Israel Bible Study Tour 2026 – Israel with Pastors Justin Peters and Jim Osman

Depart the U.S. on El Al, nonstop flights from either Los Angeles (at 2:00PM) or Newark (at 9:00PM). Please be at the departure airport at least 3.5 hours prior to departure. El Al is a partner with Delta Air Lines.

Arrive in Tel Aviv between 1:45PM and 2:00PM; you will be met by your host at the airport, your luggage will be collected, and then you will be driven towards the Mediterranean Sea. If all flights are on time, you will be driving to the site of Caesarea Maritima to have a brief visit to the area of King Herod’s Palace, where Paul was most likely imprisoned prior to his final visit to Rome. You will also be offered time this afternoon or tomorrow morning to pass through the waterfront area of Joppa, where Jonah departed and where Israel erected a memorial church to the Apostle Peter. You will have dinner and overnight at the Leonardo Netanya, which overlooks the beautiful Mediterranean.

You will join worship this morning facing the sea! Afterwards, you will be driven along the Carmel Ridge and stop at the memorial place for Elijah’s bold confrontation on Mount Carmel, where Justin and Jim will speak about the importance of Elijah’s ministry, followed by a drive to the Precipice. This mount is the place where Jesus was to be thrown from the mount at Nazareth. It has a spectacular view of the plain of Megiddo and the Valley of Armageddon – all the way to the Benjamin Plateau, and more. Next, you will have lunch and then visit a quaint presentation at a place called Nazareth Village. You will arrive at your hotel this evening for dinner and overnight, where you will stay for two nights.  It is located on the lakefront of the Sea of Galilee.

Overnight: Caesar Hotel Tiberias.

Enjoy breakfast, or perhaps some quiet time facing the lake where Jesus performed many miracles! You will then be driven a short distance to the Mount of Beatitudes for a private teaching by Justin and Jim. Next, you will visit the town where Jesus spent most of his ministry time – Capernaum. You will visit the beach where He most likely prepared fish for his Apostles, visit the house of Peter’s mother-in-law, visit the synagogue, and the streets of this well-preserved, Biblical city. Afterwards, you will be driven to the synagogue area of Chorazin, of which Jesus spoke, and then, time permitting, stop at the memorial of Tabgha. Then it will be time to join a private boat for a time of teaching and worship on the Sea of Galilee. Also, you will visit the Jesus boat, which is a boat discovered at the bottom of the lake and was brought to the surface with great care from its muddy resting place. The boat is said to have been used during the time of Jesus’ ministry.

Overnight: Tiberias.

You will travel north to Tel Dan this morning. You will have a pretty drive, high above the Sea of Galilee, and stop for some commanding viewpoints. Your first stop is Tel Dan; this important ancient city has an altar that was used by the tribes who separated and worshipped here. In addition, you will see the ancient Abraham Gate very near the front city gates and more. A short drive from here is the place where The Lord Jesus Christ first asked Peter, “Who do you say that I am.”  Banias—Caesarea Philippi—was home to ancient pagan worship of Pan and many other small gods. You will partake of a lunch, served to you by a unique people—the Druze. The Druze have special privileges from the Israeli government due to their ancient generational importance, as they are associated with Jethro, the High Priest of Midian, who was the Father of Moses’ wife and also gave counsel to Moses on laying out the judicial system at Mount Sinai.  Afterwards, you will stop at Bental, which is an overlook that has been used by the military, has a charming coffee shop, and some abandoned war machines. The view below you is Damascus! You will enjoy the scenery through the ancient lands and then arrive at the Dead Sea for an overnight stay and dinner.

Overnight: David Dead Sea Hotel.

Today is a free morning for you in the amazing waters of the Dead Sea; you might plan to have a spa treatment or just enjoy a leisurely breakfast and sleep in a bit. Lunch is on your own today. You may choose to grab a bite by the swimming pools or walk to the adjacent shopping area where you can grab a tasty, Israeli sandwich known as a falafel. After an early lunch, you will leave this hotel and be driven to Masada. You may choose to ascend Masada via the method that you choose – the quick cable car or hiking 45 minutes on the hiking path. Once at the top, you will have a very informative tour regarding King Herod’s masterful palace and learn the story of the final hours of the Israelites who fled here for safety. Next, you will stop at En Gedi and enjoy an inspiring walk to the waterfalls. En Gedi is the place of refuge where King David hid from Saul and where David found the opportunity to cut a tassel from the hem of Saul’s robe. Afterward, you will visit the site of Qumran, which has become an important place as we are learning more and more about the Essenes and their desire to serve the Living and true God, apart from the corruption of Jerusalem. Today, replicas of the Dead Sea scrolls can be purchased by all. The books and documents they chose to hide and save for future generations are both Biblical and extra texts and are certainly historical treasures. Afterwards, you will take a quick drive to the view-of-views, Mount Scopus. Oh, Jerusalem! Then you will check into your hotel, located very near the Damascus Gate of the Old City and the Garden Tomb. It has quick and easy access to the Old City if you have some free time and wish to explore.

Overnight: Ambassador Hotel, Jerusalem.

This morning, you will enjoy a teaching with Justin and Jim on the Mount of Olives. From the Mount of Olives, some may choose to walk down Palm Sunday Road or what is called the road of the Triumphal Entry, where Jesus came into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Next, you may join the group for a special time of teaching and worship at Gethsemane. You will then rejoin the bus and take a quick trip into what they call the Jewish Garden for a picnic lunch. You may also choose to walk this portion of the journey. This afternoon, you will travel into the new Jewel of Jerusalem—the new archeological finds of the City of David, Pool of Siloam, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, and Pilgrim’s Road (optional) for the most adventurous! 

Overnight: Jerusalem.

You may choose to participate in an optional, early Ramparts Walk this morning. Then you will visit Temple Mount, the Bethesda Pools, St. Anne’s, and lunch/shopping in the Jewish Quarter. Bethlehem and Shepherd’s Fields, followed by a delightful dinner at the Tents.

Overnight: Jerusalem.

Today, you will enjoy Garden Tomb worship, the Southern Steps, the Israel Museum & Shrine of the Book, followed by dinner at Notre Dame. Your hotel room will be held until late at night for freshening up before departure.

Overnight: Jerusalem (until flight).

An early return flight awaits you this morning: LAX: Departs 12:45AM, arrives 6:00AM / EWR: Departs 1:00AM, arrives 6:00AM.