11-Day Journey to the Holy Land
with Dr. Ronald B. Allen
Start Date: April 11, 2027
End Date: April 21, 2027
Location: Israel
Dr. Ron Allen is Senior Professor Emeritus of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary, where he began teaching in 1995. Before Dallas, Dr. Ron taught for many years at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Ron and Beverly (now deceased) have led many study tours in Israel, Turkey, and Greece, and Reformation tours in Europe. Dr. Ron has written a dozen books and has contributed to a dozen scholarly works in the areas of Hebrew Scripture and biblical studies. The Nelson Study Bible (aka, The New King James Study Bible) has sold 1.5 million copies. Dr. Ron has taught and preached in more than thirty countries and presently teaches at several schools. Lately, he has been teaching at a wonderful school in Bangalore, India. He has been an avid road bike enthusiast; he and Bev have done numerous walking tours in the British Isles. He is also a licensed Massage Therapist and teaches at a Massage School. This trip will be an incredible spiritual experience that will forever change how you read, study, and understand the Scriptures. Reserve your spot today!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Sunday, April 11
BEGINNING OF OUR TOUR
Depart USA for Tel Aviv, Israel.
Day 2
Monday, April 12
INTO THE LAND OF THE BIBLE
Arrive in Tel Aviv, where we will be met by our guide and driver at the airport for transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Netanya.
Day 3
Tuesday, April 13
CAESAREA / MT CARMEL / MEGIDDO / SEPPHORIS
Drive north along the Mediterranean coast to the impressive Herodian city Caesarea Maritima, the home of a Roman Centurian, a God-fearer named Cornelius whose meeting with Peter changed history. Visit the theater, the chariot racing track, the port. See where the imprisoned Paul stood before Felix. View the aqueduct. Lunch today in a Druze Restaurant—one of our favorites. Continue to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah confronted the prophets of Ba’al. Visit Tel Megiddo, the most strategic city in Israel. Ha-Megiddo (Mount Megiddo) leads to “Armageddon.” Visit Sepphoris, the city where Jesus and his brothers worked as stone masons before the beginning of Jesus’s ministry. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. Lunch provided.
Day 4
Wednesday, April 14
MAGDALA / TEL DAN / UPPER GALILEE
After a short visit in Magdala, the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, with its intriguing recent discoveries, we journey north to Tel Dan with its beautiful Nature Walk, its impressive fortress and site of the syncretic temple—the root of the evils of the Northern Kingdom. The Tel Dan Inscription is so important! Dr. Allen will introduce the texts from Ugarit, which give the background of Ba’al worship We pass over the three streams that form the Jordan River, the Hasbani, the Dan, the Banias (aka Snir). The latter, at Caesarea Tiberias, is where Peter proclaimed Jesus the Messiah. Our (late) lunch is at another Druze restaurant on the edge of a small caldera for a very special meal with traditional flat bread. Journey in the Golan Heights in Upper Galilee and view the border with Syria. Travel around the Sea of Galilee. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. Lunch provided.
Day 5
Thursday, April 15
SEA OF GALILEE / BEIT SHE’AN / JERUSALEM
The morning begins with a boat ride on the calm surface of the Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum, the town where Jesus started His ministry and performed several miracles. Among the ruins, see the house of Peter and the location of the synagogue where Jesus taught. Drive to the top of the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding area. As we leave the Galilee we may stop at Visit Beit She’an, the leading city in the Decapolis and the place where the Philistines hanged the bodies of King Saul and his sons on the city walls. Beit She’an was renamed Scythopolis in Roman times. You will be astonished (!) when we view this site from above. After lunch at another of Ron’s favorite places, begin the journey south to Jerusalem, taking in the scenic countryside. As we pass through a tunnel of the Mount of Olives we savor our dramatic entry into the Holy City. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. Lunch provided.
Day 6
Friday, April 16
MOUNTAINS OF JERUSALEM / BETHLEHEM
Drive south to the city of Bethlehem for a visit to the Church of the Nativity and the caves where Jerome translated the Bible into Latin. Visit the Shepherd's Fields with views of the Fields of Boaz and Ruth. Fabulous lunch in Bethlehem. Take the opportunity to marvel at beautiful pieces of olive wood handcrafted by locals while shopping in Bethlehem. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. Lunch provided.
Day 7
Saturday, April 17
JERICHO / MASADA / EIN GEDI / QUMRAN / DEAD SEA
Today is our hot day near the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. First is Jericho, where we see an astonishing oasis and the world’s oldest walled city. Jericho was the “first fruits” of the conquest. View the site and visit a pottery shop with “Hebron ware.” Drive south along the west coast road of the Dead Sea to the fabulous Masada. A natural fortress in the time of David, Herod made it one of his many fortresses. Following the end of the first war of the Jews against the Romans (a.d. 66-70), Masada became a fortress for zealots who resisted Roman rule. The story of the Roman conquest of Masada (a.d. 72-73) and the tragic deaths of the Jewish defenders become strong memories. Next, a visit to the remarkable oasis of Ein Gedi and an unforgettable walk up Nahal David, the stream of David. Then we go to Qumran, first for lunch, and then for our visit of the site tied to the Dead Sea Scrolls. Last, we go to the waters of the Dead Sea for a float. You will feel like a cork, and your skin will say thank you for the minerals in the water. This day gets better and better. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. Lunch provided.
