Join us as we travel to the Holy Land
Come see the places of the Old and New Testaments and experience the land where the story of Scripture unfolded.
This 10-day journey will take us to key biblical sites across Israel, helping bring the pages of the Bible to life. We will stand in the Old City of Jerusalem, visit Magdala along the Sea of Galilee, and explore locations where Jesus taught, called His disciples, revealed who He is, died for our sins, and rose again in victory over death.
Those who have gone before often describe the experience as life-changing. Seeing the geography, walking the streets, and understanding the historical setting deepens faith and strengthens confidence in the reality of the biblical story.
We will stay in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee and either near or actually inside the Old City of Jerusalem, giving you the opportunity to experience these historic places in a meaningful and personal way.
Fees paid to New Life and the tour company include most trip expenses and a cash or check discount. Costs not included are souvenirs, lunches, baggage fees, and meals on the airplane. The total cost, all in, is typically around $5,000.
Brett Andrews and Pat Furgerson will lead the trip alongside our instructor, Dr. Mark Ziese. Together they will guide you through both the spiritual and historical significance of each site, engaging both heart and mind throughout the journey.
Space is limited, and we will only move forward if there is sufficient interest. Please check your calendar and let us know as soon as possible if you are interested. Once we receive and approve your pre-registration, we will send full registration details.
Whether you come on your own, with family, or invite a friend, this is an opportunity to deepen your faith in a powerful and unforgettable way.
I became a believer in high school, making disciples is not a new concept to me. I’ve led small groups for years and the Lord has walked with me through several trials and dark seasons. Going to Israel, the Lord adjusted my vision so to speak and gave me a much deeper understanding of His Word.
To SEE where stories happened, to STAND where history was made, to GRASP the meanings behind parables and stories brings a whole new dynamic to my Bible reading and ultimately my walk with the Lord.
More than once, when standing at a site, hearing His Word and reflecting on what was being said and taught I became overwhelmed as the Holy Spirit removed walls and barriers that I didn’t even know I had. I am able to love the Lord deeper and I have a stronger passion for His work and His children!
Since I’ve been back, each day at work I have felt a tug at my heart numerous times, as I realize I need to do things differently. I need to seek out the lost. I need to be more patient. I need to care more genuinely. Maybe most important, I need to love deeper. Hopefully, by tweaking my actions little by little to being more like Jesus-my actions will speak louder than my words as I GO! MAKE DISCIPLES!
-Bridget Wagner
Want another perspective?
Typical Itinerary
The itinerary below is "typical". Our actual itinerary is listed in the above brochure. Changes to the itinerary are inevitable but we will try to see all the places listed. It is not uncommon for us to walk 4-6 miles a day. The terrain is between easy and moderate with flights of stairs and a variety of hills. Anyone with knee issues or other concerns should contact us so we can help you make a wise decision. This trip is not recommended for anyone needing a cane or those that get winded easily. Anyone in generally good health should be just fine.
Day 1
Depart USA
Day 2
Travel day, no site stops.
Arrive in Tel Aviv. Estimated arrival, late afternoon/early evening. Transfer directly to a late dinner and overnight on the Mediterranean Sea, Netanya.
Day 3
Caesarea-by-the-Sea, Mt Carmel, Megiddo
Travel to Caesarea-by-the-Sea which was built as the imperial center for the Roman government. Its harbor, theater, and marbled streets signal the arrival of foreign occupation in the Heartland, and, not surprisingly, the beginning point for Christianity in the Gentile world. Visit Mt. Carmel (Muhraqa) where Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal. Travel to Megiddo and walk a site famous for its strategic position. Many battles were waged on and around this OT site. Transfer to Tiberias for dinner and overnight.
Day 4
Magdala, Capernaum, Nazareth, Mary's Well, Church of the Annunciation
Dawn comes early at Magdala, an industrial site on the edge of the Sea of Galilee. View impressive remains that illustrate the fishing industry from the time of Christ. From Magdala, travel to Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry. Visit the synagogue that stands on the site where Jesus taught. After lunch, travel to Nazareth. Visit Mary's Well and walk through the Church of the Annunciation, a structure built over the traditional home of Jesus. Overnight in Tiberias.
