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2023 ~ Israel; Holy Land Pilgrimage


A spiritual journey of discovery, enlightenment and transformation hosted by Rev. Dennis Lorenz.

Pastor Dennis is honored to travel along with you on this small group tour, sharing stories, discussions, leading devotions and studying His word as you travel in the footsteps of Jesus along the Gospel trail.  This will be Pr. Dennis 10th pilgrimage to the sacred sites of the Holy Land.  Together in Christian fellowship we will visit the places where Jesus was born, taught, worked miracles, suffered, died, rose again and ascended into Heaven.  This pilgrimage is designed to feed the faith of all who go with us and to provide an unforgettable cultural, historical and spiritually fulfilling journey.  We hope you will join us!  Peace in Christ, Pastor Dennis

Whether this is your first visit to Israel or a return visit, your walk of faith will be deepened as you follow the path walked by Jesus. Together in Christian fellowship we will visit the sacred places, picturesque villages and behold majestic panoramic vistas of the Holy Land. Our itinerary is designed to feed the faith of all who go with us and to provide an unforgettable cultural, historical and spiritually fulfilling journey. 

HAVE A QUESTION?

Contact 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.”   Matthew 4:23

ISRAEL ITINERARY                     

B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner

Day 1, May 15   Depart USA

Day 2, May 16   Arrival Tel Aviv, Israel (D)

After completing customs, our group will be met by our professional English-speaking tour manager who will escort us to our private motor coach.  We begin our journey with a drive along the Mediterranean Sea to a coastal village of Netanya where we check-in to our hotel.  Due to the late flight arrival time into Tel Aviv, the hotel will prepare a lite meal sent to your room.  Overnight Netanya

Day 3, May 17  Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Nazareth, Cana (B, L, D) 

This morning after breakfast we travel north towards the Sea of Galilee, along the way we stop in Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the way of salvation from Peter and where the baptism of Gentiles began. It was here Paul was imprisoned on his way to his trial in Rome.    We will visit the sunken harbor, the hippodrome, the theatre and the Roman aqueduct. Next, we drive to Mt. Carmel, with its panoramic view of the Plain of Jezreel (Esdraelon).  Afterwards, we continue to Megiddo for the background to Ar-mageddon and the site where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization!

We proceed to Nazareth, where Jesus spent his early life.  We visit the Nazareth Village for a Bedouin lunch and see how olive oil was pressed during Jesus’ time.  We continue our journey with a short drive to Cana, commemorating Jesus' first miracle the transformation of water into wine.  Check in to the hotel and meet for dinner.  Overnight Tiberias

Day 4, May 18      Mt of Beatitudes, Tabgha, Capernaum, Magdala (B, L, D)  

Today we drive to the Mount of Beatitudes location of “the greatest sermon in history”. Those who wish may walk down the hill (45min.) to the lake and meet the group at Tabgha where Jesus multiplied the bread and fish and fed his disciples breakfast after his resurrection.  We visit the Chapel of the Loaves and Fishes and the Church of the Primacy of Peter. 

We continue on to Capernaum, the location of the house of Peter and where Jesus performed most of His miracles including the feeding of the 5000.  We drive along the shore of the Sea of Galilee to Ein Gev for Peter's fish lunch, and then ending our day at Magdala the 1st-century synagogue where Jesus preached.  Overnight Tiberias  

Day 5, May 19      Boat Ride, Golan Heights, Dan, Caesarea Philippi (B, D)

We begin our day with a wooden boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and Scripture reading which brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples. Next, we drive to Golan Heights, the biblical Bashan and ancestral home of the half-tribe of Manassah to view the natural beauty of Tel Dan one of the most important biblical mounds in the country.  Archaeologists discovered an inscription with the words “House of David,” and you can see a gateway from the time of Abraham. 

