Sample 14 Day Itinerary for Pilgrim Travellers
Day 1 - Tuesday: Enter the Land, Arrival Ben Gurion Airport
Upon your arrival in Israel, a representative of Heartland Tours will meet and assist with your arrival. Transfer to your hotel near the Mediterranean Sea in Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv was established on sand dunes in 1909 as the first all -Jewish City in modern times. You can spend the day relaxing after a very long flight or enjoy the city's beachfront Promenade or nearby Dizengoff Street with its artistically acclaimed Agam fountain. After dinner there will be an orientation with the staff of Heartland Tours. Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight in Tel Aviv
Day 2 – Wednesday: Tel Aviv
After a late breakfast we drive through the metropolis of Tel Aviv to the Independence Museum where David Ben Gurion dramatically declared the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. We’ll stop at one of the tallest buildings in the Middle East and take an elevator to the observation tower to see a beautiful panoramic view of Tel Aviv and the surrounding area. We continue to Jaffa where we’ll explore the alleys and byways of this ancient port city where the prophet Jonah set sail. We will visit St. Peter’s Church where Peter saw a vision and the house of Simon the Tanner. Experience the charm of the artists’ area, the port with its fishing boats and the flea market. Then for a special treat we proceed to a shofar company, which has been a world-leading manufacturer of shofars (rams' horns) for decades. We will have the opportunity to purchase shofars and see how they are processed and polished. Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight in Tel Aviv
Day 3 - Thursday: Along the Mediterranean
We drive north along the sea coast, our destination: the restored city of Caesarea, built by King Herod and site of the prison that held the apostle, Paul. Here Pontius Pilot ruled. We will sit in the arena and walk the floor of the great Hippodrome where chariot races were held and get our feet wet in the Mediterranean Sea at the Roman aqueducts. Then we travel the ancient caravan route to the well-preserved archaeological site of Megiddo, Solomon's chariot city. From Megiddo, the biblical Armageddon, where according to tradition the final battle will take place, we can see a beautiful panorama of the scenic Jezreel Valley and the Galilee are spread before us. Our next stop is a Druse village where there will be an opportunity for shopping. We will drive through Haifa the beautiful city on the bay where we will stop at the magnificent Ba’ahi Gardens. We proceed to Acre (Akko) ), the ancient port immortalized by the Crusaders, the Turks and the British. We will see the underground Crusader City and the prison where Jews were hung during the time of the British Mandate. Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight near Akko
Day 4 - Friday: The Border
After breakfast and check out we’ll drive border to the extreme northwestern border area of Rosh Hanikra on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. We continue east to Gideon's spring at Ein Harod, where Gideon the Judge chose 300 devout men for his night battle against the Midianites. It is possible today to climb Mount Tabor for a special visit to the Church of Transfiguration and a panoramic view of the Jezreel Valley. We drive to the Nazareth Village, which brings to life what a small Galilean village was like. It will be easy to imagine life when Jesus lived here in Nazareth. In the thriving town of Nazareth we will visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, the central grotto is believed to have been the home of Mary and remains of the first century village can be seen. We will end our day at Yardanit, where the Jordan River flows from the southern end of the Sea of Galilee and which is a possible site of Jesus' baptism. You will have the opportunity to be baptized in the River and may also take some Jordan River water home with you if you wish. As sunset ushers in the Sabbath for Jews the world over. It will be our special treat to experience a traditional Sabbath dinner in a religious kibbutz. Traditional Shabbat dinner and overnight on a religious Kibbutz near the Sea of Galilee
Day 5 - Saturday: Jesus' Ministry
After breakfast we’ll have a tour of the kibbutz and have an understanding of kibbutz life. This is our day to encircle the Sea of Galilee and become intimately acquainted with the towns and areas of Jesus' ministry as written in the Gospels. You will never read your New Testament the same after today! We will visit Capernaum, a main center for Jesus' teachings where Peter's house has been discovered along with the synagogue where Jesus taught; Bethsaida; Korazim where you may sit in the "Seat of Moses", a stone chair possibly used by Jesus, Himself; Tabgha, the traditional site of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes and the Mount of Beatitudes, where we can stand at the site of the Sermon on the Mount. We travel to Kibbutz Ginnosar where we will visit the Yigal Alon Museum, which houses the 2,000-year-old boat, which was discovered near the kibbutz. We will watch the sun set over the Sea of Galilee as we sail on a replica of a boat from the time of Jesus At Kibbutz Ein Gev we’ll stop for dinner of St. Peter's fish and then we will be able stroll on the Tiberias promenade and view the sound and light show at Galilee Experience in Tiberias depicting 4,000 years of history. Overnight on the Sea of Galilee