Day 5
Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Boat ride
Experience the beauty of the far north. Leave the Sea of Galilee behind and travel to the site of Tel Dan. Here an Israelite “high place,” gate complex, and fortification walls are visible. Continue to the birthplace of Jordan River at Panias, named after the goat-god, Pan. Nearby is the site of Caesarea Philippi where Peter declared Jesus to be “the Christ.” End the day (and the year of 2021!) by sailing on the Sea of Galilee. Overnight in Tiberias.
Day 6
Qasr Yahud (Jordan River), Tell es-Sultan, Talul Abu al-Aleeq, Qumran, Wilderness of Judea overlook, Mt Olives overlook.
Travel to the Jordan River and experience its water. Continue to Jericho for a visit to an Old Testament-era mound and some intertestamental-era palaces. At these places learn about the conquest of Canaan and the life and death one remembered as the "King of the Jews." Drive to Qumran, the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Climb through the Wilderness of Judea and if time permits, stop for a view. Conclude this day with an overlook to the city of Jerusalem from the top of the Mount of Olives. Arrive in your Jerusalem hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 7
Herodium, Shepherds Field, Church of the Nativity
Begin this day with a short drive to Bethlehem. Visit the Herodium, the man-made mountain castle of Herod the Great. Travel a short distance to the Shepherds’ Field where the Good News was first heard. Follow the tracks of the shepherds to Bethlehem to the place where the Christian story begins: the Church of the Nativity. Return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.
Day 8
Dominus Flevit, Garden of Gethsemane, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, tattoos
Start this day with a walk down the Mount of Olives. Visit Dominus Flevit and remember how Jesus wept over the city. Continue to the Garden of Gethsemane, the area where Jesus was arrested and the events of "the Passion" began. Enter the Old City of Jerusalem on foot via St. Stephen's Gate and experience the path of the Via Dolorosa. Along the way, visit the Pool of Bethesda and the Church of St Anne. Our walk this day will culminate at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus are celebrated. "Tattoo evening" at Razzouk’s. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 9
Tower of David, Cardo, Western Wall, Davidson Center, City of David Excavations, Pool of Siloam
Begin today at the Tower of David, a tower from King Herod’s first century palace. Visit Jerusalem’s Cardoand the Broad Wall on the way to the Western Wall. Contemplate how Jerusalem figures into the lives of contemporary Muslims and Jews. Walk Jerusalem’s streets to investigate excavations at the Davidson Center. Here, aspects of Temple architecture and activity from the NT period are visible. Step back still deeper in time while exploring the City of David Excavations. Go underground and witness Jerusalem’s earliest remains, including the possible site of David’s palace and a spectacular water system (conditions permitting) that terminates in the Pool of Siloam. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 10
Traditional "Mt Zion," Upper Room, Domition Abby, St Peter in Gallicantu, Free time.
Start this morning at the Zion Gate of Jerusalem's Old City. Continue to the traditional Mt Zion where several traditional sites are located. Visit the “Upper Room,” a possible location of a Byzantine church that marked the place where Jesus met with his disciples. Visit the Benedictine Church of the Dormition, and the area associated with Tomb of David. Continue south to another Jerusalem landmark, St Peter in Gallicantu, believed by some to be the location of the House of Caiaphas, the High Priest. In the afternoon enjoy some free time for shopping, coffee, and wandering in the Old City. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 11
Israel Museum, Shrine of the Book
Begin this final day of touring at the Israel Museum. Here, discover an enormous model of NT Jerusalem. Linger in the Shrine of the Book and witness some of the most important manuscripts of the Bible. After lunch, return to the hotel for rest, clean up, and final packing. After dinner, transfer to Tel-Aviv Airport and Depart for USA.
Day 12
Arrive in USA
FAQ's
Absolutely. Now that we've surprised you with that answer, in my research going to NYC for a week is MUCH more dangerous than spending a week in the Holy Land. As with all international travel there is some risk but it's in nobody's interest for tourists to be harmed in Israel or Palestine. If you follow the recommendations of our guide, you'll be just fine. I (Pat Furgerson) have been multiple times and have never felt unsafe.