Embark on a transformative 12-day journey through the Holy Land, exploring the sacred sites of Israel through the lens of the Latter-day Saints’ perspective. Led by a private expert guide, you will unfold holy destinations and immerse in the stories of biblical Kings, prophets and saints. The below itinerary combines a variety of exciting destinations and engaging activities, ensuring an unforgettable tour experience for all ages and participants.
Shalom and welcome to Israel! After passport control and baggage claim, check in to your chosen hotel in Tel-Aviv to settle in and refresh. Depending on your time of arrival, possibly join your guide for a tour of Old Jaffa. Stroll through its charming cobblestone streets and explore its art galleries and boutique shops. Learn about Jaffa’s role in the Bible, especially the vision of Peter in the House of Simon the Tanner (Acts 9). Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at one of Tel-Aviv’s excellent dining options.
Start the day with a visit to Israel’s Independence Hall in the heart of bustling Tel-Aviv. This historical landmark is where Ben-Gurion declared Israel’s Independence in 1948, a pivotal moment in Jewish History. Next, as you head north, is the Roman-era metropolis of Caesarea Maritima. Founded some 2,000 years ago by King Herod, Caesarea was a major city in the Roman and Byzantine periods. Walk through the grand theatre, and visit Herod’s Palace, where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned (Acts 24-25). Continue to the city’s harbor and learn about the conversion of the Roman Centurion Cornelius by Saint Peter (Acts 9). Enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, then journey on to Muhraka atop Mount Carmel. Maintained by Carmelite monks, this site commemorates Elijah’s triumph over the prophets of Ba’al (1 Kings 18). In addition to its religious significance, the site also offers sweeping vistas of northern Israel.
Begin your day with a visit to Capernaum, “the Town of Jesus” (Matthew 9:1). Explore the ruins of the ancient synagogue and St. Peter’s house, where Jesus performed miracles. Above, reach the Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the “Sermon on the Mount”. Nearby, at Tabgha, discover the site of the feeding of the 5,000 and the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish (Luke 9). At Kibbutz Ginosar visit a 2,000-year-old boat that was abandoned, perhaps after Jesus walked on water (Mark 6). After lunch, enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. In the afternoon, explore Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene and its first-century synagogue, where Jesus likely preached. Alternatively, conclude the day with a baptism ceremony in the Jordan River for the younger members of the group.
Embarking on a journey to the northern border of Israel and Lebanon, your initial destination will be Tel Dan, an archaeological site on the banks of Dan stream. Hike to the ancient cultic center associated with the Golden Calf (1 Kings 12) and explore the Canaanite and Israelite Gateways. Moving on, in Caesarea-Philippi (Banias), see where Jesus appointed Peter as his favored disciple (Matthew 16) in the midst of a Pagan city. Your journey continues with an ascent to the Golan Heights, retracing the path of Paul toward Damascus (Acts 9). Enjoy a traditional Druze lunch, savoring authentic local cuisine and hospitality, and visit the 1973 “Valley of Tears” battle site. Conclude the day with breathtaking vistas of the Golan Heights from the summit of Mount Bental.
Embarking on a journey across the Galilee, your first destination is Cana, renowned as the site where Jesus turned water into wine during a wedding (John 2). Just a short distance away lies Nazareth, a city deeply intertwined with Jesus’ early life. Begin your visit at the Basilica of the Annunciation, believed to be the place where the angel Gabriel announced Mary’s miraculous pregnancy. You can also venture beneath the St. Joseph Church, where remains of the Holy family’s house are said to have been found. Following a lunch break, continue your journey across the Jezreel Valley, reaching Megiddo archaeological Park. Megiddo is often associated with Armageddon (Rev. 16:16) and was a prominent city in Solomon’s kingdom (1 Kings 9:15). Take the opportunity to explore well-preserved ruins, including gates from the biblical era, stables, and a water tunnel.
