Israel: Life of Jesus Study Tour
This is more than a tour—it’s an encounter with the places that shaped our faith. From Galilee to Jerusalem, from the desert wilderness to the bustling markets, you will walk in the footsteps of Jesus, seeing Scripture come alive in a way that will stay with you forever. Join Pastor William Moore and Bible teacher Hannaniah Pinto and experience the Bible as never before!
Day 1: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Depart the U.S.
Our journey begins! As we board our flight to Israel, we embark on an immersive experience into the life and ministry of Jesus. This is more than a trip— it a walk through the very places where Christ lived, taught, and fulfilled His mission. We will gain new insights from the land, archeology, cultural context, and geography in ways that will bring the Bible to life.
Day 2: Sunday, March 8, 2026
Arrive in Israel
We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, where our local guide will greet us and introduce us to the land of the Bible. A short drive brings us to our hotel by the Mediterranean Sea. We’ll have time to rest, refresh, and enjoy the beach before gathering for an orientation session.
Overnight at Leonardo Gordon Beach – Tel Aviv.
Overnight at Leonardo Gordon Beach – Tel Aviv.
Day 3: Monday, March 9, 2026
The Via Maris to Galilee
We begin our journey north along the Via Maris, the ancient coastal trade route that linked Egypt and Mesopotamia. This was the road of empires, traveled by merchants, Roman soldiers, and—most importantly—Jesus Himself (Matthew 4:13-16).
Caesarea Maritima (Acts 23:23–35; Acts 25:6–12)
Built by Herod the Great, this grand seaport was the center of Roman rule in Judea. Here, Pontius Pilate governed, Paul was imprisoned, and the Gospel first spread to the Gentiles through Cornelius (Acts 10). We’ll explore Herod’s amphitheater, palace, the remnants of a magnificent harbor, and aqueduct.
Mount Precipice (Luke 4:16-30)
Standing on this cliff overlooking Nazareth, we reflect on the moment when Jesus declared that He was the fulfillment after reading Isaiah’s prophecy in the synagogue. The people were so enraged that they tried to throw Him off the precipice!
Nazareth Village & The Basilica of the Annunciation Nazareth was Jesus’ childhood home. At Nazareth Village, we step into a reconstructed first-century village with stone houses, olive presses, and carpenters. This experience brings to life what Jesus’ early years would have looked like. We’ll also visit the Church of the Annunciation, built over what is believed to be Mary’s home, where the angel Gabriel announced the coming of Christ (Luke 1:26-38).
Sepphoris (Time Permitting) Just a few miles from Nazareth, Sepphoris was a major Greco-Roman city in Jesus’ time. Some scholars believe Joseph and Jesus may have worked here as carpenters. We’ll walk its ancient streets, see its stunning mosaics, and explore the ruins of its theater.
Overnight at Ein Gev Resort – Galilee.
Caesarea Maritima (Acts 23:23–35; Acts 25:6–12)
Built by Herod the Great, this grand seaport was the center of Roman rule in Judea. Here, Pontius Pilate governed, Paul was imprisoned, and the Gospel first spread to the Gentiles through Cornelius (Acts 10). We’ll explore Herod’s amphitheater, palace, the remnants of a magnificent harbor, and aqueduct.
Mount Precipice (Luke 4:16-30)
Standing on this cliff overlooking Nazareth, we reflect on the moment when Jesus declared that He was the fulfillment after reading Isaiah’s prophecy in the synagogue. The people were so enraged that they tried to throw Him off the precipice!
Nazareth Village & The Basilica of the Annunciation Nazareth was Jesus’ childhood home. At Nazareth Village, we step into a reconstructed first-century village with stone houses, olive presses, and carpenters. This experience brings to life what Jesus’ early years would have looked like. We’ll also visit the Church of the Annunciation, built over what is believed to be Mary’s home, where the angel Gabriel announced the coming of Christ (Luke 1:26-38).
Sepphoris (Time Permitting) Just a few miles from Nazareth, Sepphoris was a major Greco-Roman city in Jesus’ time. Some scholars believe Joseph and Jesus may have worked here as carpenters. We’ll walk its ancient streets, see its stunning mosaics, and explore the ruins of its theater.
Overnight at Ein Gev Resort – Galilee.
