HOLY LANDS TOUR with LEAH DARWIN

• Welcome to Israel! Upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel in Tel Aviv. As we embark on this sacred journey together, take time to settle in, rest, and prepare your heart for the meaningful days ahead.
• This is more than just a tour—it’s a pilgrimage. You are invited to walk where Jesus walked and to reconnect with the roots of your faith in a deeply personal and transformative way.

• We begin our pilgrimage with a meaningful visit to Old Jaffa Port, one of the world’s oldest harbors and a place rich in biblical history, where Jonah set sail and Peter received his vision—marking the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles. From this ancient gateway, we step into our spiritual journey through the Holy Land.
• Today’s journey takes us along the beautiful Mediterranean coast to Caesarea Maritima, the impressive Roman port city where the Apostle Paul boldly proclaimed the Gospel. Next, we ascend Mount Carmel, where we’ll reflect on the dramatic encounter between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal.
• In Nazareth Village, we’ll step back in time to experience everyday life as it might have been during Jesus’ boyhood—an immersive glimpse into the sights, sounds, and spirit of the first century. We’ll conclude the day with a traditional Passover-style meal, offering a taste of ancient hospitality and a time of worship that connects us more deeply with the roots of our faith.

• Set sail across the Sea of Galilee aboard a traditional wooden boat, as we recall the miracles and teachings of Jesus that unfolded on these very waters. We’ll visit several sacred sites, including Tabgha, believed to be the site of the miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes; Peter’s Primacy, where the risen Christ restored Peter; and the peaceful Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Our journey continues through the ancient ruins of Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry. As you walk these historic paths, take time to reflect on your own spiritual calling.
• We’ll conclude the day with an optional time of renewal at the Yardenit Baptismal Site—a powerful opportunity for spiritual recommitment in the waters of the Jordan River.

• Travel north to Chorazin, one of the cities Jesus mentioned in His teachings, Next, we explore Tel Dan and Banias, sites known for their stunning natural beauty and profound biblical history. From the strategic heights of Mount Bental in the Golan, we’ll take in breathtaking views of the surrounding area, contemplating the courage and resilience of those who have fought for peace in this land.
• If time permits, we’ll visit the Valley of Tears, a key battleground from the 1973 Yom Kippur War, where the sacrifices of those who fought for Israel’s survival remain etched in history. The day concludes with a visit to a local olive oil factory, where you’ll experience the blending of tradition and local flavor, a perfect way to end our journey through the north.

• We begin our descent through the Jordan Valley to the ancient city of Beit She’an, where layers of civilization—spanning millennia—tell a powerful story of resilience and rebirth.
• Next, we cross into Jordan through the Sheikh Hussein Border, marking the start of the next phase of our journey. At Mount Nebo, stand in awe as you gaze upon the Promised Land—the same view that Moses beheld in his final moments. This is a deeply moving experience, offering pilgrims a chance to reflect on the profound legacy of faith and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

• Explore the rose-red city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the wonders of the ancient world. Carved into rock and steeped in mystery, Petra is both a cultural treasure and a reminder of human creativity across millennia. This is a day of marvel and wonder, set against the striking backdrop of Jordan’s desert landscape.

• After crossing the Arava Border back into Israel, we’ll visit Timnah Park, home to a life-sized model of the Tabernacle, providing valuable insight into ancient worship practices. This thoughtful stop invites deep reflection on the holiness of God’s dwelling among His people.
• Following this spiritual experience, we’ll unwind at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters—an incredibly relaxing and restorative experience.

• We begin our day with a visit to Masada, the mountaintop fortress where Jewish zealots made their final stand against Rome. This iconic site stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance and hope. Next, we travel to Jericho, one of the world’s oldest cities. The day concludes with a visit to Ein Gedi, the wilderness refuge of David, where desert springs and flourishing wildlife provide a striking image of life emerging in unexpected places—reminding us of God’s provision in times of need.

• At Qumran, we’ll explore the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were hidden, preserving sacred Scripture for future generations. Next, experience a biblical journey at Genesis Land, where ancient stories come to life through immer-sive hospitality, offering a taste of the world as it was in Abraham’s time.
• We’ll then ascend the Mount of Olives, where you’ll be treated to breathtak-ing views of Jerusalem. Here, we’ll visit the Chapel of Ascension, Dominus Flevit, and the Garden of Gethsemane—places where Christ’s deep surren-der in prayer invites us to reflect on our own spiritual journey.

