One of the best ways you can learn about a person or even an event is being there—to be on site. We can certainly learn from reading and studying on our own, but being in the physical place with other fellow believers creates the scene in our mind’s eye; brings a biblical character or story to life, thus deepening our own faith and walk with the Lord.

In October 2023, in partnership with Pilgrim Tours, we're excited to collectively GO to the places where significant Biblical events occurred - events that have shaped history. You can literally walk in the footsteps of Jesus and other characters of the Bible - providing color and shape to the people, stories, and places referred to in the Word.

Our tour will be led by a local guide who is an expert on the historical, cultural, scenic, and spiritual history of Israel. Likewise, you will also have rich times of fellowship with your fellow travelers, meeting kindred spirits and making deep friendships along the way. We hope you can come!

The entire tour costs approximately $3,799/person and includes airfare, visa from Jordan to Israel, transportation from airport to hotel and return to airport on the 20th, tour buses, Christian guides, headsets and 4-star hotels. In addition, all breakfasts and dinners are also covered in the price.

• DEPOSIT: $300 ($100 is nonrefundable)
• RESERVATION DEADLINE: June 30, 2023
• FINAL PAYMENT DUE: August 9, 2023
• SCHOLARSHIP FUND: If you would like to give a gift toward any CHBC members who would like to attend, but do not have the financial means, please contact Amanda Birrenkott (amanda@biblechurch.org). NOTE: Any gifts are NOT tax-deductible.
• SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: For those who wish to not share a room for the duration of the tour, an additional $1,105 is required.

Have questions? Email israel@biblechurch.org or call 919.408.0310 x125 for more information.

As of December 2022, we have filled our first 50 slots for trip to Israel in 2023. However, if we can get a substantial number of people interested and put on a waiting list, then we could open up 50 more slots. Please email israel@biblechurch.org to get put on a waiting list.

Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Amman, Jordan. 

We arrive in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and transfer to our lodging for the evening in Amman, Jordan. 

This morning we travel southward to what was the Arabian Nabataean Kingdom, inhabited by the descendants of Ismael’s son. Following lunch we visit the Wadi Rum Visitors Center for an introduction and then board open top jeeps for a tour of the famous dessert and mountain sights.

Wadi Rum, a World Heritage Site, is known as the location of many films including Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia, featuring dramatic sandstone mountains and natural arches.

We will stop for local tea at a Bedouin tent and an optional camel ride before we continue on to our lodging for the evening in Aqaba or Petra. 

This morning we visit the amazing mountain fortress of Petra, known to be inhabited by the Edomites - the descendants of Esau.

We begin the tour with a walk through the "Siq," an immense crack in the Nabatean sandstone, to the city of Petra carved out of the rose red rock. The Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh we are surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra's carved and built structures.

Departing Petra, we travel northward on the King's Highway where to the west we view the hills bordering the Dead Sea. This is the area of the hilltop palace/fortress of Machaerus, where John the Baptist was beheaded. We overnight in Amman this evening. 

Our morning tour begins in the town of Madaba, the biblical Medeba, 30 kilometers south of Amman. Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics and at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George we view the earliest surviving mosaic map of the Holy land. Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Study the panorama as we read the scripture of God showing Moses the "Promised Land" before He brought him home to heaven.

As we travel west toward the Allenby Bridge, we view to the north the Plains of Moab, the area where the tribes of Israel camped before crossing the Jordan and picture the place where Jesus was baptized. 

Crossing the Jordan River into Israel, we drive to Tel Aviv area with the remainder of the afternoon free. You may wish to take a devotional time with the sunset over the “Great Sea,” a time of prayer and thanks for the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and then enjoy a good night’s rest.

After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre, harbor/palace area and aqueduct, and then journey on to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal.

Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization.

We drive through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we visit the Nazareth Village - a wonderful recreation of Biblical times with costumed guides.

We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next two nights in the Tiberias area on the Sea of Galilee. 

Boat Ride Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of alternative sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s Confession and pagan worship. We pass the possible site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and the Mount of the Beatitudes.

Returning to Tiberias for a St. Peter’s Fish Lunch (other selections available), we then visit the ancient Fisherman Boat followed by a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples.

In Capernaum, we view the excavations of the sea-side village and Peter’s home, followed by a visit to Magdala, home town of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation of the First Century Synagogue and well preserved village makes Magdala one of the most interesting Biblical sites in Israel. 

We begin our day with the opportunity to be baptized at the Jordan River Baptismal site.

