tours to israel
EXPERIENCE THE HOLY LAND
Visit Mount Carmel where Elijah called down fire. Enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Be baptized in the Jordan River. Experience the Holy City of Jerusalem. You won’t want to miss these special tours of a lifetime!
JOIN us ON A BIBLICAL TOUR through ISRAEL
MARCH 12-21, 2023
- $4,377 Per Person (Estimated)
Double-occupancy from Toronto Pearson
- $884 Single Supplement (Estimated)
- $350 Deposit (Refundable*)
*$350 deposit is required to hold your space refundable up until 90 days before departure (less $150 administrative fee). From 90 days before departure, entire deposit is non-refundable. Full non-refundable payment due 60 days prior to departure.
Contact avie@ihtours.com for more information.
Biblical tour
Itinerary
Sunday March 12
DAY 1
Destination Israel
TBD Meet in the departure hall terminal 1 or 3, at Pearson Airport, to check in for the Air Canada OR EL AL direct nonstop flight to Tel Aviv. Depart at TBD on your overnight flight, destination Israel. Meals served onboard.
Monday March 13
DAY 2
Welcome to Israel
Arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport at TBD, [go through passport control, get a Covid PCR and serology test], meet your tour guide. Your introduction to the Land of Everlasting Promise starts at Naot Kedumim, the famous Biblical Botanical Gardens , which embodies the panorama and power of the land, the nature of which fashioned Judaism, early Christianity and early Islam, enriched the Bible and provided rich vocabulary for conveying exceptional monotheistic values. Continue to ancient Jaffa/ Joppa of Jonah and the whale (Jonah 1) and Tabitha fame (Acts 9:36-42) and view Andromeda’s rock in the ancient port, as you walk through the colourful old city. Travel through Tel Aviv (The Hill of Spring), the new city and along the coastal road en route to the beach side hotel.
1 night: Leonardo Plaza hotel ~ Haifa [Dinner]
Tuesday March 14
DAY 3
Galilee
Drive north through the Plain of Sharon, along the Mediterranean shore on the old coastal road known as the Via Maris, which linked Egypt and Babylon. Stop at Caesarea the largest port in the Mediterranean built by King Herod the Great. Here Pontius Pilate had his seat; Cornelius lived and was baptized (Acts 10); Paul embarked to Tarsus (Acts 9:30) and Philip preached (Acts 8:40). Visit the Roman Theatre, the Hippodrome and time permitting the Aqueduct. View Muhraka (the burned place) on Mt. Carmel where Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:30) as you travel to Megiddo to visit one of King Solomon’s fortified city kingdoms (1 Kings 9:15; 10:26), with 20 impressive levels of civilization. From here the Books of Daniel and Revelation will come alive as you read about the final Battle of Armageddon, while viewing the fertile plains of the Jezreel valley. Proceed via Mt Precipice to Nazareth, the boyhood town of Jesus and visit Nazareth Village to relive life from the time of Jesus. View the Church of the Annunciation. Proceed to the Sea of Galilee, time permitting stop at the Arbel Cliffs for a spectacular view of the area of Jesus’ Ministry and the Sea of Galilee.
2 nights: Maagan kibbutz hotel ~ Sea of Galilee [Breakfast & dinner]
Wednesday March 15
DAY 4
Jesus’ Ministry in the Galilee
Drive north onto the Golan Heights, stopping on one of the hilltops for an exceptional view of Syria and Lebanon. Continue to Banias, one of the sources of the Jordan River, site of ancient “Caesarea Philippi” and the Northern extent of Jesus’ ministry, where Peter made the confession of faith in Christ (Matt; 16:16). Continue to the Mt. of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered “The Sermon On The Mount” (Matt.5). Proceed to Capernaum centre of Jesus’ Ministry in the Galilee and the site of many of his miracles (Mark 2:4; Matt.8:5-7 & 14-15). See the remains of St Peter’s house and the ancient synagogue where Jesus taught and worshiped (Mark 1:21; Luke 4:31). Visit the ancient boat from the time of Jesus then, emulating the disciples, sail on the Sea of Galilee. Stop at Magdala, the village of Mary Magdalene, where you visit the new archeological discovery and the very synagogue that Mary Magdalene would have worshipped in.
[Breakfast & dinner]
Thursday March 16
DAY 5
Galilee – Dead Sea & Masada
Get an early start, travel south to Beit Shean, where the body of King Saul and his sons were placed on the walls by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:10), also known in Jesus time as Scythopolis, capital of Decapolis. Visit the largest archaeological park in the land of Israel. Drive through the Jordan Valley, where the desert now blooms with flowers and vegetation of every description (Isaiah 35:1-2) to the lowest point on earth the Dead Sea (over 1300 feet below sea level). Continue south. Stop at Ein Gedi, an Oasis in the desert where David fled the wrath of King Saul. Continue to Masada. Ascend by cable car to visit King Herod the Great’s imposing desert fortress, later the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in the revolt against Rome (73 ACE). Drive south to the hotel on the Dead Sea. Enjoy the hotel facilities and the unique experience of “floating” in the Dead Sea — you cannot sink!
