Trip of a Lifetime
Back in 2018, Kelly and I took our first trip to Israel as a gift to us. I can’t begin to explain how impactful that trip was in every way. Just incredible. Really, who can describe in words the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual rush you get when you literally walk through the places of the Bible. You see the sights, walk with literal streets, sail the Sea of Galilee, and float in the Dead Sea.
Just Incredible!
It’s On … Travel to Israel on 2020 Prices
Until the past week, there were still some questions as to whether or not we could go. Our trip was initially planned in March of 2020; however, COVID cancelled it in February of that year. It was rescheduled for March of this year, but, as you guessed, cancelled again. Now, finally, it is All-Systems Go for December 1-10 of this year.
We are still travelling on the 2020 contract which means you will never get prices this low again. Inflation has pushed everything up. The price for you to go is $2,300 plus airfare. This price includes all land expenses except your lunch. You should plan about $20.00 per lunch.
Especially if you have travel vouchers or airline points – literally, this will never be more inexpensive than this price.
The original cost was $3,500 including airfare; however, we are past that point. But, because travel plans changed for so many people since the original trip and group, there are still seats left at $2,300 plus airfare.
Discipleship Travel with Baptist Bible College
Who is going and with whom? Great questions!
This time we are travelling with Discipleship Travel (DiscipleshipTravel.com). This is my first trip with them; however, I know scores of people who have traveled with them and have loved it. Follow the link above to learn more about the company, its history, and other information related to planning your travel.
The group is Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary. You can join faculty like myself, Israel travel experts Dr. Craig Dunning and Dr. Ray Adams, and BBC/TS President Mark Milioni. Again, because of COVID, the groups is much smaller than originally anticipated. Time with faculty will be at a premium.
If you need some college credit, you can take this trip and do a little academic work to get college undergraduate credit as well (for an additional cost).
Trip Details
For a day-by-day itinerary and overall explanation of the tour, click here.
For a complete downloadable PDF travel brochure related to this trip, click this link: ISRAEL-TRAVEL-GUIDE3c.
DAY 1 – December 1
Travel day. For those departing from SGF, the group will connect with an overnight flight to Tel Aviv.
DAY 2 – December 2
You are scheduled to arrive in Tel Aviv in the afternoon and will transfer to your hotel on the Sea of Galilee. After dinner, you will have a free evening to visit with friends at the hotel or walk along the beach.
Overnight: Sea of Galilee
DAY 3 – December 3
You will begin the with an overview of Jesus’ Galilean ministry from Mt. Arbel, the possible location of the Great Commission. The remainder of the day will be spent in the north where you will visit Mount Hermon and see the headwaters of the Jordan River. At Dan, you will see Jereboam’s altar and a rare mud brick gate from the time of Abraham. Next, you will drive up to Caesarea Philippi where Peter made his confession, “Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.” You will return to your hotel by way of the Golan Heights.
After dinner you will be free to visit the lake shore or hang out around the hotel and talk with others about the day’s activities.
Overnight: Sea of Galilee
DAY 4 – December 4
This promises to be a beautiful day as you focus on the ministry of Jesus. First you will visit the Primacy of Peter and meditate on John 21. The remainder of the morning will be spent at Capernaum, Jesus’ ministry center in Galilee. After lunch, you will visit the Mount of Beattitudes. Finally, you finish the day worshipping on the Sea of Galilee as you sail across the lake.
After dinner you will be free to visit the lake shore or hang out around the hotel and talk with others about the day’s activities.
Overnight: Sea of Galilee
DAY 5 – December 5
Today, you will make your way to the Dead Sea fortress of Masada. Along the way, you will visit Nazareth Village, a first-century village that will provide a visual and cultural experience of village life in the times of Jesus; Megiddo, which guards over the Valley of Armageddon; Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged the prophets of Ba’al; and Caesarea, where Paul almost persuaded Agrippa to be a Christian.
Overnight: Masada Guest House
DAY 6 – December 6
Today’s itinerary focuses on the Dead Sea Valley. You will begin the day visiting Masada, Herod’s fortress palace. Ein Gedi, where David hid from Saul and Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found are also on this day’s itinerary. Finally, you will have the opportunity to float on the Dead Sea.
Overnight: Bethlehem
DAY 7 – December 7
An early breakfast will get you ready for a wonderful day in Jerusalem, the Holy City. You will ascend the Temple Mount, the most sacred area in the world for Jews and the third holiest for Muslims. You will visit the Pool of Bethesda (Jn 5) and walk a portion of the Via Dolorosa. You will visit the Western Wall and the Southern Wall excavations. You need water shoes to end the day with a walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel. This 1750 feet long water channel takes you under the City of David to the Pool of Siloam (Jn 9).
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY 8 – December 8
You will begin your day visiting Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant rested for about 300 years. Afterward, you will follow the path of David to the Elah Valley and rehearse the battle with Goliath. Bring a bag to gather some smooth stones as souvenirs. On the way back to Jerusalem, you will see Azekah and Beth Shemesh. A visit to the Israel Museum will be the final stop before arriving at the hotel.
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY 9 – December 9
After breakfast you will ascend the Mount of Olives for an overview of Jerusalem, the Kidron Valley and the Eastern Gate. Afterward, you will descend by foot to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was betrayed by Judas, then to the Garden Tomb to remember the burial and resurrection of Jesus.
After lunch, you will visit the Jewish and Christian Quarters in the Old City.
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY 10 – December 10
An early morning flight will bring you home with memories that you will cherish forever.
** The above itinerary is subject to change based on local conditions, which may include, but is not limited to weather, crowds, and security matters.
Dr. Craig Dunning teaching at the Nazareth Ridge
Can and Will You Join Us?
If you have any other doubts about how cool this trip will be, then let me provide you one more link.
This LINK is a 10-day devotional reflection from our trip in 2018.
As I re-read my 10-day journey from 2018, I was once again challenged about what we saw, experienced, and thought through while we were there. I am so excited to take the majority of my family with me once again as we walk where Jesus walked.
If you are interested in coming with us on this trip, you must fill out the contact form from Discipleship Travel ASAP. Time is of essence. I wish we could have shared it earlier; however, we did not know if the trip would be cleared or not because of COVID restrictions.
I hope you will be able to join us. If you can’t, then please pray for us while we go. As the trip gets closer, I’ll share better how you can pray for my children, me, and our group as we travel.
Below you can enjoy a few pictures from our previous trip.
The Sea of Galilee
Sailing on the Sea of Galilee
Reading 1 Kings 18 to the group on Mount Caramel
Teaching at the Garden Tomb
Sitting on a column that once stood at the entrance of a false god’s temple
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
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