Next, we visit the ancient site of Caesarea Philippi, known today as Banias.  Together we stand among the ruins of pagan temples to consider the words Jesus spoke here: “Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am?”  Overnight Tiberias  

Day 6, May 20      Beit She’an, Jericho, Qasr El Yehud Baptism Site (B, D) 

This morning we will visit the archeology site of Beit She’an – one of the most spectacular in all of Israel. We’ll walk the streets of the ruins of this ancient Roman and Byzantine city.  Our journey continues through the Jezreel Valley to the city of Jericho – one of the oldest cities on earth - where “the wall came tumbling down”. 

Completing our day at Qasr El Yehud, the site known to be the crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites on their return from exile in Egypt and the location of the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ by John the Baptist.  Overnight Jerusalem

Day 7, May 21   Mt. of Olives, Gethsemane, Bethlehem (B, D)

We begin our day on the Mt. of Olives with breathtaking view of the ancient city of Jerusalem reflecting toward us.  We descend the Palm Sunday Path to the grounds of the church Dominus Flevit "The Lord weeps" (Luke 19).  We walk down to Gethsemane (Matthew 26) to visit the Church of All Nations where our Lord prayed before his trial and crucifixion.  We visit the garden and the church where we will have time for reflection and devotion. 

Next, we drive to Mt. Zion and the grounds of the church Peter in Gallicantu and the house where the High Priest Caiaphas interrogated Jesus.  Driving south we visit Bethlehem, walking through its quaint streets and markets to the Church of the Nativity.  We will descend the stairs to the grotto known to be the place of Jesus’ birth. Our group will have lunch in Bethlehem and stop at the Shepherds Field where the angels brought “good tidings of great joy” on the night our Savior was born.  We’ll have time to recall and reflect on God’s love and mercy shown to us that “Holy Night”.  Overnight Jerusalem 

Day 8, May 22   Masada, Qumran Cave, Dead Sea (B, D)

Today we drive through the Judaean desert to Qumran and the caves where the greatest quantity of Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. We visit Masada and a cable car ride to the top, Herod’s mountain bunker and the last stronghold of the Jewish revolt against Rome (66-73 AD). 

Concluding the day with a float in the Dead Sea, before returning to Jerusalem.  Overnight Jerusalem 

Day 9, May 23   Via Dolorosa, Garden Tomb, Upper Room (B, D)

We begin today at the Dung Gate. Just inside, we examine the Ophel excavations near the southern end of the Temple complex, including steps on which Jesus and the disciples walked as they went up to the Temple. We then visit the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site. We ascend to the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque, located on the traditional site of the Temple Mount. Just to the north we find the Pools of Bethesda (John 5) and St. Anne’s Church, perfectly preserved from the Crusader period – with remarkable acoustics.

We then walk the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) to the Holy Sepulcher. From here we exit the Old City through the Mt Zion Gate to visit the Upper Room the location of the Last Supper.  We conclude our day at the Garden Tomb for a special visit and Communion. Overnight Jerusalem 

Day 10, May 24        Dead Sea Scrolls, Jaffa, Departure to USA (B, D)

This morning is at leisure, later we visit the Israel Museum and Shrine of the Book which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls.  We will visit a model of Jerusalem, representing how the city looked on the eve of the Jewish revolt, 36 years after the Passion of Jesus. 

We complete our journey in Jaffa, the oldest port in the world and where Jonah set sail for Tarshish and said to have been “swallowed by a large fish”. We visit Simon the Tanner’s house where Peter saw the vision that opened Christianity to the Gentiles.  We gather for our farewell dinner to reflect on this spiritual journey.  Group transfer to Tel Aviv airport for late night departure to U.S.A.

Day 11, May 25 Arrive U.S.A.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

All travelers must travel with a valid passport, valid for at least 6-months beyond the return travel date.  Non US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel to the countries included in this tour. At this time, all travelers entering Israel and Jordan must have valid medical insurance with coverage for Covid-19 treatment that lasts the entire period of their visit. Additional credentials to travel due to Covid-19 may be required. You will be advised as details are received for your 2023 departure.

