12-Day Journey to the Holy Land
with Pastor Randy Butler
Start Date: May 8, 2027
End Date: May 19, 2027
Location: Israel
Join us on the journey of a lifetime as we explore the land of the Bible. We will follow in the footsteps of Jesus and his disciples as we travel through the Holy Land, where our Messiah lived and worked miracles. Watch the Scriptures come to life as you visit places like Bethlehem, Jericho, the Mount of Olives, the Sea of Galilee, and Jerusalem. Float in the Dead Sea, discover Masada, and gaze upon the Valley of Armageddon. 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
Saturday, May 8
BEGINNING OF OUR TOUR
Depart Portland (PDX) for Tel Aviv, Israel.
Day 2
Sunday, May 9
INTO THE LAND OF THE BIBLE
Arrive in Tel Aviv, where you will be met at the airport for transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Netanya.
Day 3
Monday, May 10
CAESAREA/MT CARMEL/NAZARETH
This morning, we proceed to Caesarea, the capital of the Roman procurators of Judea. Visit the Roman port, Crusaders’ Moat, Roman theater, and aqueduct. Continue to Muhraka on Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenged Baal’s priests. This afternoon, after a Middle Eastern lunch at a Druze restaurant, we proceed to Megiddo to visit the excavations that unearthed 20 different civilizations. This is Michener’s The Source. Continue down the road to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we will walk the streets. Then it’s on to Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee for dinner and overnight at our hotel. Lunch Provided.
Day 4
Tuesday, May 11
CHORAZIN/DAN/CAESAREA PHILIPPI/MAGDALA
“The Head of all those Kingdoms” (Joshua 11:10). The Sources of the Jordan. This morning, our drive takes us to Chorazin and then to the northern limits of Jesus’ travel as we cross the River Hatzbani to Dan. Here we combine a nature walk beside the Upper Jordan with views of the ancient city, topped by the Israelite high place that supported a golden calf (I Kings 12). Then a short drive to Banias (Caesarea Philippi), dedicated to Pan (the Greek god of pastures, flocks, and shepherds). Here, Peter made his great profession of faith, recognition of Christ Jesus (Matthew 16). Driving along the foot of Mount Hermon, we ascend onto the Golan Plateau for a magnificent view of upper Israel. On our return, we will travel, time permitting, through the Hula Valley to Hazor, ruins of the powerful Canaanite city destroyed by Joshua and rebuilt by King Jabin and then by Solomon as a chariot city to command Upper Galilee. Next, we visit Magdala, one of the oldest synagogues dating back to the first century AD, home of Mary Magdalene and the fishing center where Peter would have brought his catch to be sold or processed. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. Lunch Provided.
Day 5
Wednesday, May 12
CAPERNAUM/MT. ARBEL/KURSI
This morning we enjoyed a relaxing boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, landing at Nof Ginosar, where we will see the New Testament boat found below the sea and watch a video. Continue our morning tour with a visit to Capernaum, Tabgha, and the Mount of Beatitudes. After lunch, we will climb to the top of Mt. Arbel for the most fantastic view of the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias you could ever imagine. Continue on to Kursi, the traditional location of Jesus’ miracle at Gadarenes/Gergesa — healing the madman, driving out his devils into a herd of pigs who then drowned in the lake. Our last stop today will be at the Jordan River, where we will have the opportunity to be baptized, then transfer to the hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight. Lunch Provided.
Day 6
Thursday, May 13
BEIT SHE’AN/JACOB’S WELL/JERUSALEM
This morning we follow the Rift Valley running parallel to the Jordan, along the route Jesus most frequently traveled to Jerusalem. We visit Bet She'an at the foot of Mt. Gilboa, where King Saul was slain, see evidence of Egyptian, Roman, and Byzantine occupations, and view the ancient tel, Roman theater, and church mosaics. We head to Jacob’s Well, the place where Jesus met the woman to draw water. She said the well was deep. Drop a pebble and wait!!! This afternoon, continue through the hill country, with stops at the Good Samaritan Village, Bethel, and Shilo. Continue to the Holy City for a panoramic view before heading to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. Lunch provided.
