Join Rev. Dr. Jesse W. Abell on a meaningful pilgrimage to the Holy Land, walking in the places where the stories of Scripture unfolded and where Christian communities have worshiped for centuries.
Journey from the Sea of Galilee to Bethlehem and Jerusalem, visiting sacred and historic sites including Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes, Nazareth, the Jordan River, Jericho, the Church of the Nativity, the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, the Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
But this pilgrimage is about much more than seeing biblical sites from the window of a tour bus. Along the way, we will experience the people, culture, food, faith, and daily life of the Holy Land, creating opportunities for meaningful encounters with the local Christian community and a deeper understanding of the land we are visiting.
A special part of our journey will be worship at St. George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem, the heart of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, with an anticipated opportunity to meet The Most Rev. Dr. Hosam E. Naoum, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem and Primate of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, The Diocese remains deeply involved in local churches, schools, hospitals, and ministries throughout the region.
Throughout the pilgrimage, there will be time for prayer, Holy Eucharist, reflection, fellowship, and conversation, helping us connect the Scriptures not only with the ancient stones and sacred places, but also with the living communities who call the Holy Land home today.
This is not simply a sightseeing tour—it is a journey of faith, encounter, culture, and relationship, designed to help us return home with a deeper understanding of Scripture, the Holy Land, and the people who continue to live and worship there.
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DETAILS:
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The trip departs on October 25, 2027, and returns on November 3, 2027
PRICING:
- $4,590 per person based on double occupancy - space is limited
- Single room supplement: $990
- Deposit: $300 per person
- Balance due on or before June 27, 2027
- Register by mail? Please enclose a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person, made payable to Elias Tours. Mail to: Elias Tours; 4941 Chalden Ln NE; Marietta, GA. 30066
FLIGHT SCHEDULE:
* Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information, check the airline website.
What is included in the tour
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Round-trip airfare
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8 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels, based on double occupancy
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Breakfast and dinner daily
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A professional Elias Tours guide throughout the pilgrimage
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Entrance fees to all sites included in the itinerary
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All ground transportation by private, air-conditioned motor coach
What is NOT included in the tour
- Gratuities for Guide and Driver
- Personal Expenses
- Lunch
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Travelex Insurance Services. For questions, quotes, or to purchase travel insurance, visit Travelex Insurance or call (800) 228-9792 and use the code 26-0057 for Elias Tours.
Walk in the footsteps of Jesus from the Sea of Galilee to Bethlehem and Jerusalem, worship at St. George’s Cathedral, meet local Christians, experience the culture and people of the Holy Land, and visit many of the most sacred biblical sites. This pilgrimage is designed to be more than sightseeing—it is a journey of faith, history, culture, and meaningful connection.
Day 1 – Mon, October 25: Departure from the USA
Depart the United States on your overnight flight to Tel Aviv. As our pilgrimage begins, we leave behind our daily routines and prepare to enter the lands of the Bible, where the stories of Scripture took place and where generations of Christians have come to pray, worship, and deepen their faith.
Day 2 – Tue, October 26: Arrival in Tel Aviv – Caesarea – Sea of Galilee
Arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport, where you will be welcomed and assisted with arrival formalities. After collecting your luggage, meet your guide and driver and begin the journey north along the Mediterranean coast.
Time permitting, visit Caesarea Maritima, the impressive Roman port city associated with St. Peter, St. Paul, and the growth of the early Church. Explore the ancient theater, Herod’s harbor, and the Roman aqueduct while reflecting on the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem. Continue to the Sea of Galilee, check into your hotel, and gather for dinner and fellowship. Overnight at the Sea of Galilee.
Please note: The visit to Caesarea is dependent upon the group’s flight arrival time.
Day 3 – Wed, October 27: Sea of Galilee – Boat Ride – Mount of Beatitudes – Capernaum – Peter’s Primacy – Magdala
Begin the morning with a peaceful boat ride across the Sea of Galilee, surrounded by the landscape where so much of Jesus’ ministry unfolded. Visit the Ancient Galilee Boat Museum and see the remarkable first-century fishing vessel discovered along the shore.
Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, traditionally associated with Jesus’ teaching of the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. Enjoy time for Scripture, prayer, and reflection overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
Travel to Capernaum, a center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry. Explore the remains of the ancient village, including the synagogue and the traditional site associated with the home of St. Peter.
Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring St. Peter’s fish before continuing to Tabgha, commemorating the feeding of the five thousand. Nearby, visit the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, recalling the risen Christ’s appearance to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee.
Continue to Kursi, traditionally associated with Jesus’ healing of the Gerasene man, before ending the day at Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene. Explore the remains of the first-century synagogue and archaeological discoveries that offer a remarkable glimpse into Jewish life during the time of Jesus.
Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.
Day 4 – Thu, October 28: Cana – Sepphoris – Mount of Precipice – Nazareth
Travel to Cana of Galilee, remembered as the setting of Jesus’ first sign at the wedding feast. Couples who wish may have an opportunity for a renewal of marriage vows, subject to confirmation.
Continue to Sepphoris, or Zippori, once described by Josephus as the “ornament of all Galilee.” Explore the archaeological remains and beautiful mosaics of this important city located only a few miles from Nazareth.
Continue to the Mount of Precipice, overlooking Nazareth and the Jezreel Valley. Here we reflect on Jesus’ return to his hometown and the account of his teaching in the synagogue recorded in the Gospel of Luke.
In Nazareth, visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of Christianity’s most significant holy places, commemorating the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary. We will also visit Mary’s Well and the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Gabriel, connecting us with the rich Christian traditions that have flourished here for centuries.
Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.
Day 5 – Fri, October 29: Mount Tabor – Jordan River – Jericho – Bethlehem
After breakfast and check-out, travel to Mount Tabor, traditionally associated with the Transfiguration of Jesus. Ascend the mountain by local taxis and visit the beautiful Church of the Transfiguration, with time to enjoy the sweeping views of Galilee.
Continue south through the Jordan Valley to Qasr al-Yahud, the traditional baptismal site of Jesus along the Jordan River. This area also recalls Israel’s crossing of the Jordan into the Promised Land and the prophetic ministry of Elijah.
Proceed to Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Visit Tel Jericho, view the Mount of Temptation, and see the traditional sycamore tree associated with Zacchaeus and his encounter with Jesus.
Continue through the Judean hills to Bethlehem, the city of David and birthplace of Jesus. Check into the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight in Bethlehem.
Day 6 – Sat, October 30: Bethlehem – Shepherds’ Field – Church of the Nativity
Travel to Jerusalem to visit the Israel Museum, including the impressive Second Temple Period Model of Jerusalem, offering an excellent perspective on the city as it may have appeared during the time of Jesus.
Visit the Shrine of the Book, home to portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other important manuscripts discovered near Qumran.
Return to Bethlehem and visit Shepherds’ Field, traditionally associated with the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. The surrounding landscape also recalls the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz.
Continue to the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest continuously functioning churches in the world. Enter the ancient basilica and visit the Grotto of the Nativity, traditionally revered as the place of Jesus’ birth.
There will be time for prayer and reflection before returning to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Day 7 – Sun, October 31: Jerusalem – St. George’s Cathedral – Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem – City of David – Western Wall
Travel to Jerusalem and begin with a panoramic view of the Holy City from Mount Scopus, providing an introduction to the geography and history of Jerusalem.
Attend Sunday worship at St. George’s Cathedral, the cathedral church of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. We hope to have an opportunity to meet with the Bishop or representatives of the Diocese. This will provide a meaningful opportunity to learn about the witness and ministry of the local Anglican and Episcopal community in the Holy Land.
Continue to the City of David, exploring archaeological remains connected with ancient Jerusalem. Visit the Pool of Siloam and the ancient Pilgrimage Road, traveled by Jewish pilgrims making their way toward the Temple.
Continue to the Southern Wall excavations and the ancient steps leading toward the Temple Mount, an important place for understanding Jerusalem in the time of Jesus.
Conclude the day at the Western Wall, one of Judaism’s most sacred places, with time to observe, reflect, and appreciate the living faith traditions of Jerusalem.
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Day 8 – Mon, November 1: Temple Mount – St. Anne’s Church – Pools of Bethesda – Mount of Olives – Palm Sunday Road – Gethsemane – St. Peter in Gallicantu – Upper Room – Jewish Quarter
Begin the day with a visit to the Temple Mount, one of the most sacred and historically significant places in Jerusalem. From here we consider the importance of the Temple in the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament and view the magnificent Dome of the Rock.
Continue to the beautiful Church of St. Anne, known for its remarkable acoustics, and visit the nearby Pools of Bethesda, traditionally associated with Jesus’ healing of the man who had been ill for many years.
Travel to the Mount of Olives for a breathtaking panoramic view over the Old City of Jerusalem. Visit the Church of the Pater Noster, traditionally associated with Jesus’ teaching of the Lord’s Prayer, and the nearby Chapel of the Ascension. Walk down the traditional Palm Sunday Road, stopping at Dominus Flevit, commemorating Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. Continue to the Garden of Gethsemane, where ancient olive trees surround the Church of All Nations. Here we remember Jesus’ prayer on the night before his crucifixion and take time for prayer and quiet reflection. Visit St. Peter in Gallicantu, associated with Peter’s denial of Jesus, before continuing to Mount Zion and the Upper Room, traditionally remembered as the setting of the Last Supper. If arrangements permit, the group may celebrate the Holy Eucharist during the day.
Conclude with a walk through the Jewish Quarter and along the ancient Cardo, experiencing the layers of history that continue to shape Jerusalem.
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Day 9 – Tue, November 2, 2027: Via Dolorosa – Church of the Holy Sepulchre – Free Afternoon in Jerusalem
Enter Jerusalem’s Old City and walk portions of the Via Dolorosa, traditionally recalling the path Jesus walked toward Calvary. Our pilgrimage leads to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christianity’s most sacred church, built over the traditional sites of Calvary and the tomb of Jesus. Spend time exploring the church and allow opportunity for prayer, reflection, and worship. The remainder of the day is free to experience Jerusalem at your own pace. You may wish to wander through the colorful lanes and markets of the Old City, spend additional time at one of Jerusalem’s holy places, or visit Mahane Yehuda Market, where Jerusalemites gather among stalls filled with spices, breads, sweets, produce, coffee, and Middle Eastern specialties. Return to Bethlehem for our final evening together.
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Day 10 – Wed, November 3, 2027: Emmaus Nicopolis – Farewell Eucharist – Departure for the USA
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and begin the journey toward Ben Gurion International Airport.
Time permitting, stop at Emmaus Nicopolis, one of the traditional locations associated with the story of the risen Christ appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Here we remember the moment when Christ was made known to the disciples “in the breaking of the bread.”
As our pilgrimage draws to a close, gather for a farewell Holy Eucharist, giving thanks for the people, places, experiences, and friendships that have shaped our journey together.
Continue to Ben Gurion International Airport for the return flight to the United States, carrying home a deeper understanding of Scripture, the living Christian communities of the Holy Land, and the sacred places that have welcomed pilgrims for generations.
