Your group will fly round-trip from Kansas City to Tel Aviv on Delta, departing Kansas City at 12:16 PM. All travelers should arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours prior to departure.

Those wishing to originate from an airport other than Kansas City should indicate that on the registration form. In those cases, any fare increase will be invoiced to the traveler.

Group members will arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. In the afternoon, a private coach will transport the group from Tel Aviv to our guesthouse on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. After a brief orientation, enjoy a traditional Middle Eastern dinner and overnight accommodations.

Begin the day in the Arab-Israeli city of Nazareth for the Basilica of the Annunciation, the traditional site of the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. An off-the-beaten-path tour of the Old City visits local artisans, samples local cuisine, and enters the White Mosque. The Synagogue Church in Nazareth is, according to tradition, built over the remains of a synagogue from Jesus’ time. Today it is home to a Melkite Christian congregation and offers a quiet place for prayer.

In the afternoon, visit the small town town of Cana and tour the Franciscan church there. Those wishing to do so may renew their wedding vows. In the evening, return to the Sea of Galilee for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Today we explore Jesus’ adult ministry in Galilee. Highlights of the day include the Mount of Beatitudes, the churches at Taghba, the ruins of Capernaum (home of Simon Peter), a lunch of “St. Peter’s Fish,” a museum with a 2,000 year-old boat, and a sunset boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Close the day by celebrating Shabbat with a local Jewish community. Enjoy one more dinner and the final overnight at this location.

This morning we leave the Sea of Galilee behind and head south toward Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Along the way, we will stop at the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan where pilgrims wishing to do so can renew their own baptismal vows. We will enter Jersualem from atop the Mount of Olives, just outside the Old City, pausing to reflect on important moments in Jesus’ ministry including the Ascension, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Garden of Gethsemane. We continue to the area known as Mt. Zion to visit churches associate with Jesus’ betrayal by Peter (St. Peter in Gallicantu), the Last Supper and Pentecost (Cenacle). Celebrate evening vespers with the monks at Dormitian Abbey before heading to Bethlehem for dinner and overnight accommodations.

In addition to being the birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem was home to Ruth and King David in the Hebrew Bible. Today we explore this Palestinian city beginning with morning worship at Christmas Lutheran Church where Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac is pastor and Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb leads the affiliated organizations including International Center of Bethlehem, Dar al-Kalima Health Center, and Dar al-Kalima College. After worship and lunch we will visit the hillside church at Beit Sahour (Shepherd’s Field) and reflect on the birth of Jesus. Conclude the day with a visit to Holy Family Olive Wood Workshop.

Today we begin at Rachel’s Tomb, a place sacred to Jews as the burial place of Jacob’s wife Rachel. Mid-morning we will visit a women’s cooperative and learn about their work with disabled Palestinian children. With them, we will work together to prepare and eat a traditional Palestinian lunch. After lunch, visit the Church of the Nativity, the traditional site of Jesus’ birth.

Today we head into the Old City of Jerusalem to explore historic Judaism and Islam. Be begin at the ancient Temple complex built first by Solomon, rebuilt under Ezra and Nehemiah, expanded by Herod the Great, and destroyed by Rome in 70 CE. Today the site is also home to the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam. After leaving the Temple Mount, we will sit on the Temple’s Southern Steps and pray at the Western Wall. In the afternoon, your group will either tour the archaeological ruins at the City of David – the oldest section of Jerusalem or meet with ultra-Orthodox Jews to learn about their religious and social lives (to be determined by your group leader.) Return to Bethlehem for dinner and overnight accommodations.

We will visit the archaeological ruins at Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1949. Climb (by gondola!) to the top of Masada, Harod the Great’s stunning desert retreat/fortress, and take in expansive views of the Judean Desert and Dead Sea. End the day with a relaxing bob in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Tonight the group moves from Bethlehem to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight accommodations on our final two nights.

As we near the conclusion of the pilgrimage, we will consider the modern state of Israel. We will visit the impressive Israel Museum with its magnificent collection of classical and modern art, judaica, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Tour the Knesset, the home of the Israeli parliament. Finally, spend time at Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust museum and memorial. Dinner and overnight accommodations at the gates of Jerusalem’s Old City.

Return to the Old City of Jerusalem today to experience the last day of Jesus’ life. We will walk the traditional Via Dolorosa, updated with modern reflections from local clergy and laity. Spend time in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where you can touch the bedrock of Golgotha and enter the traditional tomb of Jesus. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Old City on your own.

In the late evening, the group will transfer to Tel Aviv for an overnight flight to the United States and your return home.

