Footsteps of Jesus Israel Tour

*Subject to change based on agency bookings and opportunistic tour guide adjustments to maximize your tour experience.

Day 1— Tuesday 6 October

Depart USA Flight not included

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Day 2 — Wednesday 7 October 2026

Travelers arrive independently at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Gather your luggage and go through customs. Refer to the transportation options section for directions to the hotel. The welcome table in the lobby (the reception will post the printed schedule).

Dinner is on your own, either at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.

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Day 3 — Thursday 8 October 2026 — Check out; Northward to Caesarea → Megiddo → Mount Carmel (Stella Maris) → Druze lunch → Tiberias

We begin by traveling to Caesarea Maritima (Acts 10), then proceed to Megiddo and Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18). If time permits, we’ll visit a Druze village for lunch (not included). Afterwards, we head to Nazareth (Jesus’ childhood home), then to Cana (Jesus’ first miracle – John 2), ending our day at Mt. Precipice.

Dinner and overnight in Tiberias near the Sea of Galilee.

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Day 4 — Friday 9 October 2026 — Korazim → Banias (Caesarea Philippi) → Golan Heights lunch → Birkat Ram & Druze vegetable market → Bintal viewpoint → return to Tiberias

After breakfast, we head north through the Hula Valley, stopping first at Tel Dan, where we will tour extensively and visit the Canaanite, Bronze-era mud brick gate known as the “Gate of Abraham.” At the base of Mt. Hermon, we will see the springs of Banias and the site of Caesarea Philippi, where Peter made his declaration about Jesus (Matt. 16). Next, we will visit a Druze village on the Golan Heights, stopping for a meal (not included). After enjoying the flavors and spices of this Syrian-Lebanese cuisine, we will continue into the Golan Heights and visit some lookout points along the Damascus Road to learn about the region’s modern military history.

Dinner and overnight are at our hotel near the Sea of Galilee.

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Day 5 — Saturday 10 October 2026 — Full Sea of Galilee circuit

We start our day with an opportunity to experience a baptism or renewal in the waters of the Jordan! We make our way to the Mount of Beatitudes and read from Matthew 5, the Sermon on the Mount. Then, we head to Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. Next, we visit Tabgha, where we reflect on the story of the feeding of the 5,000 and John 21, with Jesus calling out to Peter to cast the fishing net on the right side. A recently excavated highlight in Galilee is the 1st-century remains of Magdala, including the most important relic: a 2,000-year-old synagogue. After a stop for an optional lunch of St. Peter’s Fish (not included), we will conclude our tour around the Sea of Galilee with a spectacular boat ride and a visit to Kibbutz Ginnosar (Gennesaret), where we will see the remains of a fisherman’s vessel discovered on the shores of the Sea of Galilee from the time of Jesus.

Evening — return to hotel in Tiberias, dinner and rest.

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Day 6 — Sunday 11 October 2026 — Check out Tiberias → Beit She’an → Samaria/Jericho (depending on security) → Jerusalem

Leaving the Sea of Galilee behind, we drive through the Jordan River Valley to Beit Shean, a city built where the Jezreel Valley meets the Jordan Valley. We tour the extensive Roman-Byzantine remains of the city, which was once part of the Decapolis, and where the bodies of King Saul and his sons were displayed after battling the Philistines (1st Samuel 31). Continuing through the valley, we enter the Judean Desert, where we visit Jericho, one of the world’s oldest cities. Our journey from Jericho, the lowest city in the world, to Jerusalem, the highest city in the world (spiritually speaking), concludes our day and begins the next chapter of our pilgrimage.

Dinner and overnight are at our hotel in Jerusalem.

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Day 7 — Monday 12 October 2026 — Mount of Olives → Dominus Flevit → Private Garden of Gethsemane → Bethlehem (Nativity Church & Shepherd’s Fields)

We start the morning on top of the Mount of Olives, following the Palm Sunday route down the mountain in the footsteps of Jesus and Holy Week. When we arrive at the Garden of Gethsemane, we will have some private time for prayer and devotion in the garden. Continuing along the path of Jesus and the betrayal, we reach the site commemorating Jesus’ trials before the Sanhedrin and Peter’s denial in Caiaphas’s courtyard. We will then drive to the city of Bethlehem, where we will walk through Manger Square to visit the Church of the Nativity, the oldest church in the Holy Land. Next, we will visit Shepherds’ Field and hear the story of Bethlehem from the local Christian Palestinian community, learning about both its history and daily life today, as well as the traditional artwork of olive wood carvings made by local Christian artisans of Bethlehem.

Dinner and overnight are at our hotel in Jerusalem.