TOUR LEVEL - MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER, WALKING SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Most sightseeing tours are walking tours and many of the historic sites you will visit date back hundreds to thousands of years and may not provide elevators and ramps for physically challenged travelers.  This is an active trip and covers a lot of ground each day. Expect to spend two to three hours on your feet during tours, requires walking approx. eight thousand steps daily (approx. 3 miles). Some of the tours require walking over cobbled streets, uneven surfaces or up and down steep slopes or steps. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking.  If you or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs -use a wheelchair, walker, and hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.

SMALL PRIVATE GROUP TOUR ~ CUSTOM-DESIGNED ITINERARY

ISRAEL TOUR INCLUDES

  • Private, customized itinerary with exclusive events

  • Group Airport Transfers in Israel

  • Professional Tour Manager throughout the tour

  • Deluxe air-conditioned motor coach and professional driver

  • 8- Nights First-class Hotel Accommodations

  • Hotel tax

  • Breakfast and Dinner Daily and 2- Lunches

  • Life Enriching Sightseeing Daily including entrance fees

  • Personal Audio Listening Device

  • Time for worship, reflection and inspiration

  • Spiritual and Cultural experiences daily

  • Jordan River baptism

  • Garden Tomb visit with private area for group worship

  • Morning Boat Ride and worship on Sea of Galilee

  • Israel Museum /Shrine of the Book

  • Cable-Car Ride to top of the Mountain at Masada

  • Baggage Handling -1 checked luggage

ISRAEL TOUR PRICE per person based on double occupancy

$2,590 with 21+ travelers

$2,690 with 15+ travelers

$990 additional for Single Occupancy

Prices based on final number of travelers. Subject to change due to currency fluctuation

GROUP AIRFARE is per person and additional to the tour price

Group flight arrangements from Spokane, WA

$1,895 per person including 1- checked bag, carry-on bag and personal item, and seat assignment. Minimum of 10 traveling together required for group flights.

PAYMENT

Deposit $350 per person due by February 10, 2023

Final Payment due 75 days prior to departure

Please read our LT Terms and Conditions of Travel including cancellation and change policy. Up to 100% may be nonrefundable.

TRIP INSURANCE

Cancellation, Interruption and Medical Insurance is available. Learn more about the benefits, coverage and limitations of purchasing a Travel Guard travel insurance plan.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please review the Terms and Conditions of Travel which includes the trip cancellation and change policy, to view visit click here or call 1.844.777.1517 to request a copy.  LT and its travel partners reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary.

Global COVID-19 conditions are dynamic. Those (including but not limited to U.S. citizens)  who choose to travel internationally may encounter mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and testing requirements, quarantines, travel restrictions, and closed borders. Foreign governments in any country may implement restrictions with little notice. Any cost related to required travel regulations is the responsibility of the traveler. Reconfirm requirements up to the day of departure.

U.S. Department of State Travel

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

For the most recent travel alerts and to enroll in S.T.E.P Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel alerts and register to ensure you can be located in an emergency.

Tour itinerary and accommodations subject to change. Flight schedules and prices are subject to change by airline.

A passport valid for at least 6-months beyond the return travel date is required. Contact LT for additional credentials required for non-US passport holders.

NOT INCLUDED

Meals/beverages not listed, Passport/ Visa fee. Personal items and any item not list under tour includes. Personal items such as internet Wi-Fi charges and phone calls.

TOUR GRATUITY RECOMMENDATIONS

Tour Manager $6 p/day per person, Coach Driver $3 p/day per person, Hotel Housekeepers $2 p/night per person. Gratuities for group meals are included; however, it is customary to leave a small token ($1 p/meal per person) on the table when your leave, as a gesture of appreciation for the waiter service provided.

TOUR REGISTRATION



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November 2

2022 ~ Israel: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land; November 02- 12, 2022

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May 31

2023 ~ FRANCE, BELGIUM, HOLLAND; Europe Capitals, Art, Culture, WWII- The Sacrifice and Significance