Next we travel southward to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis - a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government.

Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey” and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho and view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world.

To the east of Jericho along the Jordan River Valley (Queser El Yehud) is the Israeli side of Bethany beyond the Jordan. In this area Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan, as well as where the children of Israel, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land.

Our lodging for the evening is at the Dead Sea – the lowest place on earth. Spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before dinner. 

Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand.

Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat.

Next, we visit Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time: a reliving of life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, camel ride and authentic food.

Our lodging for the next four nights will be in Jerusalem.

Today we walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here.

Next we visit the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was beaten and spit upon. See a pit where he may have been held for the evening and the ancient hillside steps he walked as he was taken to be condemned.

On our way into the city we will visit the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman Street where our Lord was led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders.

We move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. This evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel. 

While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our guide will explain the differing opinions on the route that Christ was led and the actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study.

The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise.

This afternoon we visit the Southern Wall Excavations. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place that Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. We will enjoy a challenge from God’s Word and a song before an optional time this afternoon.

We spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ with a visit to Bethlehem. 

This morning, we begin our sightseeing just outside the Dung Gate on the southeastern hill below the Temple Mount in the City of David. It was during the time of Solomon that the city limits extended past this part of Jerusalem.

We visit Gihon Springs, the original water source for Jerusalem, view new excavations including a typical Israelite four-room house, and the lower city wall.

A highlight today will be a water walk through the incredible Hezekiah's Tunnel to the pool of Siloam, the place of Jesus' miracle in John 9. We will also see David’s Tomb before visiting David’s Citadel, climbing inside the tower for a view of Old Jerusalem as well as the remains of Herod’s palace and possible place of Pilate’s trial of Jesus.

We will spend the rest of our day at the Israel Museum. Walk through collections of century’s old Israel artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem. This model will help put into perspective all that you have seen over the previous days touring. 

A very early morning departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight homeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.

Have questions about the trip? Email israel@biblechurch.org or call 919.408.0310 x125.

A $300 per person US Dollar deposit is required to secure a reservation. Your reser- vation is not considered confirmed until Pilgrim Tours has received both the deposit and completed reservation form. Reservations are due by June 30, 2023 and can be sent to: Pilgrim Tours PO Box 268 Morgantown, PA 19543.

Discover, or Master Card. Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund. Reservations made after the final payment deadline may result in additional administrative fees and are at the discretion of Pilgrim Tours.

• Estimated roundtrip airfare from Raleigh including taxes and fees (air taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change),
• 11 nights lodging at 4-star hotels listed - or similar,
• Breakfast & dinner daily at hotels,
• 1 St. Peter’s Fish Lunch,
• 1 lunch at Abe’s Tent,
• Full-time English-speaking tour guides in Jordan and Israel,
• Services of long-distance deluxe motor coach as appearing on itinerary,
• All entrances and transportation as appearing on itinerary,
• Jordan Visa,
• Porterage at hotels (1 piece),
• 1 group arrival transfer and 1 group departure transfer,
• Whisper/Listening devices – limited to availability in Jordan,
• Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel staff,
• Pilgrim Payment Processing for check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover

• All lunches and drinks with meals except as noted in itinerary,
• Optional Travel Insurance - 7.6% or 10.25% of tour cost,
• Testing for COVID-19 or any other related expenses

Cancellation in writing must be received by Pilgrim Tours prior to departure for ap- propriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees. Airline penalties are not part of the percentages below and vary based on each individual airline policy.

• July 9, 2023 or before: $100 per person
• Jul. 10-Aug. 8, 2023: Deposit Amount of $300 per person
• Aug. 9-23, 2023: 40% of tour cost
• Aug. 24-Sept. 7, 2023: 65% of tour cost
• Sept. 8-30, 2023: 85% of tour cost
• October 1, 2023 or after: 100% of tour cost

When signing up for a tour offered by Pilgrim Tours, a deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Part of the deposit for the advertised tour includes a $100 per person service fee assessed by Pilgrim Tours that is non-refundable and non-transferable. The reason for not traveling can be either the traveler cancelling or the tour being postponed, suspended or cancelled due to but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorist acts, political unrest, epidemics, pandemics, or government imposed travel restrictions.

In registering for a tour, a tour member agrees to the service fee as well as all terms and conditions as outlined on the tour reservation form.

Travel insurance is non-refundable.