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Day 8 — Tuesday 13 October 2026 Garden Tomb → Western wall → Old City: → Via Dolorosa → Church of the Holy Sepulchre → (if time)

Today, we reach the peak of our pilgrimage as we arrive at the Garden Tomb, also known as Gordon’s Calvary, a traditional site for the Crucifixion, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus. Here, we will worship with devotion and have a private prayer area for our group after touring the garden. Next, we visit the Southern Steps—the original stairs leading up to the Temple. We have the chance to pray alongside the Jewish faithful at the Western Wall. We then head to St. Stephen’s Gate to walk the Via Dolorosa—including the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Pools of Bethesda, the Pavement where Jesus was tried by Pilate, Ecce Homo Arch, and the ancient Cardo. Our next stop is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where we explore the complex with its chapels, the Edicule, and the traditional sites of the crucifixion and resurrection.

We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

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Day 9 — Wednesday 14 October 2026 —— Temple Mount / Mount Moriah,  Mount Zion, City of David, Israel Museum

We begin our day at the Temple Mount (conditions permitting) and the Western (Wailing) Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. Beyond the wall lies the 35-acre temple area purchased by King David (2 Samuel 24:18-25), called the Temple Mount, which houses both the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the magnificent Dome of the Rock. Next, we head to the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath. We then go to Mount Zion to visit sites traditionally associated with the Upper Room (Last Supper) and Dormition Abbey. After lunch, we explore the City of David, a core archaeological site that brings Jerusalem’s earliest history to life, followed by a short walk to Hezekiah’s Tunnel. Be sure to bring a flashlight and water shoes for walking through the tunnel. Anyone wanting to stay dry can walk through Hezekiah’s shaft. We will also visit the newly excavated Pool of Siloam. If time permits, we’ll visit the Israel Museum to see the remarkable 1:50 scale model of 1st-century Jerusalem, as well as the Shrine of the Book exhibit featuring the Dead Sea Scrolls.

We relax with dinner and stay overnight in Jerusalem.

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Day 10 –  Thursday 15 October 2026 Qumran, Ein Gedi, Masada, Dead Sea Swim/Float

After breakfast, we drive to Qumran, the settlement of the Essenes. They were the first-century sect that authored the Dead Sea Scrolls. From there, we head to Ein Gedi to hike the trails where David hid from King Saul. Then, we drive south along the western shore of the Dead Sea toward Masada, where we hike over a mile and ascend 1,000 feet via the Snake Path to King Herod’s impressive fortress (an option to take the cable car up and down, included). Afterwards, we make a special stop at the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on earth) for a refreshing swim or float. If time and conditions allow, we’ll include a visit to Qasr el-Yahud, the newly excavated site where tradition says Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.

Dinner and overnight are again in Jerusalem.

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Day 11 — Friday 16 October 2026 — Shephelah (Valley of Elah & Tel Gezer) — transfer to airport

After breakfast, we head to Beit Shemesh, a strategically located city assigned to the Levites. Next, we visit Khirbeit Qeiyafa, a fortress city overlooking the Valley of Elah, where David defeated Goliath. We also see Tel Gezer, associated with Joshua and Solomon. Afterward, we travel to the Mediterranean coast and then transfer to Ben-Gurion Airport for departure.  Be sure to book your flight for mid-afternoon.  See below Air Travel recommendations!

TRIP COST:

• The total package price for this trip is $4,290 per person, double occupancy, LAND ONLY.
• Supplement for a single room – $1,590 (limited to 4 total).

Rates include:

• 9 overnight accommodations in first-class four/ five-star hotels based on double/twin occupancy.
• 9 continental buffet breakfasts at hotel
• 8 Dinners (Dinner first night in Tel Aviv on own)
• All entry fees detailed in the tour agenda
• Gratuities to guide, driver, restaurant staff, porters, etc.
• Porterage in/out service at all hotels
• Transfers and tour with private air-conditioned coach
• Local professional tour escort for 9 days
• One group motor coach drop off Tel Aviv (Ben Gurion Airport) on last day

PLEASE NOTE:

• Package price does NOT include International Airfare arrival to or departure out of Tel Aviv, Israel.
• ALL travelers are responsible for getting in sync with the group in Tel Aviv, Israel, at the Royal Beach Hotel by Tuesday, October 7, 2026.
• Package price does NOT include dinner the first night in Tel Aviv, lunches, special drinks at meals, hotel extras, extra baggage fees, or any expenses of a personal nature.
• Electronic Travel Authorization – Israel (ETA-IL) must be filled out and paid for individually before departure. https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/
• Roommates: We have very limited space and only four single-supplement rooms available. Single travelers are encouraged to sign up with a designated travel partner to secure a spot on this tour.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

• ·      An initial trip deposit of $1000 per person is due upon registration.

