Israel Biblical Study Trip Itinerary

Your Biblical Study Trip begins before you even arrive in the land of the Bible with our all new Biblical Foundations Course. Access to this online course is included as part of your program fee, and will be available to you about 2 months prior to your study trip dates. The course will include information, teaching, and reading recommendations specific to your Israel program to help you prepare for this incredible journey. The course includes weekly lessons, 20-30 minutes long, with video teachings by Geoff Carroll and a recommended reading schedule to immerse you in the texts we will study together on site. The course also includes maps and illustrations to provide some basic introduction for the places, time-periods, and themes of our study so you can arrive ready to soak up all that this journey has to offer you - heart, soul, and strength.

Depart from your home airport, drink lots of water en-route (helps with jetlag), review study materials, rest, and get excited!

We will begin our study today in the oldest parts of Jerusalem at the City of David. We will explore the ancient waterway known as Hezekiah's Tunnel (optional) and study at the Shiloach (Siloam) Pool, and the Kidron and Hinnom Valley. We will continue our study as we make our way to the Galilee. Dinner and overnight along the shores of the Sea of Galilee at Ein Gev Holiday Resort.

Jesus called many of His disciples around the Sea of Galilee. We will focus on the northern shore, beginning our study in Galilee in Jesus hometown of Capernaum. We will continue to a beautiful teaching area offering a panoramic view of the region, at Mt. Arbel, and continue on to Migdal, the home of Mary Magdalene where we will study at a first century synagogue. We will end our day with a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. Dinner and overnight at Ein Gev in Galilee.

Today our focus is on the eastern shore. We will visit sites such as a first-century synagogue at Gamla, known as “Masada of the north,” and continue to Katzrin, a beautiful Talmudic village that reveals more of ancient life, and Susita, the Decapolis “city on a hill” that Jesus most likely refers to in the Sermon on the Mount. Dinner and overnight at Ein Gev in Galilee.

Jesus preached that the Kingdom of Heaven was near, and sent His disciples into a world that did not want it. Our focus today will take us to places like Herod’s impressive coastal city of Caesarea Maritima, where the Spirit welcomed Gentiles into the Way, Megiddo (also known as Armageddon) and Mt. Carmel where Elijah and the prophets of Baal held a contest by fire. Dinner and our final night in Galilee.

This morning we begin our day at a place near Primacy of Peter, along the Sea of Galilee where Jesus most likely called His first followers. After Jesus prepared His disciples, it was time to return toward Jerusalem. Heading south we will stop at the ancient decapolis city of Beth Shan, one of the richest and most powerful cities in the time of Jesus. As we make our way, we will also visit Taybeh (Biblical Ephraim), and close the day on the banks of the Jordan River, at the traditional location of Jesus’ baptism. Dinner and overnight in the Judean wilderness at the Jericho Oasis Resort Hotel.

Today we will study in the region of the Dead Sea, traveling first to En Gedi, an oasis of waterfalls in the desert where David hid from Saul. We head further into the wilderness and ascend the fortress of Masada by cable car, where Zealots died in rebellion against the Romans. After lunch, we will explore Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We will end our day with a float in the Dead Sea. Dinner and overnight in Jericho.

When the Word became flesh in Jesus, it happened in Bethlehem. We begin our day at Herodion, a palace/fortress built by Herod the Great on the outskirts of Bethlehem, before going to the Church of the Nativity, the traditional place of Jesus’ birth. After some olive wood shopping, We will finish our day at the Israel Museum, visiting the Jerusalem model, the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit, and the archaeological wing for our time period of study, before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Jericho.

Jesus makes His way up to Jerusalem where He will be put to death. We will begin our day at the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a crippled man, Bethpage, where Jesus talked about mountain-moving faith, the Mt. of Olives, and the Garden of Gethsemane. We will then enter the Old City, visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional place of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, the Western Wall, and the Southern Steps, the main entrance area to visit the Temple in the first century. We will celebrate our final evening together with a special dinner and reflection time together, before spending our final night in Jericho.

Today we say goodbye to those who are returning home, before our itinerary continues (below). If you are departing today, you can book any return flight suitable for your travel preferences. We will work to coordinate airport transfers for everyone to arrive 3 hours before the flight, utilizing private transfers. This transfer is included in your program fee, if traveling directly from the hotel to the TLV airport, and will be scheduled in accordance with your flight times. If you prefer to have additional time in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv (or elsewhere) we can apply this transfer value and help make alternate transporation arrangements for you.

For those continuing their journey, we will cross directly into Jordan today! After breakfast, you will transfer with Geoff Carroll by motorcoach the short distance to the border crossing. All visa requirements and border fees will be included and organized on your behalf.

After arriving into Jordan, our journey continues south toward Petra, stopping along the way at Bethany beyond the Jordan, a large archaeological and religious site on the east bank of the Jordan River (and very possibly where Jesus was baptized, which we will study!) and Mount Nebo, where Moses looked out over the Promised Land before his death. We will continue on to Petra Guesthouse Hotel, with its prime location right at the entrance to the ancient city of Petra! We will spend two nights here.

Few places in the world inspire the imagination of archaeologists, artists, and travelers like the city of Petra, the Nabatean capital of the first century and a possible location where Paul spent time in Arabia (Galatians 1:17). We will spend a FULL day here to explore the rock formations, architecture, and raw beauty of this wilderness wonder. After some initial morning teaching and orientation by a local guide (required) and also by Geoff at some of the most historical areas, you will have the rest of the day free to explore the many geological fascinations, ancient caves, trails, camel or horse rides, or find the perfect Bedouin tea and lunch experiences that await you! Dinner and our final night at Petra Guesthouse.

Today we continue from Petra to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the desert valley of Wadi Rum. Sometimes called the “Valley of the Moon” for its dramatic landscape, we will explore this region on a 2 hour “jeep” tour, perhaps even having some tea with the local bedouin. From there we shift perspectives and head to the shores of the Red Sea for a snorkeling excursion and an entirely different view of the world! Dinner and overnight at the Hyatt Regency Aqaba, Jordan (or similar).

After an early breakfast, we depart for our return to Israel and additional study in another wilderness. We will cross back into Israel and visit Timnah Valley Park, where we explore more unique geological and historic areas. A special highlight is the visit and teaching at a full-size replica of the Tabernacle that was constructed to match Biblical descriptions. After this, we will continue north toward the airport for your evening flight departure.

*Evening flight is necessary for this itinerary; see recommended group flight itinerary. If you cannot find a suitable late night departure for Thursday night, you will need to add an additional night at a hotel near the airport such as Kfar Maccabiah, or Sadot Boutique Hotel to depart on Friday, Oct. 23. We can assist with these arrangements.