11-Day Journey to the Holy Land
with Dr. Steve Smartt
Start Date: September 13, 2027
End Date: September 23, 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
Monday, September 13
BEGINNING OF OUR TOUR
Depart USA for Tel Aviv, Israel.
Day 2
Tuesday, September 14
INTO THE LAND OF THE BIBLE
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, where you will be met by Eran, your Israeli tour guide. Visit Old Jaffa, the ancient gateway to the Land of Israel, where Peter received his vision (Acts 10). Overlooking modern Tel Aviv, we will begin our journey with opening words from our pastor. Take a short bus tour through Tel Aviv, Israel’s first modern Hebrew city and its cultural and economic center. Dinner & Overnight in Tel Aviv
Day 3
Wednesday, September 15
CENTRAL COAST & JEZREEL VALLEY
Drive north along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea Maritima National Park, the Roman capital of Judea and the setting of major events in the Book of Acts. Continue to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal. Enjoy lunch at a Druze restaurant on Mt. Carmel. Tour Tel Megiddo National Park and learn about the Canaanite period and the Kingdom of Israel. Look out over the Valley of Armageddon (Jezreel Valley) as you gain insights into biblical prophecy. Visit Nazareth Village, a re-creation of Jesus’ village, set on the outskirts of old Nazareth. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. Lunch provided.
Day 4
Thursday, September 16
THE SEA OF GALILEE
Start the day at Tabgha (Ein Sheva), where Jesus called the first disciples and appeared to the disciples for the third time after the resurrection (John 21). Continue to Capernaum, Jesus' town, and visit the famous synagogue and Peter's home. Continue to the Boat Museum, home to a 1st-century fishing boat discovered in the Sea of Galilee. Enjoy lunch at a fish restaurant on the shores of the lake. Take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on water and calmed the storm, and enjoy worship and a message from our pastor. Visit Magdala, the town of Mary Magdalene, where a first-century synagogue and fishing town have been uncovered. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. Lunch provided.
Day 5
Friday, September 17
GOLAN & NORTHERN BOUNDARY
Start the day with a nature hike at Tel Dan National Park, the headwaters of the Jordan, overlooking the Israeli-Lebanese border. Explore the fascinating ruins of ancient Dan, where King Jeroboam put the golden calf. Follow Jesus to Caesarea Philippi (Banias) National Park, where Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13), and hear a message from our pastor. Enjoy lunch at a Lebanese restaurant in Banias. Drive to the Golan Heights, look over the road to Damascus, and learn about the ongoing Israeli-Arab war. End the day at Mount Beatitudes, where we will read the Sermon on the Mount and hear a message from our pastor. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. Lunch provided.
Day 6
Saturday, September 18
THE JORDAN VALLEY
After checking out, drive south through the Jordan Valley to Beit Shean (Scythopolis) National Park, the leading city of the Decapolis. Continue toward Jericho to visit Beth Abara National Park (Qaser El Yahud), where Jesus was baptized and where many other biblical events took place. You can rededicate your faith by being baptized in the Jordan River as your group worships and praises God. Enjoy lunch at the kibbutz restaurant at Qumran. Tour Qumran National Park and learn about the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Arrive early at our hotel and enjoy swimming and relaxation at the Dead Sea. Dinner & Overnight at the Dead Sea. Lunch provided. On Saturdays & Holidays – late check-in – at least 2½ hours after sunset.
Day 7
Sunday, September 19
THE JUDEAN DESERT
Arrive early at Masada National Park and tour Herod’s fortress, the last stronghold of the Jewish revolt against Rome. Continue to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, the largest oasis along the Dead Sea’s western shore, with biblical history and abundant wildlife. Enjoy lunch on your own at Ein Gedi before driving up the famous Jericho-Jerusalem Road and entering the Holy City. Visit the top of the Mount of Olives for a view of Jerusalem and a message from our pastor. End the day at the Church of Gethsemane and spend time in the private Garden of Gethsemane for prayer and reflection (Mark 14:32–42). Dinner & Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 8
Monday, September 20
JERUSALEM & BETHLEHEM
Start the day with a visit to the Israel Museum, including the Shrine of the Book, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Model of Jerusalem in 66 AD. Continue to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, to learn about the Holocaust and remember its victims. Enjoy lunch at an Arab restaurant in Bethlehem. Visit the Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional birthplace of Jesus. Continue to the Shepherds’ Fields, where the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, and hear a message from our pastor in one of the caves. Dinner & Overnight in Jerusalem. Lunch provided.
Day 9
Tuesday, September 21
JERUSALEM
Start the day with an archaeological tour of City of David National Park, ancient Jerusalem. Visit the Upper Room, the traditional site of the Last Supper. Tour the Jewish Quarter of the Old City and learn about its history and archaeology. Enjoy lunch on your own in the Jewish Quarter. Explore the Herodian Mansion, the remains of the homes of Jerusalem’s first-century aristocracy. Continue underground through the Western Wall Tunnels to see remains from the Jerusalem that Jesus knew. Visit the Western Wall and take time to experience this special place. End the day at the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, where we will hear a message from our pastor on the first-century Southern Steps. Dinner & Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 10
Wednesday, September 22
JERUSALEM
Start the day at the Temple Mount, the holiest place for the Jewish people and the focus of Jesus’ activity in Jerusalem. Continue to the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the paralyzed man (John 5), and visit St. Anne’s Church, known for its remarkable acoustics. Walk the Via Dolorosa, reflecting on Jesus' suffering, and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Enjoy lunch on your own in the Christian Quarter. Continue to the Garden Tomb for a guided tour and communion led by our pastor. Return to the hotel for a farewell dinner before transferring to Ben Gurion Airport for our flight home. Dinner & Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 11
Thursday, September 23
TEL AVIV/USA
Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport for your return flight home with luggage packed with keepsakes and your heart full of memories!
and tour leader preferences.
- $6,095 per person based on double occupancy.
- $5,095 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 March 13, 2027
- Balance due on or before June 13, 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: Country-specific visas or ETAs, 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 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. Click here to learn more about the ETA-IL. You will receive an email with instructions when it is time to apply.