  ·      A second deposit of $1,000 per person is due by Mar 1, 2026

  ·      A third deposit of $1,000 per person is due by Apr 15, 2026

  ·      A fourth and final payment of $1,290 per person is due by June 1, 2026. If traveling as a single supplement, an additional payment of $1,590 is due.

Cancellations (Refunds & Penalties):

All cancellations must be in writing to Abby Wallace at NCCC.  The following cancellation fees apply regardless of reason, including medical and family matters:

Before May 31, 2026             $750 Administrative Fee

Jun 1 – Jun 30, 2026             25% Fee of the total package

Jul 1 – Aug 19, 2026              50% Fee of the total package

On or after Aug 20, 2026      No Refunds

Flight Info & Airport Transfers:

This trip package DOES NOT INCLUDE FLIGHTS OR AIRPORT TRANSFERS. You are responsible to book your own flights and transportation to/from airports to meet up with the group.

Departing Flights to Tel Aviv, Israel. 

• Book flights leaving on Tuesday, October 6^th to arrive Ben Gurion Aiport, Tel Aviv on Wednesday, October 7^th, 2026

Return Flights from Israel on Friday, October 16^th, 2026:

• IMPORTANT!!! Please plan to depart on your flights around midday on the 16th. Many flights leave shortly after midnight, and it isn’t feasible for the motor coach to take you to the airport at that time. Our tour bus departs leisurely after breakfast on the 16th. If the midnight flight is the best option for you, please book it for Saturday, October 17th, and plan to spend the afternoon and evening in Tel Aviv before your flight.

For a trip from San Diego (SAN) to Tel Aviv (TLV) in October 2026, the optimal booking strategy and route choice are influenced by both seasonal demand and the specific layout of international connections from the West Coast.

1. Optimal Booking Timeframe

• The “Sweet Spot”: For travel in October (which is a shoulder season in Israel but can overlap with Jewish holidays like Sukkot), the best time to book is typically 4 to 7 months in advance. This means you should aim to book between March and June 2026.
• Holiday Warning: In 2026, Sukkot begins in early October. If your travel dates fall during this period, demand will be higher and prices will rise earlier. For holiday travel, booking closer to the 7-month mark (March 2026) is recommended.

2. Best Connecting Cities (Cost vs. Convenience)

Since there are no direct flights from San Diego to Tel Aviv, your choice of connection will determine both the cost and the total travel time.

Category A: The “One-Stop” Hubs (Best for Convenience)

These cities offer the fastest total travel time (usually 17–20 hours) but often come at a premium price ($1,300+).

• • New York (JFK/EWR): Connecting via Delta or United. This is the most popular route, allowing for a trans-continental domestic flight followed by a ~10-hour flight to Israel.
  • London (LHR): British Airways operates a direct flight from San Diego to London, where you can then catch a 5-hour flight to Tel Aviv. This is one of the smoothest one-stop transitions from SAN.
  • Chicago (ORD) or San Francisco (SFO): United hubs that offer direct service to TLV.

Category B: European Hubs (Best for Cost)

If you are willing to make two stops or a slightly longer layover, you can often find fares significantly lower (sometimes $800–$1,000).

• • Copenhagen (CPH) or Stockholm (ARN): Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) frequently offers some of the most competitive “budget-friendly” long-haul fares from the U.S. West Coast to Israel, often involving a connection in a major U.S. hub (like ATL or EWR) and then through Scandinavia.
  • Madrid (MAD): Iberia often has competitive pricing for West Coast travelers, typically connecting through a hub like Dallas (DFW) or Chicago (ORD).
  • Munich (MUC) or Frankfurt (FRA): Lufthansa remains a reliable option with high frequency, though pricing is middle-of-the-road.

Price Comparison Examples

• • Budget Option: Routes through Copenhagen or Madrid can drop as low as $775 – $865 if booked early.
  • Mid-Range Option: London (LHR) via British Airways typically settles around $950 – $1,100.
  • Premium Convenience: New York (JFK) or Chicago (ORD) routes generally range from $1,350 – $1,500.

Pro-Tips for San Diego Travelers

1. 1. Check LAX: If prices from SAN are too high, check flights out of Los Angeles (LAX). EL AL, United, and Delta fly direct from LAX to TLV. Even with the drive or a short hopper flight, you might save $300–$500 per person.
   2. Tuesday/Wednesday Travel: Flights departing on these midweek days are consistently $100–$200 cheaper than weekend departures.
   3. Use Google Flights Alerts: Set a price tracker for SAN to TLV for your specific October dates in early 2026 to catch “mistake fares” or seasonal sales.