Day 6 - Sunday: Golan
We start our day by climbing to the Golan Heights. Our first stop is Mount Bental a former Syrian Bunker, we will have the opportunity to learn about Israel’s wars with Syria including the famous battle in the “Valley of Tears”. Security permitting we’ll visit an army base where we can give support to the young men and women defending Israel’s borders. Our next stop is Tel Dan one of the sources of the Jordan River. We'll hike through the park see foliage, rushing water and the remains of an ancient altar from the tribe of Dan. On to Caesar Philippi (Banias), where we will learn what Jesus meant when He spoke of "the gates of hell." Be sure to bring your waterproof camera because we are now going to raft down the Jordan River! In the early evening we will watch the sun set over the Sea of Galilee for the last time as we Bar B Que outside our rooms and say our goodbyes to New Testament history. Overnight on the Sea of Galilee
Day 7 - Monday:Jordan Valley, Dead Sea
After breakfast and check out we head south through the Jordan Valley to the excavated city of Beit Shean, where the Philistines hung King Saul’s body and one of the earliest and most important cities in Israel from the time of the Canaanites. On the way south we will discuss many of the people of the Bible: David's flight from his son, Absolom; Jacob wrestling with an angel; the hometown areas of Elijah and Elisha; Mt. Gilboa, and many more. We will stop in Jericho and view the Tel holding the ruins of the oldest city on earth. In Jericho we will visit Zacchaeus' tree, Elisha's spring, and take the new cable car to the Mount of Temptation. We pass biblical Gilgal the location where Joshua entered the Land after 40 years in the wilderness we are now at the lowest point on the face of the earth, the Dead Sea. Our next stop is Qumran were in 1949 the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This was home of the Essenes that housed up to 200 men living out the Jewish cycle of prayer in privacy, celibacy in direct opposition to the Temple priests in Jerusalem. Some believe that John the Baptist was a member of this sect. In the evening we hope to hike in the caves at Mount Sdom near the site of Sodom and Gomorrah. There will be time to relax at the Dead Sea or the spa in the hotel. Dinner and overnight on the Dead Sea
Day 8 - Tuesday: Into the Desert
After breakfast we travel to Tel Arad, one of the richest archaeological sites in southern Israel. Here Moses' spies began to encounter walled cities and returned to camp with a bad report. We travel through the Negev Desert to the Zin River, which the Children of Israel walked through here we can hike and see a bubbling brook, a waterfall, and many animals. Our next stop in the desert is the Ramon crater one of the most unique geological formations in the world. We proceed to our camp area for a camel ride in the desert and dinner in a Bedouin Tent. After dinner we will experience the Masada "sound and light show". Dinner and sleeping in Bedouin Tents in the Negev desert
Day 9 - Wednesday: Dead Sea
We arise early and climb up to Masada via the snake path in time to watch the sun rise over the Mountains of Moab. We will attempt to understand why King Herod would build such a fortress and discover how the Romans finally captured it after two years, only to find a great surprise awaiting them. Back to the hotel for a late breakfast after breakfast we can relax and enjoy one of the famous spas at the Dead Sea. In the afternoon we travel west, through the desert to the ancient village of Beersheva. Abraham settled here and dug his well (which exists today). Here he made a covenant with the Philistine king (a covenant which would have disastrous repercussions for future generations); here Isaac and Jacob grew up. There will be time to relax at the Dead Sea or the spa in the hotel. Dinner and overnight on the Dead Sea
Day 10 - Thursday: Dead Sea, Jerusalem
We start our day with a little hike in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve where David hid from King Saul here we will see the unique flora and fauna of the area. Our next stop is Genesis Land we will be greeted by Eliezer, Abraham’s servant. For the brave at heart we can ride on camel back to Abraham’s tent to enjoy his hospitality on the edge of the Judean desert. Our next destination, Jerusalem, the Golden City, that is like no other city on earth. Sacred to the world's three major monotheistic religions, it was fought over for three millennia by a variety of peoples and nations. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and some may say the center of the world. Our first stop is the Mount of Olives for an awe inspiring panoramic view of Jerusalem. On the Mount of Olives we will visit the Garden of Gethsemane; we cross the Kidron Valley, seeing the tombs of Absalom, Zecharia and St. James, to Mount Zion to stand by the traditional Tomb of King David and climb to the Upper Room, the traditional site of the Room of the Last Supper. We continue to the Garden Tomb, a rock-hewn tomb believed to be the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection (Golgatha). In the early evening we will stroll through Machaneh Yehudah, the wonderful outdoor market where native Jerusalemites buy their food. The sights and smells of everything from fish to fresh-baked bread will stir your appetite. Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight in Jerusalem
