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Once again John Hodges will be leading this 14 day tour that includes air fare, hotels, two meals a day, private motor coach, and Israeli guide. Since most who go to Israel do it only once in their lifetime, see basically all Biblical related sites that are accessible. John (Van) has visited Israel 26 times in the last 27 years, plus much of the Middle East. He created this tour and has successfully led the tour 19 times from 2005-2023. He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, and has been a student and teacher of the Bible, Israel, Biblical history, and Bible prophecy for many years. This is an excellent tour for laypersons, retirees, students (high school, college, seminary), and pastors. All age groups have come on his tours from preteenagers to adults well into their 80's. Besides America, he has had many participants come from Australia, Canada, Great Britian, New Zealand and Singapore.

Day 1, Sat. May 10 – Departure from home

Depart from home for an overnight flight to Israel.

Day 2, Sun. May 11 – Arrive In Israel, Hotel in Jerusalem

Tour members arrive in Tel Aviv at Ben Gurion Airport, then by motor coach we drive past Lydda, Emmaus, and the Aijalon Valley on a scenic drive up to Jerusalem and arrive at our hotel for our first dinner together and a six-night stay.

Day 3, Mon. May 12 – Jerusalem, City of David, Judean Wilderness, Wadi Qelt, Jericho

We begin the day by touring the City of David to see a film, its Canaanite and Israelite ruins, Jeremiah’s Cistern, King David’s palace, an optional walk thru Hezekiah’s Water Tunnel, view recently discovered 2nd Temple road, finishing at the Pool of Siloam where Jesus healed a blind man. For lunch we have a Biblical type dinner in Abraham’s Tent and optional ride on camels. We visit nearby En Mabo’a Spring and walk on the ancient Jericho Road. We drive further east thru the West Bank and Judean Wilderness to stop for a scenic view of the Wadi Qelt, St. George’ Monastery, and ancient Jericho Road. We continue on past Bedouin camps to Jericho to see Herod’s winter palace, Zaccheus’ sycamore fig tree, Elisha’s Spring, then enter ancient Tel Jericho to see remains of fallen walls, and view the Mount of Temptation where Satan tempted Jesus.

Day 4, Tue. May 13 – West Jerusalem, Gibeah, Gibeon, Emmaus, Aijalon Valley, Joppa, Holocaust Museum, Israel Museum

This day begins with a stop at ancient Gibeah where King Saul had his palace. We then travel to West Jerusalem to the tomb of the prophet Samuel and a view of his hometown Ramah, and the high place at Gibeon where the Lord appeared to King Solomon before he built the Temple. We continue westward to visit a possible location of Emmaus where Jesus appeared to two disciples. We walk to a scenic view of the Aijalon Valley where Joshua prayed for the sun and moon to remain still. We drive past Lydda where Peter healed a paralyzed man and arrive at the ancient port of Joppa where Jonah and Peter spent time. We return to Jerusalem and pass the Harp Bridge, then take a somber tour of the Holocaust museum at Yad Vashem. We end the day by going past the Knesset to visit the Israel Museum, Shrine of the Book (Dead Sea Scrolls), plus see a model of1st Century Jerusalem.

Day 5, Wed. May 14 – Jerusalem, Temple Mount, Via Dolorosa, Promenade, Bethlehem

Today we ascend on top the Temple Mount to observe columns and steps from the Temple where Jesus taught, Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock shrine, the Golden Gate, then exit to the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed a paralyzed man. We see a stone pavement from the Roman times then walk the 14 stations of the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Our next stop is at the Promenade for the view that Abraham first had of Mt. Moriah. We drive to visit Rachel’s tomb and then enter into Bethlehem to tour the Church of the Nativity that displays where Jesus was born, shop at the olive wood factory, then by bus we visit, David’s well, the Shepherd’s Field, ending at Herod’s palace and tomb at Herodium.

Day 6, Thu. May 15 – Jerusalem, Wailing Wall, Temple Mount Steps, Jewish Quarter, Mount Zion

With excitement we begin our extensive tour of the Old City of Jerusalem by visiting the Wailing or Western Wall and walk thru the excavated Rabbinical Tunnel to see a massive Herodian stone wall and street from the time of Jesus. We then witness the many Bar Mitzvah celebrations at the outside wall and have opportunity to pray there. Strolling to the Archaeological Park we see a free film, original 2nd Temple stones, and southern steps that Jesus walked on. Ascending up to the Jewish Quarter we see the gold Menorah built for the next Temple, the Temple Institute, the Burnt House, a 1st Temple period model of Jerusalem, a wall built by King Hezekiah, and the Roman Cardo. The rest of our day is at Mt. Zion to see the Upper Room, David’s Tomb, and the first Church Grotto.

