Dates: January 8-20, 2025
Cost: $TBD (airfare to and back from Israel NOT included)
Registration: TBA
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Join Michael Lane and Archeologist Dr. Steven Notley for a journey through Biblical History!
For the past several years Michael & Dr. Steven have partnered with the help of Emmaus Journeys to help believers understand how historical and archeological evidence align with the Biblical record. The itinerary will cover Old Testament and New Testament sites and help you gain a greater understanding of the cultural, geographical and historical context of Biblical events.
Itinerary Sample (Based on previous trips)
| Day 1 | Depart USA |
| Day 2 | Arrive in Tel Aviv, meet at Hotel |
| Day 3 | Ashkelon, Beersheva, Bet Gurvin/Mareshah, Valley of Elah, Beit Shemesh, Gezer |
| Day 4 | Caesarea, Megiddo, Sepphoris, Nazareth |
| Day 5 | Hazor, Dan, Banyas, Golan heights |
| Day 6 | Bethsaida, Chorazin, Mt of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Magdala, Sea of Galilee, Ginosar-Ein Gev |
| Day 7 | Masada, Ein Geidi, Qumran, Dead Sea (bring a swimsuit!) |
| Day 8 | Jerusalem/Temple Mount, Free Afternoon |
| Day 9 | Wohl Museum, Western Wall, Southern Steps, Temple Mount, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Pool of Siloam |
| Day 10 | Mount of Olives, Dominus Flavit, Gethsemane, Pools of Bethesda, Holy Sepulcher |
| Day 11 | Free day to shop and wander |
| Day 12 | Shiloh, Mt Gerizim, Shechem, Jacob’s Well, Samaria, Evening departure from Israel |
| Day 13 | Arrive USA |
FAQs
Most questions can be answered by viewing our trip page at Emmaus Journeys. You will also use their application to register for the trip.
How do I register?
Emmaus Journeys is handling the administration, registration and payment arrangements for the trip. You will be using their application to register. It is recommended you read through the tour information first so you understand how to plan for this trip and how to budget for it.
In order to travel internationally your will need a passport. If you do not have a passport, start your application NOW. Most countries also require that your passport be valid for another six months after your travel return date. Get more information and helpful links at Emmaus Journeys.
What is included in the trip cost?
The trip cost covers all hotel, transportation, service fees and daily breakfast & dinners. Airfare to and from Israel is not included. Taxi service between the hotel and airport on your day of arrival and your day of departure are not included. Lunches are not included.
How should I buy my tickets and meet up with the group?
You will be able to purchase the airfare of your choice to and from Tel Aviv airport. Plan to fly out on January 7th so that you can arrive on January 8th. From the airport you will take a taxi and meet the group at the first hotel. Check-in begins at 3:00 pm on January 8th and dinner will be provided. Instructions to access authorized taxi services will be provided by Emmaus Journeys.
For your return flight, you will need to take a taxi from the hotel to the airport. Taxi service can be arranged through the front desk. Checkout is typically at 5:00 pm. The trip fee covers accommodation through the night of January 19th. You can schedule your return flight as soon as the evening of January 19th after 10 PM. If you plan to stay an extra night in Israel, you can make arrangements with the hotel and cover the fee at your expense. Please read the full Arrival/Departure information on Emmaus Journeys carefully before booking your flights (coming soon).
Will I need to get the COVID-19 vaccine to travel / Will I need to quarantine?
There are no restrictions to travel to and from Israel at this time.
What sites will we visit?
The planned itinerary will be announced soon. These plans may change or be modified due to weather or other extenuating circumstances.
Can I bring my children?
Some families may want to experience this trip together. We will be hiking and walking in warm weather everyday. With this in mind we recommend you only bring minors 10 or older that are able to keep up and enjoy the trip. Parents and/or legal guardians are responsible for their children for the duration of the trip. There is no separate children’s program or childcare provided.
Will I need a passport?
Yes. You will need a passport for international travel. It can take several months to obtain a passport. If you have not done so, begin your passport application as soon as possible. Find out more about passports at Emmaus Journeys.
Should I order currency ahead of the trip?
We recommend that you exchange currency upon arrival in Israel at the airport. Emmaus recommends you budget $25/day to cover lunches and any extra tourist activities you wish to do outside of the trip itinerary. Some locations we will visit may not have Credit Card machines and ATMs are few & far between. Learn more about how to budget for you trip at Emmaus Journeys.
What should I pack?
Luggage is limited to one suitcase and one day backpack per person. You will also want to consider leaving space for any purchases you wish to bring back. There are some holy sites that will also require modest dress (covering knees and shoulders). Please visit the Emmaus Journeys website for a detailed list on what to pack. You can also view the typical weather for the period we will be visiting. We will be in Israel during the cooler season but it will still be warmer than Midwest USA!
How do I promote this trip at my church/school/club/group?
Downloadable posters will be made available when the trip has been confirmed and registration opens.