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  • Writer's pictureTravel Planners 4 U

Westside Church Israel Journey: March 2025

Updated: Jul 5


A trip to Israel, The Holy Land, is one that most people say is "the trip of a lifetime." You will experience some of the most biblically important and historic locations in the world. This 10-Day journey will allow you to get a closer look and understanding of the first century when Christ walked and ministered on the earth. You will take your Bible in-hand and see the scriptures come to life before your eyes.


 

AT A GLANCE


STATUS

Registration is open. CLICK HERE to jump to the registration section.


DATES

  • Departing: March 17, 2025

  • Returning: March 26, 2025


PRICING

Trip cost is based on double room occupancy: $4,550

  • LAND ONLY (international air NOT included) is available

  • A single room is available at a supplemental cost of $850

Your trip must be paid in full NO LATER THAN Wednesday, January 1, 2025


Your all-inclusive price INCLUDES:

  • Roundtrip international direct flight from Miami, Florida to Tel Aviv

  • First class and deluxe hotels;

  • Land transportation via a deluxe motor coach (wi-fi equipped);

  • Professional tour guide and driver;

  • Entrance fees to all activities listed on the itinerary;

  • Breakfast and dinner daily with special meals noted on the itinerary (lunch is purchased on own unless otherwise noted);

  • Luggage handling at hotels


 NOT Included:

  • Travel insurance (required);

  • Domestic travel expenses;

  • Gratuities for guide and driver (allow $10 per person/per day)


*See Terms and Conditions for details.


 

ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Monday, March 17, 2025

Travel Day

 

Day 2: Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Upon arrival at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport our Israeli host will assist us with the transfer of our luggage.  We will meet our guide, board our deluxe motor coach, and drive to Old Jaffa, the place where Peter had his vision in Acts 10 and where Jonah set sail to escape God’s directive. Next we will visit Caesarea Maritima, built by King Herod the Great in 22 BC.  After viewing the extensive ruins of this ancient port city, we will continue to Megiddo and see the site overlooking the Valley of Armageddon where the final battle is prophesied to happen. After lunch we will visit Nazareth Village for a mesmerizing glimpse into the ancient world, transporting visitors back to the time of Jesus. The village is a living museum that immerses visitors in the sights, sounds, and smells of the first century. Nazareth Village is a window into a bygone era, an evocative experience that brings the ancient world to life. We will end out day with dinner and overnight at our hotel.

  

Day 3: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

After breakfast at the hotel we begin our day with a visit to Capernaum, an ancient fishing village with deep historical and biblical significance. It is known as Jesus’ home town and the scene of many of his miracles and where he called his first disciples. Explore well-preserved ruins, including a first-century synagogue. Experience the spiritual aura of this remarkable site on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Next we will visit Chorazin, one of the three Galilean cities cursed by Jesus. See the remains of an elaborate synagogue during the 3rd or 4th century where the Seat of Moses was found. Afterward we will drive to Caesarea Philippi (Banias), a city of Greek-Roman culture known for its worship of foreign gods and where Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” This place was known as one of the doorways into the realm of Hades (Mark 8:27). After lunch we will hike to visit the ancient city of Gamla, the “City on a Hill” (Matthew 5). This city was visited by Jesus. It houses the largest and oldest synagogue in the Galilee. Our final stop for the day will allow us to experience true Israeli hospitality and enjoy dinner in the home of The Bible Comes to Life CEO, Omer Eshel, on the Cliffs of Gardara where Jesus cast the demons (legion) into the swine. Overnight at our hotel. 

  

Day 4: Thursday, March 20, 2025

After breakfast at the hotel we set out to see the beautiful Mt. of Beatitudes believed to be the setting for Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. We will hear the beatitudes in Hebrew as He taught the multitudes. We will learn of their connection to the commandments as we enjoy the same beautiful landscape as He did (Matthew 5:1). Next we visit Tabgha on the Sea of Galilee and the Church of the Primacy of Peter best known for Christ’s miraculous multiplication of loaves and fish to feed a multitude. Afterward we will enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and then enjoy a delicious fish lunch. After lunch we will visit Magdala, a major 1st century port on the Sea of Galilee, a center of trade and commerce, and an exporter of salted fish to markets as far away as Europe. It is here we will see a 1st century synagogue where Jesus would have taught. The site also features a beautiful chapel dedicated to the Women of the New Testament, including stunning mosaics and artwork depicting the stories of women in the Bible. We will end our day at Yardenit, the baptismal site at the headwaters of the Jordan River. Here you are invited to be baptized if you choose. After your baptism, you will be presented with a certificate of baptism as a cherished memento of your experience. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

 