1 night: David resort hotel & spa ~ Dead Sea [Breakfast & dinner]
Friday March 17
DAY 6
Dead Sea – Jerusalem
Spend a leisurely morning, with time to enjoy the Dead Sea and the hotel spa facilities (some spa services might be at an additional cost), then mid-morning travel north along the Dead Sea shores. Stop to visit Qumran, home of the Cult of the Judean Desert, where a shepherd boy discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls (1947) in a nearby cave. Ascend through the Judean Desert – Wilderness to the Holy City – golden Jerusalem as the Galileans did stopping on Mt Scopus to recite a Psalm of Ascent, enjoy the first moving view of the Holy City and with an unique opportunity to visit an adjacent 2nd Temple time tomb. Continue to the Mt of Olives for the same wonderful panoramic view of Jerusalem that Jesus experienced. Stroll down the Mountain to visit the Garden of Gethsemane at the Church of All Nations, with time for contemplation and prayer in the adjacent garden. You might want to plan to be at the Western Wall to witness the festive greeting of the Sabbath bride.
4 nights: Lady Stern hotel ~ Jerusalem [Breakfast & dinner]
Saturday March 18
DAY 7
Jerusalem
Visit the Shrine of the Book, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, at the Israel Museum and the adjacent outdoor model, describing ancient Jerusalem that Jesus witnessed and prophesied over. Drive around the Old City walls, along the Kidron Valley (the Valley of Jehoshaphat), past the Tombs of Absalom, Zechariah and James, to Mt Zion. Visit the Upper Room (Room of the Last Super), King David’s Tomb and the adjacent Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, built on the site of High Priest Caiaphas’ home. Travel to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus and the Shepherds Field. Stop to visit Lifegate Rehabilitation Centre and enjoy a light lunch. Walk into and through the Old City to the Jewish quarter. Visit the ancient street the “Cardo” where you may stop at the many archaeological windows into the City’s layered past. Continue walking through the “Suk” (market) the colourful bazaars, alleyways and stores to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. End the day at the Garden Tomb, with time for contemplation and prayer.
[Breakfast & dinner]
Sunday March 19
DAY 8
Jerusalem
Start the day at Yad Vashem – national memorial and Museum of the Shoah (Holocaust), pay tribute to the six million Jewish victims of the Shoah in Europe during the Second World War. Visit the new Museum, the Children’s Memorial and walk along the Avenue of the Righteous Amongst the Nations, commemorating those who at great personal risk, endangered their own lives to save Jewish souls. Stop to visit the Pentecostal community church, the King of Kings Pavilion then explore and enjoy the nearby Mahane Yehuda market. Travel to and visit King David’s City including: Warren’s shaft, the Canaanite tunnel and the Pool of Siloam. Continue to the Southern Wall Archaeological Park to visit the South Western Wall of the Temple Mount and the Davidson Centre, including the very same steps that Jesus and the Galileans might have used to enter and exit the Holy Temple. Stop at the Western Wall (Kotel) to visit the sacred Jewish site. Walk back in time through the Western Wall tunnels under the city.
[Breakfast & dinner]
Monday March 20
DAY 9
Jerusalem
Spend a day of leisure in this fascinating city. With time to re-visit the Old City for shopping in the bazaars or walk through the new city for shopping along Jaffa Road and Ben Yehuda Street. Visit the Friends of Zion Museum or one of the many other museums that Jerusalem has to offer (museum entry cost is extra) or simply relax in the hotel. OR Take an optional tour to SAMARIA. Travel north to Shiloh, where the holy Tabernacle stood for 369 years. Stop at the 3 Seas lookout to view Samaria’s Biblical mountains: Elon Moreh (Oak of Morah), where God first promised Abraham the land of Israel; Mt. Gerizim, the mountain of blessing; Mt. Ebal, the mountain of curses and the location of Joshua’s altar; the Med, S of Galilee & D Sea. Visit the Samaritans and a Jewish community to soak up local color while talking to the residents. Cost of optional Samaria tour per person (minimum 12 participants) TBD. Mark ‘YES’ to the Optional Samaria tour on your Application please. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the hotel.
[Breakfast & dinner]
DAY 10
Canada (Home)
Transfer to Ben Gurion airport for your return flight to Canada Leave Tel Aviv TBD on your direct, nonstop Air Canada OR EL AL flight to Toronto arriving at TBD, meals served on board.
Note: Hotels as listed or similar. The itinerary is subject to change and may vary in the order you visit.
Included:
- Round trip airfare on Air Canada or El Al Toronto > Tel Aviv > Toronto
- Airport taxes and fuel surcharge of $690 (subject to change)
- 3% credit card charges
- 8 nights accommodation in the following select hotels (or similar) with breakfast and dinner daily:
- 1 night Leonardo Hotel — Haifa
- 2 nights Maagan Kibbutz Hotel — Sea of Galilee
- 1 night David Spa Hotel — Dead Sea
- 4 nights Lady Stern Hotel — Jerusalem
- Arrival and departure transfers from/to airport (Israel)
- 7 full days sightseeing in luxury a/c tour bus
- 1 day leisure in Jerusalem
- Entrance fees to all the sites included in the itinerary (except where noted)
- Services of an English speaking Govt. licensed tour guide
- Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person for the airport and hotels
Excluded:
- Single room supplement $884
- Suggested minimum gratuity US$ 100 = tips per person covering guide, driver and hotel staff
- Lunches
- Drinks as taken, extras in hotel, items of a personal nature
- Travel insurance
- COVID related testing at cost TBD (required by Israel pre-boarding and upon landing) & required by Canada pre return [SUBJECT TO CHANGE]