibitions related to the site's findings.

Later today, visit the Tower of David Museum, which chronicles the city's history and the numerous peoples who have left their mark over the course of 4,000 years through exhibits and archeological ruins.

Conclude the day with a visit to the Garden Tomb, often identified with the garden and sepulcher of Joseph of Arimathea, and gather for a meaningful communion service in this peaceful setting.

Day 9 December 11: Jerusalem at leisure

• Spend your last day in Jerusalem at leisure or join an optional excursion
• Enjoy a farewell dinner

Prima Kings Jerusalem Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Today, take advantage of a full day at leisure in Jerusalem and enjoy the sights and sounds of the world’s most desired city. Explore the Old City Market, or Shuk, considered the mercantile heart of Jerusalem from at least Ottoman times, or stroll over to pedestrian Ben Yehuda Street and find a seat at one of the outdoor cafes.
 
If it is your first time in Jerusalem, don't pass up the optional excursion to the most important Christian sites in the city, part of the Palm Sunday path and the Via Dolorosa.

This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a special farewell dinner at the hotel.

Optional Excursion: Christian Jerusalem, $120

Explores some of the most significant Christian sites in Jerusalem. Ascend the Mount of Olives for sweeping views over the Old City, then follow the traditional Palm Sunday path down toward the Garden of Gethsemane, pausing among the ancient olive trees that recall the night of Jesus’ prayer before his arrest. Continue to Mount Zion to visit the Upper Room, traditionally believed to be the site of the Last Supper, and the nearby House of Caiaphas, associated with the place where Jesus was brought before the High Priest.

Enter the Old City and walk along portions of the Via Dolorosa, reflecting on the path Jesus took toward the Crucifixion. Visit the Pools of Bethesda and the nearby Church of St. Anne, a beautifully preserved Crusader church known for its remarkable acoustics. End the tour at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, revered as the site of Jesus’ Crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.

Day 10 December 12: Departure

• Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA

Breakfast

Hotels

Leonardo Plaza Netanya

First Class

Leonardo Plaza Netanya places you in the heart of the city, just steps from lively Independence Square and the Mediterranean shoreline. After a day exploring Netanya’s beaches, museums, and seaside promenades, return to the hotel to relax at the rooftop pool and sun terrace, where sweeping sea views set the scene. Modern comforts, a well equipped fitness center, and inviting lounge spaces create a stylish base for discovering Israel’s vibrant coastal city.

More information

Leonardo Hotel Tiberias

First Class

The Leonardo Hotel Tiberias is located right across from the Sea of Galilee. With both the upper and lower Galilee easily accessible, guests can tour the many religious sites, relax on nearby beaches, as well as enjoy the many attractions in the vibrant city of Tiberias.

More information

Prima Kings Jerusalem

First Class

Experience the spirit of Jerusalem at the Prima Kings Hotel, where the historic character of the city meets the elegance of the Rehavia neighborhood. The Jerusalem stone façade, balconies draped with bougainvillea, and the lively café rotunda create a welcoming setting just steps from some of the city’s most storied districts. Enjoy chef prepared Kosher LeMehadrin cuisine, unwind with a drink at the Mosaic Restobar overlooking Paris Square, or relax in the veranda and Kings Lounge after a day of exploring.

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In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 21 or older. Your traveling companions must be 16 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We don't offer travel protection for this package, but we encourage you to purchase your own policy.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Israel? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.