| Bible Land Passages

The Holy Land is full of trails, tunnels, and passages – both physical and spiritual. This active experience will take you over, under, and through many Biblical and historic locations. The Bible will come to life as you walk in the footsteps of Jesus and explore the land of the Bible. 

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)

*(Transfer included if air purchased through EOX or if you provide EOX with your flight information at least one month prior to your departure.)

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 – Jesus Trail and Sea of Galilee Sites​

Walk in the footsteps of our Savior when you traverse a portion of The Jesus Trail. This 40 + mile hiking and pilgrimage route is more than a traveler can conquer in a day, but you can choose what portions you’d like to include during your curated travel itinerary. Connecting many important sites from Jesus’ life and ministry, it begins in Nazareth and passes through sites such as Sepphoris, Cana, Tabgha, and the Mount of Beatitudes before ending in Capernaum, the center of his ministry.

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 letting their meaning permeate your heart. (B, D)

Day 5 – Beit Shean, Qumran, Bethlehem, Walled Off Hotel 

Travel to Beit Shean, which has been continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years and is 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. In Qumran, see first-hand where a Bedouin shepherd unearthed the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947. Then, in Bethlehem, gaze out over 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.

The Walled Off Hotel’s Gallery and Museum will immerse you in the story of the separation wall. Through state-of-the-art presentations and gripping artwork, you’ll learn the personal stories of those living around the wall. You can also wander through works by the world-renowned graffiti artist Banksy and other pieces by notable Palestinian artists, including Suliman Mansour and Nail Anani. (B)

Day 6 – Monasteries (Wadi Qelt), Jericho, Jordan River Baptism, Dead Sea ​

Behold the deep and magnificent course of the Wadi Qelt (valley or stream) that winds its way between Jerusalem and Jericho. This deep valley provided the route for the Roman road on which, tradition holds, Jesus set the parable of the Good Samaritan. Here, you can also tour the exquisite Monastery of St. George carved into the face of the cliff. This extreme landscape provided safety and solitude not only for the monks but for many hermits and refugees.

Jericho is a city that has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. Tour the ruins of the ancient city Joshua conquered where, off in the distance, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus. Enjoy a chance to remember your baptism at the Jordan River and 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 – Hezekiah’s Tunnel, City of David, Jerusalem​ 

Today, you can wander through the excavations of the City of David. This site has been under continual excavation since the 1800s and is replete with fascinating and Scripturally profound discoveries. You can learn about those who took refuge in its drainage channels, Roman and Byzantine precious findings, passageways, pools, and a fortress that have all shaped the current understanding of the region’s history.

You may opt to also explore Hezekiah’s Tunnel, carved under the city to bring the waters of Gihon Spring to the City of David. Once you arrive in Jerusalem, you will have many other “passages” to explore. Between the Biblical, the current vibrant culture, and the painful memories, the city is teeming with exceptional highlights and exclusive opportunities.

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 where 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. Experience the reality of the Resurrection when you visit the Garden Tomb. (B)

Day 8 – Jerusalem​

This day will be another chance for you to absorb the modern culture of Jerusalem. 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 farther than the Mahane Yehuda Market, where cultural fusion and new ventures continue to thrive in the Israel of today. (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