Touring Jerusalem as a Mormon is a deeply spiritual and enriching experience. Start at the Mount of Olives for a stunning panoramic view of Jerusalem. Proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before his arrest, and the adjacent Orson Hyde Park. Continue your pilgrimage to Mount Zion where you can visit the Room of the Last Supper where Jesus predicted his crucifixion. Enter the Jewish Quarter for a light lunch break, overlooking the biblical-era walls that resonate the narrative of Nephi sneaking into the city (1 Nephi 1:104). Head on the Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple, and join the Via Dolorosa, the historic route that marks by Catholic tradition the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion. Conclude the day at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which commemorates the place of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
Start the day at the City of David, the historical nucleus of Jerusalem. Review archeological finds relating to David’s palace, and hike down to the Gihon Spring, the vital water source of Jerusalem in Biblical times. Reach the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed a blind man (John 9), and hike up an ancient drainage channel. Next, the guide will lead you to the Southern Steps, where Jesus walked on his way to the Second Temple. After a lunch break continue to the Garden Tomb. A local guide will lead you through the site and reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus. The peaceful surroundings of the garden are also ideal to end the day with prayer and contemplation.
Saturday / Sabbath will start with morning prayers at the Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center campus on Mount Scopus. Next, a Palestinian guide will lead you onto a tour of Bethlehem. Your first stop will be Church of the Nativity, maintaining a centuries-old tradition of the birthplace of Jesus. Reach the Grotto of the Nativity and admire the medieval art and architecture. Next, make your way to the Shepherd’s field, associate with the angel’s announcement to the shepherds. Following a lunch break, visit the tent-shaped chapel and the adjacent caves once used as dens for livestock. If time permits, conclude the day visiting to Jericho, famed for its biblical-era conquest with divine assistance. Visit the biblical site, and view Mount of Temptations, where tradition holds that Jesus resisted the temptations of the devil.
Embark on a day tour through the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea region. Begin your journey at the Baptism Site, marking the area where John the Baptist baptized Jesus (Luke 3). Enjoy the special ambience of the place and consider a baptism ceremony. Continue to the archeological site of Qumran, renowned for the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Review the site and the fascinating potential links to the Brass plates uncovered by Joseph Smith. After a scenic ride, reach Ein-Gedi oasis where David sought refuge from Saul (1 Samuel 24). Hike through the nature reserve and enjoy the lush vegetation amid the Judean wilderness. Conclude the day enjoying the unique sensation of floating in the hyper-saline waters of the Dead Sea.
Arrive at the visitor center of Masada and enjoy the comfortable cable car ride to the top. Here, embark on an immersive archeological expedition, tracing King Herod’s grand palaces, his bathhouse, and the ingenious water system. Along its western flank you’ll also encounter the Roman ramp and nearby synagogue. This is where the last defenders may have made the poignant decision to embrace death over Roman enslavement. Upon returning to the vehicle, your southern drive echoes Lehi’s journey from Jerusalem to the Red Sea (I Nephi 1:30). Near Eilat you will cross into Jordan and continue to Wadi Rum for a thrilling off-road tour in a distinctive lunar-like terrain. For overnight you can opt for a Bedouin-style tent, evoking the spirit of 1 Nephi 1:33.
Embark on an enchanting journey into Petra, commencing with a walk through the Siq – a narrow, winding canyon that leads into the site. Stop in front of the iconic Al Khazane (Treasury), a funerary monument carved into the colored sandstone some 2000 years ago. Continue passing by the regal tombs and Petra’s grand theatre as you make your way to the heart of the ancient city. Following a lunch break, consider the optional hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) monument or Petra’s High Place of Sacrifice, each offering unique perspectives on this archaeological marvel. As the day unfolds retrace your steps to the main entrance. Take some time for souvenir shopping, explore Petra’s visitor center and new museum, and head to Eilat.
Today you can have the opportunity to unwind a bit, enjoy a late breakfast and start the day leisurely. Nevertheless, consider allocating some time to explore Eilat’s special attractions. One highly recommended activity is snorkeling in the Red Sea. Eilat is known for its colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life, and snorkeling is the ideal way to immerse yourself in this captivating underwater world. Alternatively, you may opt for an introductory scuba dive, or embark on a luxury private yacht sail that combines water sports and a delightful barbecue meal. After lunch head north to Timna park, where you can explore, among others, a unique replica of the biblical Tabernacle. In the evening take a domestic flight to Ben-Gurion airport for your departure flight.