Your group arrives in New York for connecting flights to Kansas City, arrive in Kansas City at 1:28pm.

Your group will fly round-trip from Washington, Dulles to Tel Aviv on Austrian Airlines, departing Dulles at 6:05pm PM. All travelers should arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours prior to departure.

Those wishing to originate from an airport other than Washington, Dulles should indicate that on the registration form. In those cases, any fare increase will be invoiced to the traveler.

Group members will arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv at 2:55pm. A private coach will transport the group from Tel Aviv to our hotel near the Old City of Jerusalem. After a brief orientation and opening worship, enjoy a traditional Middle Eastern dinner and overnight accommodations at the Grand Court Hotel. We will remain in Jerusalem for three nights.

This morning we will visit the Israel Museum with its magnificent collection of classical and modern art, judaica, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. The museum’s scale model of Jerusalem in the first century provides excellent grounding for the rest of out time in the city and brings to life Jesus’ ministry there. Next we will visit the Yad Vashem Holocuast Memorial and Museum. After lunch, we will descend the Mount of Olives as Jesus did on Palm Sunday, concluding with a service of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

New Year’s Eve in Israel is a more low-key affair than in the United States because most Israeli Jews celebrate the new year on Rosh Hashana. Still, our group will celebrate together and ring in the new year after dinner at our Jerusalem hotel.

Led by an expert local Jewish guide, we will visit the ruins of the ancient Temple built first by Solomon, rebuilt under Ezra and Nehemiah, expanded by Herod the Great, and destroyed by Rome in 70 CE. In some areas, you are encountering the Temple exactly as Jesus would have. Today the Temple complex is revered as the third holiest site in Islam as the place where Mohammed began his night journey to heaven. The Dome of the Rock is one of the oldest examples of Muslim architecture. After our time on the Temple Mount, we will visit the Western Wall where Jews still gather to pray. After lunch we will tour the Jewish Quarter of the Old City before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Today we remember the events of Holy Week as we walk the Via Dolorosa and pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. After lunch, we will visit the area known as Mt. Zion to visit churches associate with Jesus’ betrayal by Peter (St. Peter in Gallicantu), the Last Supper and Pentecost (Cenacle). Time permitting we will visit the Garden Tomb, a site with less historical accuracy but that preserves the character of a first century cemetery, offering pilgrims an opportunity to imagine the resurrection story in its original setting. In the evening we will transfer to Nof Ginosar, a kibbutz on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, for dinner and overnight accommodations for three nights.

We begin the day with a trip to Nazareth, Jesus’ home town. Enjoy and “off the beaten path” tour of this Arab-Israeli city that showcases both the ancient history, including the Basilica of the Annunciation, commemorating the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, and the modern market with its artisans and vendors. After lunch in Nazareth, we will return to the shores of Galilee to visit with residents of Kibbutz Ginosar, learn about their way of life, and celebrate Shabbat. Dinner and overnight accommodations at Nof Ginosar.

Today we explore Jesus’ adult ministry in Galilee led by a Palestinian Christian guide. Highlights include the Mount of Beatitudes, the churches at Tabgha, the ruins of Capernaum (home of Simon Peter), a lunch of “St. Peter’s Fish,” a museum with a 2,000 year-old boat, and a sunset boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Enjoy a final dinner and overnight accommodations on the shores of the sea.

Traveling down the Jordan River Valley, we will visit the site of Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan where pilgrims wishing to do so can renew their own baptismal vows. Our group will travel to the ancient Jewish fortress of Masada, built by Herod the Great. After touring Masada, experience the ruins of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. End the day with a relaxing bob in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Continue on to Bethlehem for dinner and overnight accommodations at Manger Square Hotel, just around the corner from the Church of Nativity.

Today is Epiphany in Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions, but it is Christmas Eve in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Although you have already celebrated Christmas at home, you can celebrate a second time with our Orthodox brothers and sisters! Due to the holiday, it is important to remain flexible today and tomorrow. The itinerary may be updated as we travel in response to holiday schedules and crowds.

In the morning of January 6, we will visit the Noor Women’s Empowerment Group to understand the perspective and lifestyle of Palestinians removed from their homes in the 1948 and 1967 wars. The women of Noor WEG are working together to care for their disabled children. After touring the camp, we will enjoy a hands-on cooking demonstration with the women resulting a delicious Palestinian lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit Church of the Nativity or Shepherd’s Field where angels appeared in the sky to announce Jesus’ birth. As appropriate we will join the Christmas Eve services accompanied by a Palestinian Christian guide who will help us understand the traditions and liturgy as they unfold before us.

