Lead Pastor and Trip Host
Day 1: Friday, January 15, 2027 – Depart the US
The day has arrived and we depart Indianapolis (IND) on an overnight journey to Israel, beginning our pilgrimage to the land of the Bible.
Day 2: Saturday, January 16, 2027 – Arrive in Israel
Today we arrive in Israel at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. You will be met by your driver and/or guide and depart the airport via coach. Time permitting, we will visit the ancient town of Jaffa, where Peter had his vision on the rooftop of the house of Simon the Tanner. We then continue to our hotel for an overnight stay in the Tel Aviv area (Daniel Herzliya or similar). Dinner included.
Day 3: Sunday, January 17, 2027 – Caesarea Maritima, Mount Carmel, Megiddo, Nazareth
Today we travel north to Caesarea Maritima for a brief visit to this magnificent ancient city filled with Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader ruins. Here we reflect on the baptism of Cornelius, the first Gentile convert to Christianity, and on the travels of Paul, events that helped launch Christianity to the West. We continue to Mount Carmel to consider the contest between the Prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal, discussing why this location was chosen and the lessons from that encounter. From Tel Megiddo we enjoy a sweeping view of the Valley of Armageddon. We then visit Nazareth, climbing the Mount of Precipice where Jesus was rejected. Passing Cana of Galilee, where Jesus performed His first miracle, we continue to the Sea of Galilee area for overnight (Ron Beach or similar). Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 4: Monday, January 18, 2027 – Boat Museum and Ride, Magdala, Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Tabgha, Primacy of Peter, Jordan River
After breakfast, we visit the ancient boat museum housing a 2,000-year-old fishing boat. We then sail on the Sea of Galilee aboard a replica of that vessel. Our journey continues to Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene, followed by the Mount of Beatitudes where we reflect on the Sermon on the Mount. We visit Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry, and then travel to Tabgha and the site of the Primacy of Peter, where Jesus appeared to His disciples after the resurrection. Our final stop is the Jordan River, where you will have the opportunity to be baptized in the same waters where Jesus was baptized. Overnight in the Sea of Galilee area (Ron Beach or similar). Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 5: Tuesday, January 19, 2027 – Beth Shean, Bet Arabah, Jericho, Qumran
This morning we leave the Galilee region and follow the Jordan Valley Road to Beth Shean, capital of the Decapolis, where we explore impressive Roman and Byzantine ruins and discuss the death of King Saul and his sons. Traveling south to Bet Arabah, we reflect on John the Baptist’s ministry along the Jordan River. We then visit the Tel of Jericho and its ancient remains, possibly including foundations connected to Joshua’s conquest. In the afternoon we visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947, viewing the caves and remains of the Essene community who preserved these sacred texts. We continue to Jerusalem for overnight (Grand Court or similar). Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 6: Wednesday, January 20, 2027 – Western Wall, Temple Mount, St. Anne & Pools of Bethesda, Southern Wall Excavations, Bethlehem & Shepherds’ Field
After breakfast, we enter the Old City of Jerusalem and visit the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site. We ascend the Temple Mount and discuss its significance in both the Old and New Testaments. We visit St. Anne’s Church and the nearby Pools of Bethesda, recalling the healing recorded in Scripture. At the Southern Wall excavations, we see the ancient retaining walls and gather at the teaching steps where rabbis instructed their disciples. We then travel to Bethlehem, beginning at Shepherds’ Field where the angels announced Christ’s birth, and concluding at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally recognized as the birthplace of Jesus. Overnight in Jerusalem (Grand Court or similar). Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 7: Thursday, January 21, 2027 – Mount of Olives, Israel Museum, Via Dolorosa
We begin with a panoramic orientation over Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, connecting biblical events and prophecies to the visible landmarks below. Walking the Palm Sunday road to the Garden of Gethsemane, we reflect on Jesus’ agony before His crucifixion. We then visit the Israel Museum, viewing the detailed Second Temple Period Model of Jerusalem and the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed alongside important archaeological artifacts. Later, we walk the Via Dolorosa, following the traditional path from the Antonia Fortress to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, associated with the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Overnight in Jerusalem (Grand Court or similar). Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 8: Friday, January 22, 2027 – Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea
This morning we travel to Masada, ascending by cable car to explore King Herod’s desert fortress and learn about the Zealots’ final stand against Rome in 73/74 AD. We continue to Ein Gedi, the desert oasis where David encountered King Saul and where many psalms were written. In the afternoon we enjoy free time at the Dead Sea, with the opportunity to float in its mineral-rich waters (weather permitting). Overnight in Jerusalem (Grand Court or similar). Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 9: Saturday, January 23, 2027 – Upper Room, Caiaphas’ House, Jewish Quarter, Garden Tomb
Today we visit Mount Zion and the Upper Room, traditionally recognized as the site of the Last Supper. We continue to the nearby home of the High Priest Caiaphas before spending time in the Jewish Quarter. We conclude at the Garden Tomb, where we gather for worship and celebrate communion together. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Your return flight may depart tonight or the following day. If required, overnight in Jerusalem (Grand Court or similar). Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 10: Sunday, January 24, 2027 – Return Home
Your return flight to Indianapolis departs either late the previous evening or today. If departing today and time permits, breakfast is included. Later, we arrive home, concluding our unforgettable pilgrimage to the Holy Land.