Day 11 – Friday: Jerusalem
Today we will learn the difference between the names Jerusalem, City of David, Mt. Zion and the Temple Mount. After another great breakfast, we explore the City of David, the original site of Jerusalem where most of the Old Testament was written. We will walk over the area of King David's palace and then take out our flashlights for a walk through one of the marvels of King Hezikiah's reign: the Water Tunnel. Leaving the Tunnel, we will dip our feet in the Pool of Siloam. Then we will have the unique privilege of working alongside archaeologists as we sift through soil from beneath the Temple Mount looking for ancient Temple-era artifacts. Back to the hotel for a little rest and relaxation. As the Jewish Sabbath beckons we enter the Old City of Jerusalem, where everyday life and customs within narrow, crooked streets have remained much the same over the centuries, we’ll see the Western Wall plaza to pray with the Jewish people, put our written prayer requests between the ancient stones and experience the welcoming of the Jewish Sabbath. Traditional Sabbath dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 12 - Saturday: Jerusalem
Our first stop of the day is the Israel Museum, one of the foremost museums in the world. The Israel Museum is home to the Shrine of the Book where the world-famous Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and exhibited. We will learn about the archeologically and customs of the Jewish people both ancient and modern. Then we travel to the area of Judea to Bethlehem where David and Jesus was born here we can explore the Church of the Nativity, the Manger, and the Grotto of St. Jerome. We will see Jerusalem as Abraham first saw it when he arrived from Beersheva to sacrifice Isaac at Mount Moriah. As the Sabbath winds down and the streets become alive again we’ll walk on Ben Yehudah Street the wonderful pedestrian mall for time for shopping. Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight in Jerusalem
Day 13 – Sunday: Jerusalem
After an early breakfast we go up to the Temple Mount and see the place Abraham would have sacrificed Isaac, where Jesus ministered, and where the ancient Jewish temples stood. At the Western Wall Plaza we will see one of the most amazing archaeological sites in all of Israel: we venture deep beneath the Temple walls where the original underground vaults and arches built by kings Solomon and Herod have been discovered. We exit on the Via Delorosa, where we can visit the site of Herod's Antonio Fortress, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Pool of Bethesda. We'll also have time to stroll through the markets including the famous Old City market, where religious items from the three major monotheistic faiths are displayed side-by-side with heaping mounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, colorful clothing, spices, olive wood carvings and pottery. We walk through the reconstructed Jewish Quarter we can see the Ancient Cardo and Hezikiah's broad wall confirmation of historic sites of yesteryear. Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight in Jerusalem
Day 14 – Monday: Jaffa, Airport
After check out we will visit Yad Vashem, the memorial to the 6 million Jews killed during the Holocaust. Our tour will take us to the village of Ein Kerem, birthplace of John the Baptist and where we will be able to touch replicas of objects from the time of Jesus. In the Jerusalem Forest we can plant a tree, which is a symbol of life and regeneration, with our own hands. We say our goodbyes to Jerusalem as we head west stopping at the valley of Haelah, we will each choose 5 smooth stones from the battleground of David and Goliath. We say our final "farewells" with a dinner in Jaffa before we depart for the airport and our flight home. Goodbye, Israel, until we return again.
CONSIDER THESE FANTASTIC OPTIONS IN ISRAEL
Bar–B-Que - in the desert
Crawl - in caves, search for pottery and unearth fascinating facts about life in ancient times
Fly - in a small plane over Israel for a heavenly bird’s eye view of the Holy Land
Hospitality - in Abraham's tent on the edge of the desert
Join - an archaeological dig
Meet - with residents of Israel
Participate - in marches, races, concerts, festivals and religious events
Pick - fruit from the Holy Land
Reenact -an ancient ceremony by climbing the Sartaba Mountain to light signal a fire
Reforest - the Hills of Israel by planting olive trees on her barren hills
Ride - on the back of a camel or donkey
Savor - the bouquet of wine made from the famous grapes of the Holy Land
Seminars or Lectures - on timely Biblical, archaeological and current events
Sleep - in a Bedouin Tent
Spa Treatments – at the Dead Sea
Spend - a night cooking over an open fire and sleeping under the stars
Travel - by jeep to places that most tourists can't go
Touch - replicas of objects from daily life in the time of Jesus
Visit - a kibbutz, a pioneering hilltop settlement
AND MUCH MUCN MORE.....