Day 5: Friday, March 21, 2025

After breakfast at the hotel we will visit the spring of Gideon where God instructed him to choose the army by the way they will drink from the waters. Next we will visit the historic Mount Gilboa overlooking the Jezreel Valley before a quick stop to see an authentic arena where early Christians were martyred for their faith, and then on to view some of the most extensive and best preserved ruins of Beit She’an, the "Pompeii" of Israel, the Capital of the Decapolis and the place where King Saul was defeated, killed and hung on the walls, along with his three sons. This city was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 749.  Next we will drive along the Jordan Valley to experience Genesis Land, situated in the heart of the Judean desert, on the way to the Dead Sea. This is the land where the Patriarchs lived. A magical place that enables visitors to experience life as it was in biblical times. Visitors to Genesis Land are greeted by Eliezer, Abraham's manservant, and by a train of camels which lead you down to Abraham's tent, where you will experience his legendary hospitality. Lunch and a camel ride are included. Afterward we will drive to Jerusalem where we will visit the Israel Museum to view the model of Jerusalem for an educational perspective of city.

 

Day 6: Saturday, March 22, 2025

After breakfast at the hotel we will visit the Garden Tomb, believed by many to be the garden and sepulcher of Joseph of Arimathea, and therefore a possible site of the resurrection of Jesus. We will observe communion with those who choose to participate. Next we will stop at the Mt. of Olives and see an impressive view of Jerusalem. This is the site where Christ will return at his second coming (Zechariah 14:4).  We will then visit the Garden of Gethsemane near the foot of the Mt. of Olives. This is the site where Jesus prayed in agony before his arrest. We will see the ancient olive trees as well as the beautiful Church of All Nations where the stone of the Agony of Christ is on display. We will then enter Old Jerusalem through the Lion's Gate. We will see the following two historically and spiritually significant landmarks nestled in the heart of the Old City: The Pools of Bethesda are ancient reservoirs dating back to biblical times, mentioned in the Gospel of John for their healing properties. Today, visitors can explore the archaeological remains and reflect on their biblical significance. Adjacent to the pools stands St. Anne's Church, a striking example of Romanesque architecture, built in the 12th century. Some traditional teaching believe it to be the birthplace of the Virgin Mary. The profound historical and religious importance of these two sites makes them captivating destinations. As we continue in the Old City we will stop for lunch along the way. We will walk the Via Dolorosa, see Antonia Fortress, the Praetorium, Sanctuary of Flagellation, Palace of Caiaphas, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We will also visit Mt. Zion and see the traditional site of the room of the Last Supper. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. 


Day 7: Sunday, March 23, 2025

After breakfast at the hotel we will drive through Jericho and can see the Mt. of Temptation.  If possible, we will ride a cable car up the Mt. of Temptation before arriving at the incredible rock-top fortress of Masada. This once palatial refuge for Herod the Great, is better known as the location of a Roman siege against 960 Jewish defenders in AD 74. We will make a brief stop at Ein Gedi, known as the spring of the ibex. This is the largest oasis on the western side of the Dead Sea. This is also where David could have killed Saul but spared his life (1 Samuel 24:1). After lunch we will visit Qumran, the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls (the oldest biblical texts in existence) were found. We will then enjoy a time to "float" on the Dead Sea at Kaila Beach before driving back to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight at our hotel.

  

Day 8: Monday, March 24, 2025

After breakfast at the hotel we will begin the day with an early morning visit to the Temple Mount. This is the place where Abraham bound Isaac in obedience to God’s command. This is also the place where the Temple used to be, and this is the place where Jesus visited during His lifetime (Genesis 22:2; 2 Chronicles 3:1). Next we will walk the Southern Steps of the temple at the Davidson Center. We will visit the City of David, see the Pool of Siloam and walk through the Canaanite (dry) or Hezekiah (wet) tunnel (your choice). After lunch we will take time for a spiritual reflection as we pray at the Western Wall (Kotel), Judaism’s holiest place in the Old City. It is considered the sole remnant of the temple built by Herod the Great in 20 BC. We will then explore millennia of history deep under the Old City in the Western Wall Tunnels. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

 

Day 9: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

After breakfast at the hotel we will visit the Temple Institute at the heart of Jerusalem. We will see the village of the prophet Samuel and enjoy the wonderful views of the Judean hills. After lunch we will drive to the Elah Valley to see an authentic 1st century tomb (Hirbet Midras) owned by a wealthy family. Afterward we will visit Tel Azeqa and overlook the valley where the battle of David and Goliath took place for a biblical discussion. We will end our day with a farewell dinner before driving to the airport to begin our journey home.

  

Day 10: Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Travel home


 

HOW TO REGISTER


STEP 1: COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORM

Register for the trip by completing the Traveler Registration Form and paying the non-refundable registration fee of $300 (plus applicable fees). For more info, please review our Terms and Conditions.





STEP 2: COMPLETE BOOKING

After you complete the Traveler Registration Form, click the event link below to select your trip options and complete your booking. Upon checkout via the event page, you can select from the following payment options: Online via Credit Card or PayPal; or Manual Payments via Check, Zelle, or Bank Wire. Instructions for each payment method will be available on the checkout page and are always available on our Payment Options page.





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