Day 4: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Sailing the Sea of Galilee & Lakeside Ministries of Jesus
Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41, John 21:1-14)
Imagine the scene—Jesus walking on these waters, calming storms, and calling Peter, James, and John to follow Him. As we sail, we’ll pause for reflection and worship, letting the tranquility of the sea settle in our hearts.
Magdala – The Home of Mary Magdalene This newly excavated first-century fishing village boasts a synagogue where Jesus likely taught. We’ll also visit the beautiful Magdala Chapel, featuring a stunning boat-shaped altar.
Mount of Beatitudes – The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Here, on a peaceful hillside, Jesus preached to the crowds, introducing the Beatitudes. We’ll reflect on His words, which still challenge and transform lives today.
Tabgha – Multiplication of Loaves & Fishes (Mark 6:30-44) This quiet lakeside spot commemorates Jesus’ miracle of feeding the 5,000. Inside the church, an ancient mosaic depicts the loaves and fishes, reminding us that in God’s hands, even the smallest offering becomes abundant.
Capernaum – “Jesus’ Own City” (Luke 4:31-37) In this thriving fishing town, Jesus performed many miracles. We will see the remains of Peter’s house, where Jesus healed his mother-in-law, and the ruins of a synagogue where Jesus taught.
Arbel Cliffs – A Panoramic View of Jesus’ Ministry Standing atop Mount Arbel, we take in a breathtaking panorama of the entire Galilean ministry of Jesus. This is the perfect place to reflect on the world Jesus lived in.
Overnight at Ein Gev Resort – Galilee.
Imagine the scene—Jesus walking on these waters, calming storms, and calling Peter, James, and John to follow Him. As we sail, we’ll pause for reflection and worship, letting the tranquility of the sea settle in our hearts.
Magdala – The Home of Mary Magdalene This newly excavated first-century fishing village boasts a synagogue where Jesus likely taught. We’ll also visit the beautiful Magdala Chapel, featuring a stunning boat-shaped altar.
Mount of Beatitudes – The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Here, on a peaceful hillside, Jesus preached to the crowds, introducing the Beatitudes. We’ll reflect on His words, which still challenge and transform lives today.
Tabgha – Multiplication of Loaves & Fishes (Mark 6:30-44) This quiet lakeside spot commemorates Jesus’ miracle of feeding the 5,000. Inside the church, an ancient mosaic depicts the loaves and fishes, reminding us that in God’s hands, even the smallest offering becomes abundant.
Capernaum – “Jesus’ Own City” (Luke 4:31-37) In this thriving fishing town, Jesus performed many miracles. We will see the remains of Peter’s house, where Jesus healed his mother-in-law, and the ruins of a synagogue where Jesus taught.
Arbel Cliffs – A Panoramic View of Jesus’ Ministry Standing atop Mount Arbel, we take in a breathtaking panorama of the entire Galilean ministry of Jesus. This is the perfect place to reflect on the world Jesus lived in.
Overnight at Ein Gev Resort – Galilee.
Photo by Stacey Franco on Unsplash
Day 5: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Hermon & The Golan Heights
Today we explore the northernmost parts of Israel, where Jesus revealed His identity to His disciples.
Korazin – A City Rebuked (Matthew 11:20-24)
Here, Jesus performed miracles, but the people did not repent. We walk through the ruins, including a first-century synagogue, where Jesus would have taught.
Tel Dan – The Gate of Abraham At this lush site, we see the ancient city gate dating back to the time of Abraham (Genesis 14:14).
Caesarea Philippi – “Who Do You Say That I Am?” (Matthew 16:13-20) At this pagan stronghold, Jesus asked His disciples the ultimate question: Who do you say that I am? Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah happened here at the source of the Jordan River and amidst a backdrop of pagan temples.
Lunch with the Druze Community We enjoy a traditional Druze meal, experiencing the hospitality of this unique people group.
Gamla – The “Masada of the North” An off-the-beaten-path adventure awaits at Gamla, an ancient Jewish city dramatically perched on a hilltop. Known as the first Jewish revolt stronghold, its ruins tell a powerful story.
Hippus – Jesus’ Healing Many scholars believe this area is the setting for Jesus’ dramatic healing of the demon-possessed man (Mark 5:1-20), where a herd of pigs rushed down the steep cliffs into the sea, revealing Christ’s authority over spiritual darkness.