Day 8
Sunday, April 18
JERUSALEM, THE HOLY CITY
Step into history as you enter the Old City of Jerusalem. Stroll along the narrow streets, experiencing the blend of several cultures revealed in the colorful bazaars, fragrant spices, and distinct neighborhoods as you make your way to the Temple Mount, where Solomon's Temple was built on Mount Moriah. Marvel at the Dome of the Rock. Stand at the Western Wall, where Jews have prayed to God for centuries. Walk the Southern Steps and see remnants from the days of the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in a.d. 70. Enjoy lunch at your choice of restaurants in the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, visit the Church of Saint Anne, the Pool of Bethesda, Lithostrotos, Pilate's Judgment Hall, and Antonia Fortress. Follow the Via Dolorosa with its culmination at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Astonishingly, this building marks the areas of the crucifixion, the burial and the resurrection of Jesus. Return to the hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.
Day 9
Monday, April 19
TEL BE’ER SHEVA / TEL LACHISH / VALLEY OF ELAH
This is our long day in the South, so beautiful in our spring tour. Our tour truly goes from Dan to Be’er Sheva (Beersheba). The story of Abraham and Sarah is tied strongly to the areas to the south of Jerusalem. Lachish was the second largest city in Judah and was the major defense for Jerusalem. Lunch in Aroma Coffee Shop, edge of Be’er Sheva. Sennacherib’s campaign in Judah (701 b.c.) centers on the conquest of Lachish—a most significant battle in the history of ancient Israel. A much smaller battle (smile) took place in the Valley of Elah: David’s slaying of Goliath. Nearby is the recently excavated Khirbet Qeiyafa which plays a part in the account of the Kingdom of David. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. Lunch provided.
Day 10
Tuesday, April 20
MOUNT ZION / GARDEN TOMB
In the morning, we refocus on the Passion of the Christ. Begin at Mount Zion for a group picture, and then we stroll on a road down the Kidron Valley. We stop at Dominus Flevit (“The Lord wept”), and at The Church of All Nations (part of Gethsemane). Continue to the “City of David,” In David’s day (c. 1000 b.c.), this small ridge of about twelve acres was the city of Jerusalem ruled by the Jebusites. David and his army conquered it and in time made it “Zion, Daughter of God.” The astonishing water system for Jerusalem is now on splendid display, with the newly discovered, massive Pool of Siloam at the base of the site. Falafel lunch in the city. Finish the day with a poignant visit to the Garden Tomb, where we will have our communion service. Enjoy a special farewell dinner with our guide and driver. Overnight in Jerusalem. Lunch provided.
Day 11
Wednesday, April 21
TEL AVIV / USA
Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport for our return flight home with luggage packed with keepsakes and our hearts full of memories!
- $5,895 per person based on double occupancy.
- $4,895 per person Land Only (purchase your own air).
- Single room supplement - $1,595
- $500 per person with registration to secure space.
- 50% of the total amount is due on or before October 9, 2026
- Balance due on or before January 9, 2027
Tour information
GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only travelers not traveling with the group are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.
HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the tour leader will make every attempt to pair single travelers requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.
MEALS: Breakfast provided daily. Lunch and dinner provided on days as noted in the itinerary.
SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary are included, as well as an expert English-speaking guide.
LUGGAGE: Space is limited on the tour buses. Travelers are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Travelers are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions.
TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES: Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes or fees imposed by national and/or local governments that are not included at the time of publication are the traveler’s responsibility.
NOT INCLUDED: Excess baggage fees, passport fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the above list of included features.
PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. Travelers with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements.
AIR: The Air Included option covers round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the Air Included option. Travelers who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.
LAND ONLY: Travelers who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. Travelers arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the transfer bus at no additional charge.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators or scooters. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Trawick International. Please click here for more information or to enroll in the plan.
A preexisting medical condition waiver is available if purchased within 21 days of registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to 180 days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.
PAYMENT: I understand and agree that Signature Tours accepts no responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that may occur in connection with these services. I also declare that I am aware that restrictions may apply to the services purchased and that I am satisfied that such restrictions have been explained. I the cardholder, take full responsibility for the charges on the account described above. By clicking Order, I agree to receive emails, SMS text messages, and phone calls from Signature Tours.
ETA-IL: All travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or ETA-IL approval before starting their journey to Israel. Click here to learn more about the ETA-IL.