Airport Transfers:

There are several transportation options available from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to the Royal Beach Hotel in Tel Aviv, which is located in the city center near the Mediterranean coast.

1. Taxi:

• Duration: Approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Cost: Approximately 150-200 NIS (around $40-55 USD), although prices may vary depending on the time of day, traffic, and any additional fees (e.g., for luggage).
• How: Taxis are available outside the airport terminals. You can either go to the designated taxi stand or order one via the airport’s official taxi service. The fare is a fixed price from the airport to Tel Aviv.

2. Private Shuttle:

• Duration: 25-30 minutes.
• Cost: Similar to a taxi, or more expensive depending on the service you choose. Pre-booking might cost around 150-250 NIS ($40-70 USD) or more.
• How: You can pre-book a private shuttle service online in advance or book one at the airport. It’s a more comfortable and personalized option compared to a regular taxi.

3. Sherut (Shared Taxi):

• Duration: 30-40 minutes, depending on the number of stops.
• Cost: Around 65-80 NIS per person (about $18-22 USD).
• How: This is a shared minibus that operates between the airport and various locations in Tel Aviv. It’s cheaper than a private taxi but less direct, as it may make several stops to drop off passengers at different locations in Tel Aviv. You can find the Sherut stand just outside the terminal.

4. Train:

• Duration: 15-20 minutes to Tel Aviv’s HaShalom Station or Savidor Central Station.
• Cost: Around 13 NIS ($3-4 USD).
• How: The train is a fast and affordable option. You can take a train directly from the airport to Tel Aviv. Once at the station, you’ll need to take a short taxi or bus ride (or walk, if you’re up for it) to the Royal Beach Hotel, which is about 2 km away from the train stations. The train station is located in the basement of the airport.

5. Bus:

• Duration: 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact route.
• Cost: Around 16-18 NIS ($4-5 USD).
• How: You can take an Egged or Dan bus (Line 5 or 16) from the airport to central Tel Aviv. The buses operate frequently, and you can catch one from the central bus terminal at the airport. However, you’ll need to get off at a central stop and either walk or take another short bus/taxi to the Royal Beach Hotel.

Quick Summary:

• Taxi: Fast and convenient, but more expensive.
• Sherut: Budget-friendly shared taxi, with more stops.
• Train: Fast and affordable, but requires additional transport to the hotel.
• Bus: Cheapest, but less direct.

Travel Days                                                  Overnight – Hotel                           

Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026                                    Flight on own to Tel Aviv, Israel

Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026                               Royal Beach Hotel – Tel Aviv

Thursday, Oct 8, 2026                                   Caesar Premier Hotel – Tiberias

Friday, Oct 9, 2026                                        Caesar Premier Hotel – Tiberias

Saturday, Oct 10, 2026                                 Caesar Premier Hotel – Tiberias

Sunday, Oct 11, 2026                                    Dan Panorama Hotel – Jerusalem

Monday, Oct 12, 2026                                   Dan Panorama Hotel – Jerusalem

Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026                                  Dan Panorama Hotel – Jerusalem

Wednesday, Oct 14, 2026                             Dan Panorama Hotel – Jerusalem

Thursday, Oct 15, 2026                                Dan Panorama Hotel – Jerusalem

Friday, Oct 16, 2026                                      Flight on your own out of Tel Aviv

By registering, passengers acknowledge that they are in good health and able to walk and travel on the tour. Many sites are not accessible to people with physical challenges and may limit the overall tour experience. Our tour partner does not provide additional assistance to passengers with physical or mobility limitations, as tour itineraries require full mobility. Please advise us if you have any limitations that may impact your tour.

By modern motor coach, including services of English-speaking guides and entrance fees to places included in the itinerary. Everyone will be provided with portable listening devices. Passengers are responsible for the loss or damage of the device.

A valid passport is required for all passengers. and must be valid for 6 months after the return date (October 16, 2026). There are no Visa requirements for U.S. citizens on this trip; however, Israel requires an ETA-IL for all travelers, which can be completed online before departure (https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/). For all non-US citizens please consult the consulate for each country you will be entering as a VISA may also be required and will be the responsibility of each passenger to obtain.

Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended to protect yourself against any trip cancellation and loss of funds/penalty fees. There are many travel insurance providers, and we recommend that you shop around for the best deal. One recommended option is Travel Guard, which can be quoted online here or by calling 1-800-826-5248 and referencing agent code 127152