Planning information
for The Holy Land
We are grieved over the ongoing war in Gaza and for our friends across the Holy Land who have lost so much, including the pilgrims and tourists who provide much of their livelihood. The Holy Land is a rich and exciting place to visit, and we hope to return there as soon as it seems safe and practical to visit with a group. For Christians, Muslims, and Jews the land is overflowing with religious significance. History lovers are immersed in over ten thousand years of civilization. Current affairs come to life in the diverse people and politics of this place. A Holy Land pilgrimage offers an opportunity to deepen your faith in the land where the Scriptures were born and then carry that faith back home with you.
When should we go to the Holy Land?
Be sure to consider dates for Jewish, Roman, and Orthodox religious holidays. Crowds and prices tend to be highest around these times. Sites may also have more limited opening hours. Unless your group specifically wants to experience a holiday in the Holy Land, we recommend avoiding these times.
- Except for Christmas season, November through February generally have fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather is cool, with high temperatures in the 50s. Likewise, July and August tend to be slower because the heat keeps many visitors away. If you’d like to experience Christmas in the Holy Land but don’t want to be away from home on December 25, you can visit the first week of January to take in the Orthodox Christmas celebration on January 7.
- March, May, June, and September represent “shoulder season,” with holiday times being the exception. The weather is very pleasant or warm in these months. Crowds are moderate but not overwhelming.
- April and October are the busiest and most expensive months, especially around religious holidays. The weather is pleasantly mild, but many sites can be crowded.
What should we do in the Holy Land?
When you travel to the Holy Land, there is always a delicate balance between trying to see everything and slowing down enough to savor the experience and connect with the people who live there. We recommend at least eleven days, including travel time. A longer trip allows you either to see more or move at a more relaxed pace.
If most of your group will be visiting the Holy Land for the first time, you should allow at least five days to see the “must-see” sites like the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock, Tomb of Jesus at the Holy Sepulchre, Gethsemane, Bethlehem, Jordan River, Sea of Galilee and surrounding towns.
There are ample opportunities to worship with local faith communities, visit local schools or non-profits who are doing the work of peacemaking, or engage in cultural activities like cooking with local women or participating in the arts. These are some of the most memorable experiences of most trips, but they also take the most time. Most of our 11-day trips include two or three of these kinds of experiences.
Some other important sites include the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum, Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, Nazareth, Masada, the Dead Sea, Hebron, Haifa, or Tel Aviv. We will help you choose these based on the interests of your group and the amount of time in your schedule.
How much does it cost to go to the Holy Land?
While budget and luxury accommodations are available, most of our groups choose to stay in mid-range hotels or retreat centers. Our pricing is based accordingly. For a group of 12-19, you can expect a land cost of $350 per person per day, so an eleven-day trip would cost about $3850, plus airfare. For a group of 20-29, land costs go down to about $325 per person per day, or $3575 for an 11-day trip. These are averages, of course. The final price is determined by the activities on your itinerary. Our prices are always transparent and inclusive of meals and gratuities. There will be no hidden costs for your travelers.
It is difficult to estimate airfare since it can vary so widely depending on your airport and departure date. In general, group airfare rates are not lower than what is available to individual travelers; however, group airfare allows a much higher level of flexibility. We can help you estimate your airfare during the planning process. Actual airfare prices cannot be quoted more than 11 months before your departure date.