In the Footsteps of Jesus with Pastor Paul McDonald

In the Footsteps of Jesus
From calling to commission—experience the story where it happened.

Day 1 – Tuesday, April 6: Departure from the USA

Your journey to the Holy Land begins today as you depart on your international flight to Tel Aviv. As you cross the Atlantic, take time to rest, reflect, and prepare your heart for the days ahead—walking in the very places where the stories of Scripture unfolded. Overnight flight

Day 2 – Wednesday, April 7: Arrival in Tel Aviv – Journey to the Sea of Galilee

Welcome to the Holy Land. Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, you will be greeted and assisted before boarding your private deluxe coach. From here, we begin our journey north, leaving the coastal plain behind as we make our way toward the peaceful shores of the Sea of Galilee. After checking in, enjoy your first dinner together and settle in for the night, surrounded by the landscapes where much of Jesus’ ministry unfolded. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee

Day 3 – Thursday, April 8: Sailing the Sea of Galilee – Capernaum and the Galilean Ministry
This morning begins with a truly special experience—a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. As the gentle waves carry us across these historic waters, we take time for worship and reflection, imagining the moments when Jesus taught from a boat and calmed the storm. Afterward, we visit the Ancient Boat Museum, home to a remarkably preserved 2,000-year-old fishing vessel from the time of Jesus. From there, we travel to Chorazim, one of the towns Jesus rebuked for its unbelief, before continuing to Tabgha, the traditional site of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes.

At the nearby shoreline, we visit the Church of the Primacy of Peter, a meaningful place of restoration and calling. The day continues in Capernaum, often called the “Town of Jesus,” where we explore the remains of the synagogue and the home of Peter, bringing the Gospel stories vividly to life. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee

Day 4 – Friday, April 9: Magdala – Nazareth – The Life of Jesus in Galilee
We begin the day in Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Here, we explore a first-century synagogue and walk along the ancient waterfront, gaining a deeper connection to daily life during the time of Jesus.

Continuing on, we visit Nazareth Village, a living-history experience that recreates what life looked like in Jesus’ childhood hometown. Enjoy a local lunch before visiting the Church of the Annunciation, built over the traditional site where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. We also stop at the Synagogue Church, recalling Jesus’ early ministry.

As we return toward the Sea of Galilee, we travel through the Valley of the Doves along the ancient Via Maris. A stop at Mount Arbel offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Israel, overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the region where Jesus called His disciples. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee

Day 5 – Saturday, April 10: Northern Israel – Dan, Caesarea Philippi, and the Golan Heights
Today, we journey to the northernmost reaches of Israel. At Tel Dan, we walk through lush nature to one of the main sources of the Jordan River and explore the ancient high place of worship. We then continue to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter boldly declared Jesus as the Messiah—one of the most significant moments in the Gospels. Nearby, we enjoy the beauty of the Banias waterfall, a refreshing contrast to the surrounding landscapes. Our day concludes with a visit to the impressive Nimrod Fortress, a mountaintop stronghold offering sweeping views of the region and a glimpse into the Crusader period. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee

Day 6 – Sunday, April 11: From Galilee to Jerusalem – Through the Heart of Biblical History
After breakfast, we begin our journey south toward Jerusalem. Along the way, we stop at Beit She’an, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the region, where ancient streets and columns still stand as a testimony to its past grandeur.

We continue to Megiddo, overlooking the Jezreel Valley—known in Scripture as Armageddon—before enjoying lunch together. Our next stop is Caesarea Maritima, the great port city built by Herod the Great. Here, we reflect on the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles and the journeys of the Apostle Paul. By evening, we arrive in Jerusalem, the city that stands at the heart of our faith journey. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

Day 7 – Monday, April 12: Mount of Olives – Gethsemane – Into the Old City
We begin the day on the Mount of Olives, taking in a breathtaking view over Jerusalem while reflecting on the biblical significance of the city. From here, we walk down the Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane, a place of deep prayer and reflection where Jesus began His journey to the cross. We continue to the House of Caiaphas, where Jesus was held before His trial, then walk along the ancient Ramparts of the Old City. The day concludes with a visit to the Pools of Bethesda and St. Anne’s Church, where we remember the healing miracles of Jesus. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

Day 8 – Tuesday, April 13: Kidron Valley – Israel Museum – Jerusalem’s Living Culture
This morning, we walk through the Kidron Valley, tracing ancient paths connected to the story of Jerusalem. We then take part in the Temple Mount Sifting Project, where history comes alive through hands-on discovery. At the Israel Museum, we explore a detailed model of Jerusalem as it appeared in the time of Jesus, along with the Dead Sea Scrolls and significant archaeological finds. Later, we experience the vibrant atmosphere of Mahane Yehuda Market, where locals gather among colorful stalls filled with fresh produce, spices, and traditional foods. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

Day 9 – Wednesday, April 14: Western Wall – Bethlehem – The Birth of Christ
We begin at the Western Wall, one of the most sacred sites in Judaism, followed by a walk through the Western Wall Tunnels, revealing the massive stones of the ancient Temple complex. From there, we visit Herodion, the fortress and palace built by King Herod, before continuing to the Shepherds’ Field, where the angels announced the birth of Christ. The day culminates in Bethlehem, where we visit the Church of the Nativity and descend into the Grotto marking the birthplace of Jesus—a deeply moving moment in our journey. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

Day 10 – Thursday, April 15: Temple Mount – Via Dolorosa – City of David
An early start brings us to the Temple Mount, one of the most significant and sacred locations in Jerusalem. From here, we walk the Via Dolorosa, following the path Jesus took to the cross, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

We then explore the City of David, walking through Hezekiah’s Tunnel and visiting the Pool of Siloam. Continuing along the ancient Pilgrimage Road, we reach the Southern Steps—where Jesus once taught in the Temple area. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

Day 11 – Friday, April 16: Masada – Qumran – The Dead Sea
Today we journey into the Judean Desert. At Masada, we ascend by cable car to explore this dramatic mountaintop fortress and reflect on its powerful history. We then visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, before enjoying time at the Dead Sea—floating effortlessly in its mineral-rich waters. Later, we visit the Jordan River region, traditionally associated with the baptism of Jesus, where we have the opportunity for reflection and renewal. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

Day 12 – Saturday, April 17: Garden Tomb – Departure
Our journey concludes at the Garden Tomb, a peaceful and powerful place to reflect on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Here, we gather for a final time of worship and communion, celebrating the hope of the empty tomb.

After some free time, we transferred to the airport for our return flight home, carrying with us the memories and spiritual impact of this unforgettable pilgrimage.

Day 13 – Sunday, April 18: Arrival in the USA
Arrive home with a deeper connection to the land of the Bible and a renewed sense of faith shaped by the places you have experienced.