Optional Hike – Hippus to Ein Gev For those seeking adventure, we can hike 90 minutes downhill from Hippus back to our hotel.
Overnight at Ein Gev Resort – Galilee.
Korazin – A City Rebuked (Matthew 11:20-24)
Here, Jesus performed miracles, but the people did not repent. We walk through the ruins, including a first-century synagogue, where Jesus would have taught.
Tel Dan – The Gate of Abraham At this lush site, we see the ancient city gate dating back to the time of Abraham (Genesis 14:14).
Caesarea Philippi – “Who Do You Say That I Am?” (Matthew 16:13-20) At this pagan stronghold, Jesus asked His disciples the ultimate question: Who do you say that I am? Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah happened here at the source of the Jordan River and amidst a backdrop of pagan temples.
Lunch with the Druze Community We enjoy a traditional Druze meal, experiencing the hospitality of this unique people group.
Gamla – The “Masada of the North” An off-the-beaten-path adventure awaits at Gamla, an ancient Jewish city dramatically perched on a hilltop. Known as the first Jewish revolt stronghold, its ruins tell a powerful story.
Hippus – Jesus’ Healing Many scholars believe this area is the setting for Jesus’ dramatic healing of the demon-possessed man (Mark 5:1-20), where a herd of pigs rushed down the steep cliffs into the sea, revealing Christ’s authority over spiritual darkness.
Optional Hike – Hippus to Ein Gev For those seeking adventure, we can hike 90 minutes downhill from Hippus back to our hotel.
Overnight at Ein Gev Resort – Galilee.
Day 6: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Jordan Valley & The Dead Sea
We leave the lush region of Galilee and head south along the Jordan Valley, entering the arid landscapes of Judea, where Jesus was baptized and where many of the Old Testament’s most dramatic events unfolded.
Beth Shean – The Grand Roman City (1 Samuel 31:10-12) This vast Greco-Roman city was once part of the Decapolis and is where the bodies of King Saul and his sons were displayed after their defeat. We walk along its colonnaded streets, see the grand amphitheater, and imagine life in a first-century Roman city.
Jericho – The Oldest City in the World (Joshua 6, Mark 10:46-52) One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Jericho is where the walls famously fell and where Jesus healed blind Bartimaeus. From here, we get a view of the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus fasted and was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).
Ein Gedi – David’s Wilderness Refuge (1 Samuel 24:1-22) In the middle of the Judean desert, Ein Gedi is a lush oasis. We will walk along its waterfalls, where David hid from King Saul and wrote some of his Psalms. This hike offers stunning views of the Dead Sea.
The Dead Sea – Floating at the Lowest Point on Earth We will relax in the Dead Sea, famous for its buoyant waters and therapeutic mud. You’ll have time to unwind, experience the healing minerals, and enjoy a slower pace before we return to our hotel.
Overnight at David Resort – Dead Sea.
Beth Shean – The Grand Roman City (1 Samuel 31:10-12) This vast Greco-Roman city was once part of the Decapolis and is where the bodies of King Saul and his sons were displayed after their defeat. We walk along its colonnaded streets, see the grand amphitheater, and imagine life in a first-century Roman city.
Jericho – The Oldest City in the World (Joshua 6, Mark 10:46-52) One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Jericho is where the walls famously fell and where Jesus healed blind Bartimaeus. From here, we get a view of the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus fasted and was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).
Ein Gedi – David’s Wilderness Refuge (1 Samuel 24:1-22) In the middle of the Judean desert, Ein Gedi is a lush oasis. We will walk along its waterfalls, where David hid from King Saul and wrote some of his Psalms. This hike offers stunning views of the Dead Sea.
The Dead Sea – Floating at the Lowest Point on Earth We will relax in the Dead Sea, famous for its buoyant waters and therapeutic mud. You’ll have time to unwind, experience the healing minerals, and enjoy a slower pace before we return to our hotel.
Overnight at David Resort – Dead Sea.
Day 7: Friday, March 13, 2026
Masada & The Wilderness
Today, we explore one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring locations in Israel, followed by a journey into the Judean wilderness.