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL:
Extend your adventure with an option to experience Judea and Samaria the Heart of the Bible with site such as:
Ai - where Joshua fought his first losing battle
Bethel - where Isaac dreamed of a ladder and angels
Elon Moreh – where Abraham first entered the land
Hebron - home of the biblical giants; the place where Abraham purchased a cave to bury his family
Herodian - site of King Herod's grave
Mount Gerizim – the mountain of blessings, home to the remnants of the Samaritan people
Shechem - where God first appearance to Abraham in the Promised Land
Shiloh - where Joshua placed Moses' Wilderness Tabernacle during the time of Eli the high priest and Samuel the prophet
AND MUCH MUCN MORE.....
AND THERE'S MORE:
You can also choose an extension to the beautiful Negev Desert and the Red Sea resort of Eilat the ultimate tourist destination
Israel's Airforce Museum - view planes from Israel’s wars
Jo Alon Museum - Bedouin Culture
S’de Boker - desert kibbutz where David Ben Gurion settled after his term as Prime Minister
Timna - Solomon's pillars and the ancient copper mines
Camel Safari - at dusk into the desert
Dolphin Reef - swim with dolphins
Scuba Dive - under the Red Sea to see one of the world's best coral reefs
Underwater Observatory - see the extensive and magnificent corals and sea life of the Red Sea
AND MUCH MUCN MORE.....
AND STILL THERE'S MORE:
Travel to Egypt to see Mount Sinai, the Pyramids, the Nile and Cairo and stop in Jordan to tour the fascinating lost city of Petra
Cairo - where east and west come together; Christian and Jewish quarters
Cairo Museum - that houses Tutankhamen’s Treasures and the mummy of Rameses II
Coptic Cairo - Hanging Church and Cave Church
Giza - Great Pyramid and the Sphinx
Nile River - dinner cruise
Maskhuta - Biblical Pithom
Moallaka Church - where the Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus took refuge
Mount Sinai – Moses viewed the burning bush and received the ten commandments
Nuweiba – tranquil seaside resort
Saqqara - Step Pyramid of King Zoser
Amman - the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan since 1950
Aqaba - the king's highway meets the Red Sea at the port-resort of Aqaba
Bethany - the site of Elijah’s ascent and the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist
Jerash - the best-preserved and most complete provincial Roman city
Madaba – see the oldest know map of the Holy Land
Mount Nebo - from where Moses viewed the Promised Land
Petra - the jewel of south Jordan is Petra, the unique, 2,000-year-old rock-carved city, the pink and salmon colored capital of the Nabataeans
Wadi Ram - a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and pastel-colored sandy desert
AND MUCH MUCN MORE.....
Accolades
Each statement that follows is the heart-felt expression of a tourist from one of our previous tours:
"I cannot describe the impact the entire experience had on me personally"
"Thank you, thank you, for making my dream of a family trip to Israel a reality!"
"I would most heartily recommend this tour to anyone. Not just tourist traps and time-worn sites, but a living history that comes to life right from the pages of the Holy Scriptures."
"I have talked to other Christians who have toured Israel, and none of them got to know Jewish families, participated in Shabbat, or were invited to a synagogue. None of them heard the history of the Jewish people, or went to communities and actually dwelt in the midst of the people."
"...an experience I will cherish the rest of my life."
"The trip was great, and never for one moment did I feel that I was in danger. The security provided us was superb."
"My expectations were so high I honestly expected to be disappointed; however, this trip was much more than I had ever thought it could be."
"We have been back nearly four weeks and we simply cannot seem to get back to the routine of life. We truly were so amazingly and profoundly changed by the trip! We have spent the better part of four weeks talking about the Land, the people, and the impact made on our understanding of the Bible."
"Our children discovered a world they had only read about and dreamed of; as parents, we knew their understanding of that world grew immeasurably."
"Having a guide who was clearly devoted to God's word was central to this experience."
"Having the opportunities to meet, spend time with, and talk to Israeli citizens, especially Orthodox Jews, was a true highlight. The Shabbat experience at Ma'ale Levona was one of the best features of the trip."