We will remain in Bethlehem today as the celebration of Christmas continues in the Orthodox Church. If we did not visit the Church of Nativity or Shepherd’s Field yesterday, we will do so today. Again we will participate in religious services as appropriate. We will also visit the Holy Family Olive Wood Workshop where you will meet the artisans who make creches and other handicrafts from olive wood. Dinner and overnight at Manger Square Hotel.

Plans for today are still being coordinated with your group leader.

Your group will depart from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on an 8:00am flight with Lufthansa. After a brief layover in Frankfurt, Germany, you continue to Washington, Dulles, arriving at 3:50pm.

You group will fly together from Austin Bergstrom International Airport on Lufthansa 469, departing at 5:25pm with a layover in Frankfurt, Germany. Please arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to departure.

Those wishing to fly from an airport other than Austin should indicate that on the registration form. Fare increases may apply.

Your group will arrive late in the evening to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport. You will be transported by motorcoach to your hotel in historic Jaffa Port for overnight accommodations.

After last night’s late arrival, enjoy a leisurely morning where you can sleep in and have an unhurried breakfast. Early risers could walk to the nearby Mediterranean beach. In the late morning, we’ll take a walking tour of Old Jaffa, including the site of Simon the Tanner’s house (where Peter received a vision, see Acts 10-11). You’ll also be witness to the modern revitalization that is happening in this diverse city just south of Tel Aviv. After lunch with will transfer to Jerusalem, stopping for a scenic overlook from Mount Scopus. In the evening, share opening worship, orientation, dinner and overnight accommodations for five nights within walking distance of Jerusalem’s Old City.

A Palestinian guide will lead our visits to Bethlehem holy sites beginning with the Church of the Nativity, the traditional site of Jesus’ birth. In the late morning, we visit with a cooperative of Palestinian women who are caring for disabled children. After a tour of their neighborhood, they will lead us in a cooking class that concludes in a delicious lunch. Following lunch, we visit the Shepherd’s Field church and an olive wood workshop. During our time in Bethlehem, you may also spot some original Banksy artwork. Return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Begin the day by worshiping at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem’s Old City. Following worship, we will meet with Pastor Carrie to learn about Lutheran ministries in Jordan and the Holy Land. After lunch, we will visit the Israel Museum. Here an impressive model of Jerusalem in the first century provides a helpful introduction to the rest of our time in this holy city. The Israel Museum is also the home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, an extensive Judaica collection, and impressive works of classical and modern art. After the museum, we will visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and Museum. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Led by an expert local Jewish guide, we will visit the ruins of the ancient Temple built first by Solomon, rebuilt under Ezra and Nehemiah, expanded by Herod the Great, and destroyed by Rome in 70 CE. In some areas, you are encountering the Temple exactly as it existed in the first century. Today the Temple complex is revered as the third holiest site in Islam as the place where Mohammed began his night journey to heaven. The Dome of the Rock is one of the oldest examples of Muslim architecture. After our time on the Temple Mount, we will visit the Western Wall where Jews still gather to pray. After lunch we will tour the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City. Return to your Jerusalem hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Begin the day with a visit the site of Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan where pilgrims wishing to do so can renew their own baptismal vows. Our group will travel to the ancient Jewish fortress of Masada, built by Herod the Great. After touring Masada, experience the ruins of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. End the day with a relaxing bob in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Begin the day atop the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem’s old city. We will walk down the Palm Sunday Road, pausing to reflect on important moments in Jesus’ ministry, concluding at the Garden of Gethsemane. We continue to remember the events of Holy Week as we walk the Via Dolorosa, updated with prayers from modern Palestinian Christians. The walk ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. In the late afternoon, we transfer to the city of Nazareth for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Enjoy and “off the beaten path” tour of the Arab-Israeli city of Nazareth and the Basilica of the Annunciation, commemorating the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. Visit the historic Synagogue Church and the White Mosque. In the afternoon, visit the Mar Elias Educational Institute in Ibillin, dedicated to educating Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Druze youth in the ways of peace. Meet with students who are eager to practice their English language skills. Return to Nazareth for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Today we explore Jesus’ adult ministry in Galilee led by a Palestinian Christian guide. Highlights include the Mount of Beatitudes, the churches at Tabgha, the ruins of Capernaum (home of Simon Peter), a lunch of “St. Peter’s Fish,” a museum with a 2,000 year-old boat, and a sunset boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Return to Nazareth for final celebratory group dinner and overnight accommodations.

Today your group will transfer from Nazareth to Tel Aviv by motorcoach for your return flight to Austin via Frankfurt. You will arrive in Austin at 3:40pm on Lufthansa 468.