Masada – Herod’s Desert Fortress (1st Century A.D.) We ascend Masada, the grand palace-fortress built by Herod the Great. This site became a symbol of Jewish resistance when rebels made their final stand against Rome in 73 A.D. We will explore the Western and Northern Palaces, massive cisterns, storerooms, and the synagogue.
Qumran – The Dead Sea Scrolls Discovery At Qumran, we explore the ancient remains of the Essene community where the Dead Sea Scrolls—the oldest copies of the Hebrew Scriptures—were discovered.
The Wilderness – St. George’s Monastery Viewpoint
We conclude the day with a view of St. George’s Monastery, an ancient Greek Orthodox monastery carved into the cliffs of the Judean wilderness. This desolate yet beautiful place mirrors Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and the prophets who retreated into the wilderness to seek God.
Overnight at Grand Court – Jerusalem.
Masada – Herod’s Desert Fortress (1st Century A.D.) We ascend Masada, the grand palace-fortress built by Herod the Great. This site became a symbol of Jewish resistance when rebels made their final stand against Rome in 73 A.D. We will explore the Western and Northern Palaces, massive cisterns, storerooms, and the synagogue.
Qumran – The Dead Sea Scrolls Discovery At Qumran, we explore the ancient remains of the Essene community where the Dead Sea Scrolls—the oldest copies of the Hebrew Scriptures—were discovered.
The Wilderness – St. George’s Monastery Viewpoint
We conclude the day with a view of St. George’s Monastery, an ancient Greek Orthodox monastery carved into the cliffs of the Judean wilderness. This desolate yet beautiful place mirrors Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and the prophets who retreated into the wilderness to seek God.
Overnight at Grand Court – Jerusalem.
Day 8: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Bethlehem & Jerusalem
Today, we focus on Jesus’ birth and His final week in Jerusalem.
Mount of Olives – A View Over Jerusalem We begin at the Mount of Olives, where Jesus often prayed and where He wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44). The view of the Old City from here is breathtaking. Palm Sunday Path to the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46) We follow the traditional Palm Sunday route, imagining the crowds waving palm branches as Jesus entered Jerusalem (John 12:12-15). We end at Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before His arrest.
Bethlehem – The Birthplace of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20) We drive to Bethlehem, stopping at: • The Church of the Nativity, remembering the site where Jesus was born. • Shepherds’ Field, where angels announced Christ’s birth to the shepherds. We will enjoy lunch at a Palestinian Christian restaurant and have a chance to shop for hand-carved olive wood souvenirs.
The Herodium, Herod’s fortress palace and his burial site.
Overnight at Grand Court – Jerusalem.
Mount of Olives – A View Over Jerusalem We begin at the Mount of Olives, where Jesus often prayed and where He wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44). The view of the Old City from here is breathtaking. Palm Sunday Path to the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46) We follow the traditional Palm Sunday route, imagining the crowds waving palm branches as Jesus entered Jerusalem (John 12:12-15). We end at Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before His arrest.
Bethlehem – The Birthplace of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20) We drive to Bethlehem, stopping at: • The Church of the Nativity, remembering the site where Jesus was born. • Shepherds’ Field, where angels announced Christ’s birth to the shepherds. We will enjoy lunch at a Palestinian Christian restaurant and have a chance to shop for hand-carved olive wood souvenirs.
The Herodium, Herod’s fortress palace and his burial site.
Overnight at Grand Court – Jerusalem.
Day 9: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Jerusalem Old City
Today, we immerse ourselves in Jerusalem’s rich history and biblical significance.
Mount Zion – The Last Supper & Peter’s Denial • The Upper Room, where we remember Jesus shared the Last Supper (Luke 22:7-20). • King David’s Tomb, a revered site in Jewish tradition.
Saint Peter in Gallicantu, built over the ruins of what is believed to be Caiaphas’ house, where Jesus was imprisoned overnight and where Peter denied Him three times (Luke 22:54-62).
Southern Wall Excavations – First Century Jerusalem Uncovered Walk the ancient steps where Jesus would have entered the Temple, and rabbis taught, explore bustling marketplace ruins, and see massive fallen stones from the pinnacle of the Temple. This archaeological site brings the Bible to life, revealing the world of Jesus and His disciples in first-century Jerusalem.
