| Essential Holy Land

​​​

Share in an intimate spiritual experience in the Holy Land on your private small group journey. Visit sites that play essential roles in the life of Jesus and the Bible. Share a special time of fellowship with your group as your faith and life are changed forever.

What’s Included

Breakfast Daily and Select Dinners

Overseas Transfers & Private Transportation

Entrance and Program Fees

First Class Hotels

Guided Tours

Tips for Hotel Staff & Hotel Porters

Live Audio Headsets (Groups of 8 or more)

 

The Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart The USA

Depart the USA on your international flight. (Note: Those making their own arrangements will start with EOX on Day 2.)

Day 2 – Arrive in the Holy Land

After arriving in the Holy Land, make your way to your hotel on the Mediterranean coast.* (D)

Day 3 – Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Megiddo, and Nazareth​ 

Immerse yourself in the Holy Land as you begin your encounters in the land of the Bible. Along the Mediterranean in Caesarea, where the apostle Paul was imprisoned for over two years, walk through the theatre, Herod’s fortress, and a Roman aqueduct. Imagine what it was like to be an early Christian during the turbulent first years of the church. Next, recall the LORD’s power at Mt. Carmel, where He won a dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal when Elijah called down fire from heaven. In Nazareth, walk the paths of our Savior’s childhood, where Jesus played, grew up, and worked. Then, follow an ancient caravan route through the Jezreel Valley. Explore Tel Megiddo, an exciting archaeological dig with layers of twenty different cities built one on top of another. Talk to your guide about your choice of delicious authentic dining options today and throughout your journey. (B, D)

Day 4 – Sea of Galilee Sites​ 

In the Galilee, Biblical encounters truly abound. You will have several chances to engage not only with your faith heritage but with the current culture. Majestic Mount Arbel overlooks the Sea of Galilee and is an ideal hiking opportunity. Choose to sail across the Sea of Galilee while experiencing a unique onboard worship service. Learn about the Valley of the Doves, the path Jesus and his disciples would often travel. Venture to Magdala, where new excavations have brought forth exciting discoveries. At Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee, you can visit the synagogue built on the site where Jesus taught. The Mount of Beatitudes and the Church of the Loaves and the Fish are powerful locations in which to contemplate the miracles and teachings of Jesus. Enjoy taking your time in these important locations and truly letting their meaning permeate your heart. (B, D)

Day 5 – Beit Shean, Jericho, Bethlehem

Travel to Beit Shean, which has been continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years and where the Philistines hung the bodies of Saul and his sons on the city walls. Recently discovered ruins date back to the Greco-Roman city that was part of the Decapolis of Jesus’ day. See colonnaded streets with marble sidewalks, Roman public baths, and a theater. Jericho is another city that has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. Here, you can tour the ruins of the ancient city Joshua conquered.  Off in the distance, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus. In Bethlehem, gaze out over the Shepherds’ Field and visit the Church of the Nativity, built above the cave where Jesus was born. It is considered the world’s oldest functioning church. Enjoy exploring many amazing food possibilities throughout the Jordan Valley. (B)

Day 6 – Qumran, Dead Sea, Masada

At Qumran, discover many significant sites during your customizable day. See, first-hand, where a Bedouin shepherd unearthed the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947. Encounter Masada, the spectacular mountaintop fortress built by Herod that later became the final tragic stronghold of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans. Ride the cable car or hike to the top to explore the fortress and look down upon the remains of the Roman camps and siege ramp below. On the way to Jerusalem, opt for a stop at the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth, where you can take a quick dip in the famous, therapeutic, mineral-laden waters. (B)

Day 7 – Jerusalem​

With two days in Jerusalem, create an experience filled with exciting highlights and exclusive memories. This city is teeming with possibilities!

Deepen your understanding of the people and history of Israel. Perhaps pay your respects at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial. Walk through name after name and photo after photo of those lost to hatred. The Israel Museum offers hours of archaeological contributions, art galleries, and remarkable history, such as the Model of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple and the Shrine of the Book - home to many of the Dead Sea Scrolls. For a modern vibe of Israel, wander no further than the Mahane Yehuda Market, where cultural fusion and new ventures continue to thrive in the Israel of today. (B)

Day 8 – Jerusalem​

At the Western Wall, submit your prayers to heaven as so many before you have and sit on the Teaching Steps where Jesus taught. Trace the footsteps of Christ during His last hours before the crucifixion. Stand on the Mount of Olives for a remarkable view of Jerusalem, “the Golden City.” Recall the events of the Last Supper as you visit the traditional location of the Upper Room. Visit the home of the High Priest Caiaphas and stand upon the ground Jesus stood when He was tried by His own people. Walk the Via Dolorosa, “the Way of the Cross,” to the traditional sites of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. And experience the reality of the Resurrection when you visit the Garden Tomb. (B, D)

Day 9 – Return Home

Return home with life-changing memories.*

*(Transfer to airport included if air purchased through EOX or if you provide EOX with your flight information at least one month prior to your departure. Those not providing this information may have to make their own transfer arrangements to return to the airport.)

B=Breakfast Included
D=Dinner Included

Request More Info