• Today, we delve into both the past and present of Jerusalem, beginning with a visit to the Israel Museum and the Friends of Zion Museum, each offering profound insights into Jewish heritage and the roots of Christianity. We’ll then walk the Southern Steps of the ancient Temple Mount, before exploring the City of David, including the fascinating Hezekiah’s Tunnel—a testament to ancient engineering and faith.
• In the evening, we’ll spend time in reflection at the Western Wall, followed by a visit to the Western Wall Tunnels, where we’ll uncover the hidden layers of Jerusalem’s sacred heart, deepening our connection to this holy city.

• We begin by entering the Old City through the Lion’s Gate and retracing Je-sus’ path along the Via Dolorosa, stopping at significant sites such as the Pools of Bethesda, Antonia Fortress, and concluding at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where the final moments of Christ’s earthly journey are re-membered.
• In Bethlehem, we’ll visit the Shepherds’ Field and the Church of the Nativity—sacred sites that bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life, allowing us to connect more deeply with the moment when God entered the world in human form.

• We gather at the Garden Tomb for a moving time of worship and reflection on Christ’s Resurrection, sharing communion together as we celebrate our Risen Lord. With hearts full and faith strengthened, we bid farewell to Israel and journey south to cross into Egypt — continuing the final chapter of our pilgrimage as we retrace the Exodus route and witness God’s redemption story from Passover to Resurrection. We then travel to the foot of Mount Sinai, where we check in at our hotel and rest in preparation for our early morning climb up the mountain where Moses met with God.

• Our day begins in the early hours with a drive to the foot of Mount Sinai. At midnight we begin our ascent — either by camel or on foot — to witness the breathtaking desert sunrise from the summit (weather permitting). After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and visit St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. Then we drive toward the Red Sea, passing by the site of the battle at Rephidim — where, in the book of Exodus, Israel secured victory over the Amalekites (Exodus 17). We end the day in Sharm El Sheikh for dinner and overnight. Nestled at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el-Sheikh offers a meaningful place of rest as we reflect on God’s journey of deliverance and prepare for the next phase of our pilgrimage.

• After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and drive toward Cairo. Along the way, we stop at the Springs of Elim, remembering the place where the Israelites camped and found refreshment during the Exodus (Exodus 15:27). We pause in the Suez region to reflect on Yam Suph, the Sea of Reeds, and God’s mighty deliverance of Israel (Exodus 14), remembering that while the exact location is unknown, this place evokes the miracle of God’s salvation.
• We then proceed to Old Cairo to visit the Hanging Church, built atop the ancient Roman Fortress of Babylon. Here, we also see early Christian churches — including the traditional site where Joseph, Mary, and the young Jesus are believed to have rested during their flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15).
• We end the day by checking in to our hotel in Cairo for dinner and overnight.

• After breakfast, we drive to the Great Pyramids of Giza, viewing the Sphinx and Valley Temple, and explore one of the world’s most iconic ancient wonders, learning about its history, construction, and enduring mysteries that have stood for over 4,500 years.
• Next, we visit the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — the largest archaeological museum in the world, home to over 50,000 treasures. Highlights include the Merneptah Stele, Statue of Hatshepsut, Yuya and Tuya Mummies, Grand Staircase of Pharaohs, Amenhotep II Inscription, and Thutmose III Artifacts — each reflecting God’s covenant with His people and the hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
• We return to our hotel in Cairo for dinner and a farewell gathering, celebrating the journey and the spiritual memories of this pilgrimage.

• After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and transfer to Cairo International Airport for our flights home. As we depart, we reflect on the spiritual journey we have shared — walking in the footsteps of biblical history, experiencing God’s faithfulness, and carrying the memories and lessons of this pilgrimage into our daily lives.

***End of Pilgrimage Journey***

*** Scheduled activities are subject to change based on the group’s pace, weather conditions, or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, certain site visits may be postponed. When necessary, activities or site visits may be rescheduled or substituted accordingly, ensuring that the integrity and spirit of the pilgrimage experience remain uncompromised. ***