Day 7, Fri. May 16 – Mount of Olives, Bethany, Kidron Valley, Hinnom Valley,
Garden Tomb

This final day in Jerusalem begins with an ascent to the top of the Mount of Olives for a breathtaking view of the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, Bethphage, and Bethany. We view the large Jewish cemetery and tomb of the prophets Zechariah, Haggai, and Malachi located on the mountain in expectation the Messiah will come there. We remember the last week of Jesus’ life on earth and descend the Messianic path where He rode on a donkey, visiting where He wept over Jerusalem, then tour the Garden of Gethsemane where He was arrested, then walk across the Kidron Valley to ancient tombs. We continue up to the Temple Mount and high Pinnacle Wall where Satan tempted Jesus when He began His ministry. Next we visit David’s Citadel and go inside to ascend a tall tower for a view of Old Jerusalem and to see the remains of Herod’s palace and possible place of Pilate’s trial of Jesus. Our next stop is to enter Caiaphas’ House to see a 1st Century road and prison where traditionally Jesus was put on trial by the high priest and where Peter denied knowing Him. We overlook the Hinnom Valley, also called Gehenna, and the Potter’s Field where Judas was buried. The afternoon finishes with a quiet visit, tour, and communion together at the Garden Tomb and Place of the Skull called Golgotha or Calvary.

Day 8, Sat. May 17 – Ein Kerem, Sorek Valley, Beth Shemesh, Elah Valley, Philistia, Beersheba, Negev Desert, Dead Sea

Leaving Jerusalem we drive thru Ein Kerem the traditional birthplace of John The Baptist, then drive past Hadassah Hospital named after Biblical Esther. We travel west thru beautiful mountains and the Sorek Valley to Beth Shemesh where the Ark of the Covenant was carried from the Philistines by two cows pulling a cart. The next stop is Tel Azekah and the Valley of Elah, where David defeated Goliath. We then make stops where battles were fought at Mareshah and Lachish, then we drive thru the land of the Philistines, passing the city of Gath. We continue on to Beersheba and see Abraham’s well. We then go east with a drive thru the Negev contrasted with Bedouin tents and herds of camels, donkeys, sheep, and blossoms of the Israeli desert agriculture that is fulfilling prophesy from Isaiah. Our desert tour ends with stops at the traditional locations of Biblical Arad, Zoar, Sodom, and salt stone of Lot’s wife, then a relaxing swim in the Dead Sea by our luxurious hotel.

Day 9, Sun. May 18 – Masada, Engedi, Qumran, Bethany Beyond The Jordan,
Sea of Galilee

We see a film and ascend by cable car to the ancient fortress of Masada. After digesting its history and viewing ancient Gomorrah, we drive to visit the oasis of Engedi where David hid from King Saul, then on to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We head north and stop for a look where Jesus was probably baptized at Bethany Beyond The Jordan. We then continue thru the Jordan Valley and Samaria, with a stop near Belvoir Fortress. We soon make our first drive along the shore of the Sea of Galilee and arrive in Tiberias to begin a four-night stay at a lake shore hotel.

Day 10, Mon. May 19 – Northern Galilee, Hazor, Hula, Dan, Caesarea Philippi,
Mt. Hermon, Golan Heights

We head north and soon depart from the lake to pass thru the Hula Valley with a stop at Tel Hazor, seeing mud brick ruins from Canaanite times, stone structures built by King Solomon, and a huge water well built by King Ahab. Next we see a film about migrating birds at the Hula Nature Reserve. We continue north to see the headwaters of the Jordan River at Tel Dan, plus we see the ancient Israelite city of Dan. Back on the bus, we visit Banias and its Hermon Stream (Biblical Caesarea Philippi where Jesus visited), then we ascend up Mt. Hermon to tour Nimrod’s Castle with a beautiful view of the Hula Valley. Our bus continues on to the picturesque volcanic crater at Lake Ram and then ascends up Mt. Bental with a magnificent view of Lebanon, Syria, and snowcapped Mt. Hermon,. The day ends by driving thru the Golan Heights of ancient Bashan with a stop at a high observation point for a panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee. We arrive back at Tiberias.

Day 11, Tue. May 20 – Sea of Galilee, Beatitudes, Tabgha, Capernaum, Chorazin, Bethsaida, Kursi, Gadara

Today we concentrate on the primary places of Jesus’ ministry. We take a quiet cruise on the Sea of Galilee in the Jesus Boat, and then disembark to tour the Boat Museum. Next, we visit Magdala, the Mount of the Beatitudes, Tabgha, Capernaum, Chorazin, Bethsaida, the miracle feedings of the multitudes and the place of the demoniacs and pigs at Kursi, Hippos, and Gadara. Our final stop is for water baptisms and mikvahs to be done at the Jordan River baptismal site. We then drive past ancient Roman ruins and a theatre before entering the city of Tiberias (known for its ancient Roman hot springs which we see still exist today). We finish our complete circle of the lake by arriving at our hotel.