Day 7
Friday, May 14
MT ZION/JERUSALEM/HEZEKIAH’S TUNNEL
This morning, we begin with a visit to Mt. Zion, visiting the grounds of Peter in Gallicantu, offering the best view of Jerusalem from the west. Here, the Assumptionist Fathers suggest that this was the house where the High Priest Caiaphas interrogated Jesus. Continue to the Upper Room and King David’s Tomb. Next, we go to Zion’s Gate to walk on the walls of Jerusalem — a wonderful introduction to this ancient city. From here, we enter the City of David to walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel. Bring water shoes and a flashlight, and be prepared to get wet. We will trek through a 2,700-year-old water tunnel and finish at the Pool of Siloam. The afternoon is free to explore the Old City. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 8
Saturday, May 15
MASADA/JERICHO/DEAD SEA
Today we drive to Masada and ascend by cable car to the magnificent ruins of the fortress where, from 70 to 73 AD, Jewish defenders made their last stand against Rome. We see storehouses, cisterns, and a sixth-century Byzantine church. Continuing along the Dead Sea, 1,300 feet below sea level, the lowest spot on earth! We proceed to Ein Gedi, where, time permitting, we walk the path to the desert waterfall. This afternoon, we continue to Qumran and the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We stop for lunch, and for those who wish, time to swim in the Dead Sea. We travel to Jericho, the world’s oldest city. From the excavated tel, we view the Jordan Valley, Elisha’s Spring, and Qarantal, the Mount of Temptation. On the way home visit Wadi Qelt at sunset. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. Lunch provided.
Day 9
Sunday, May 16
MOUNTAINS OF JERUSALEM/BETHLEHEM
“If even you had only known on this day what would bring you peace” (Luke 19:42). We begin at the Chapel of Ascension and Paternoster, then go to the Mt. of Olives for an orientation view of Jerusalem and a group photo. We walk the traditional Passion route, descending to Dominus Flevit (“Our Lord weeps”). After viewing the Golden Gate, we walk to Gethsemane, meditate in the private garden, and visit the Church of All Nations. “I bring you good news of great joy…” (Luke 2:10–11). We drive south to Bethlehem, passing Rachel’s Tomb. We stop at Herodium, the palace-fortress built by Herod, noting the contrast between the two Kings of the Jews. We visit Shepherds’ Fields and continue to Bethlehem to the Church of the Nativity, where we visit the manger and the cave of St. Jerome. Return to the hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. Lunch Included.
Day 10
Monday, May 17
WESTERN WALL TUNNEL/TEMPLE INSTITUTE
This morning, we tour the famous Rabbi Tunnel, entering from the Western Wall Plaza and descending to the foundations of the Second Temple. We see a model illustrating the Temple in the time of Christ, and continue through the tunnel to the Gateway of the Priests near the Holy of Holies. We visit the Temple Institute to see the preparation of instruments for a future temple and watch a film explaining the proposed Temple location. From here, we visit the Shrine of the Book and the model city of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple. Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 11
Tuesday, May 18
OLD CITY/VIA DOLOROSA/GARDEN TOMB
“He has risen!” (Mark 16:6). After breakfast, we transfer to the Dung Gate and walk to the Western Wall. We ascend to the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount, site of the ancient First and Second Temples. Nearby, we visit the Pools of Bethesda (John 5) and St. Anne’s Church. We continue to Pilate’s Judgment Hall, the Chapel of Flagellation, Lithostrotos, and the Arch of Ecce Homo, then follow the Via Dolorosa to the Holy Sepulcher. After lunch, we walk through the Christian Quarter, the Arab Souks, and the Cardo Maximo to the Southern Steps, where Jesus taught. We end the day at the Garden Tomb with private communion. Farewell dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 12
Wednesday, May 19
TEL AVIV/USA
Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport for your return flight home with luggage packed with keepsakes and your heart full of memories!
- $5,895 per person based on double occupancy.
- $4,895 per person Land Only (purchase your own air).
- Single room supplement - $1,695
- $500 per person with registration to secure space.
- 50% of the total amount is due on or before November 5, 2026
- Balance due on or before February 5, 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.