Kotel Tunnel – Unveiling Ancient Jerusalem Explore the hidden history beneath the Western Wall in the Kotel Tunnel, a fascinating underground passage in Jerusalem’s Old City. This immersive tour takes you deep below the modern streets, revealing well-preserved sections of the Western Wall, massive Herodian stonework, ancient water channels, and hidden rooms from the Second Temple period.
Hezekiah’s Tunnel – An Ancient Water System (Optional Adventure) Those seeking adventure can walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, an ancient underground waterway dug to protect Jerusalem’s water supply (2 Kings 20:20).
Overnight at Grand Court – Jerusalem.
Mount Zion – The Last Supper & Peter’s Denial • The Upper Room, where we remember Jesus shared the Last Supper (Luke 22:7-20). • King David’s Tomb, a revered site in Jewish tradition.
Saint Peter in Gallicantu, built over the ruins of what is believed to be Caiaphas’ house, where Jesus was imprisoned overnight and where Peter denied Him three times (Luke 22:54-62).
Southern Wall Excavations – First Century Jerusalem Uncovered Walk the ancient steps where Jesus would have entered the Temple, and rabbis taught, explore bustling marketplace ruins, and see massive fallen stones from the pinnacle of the Temple. This archaeological site brings the Bible to life, revealing the world of Jesus and His disciples in first-century Jerusalem.
Kotel Tunnel – Unveiling Ancient Jerusalem Explore the hidden history beneath the Western Wall in the Kotel Tunnel, a fascinating underground passage in Jerusalem’s Old City. This immersive tour takes you deep below the modern streets, revealing well-preserved sections of the Western Wall, massive Herodian stonework, ancient water channels, and hidden rooms from the Second Temple period.
Hezekiah’s Tunnel – An Ancient Water System (Optional Adventure) Those seeking adventure can walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, an ancient underground waterway dug to protect Jerusalem’s water supply (2 Kings 20:20).
Overnight at Grand Court – Jerusalem.
Day 10: Monday, March 16, 2026
The Via Dolorosa & The Garden Tomb
Temple Mount – The Dome of the Rock & Al-Aqsa Mosque We visit the Temple Mount, one of the most sacred sites in Judaism and Islam, where the Second Temple once stood before being destroyed in 70 A.D.
Walking the Via Dolorosa – The Path to the Cross We follow the Stations of the Cross, retracing Jesus’ steps through the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where many believe Jesus was crucified and buried.
The Garden Tomb – A Powerful Conclusion We end the day at The Garden Tomb, a peaceful place of reflection, where we will share communion together, celebrating the resurrection of Christ.
Overnight at Grand Court – Jerusalem.
Walking the Via Dolorosa – The Path to the Cross We follow the Stations of the Cross, retracing Jesus’ steps through the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where many believe Jesus was crucified and buried.
The Garden Tomb – A Powerful Conclusion We end the day at The Garden Tomb, a peaceful place of reflection, where we will share communion together, celebrating the resurrection of Christ.
Overnight at Grand Court – Jerusalem.
Day 11: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Explore Jerusalem's Museums
Today, we explore modern Jerusalem, reflecting on history, faith, and legacy. The Israel Museum & The Jerusalem Model • We see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book. • We explore a massive model of Jerusalem as it looked in the first century. Yad Vashem – The Holocaust Memorial A moving experience, Yad Vashem honors the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
Overnight at Grand Court – Jerusalem.
Overnight at Grand Court – Jerusalem.
Day 12: Thursday, March 18, 2026
Depart for Home or Jordan Extension
Departure or Jordan Extension or transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our flight home. For those continuing on the Jordan Extension, a new journey begins!
Days 12-14
Jordan Extension
Continue your journey of discovery by crossing from Israel into the ancient Kingdom of Jordan. This optional extension offers rich biblical and historical insights beyond the traditional Holy Land tour.
- Amman – Explore the capital city of Jordan, including its impressive Roman ruins and amphitheater, offering a glimpse into the region’s Greco-Roman past.
- Mount Nebo – Stand where Moses once stood and gaze across the Jordan Valley toward the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:1–4).
- Madaba Map – Visit the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, one of the oldest surviving depictions of biblical geography.
- Petra – Discover the breathtaking stone-carved city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Walk through the narrow Siq to behold the iconic Treasury and explore ancient tombs, temples, and rock-cut dwellings of the Nabataean people.