"It was wonderful to not only walk the land and talk to the people, but to watch us become a 'family'."
"It was incredible to see the sites, smell the smells, hear the Word of God and interact with the people."
"You may be uncomfortable at times-thirsty, hot and dirty-but you come home with such memories that all those things seem insignificant."
"You did a fantastic job, and the experience was over and above all that we could have hoped for or imagined. Thank you again for all your work and vision for this pilgrimage. It has forever changed our lives!"
"[This Experience] changed my life and that of my children forever. This is an educational and spiritual opportunity I will be eternally grateful for."
"The beauty and history of the Land is surpassed only by the depth and passion of the people. As visitors to Israel there is joy in both praying at the Wall and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. There is excitement in making your way through Hezikiah's ancient tunnel and walking through one of Jerusalem's gates for the first time. The smells, flavors and colors of the markets and shops are intoxicating. We enjoyed every minute!"
Is Israel Safe?
We have never taken a group to Israel where anyone felt the first sense of concern while in the Land. When asked how secure our people felt in Israel, the unanimous response has been as follows (and this is a direct quote from one of our group)...
"The trip was great, and never for one moment did I feel that I was in danger. The security provided us was superb."
Tourism is Israel's second most important industry (next to diamonds), and the State of Israel goes to great lengths to safeguard every Pilgrim. Today many people fear to leave their homes to go anywhere, even in the U.S. We believe the safest place one can be at any time is wherever God wants him to be. So, the real question is, "Does the Lord want you to go to Israel?" If so, you are safer in Israel than anywhere in the world!
Benefits of a Tour to the Holy Land
Imagine visiting the sites mentioned in the Bible and walking where Jesus walked with your congregation! Imagine your group reading from the Bible of how Jesus calmed the storm, while your group is sailing across the choppy Sea of Galilee. Or reading the Sermon on the Mount together on the slopes of the Mount of Beatitudes, or praying together, where Jesus knelt, in Jerusalem's Garden of Gethsemane.
You can achieve all of these benefits and more by leading a pilgrimage for the members of your church or ministry.
This Sounds Like Hard Work, Is It?
We understand that with your demands within your congregation you may feel that you simply do not have time to arrange such a trip. However, at Heartland Tours we take great pleasure in taking all the hard work away from you. All that you have to do is simply announce the trip, provide us with the names and addresses of those people within your congregation that have expressed an interest and we will take care of the rest leaving you to look forward to the very pleasant task of leading the group when you safely reach your destination.
How Do I Begin to Plan My Tour
The most important factor in the success of your tour is your own firm decision that you are going to Israel, and that you are going to take a group of your parishioners, ministry supporters, and other friends with you. Set your trip date immediately. Once you have taken this step of faith yourself, the rest is easy. Contact Heartland Tours to begin planning your tour.
How far in advance should I plan my trip?
We suggest that you plan to allow yourself at least six to nine months before departure. A longer period is even better, since time is nedded to promote your tour and solicit participants.
Who will meet my tour group once we arrive in Israel?
Heartland Tours will meet your group upon arrival and handle all the arrangements in the country. In addition, an English-speaking, government-licensed guide will accompany your group throughout its stay in Israel. Your guide will not only lead your tour of historic sites, but will also help with all arrangements and with any problem that may arise. You are free to relax and enjoy leading the spiritual aspects of your tour— teaching from the Bible, conducting worship services, and any other ministry events you may desire!
How long should my tour stay in Israel?
Many options are available to you, beginning with a one-week stay. For example, an 11-day trip would give you 9 full days to tour Israel, and you would miss only one Sunday at your church. Remember that once you have paid the airfare, an extra week costs very little.
Promotional Materials
If you feel that promotional material will be of use do not hesitate to contact Heartland Tours, we can put you in touch with a representative of the Israel Government Tourist Office in your area. They can help you with promotional materials, special arrangements for your group and more.
How Can I Promote My Tour Successfully?
1. Identify the key benefits of travel to Israel
2. Make announcements
3. Invite everyone to go
4. Distribute brochures
5. Seek local media coverage
6. Don't forget the individual approach
7. Ask for a commitment to go
8. Hold Israel orientation meetings
9. Make small group presentations
10. Announce everyone who joins
11. Contact a wider circle of prospects
12. Write letters to tour group members and prospects
A tour of Israel is the trip of a lifetime and an unforgettable time of spiritual renewal. After you have hosted your first tour, you will discover that more people want to go. Your tour may even become an annual tradition in your ministry.
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