Day 12, Wed. May 21 – Central Galilee, Beth Shan, Mt. Gilboa, Nazareth, Sepphoris, Cana, Mt. Arbel

We begin by heading south to visit the extensive Roman ruins and Tel of the ancient city of Beth Shan. We then drive up Mt. Gilboa to where King Saul was killed, to take pictures of the fertile Beth Shan Valley. We drive across the Jezreel Valley past Shunem where Elisha raised a boy from the dead, and by Ophrah where Gideon resided. We ascend Mt. Precipice for a view of Nazareth, Mt. Tabor where Deborah defeated the Canaanites, and northern Armageddon. After driving by the Church of the Annunciation, we have a guided tour of Nazareth Village. Next, we go to visit the nearby ancient city of Sepphoris where likely Joseph and Jesus worked as builders. Leaving the area, we drive thru Cana where Jesus turned the water into wine, and end the day at Mt. Arbel for a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee. Back on the bus we make a final scenic stop overlooking Tiberias along the lake. We return to our lakeshore hotel.

Day 13, Thu. May 22 – Western Galilee, Mt. Tabor, hill of Moreh, Harod Springs,
Tel Jezreel, Jezreel Valley, Megiddo, Armageddon, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea, Sharon Plain

On our last day in Galilee, by bus we pass thru the Biblical places of Kadesh, Mt. Tabor, Endor, Nain, and hill of Moreh. We stop at Harod Springs where Gideon downsized his army to 300. Our next stop is at Tel Jezreel in the Jezreel Valley, the city of Ahab and Jezebel. We continue to travel west to take a tour of ancient Tel Megiddo, overlooking southern Armageddon. We then ascend to Elijah’s Mt. Carmel where he dueled with the 450 prophets of Baal. We have a wonderful western view of the Jezreel Valley. We descend back down the mountain to our last stop at the ancient seaport and Roman Capital of Biblical Caesarea, where Pontius Pilate resided. This was also where Peter preached to the Roman Centurion Cornelius and saw the entire household believe. Paul was put on trial here before sailing for Rome. We drive outside the city to take pictures of its ancient Herodian Roman aqueduct. We then drive thru the Sharon Plain to our hotel perched on cliffs overlooking the beach and Mediterranean Sea for one last night in Israel and for reflections about everything that we have seen and heard.

Day 14, Fri. May 23 – Tel Aviv

Members leave from Ben Gurion airport on their return flight home with lots of great memories and information, while others will continue on the Jordan/Southern Israel Extension.

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	Land Only	Estimated Airfare
Price Per Person Double Occupancy	$3,799.00	$900.00 - $1,950.00
Single Supplement	$1,480.00
Limited Space – Reserve Early!
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For additional information, contact John Hodges by e-mail at: hodges777@gmail.com or by telephone:    708- 331- 4440 or by cell:    708- 606- 4441

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Airfare from your city of departure: Most of the roundtrip discount economy airfares from the USA to Israel will range from $900.00 - $1,950.00 including air taxes and standard fuel surcharge, depending on your city of departure and airline offerings. Check the Internet or call for discount airfare quotation from your city of departure: John Hodges 708-331-4440 or Pilgrim Tours: 1-800-322-0788 (Moon direct line: 484-772-3409)

Deposit: $300 per person to secure a reservation.
One final payment due 75-60 days before departure.

Price Includes:   First class lodging, taxes, motor coach, guides, gratuities, transfers, visas, sightseeing, two meals a day, Abrahamic lunch, St. Peter's Fish lunch, Whisper radio earphones. For arrivals on Sunday May 11, your flight needs to arrive before 4:30PM to ride the tour bus or private transfer to the hotel for a group dinner at 6:30PM and a mandatory orientation meeting immediately following. For departures for the main Israel Tour only, the bus departs the hotel on Friday May 23 at 7:45AM, arriving at Ben Gurion Airport about 8:30AM. Check in for return flights begin 3 hours before departure times. If another time is desired for airport/hotel transfers, a complimentary one time private transfer will be provided up to two days before and two days after the tour ends.

Not Included:  Lunches, drinks, airfare, possible adjusted air fuel surcharge, optional tours and optional travel insurance. Many like to arrive in Israel a day or two early before the tour starts to help get over jet lag, to allow for possible airline delays, and/or to explore places on their own. Extra hotel nights either in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv are not included in the price, but airport private transfer is included up to two days before and after the tour. Transportation from one hotel to another is not included. Some like to pre stay in the same hotel that the tour will be staying in, which is the Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem, and is walking distance to the Old City. Pilgrim Tours can reserve that extra hotel space subject to availability.

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. Print this confirmation and also 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.

May 23 - May 26, 2025    Jordan / Southern Israel 4 Day Add-on $1,400.00

May 26 - Jun 1, 2025    Egypt 6 Day Add-on $1,395.00

May 5 - May 11, 2025   Pre-Tour Israel Samaria / Bethany / Hebron / Kiriath Jearim 6 Day Add-on $1,465.00

If you do this tour and the two related extensions you will see almost all of Israel and its Biblical sites.