Quoted tour prices include planning, handling and operational charges and are based on the current rate of exchange and tariffs. In the event of a marked change in foreign exchange rates, fuel costs or tariff rates, tour costs are subject to revision. Such increases will be added to the final billing. Pilgrim Tours reserves the right to vary itineraries and prices, and to substitute facilities and hotels of equal or better quality if necessary.

These tour programs are operated by Pilgrim Tours and Travel, Inc., 3071 Main Street, Morgantown, Pennsylvania 19543. In common with other companies, Pilgrim acts only as an agent for tour members in arranging vacation services offered on this web site, including transportation, sightseeing, and accommodations through independent contracts. Air carriers, accommodations, and other suppliers (including but not limited to trains, cruises, ferries, motor coaches, hotels, tour guides, and restaurants) providing these services are independent contractors and are not agents, employees, servants, or joint ventures of the Company or its affiliates.

All travel documents for services issued by the Company are subject to the terms & conditions specified by the contracted supplier, which are available upon request, and are subject to the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied. Tours postponed, suspended, or cancelled due to but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorist acts, political unrest, epidemics, or pandemics are subject to service fees by Pilgrim Tours. In registering for a tour, tour members agree to the terms and conditions for the tour they have registered for.

Pilgrim Tours reserves the right in its sole discretion to make changes in the itinerary and is not responsible for expenses, loss of time, money, or other incidents resulting from a change of tour scheduling made for tour members. Pilgrim Tours is not responsible for any losses or damages of personal property, injuries, thefts, sickness or unforeseen expenses incurred by any tour member.

For your convenience, Pilgrim Tours is happy to help book your airfare. Pilgrim Tours will offer airfare options that best coincide with our land tour schedule. Your airfare will be quoted inclusive of all fuel, taxes and fees and will be quoted as non-refundable unless otherwise noted. Airline ticketing fee’s may appear as a separate charge on your credit card. Quoted airfare rates are subject to change until paid in full. Assigned seating may be limited and may not be available on every flight or departure date. Since most airlines now charge for assigned seats, there may be supplements in additional to the quoted airfare to confirm assigned seats. Most group air contracts do not allow for assigned seats in advance. Pilgrim Tours is not responsible for unforeseen flight delays or changes due to war, political unrest, acts of God, epi- demics or pandemics. Air schedules may be subject to change at the discretion of the airline. Pilgrim Tours does not accept liability in the case of any passenger being denied boarding by any airline carrier due to the carrier’s overbooking of a flight.

Tour membership is available to all travelers and will not be withheld if the tour operator can furnish the requirements that an individual may need. Because most of our Retail Tour sightseeing schedules require Tour Members to walk 1-2 miles at a time using a moderate pace and sometimes navigate uneven terrain, we cannot accept persons who cannot do that and instead require special assistance.

Should any Tour Member's participation somehow materially add to the tour operator's cost, the Tour Member will be expected to pay any additional costs. The Tour Director retains the right to require any non-sufficiently mobile persons to stay behind when deemed necessary, and also terminate the membership of any member displaying disruptive behavior, delaying or endangering fellow members and/or interfering with the operations of the tour. Private group tours vary in regards to mobility standards.

All international tours require a current passport. Entrance to most countries requires your passport be valid for 6 months after your return date. Your passport information must be recorded by a Pilgrim Tours agent when making your reservation. Names on airline tickets must appear as shown on passport. Photocopies are not acceptable forms of identification. Minors traveling with either one parent or no parents must have a certified letter of permission from the parent or parents who is/are not traveling. If requested, this letter must be presented. Non U. S. Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of the destination country. Contact the local Consulate of the countries you plan to visit and transit for entry requirement information.

Although every effort is made to handle passengers’ luggage as carefully as possible, Pilgrim Tours is not responsible for and does not assume liability or accept claims for loss of or damage to luggage due to breakage, theft or wear and tear through hotel, group carrier or airline handling. There are limitations by coach and air carrier as to the number and size of bags which can be carried onboard and in bulk storage.

However, during the tour, passengers are permitted one checked suitcase and one carry-on bag unless otherwise noted. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact the airline or refer to the airlines website for detailed information regarding checked baggage policies.

This is a fee levied by the airlines, not Pilgrim Tours, and may be subject to change.

Pilgrim Tours strongly suggests purchasing a travel insurance plan. Be sure to check with your health insurance provider as many US medical coverage plans may not cover you outside of the country. Insurance costs are based on the total tour cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Not Included." These charges are added to the final billing. Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance. Travel Insurance is non- refundable.

For a full explanation of Pilgrim Tours Terms and Conditions, please click here.