Methodist Tour of the Holy Land
8 days / 7 nights
See the Gospel come to life by following the Biblical and Historical Sites of the Holy Land, from Galilee to Jerusalem, you will find yourself immersed in spirituality and culture. This beautiful, tried and tested itinerary promises to bring the faithful pilgrim an unforgettable experience, including a non-stop return flight from the UK to Tel Aviv airport, a touring coach and professional local guide, as well as en-suite accommodation at the 4* hotel in Tiberias and 3* Star Hotel in Bethlehem.
Tel Aviv - Bethlehem
Depart UK airport on flight to Tel Aviv. Upon arrival at Tel Aviv airport your guide and coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Bethlehem. Evening dinner at the hotel and overnight.
Bethlehem - Shepherds’ Field
We walk from our hotel to Manger Square in the morning. We tour the Basilica of the Nativity, visiting the birthplace of Jesus followed by a quick tour of the basilica of the Nativity. Proceed to Shepherds’ Field and visit the Grottos there and the Chapel where the angels first sang the ‘Gloria in Excelcis Deo’ on the night of the first Christmas. We sing Christmas Carols here followed by our communion service. Proceed to Jerusalem to visit the western Wall (the holiest site for Jews) which is part of the remaining wall around the temple that was destroyed in AD70. Afterwards we visit the church of St Peter’s in Gallicantu where Jesus was imprisoned overnight on Maundy Thursday, and the Upper Room - the last supper. We will have a chance to do some shopping before we return to the hotel for our evening dinner.
Jerusalem - Mt of Olives - Mt Zion
Early coach to Jerusalem to the Holy site of Mt of Olives where we begin our journey following in the footsteps of Jesus when he entered Jerusalem. We start with Bethphage where Jesus ordered his disciples to find a donkey to enable him to enter the ‘city of peace’. We then stop at Pater Noster where he taught his disciples the prayer ‘Our Father’. Continue to Dominus Flevit where Jesus stopped, looked down on Jerusalem and wept when he saw a vision of its destruction. Walk further down to the Garden of Gethsemane and visit the church of All Nations. Proceed to the old city Jerusalem to visit Pilate’s Court, the Chapel of Crowning with Thorns and the Condemnation Chapel, followed by a walk along Via Dolorosa where Jesus carried the cross to Mt Calvary. Proceed to the Garden Tomb for our service. Return to our hotel. Evening dinner at the hotel.
Jericho - Masada - Dead Sea
After breakfast drive to Jericho and view the Mt of Temptation and Zacchaeus’s Sycamore Tree. After lunch, we proceed to the Dead Sea and experience the floating in the Sea and soak in the unique minerals found there which are said to be good for your health. Proceed to Masada (cable car to the top) and view the remains of King Herod the Great’s palaces that he built for himself dating back 37 - 31 BCE. Return to our hotel for dinner.
Jerusalem
Free day in Jerusalem by yourselves. Coach transfer will be provided. This is not a guided visit. You will be dropped off in the morning and picked up in the afternoon from the same place. Evening dinner at the hotel.
Mt Tabor - Cana - Tiberias
We leave Bethlehem early and drive along the Jordan Valley. Our first stop will be Mt Tabor - the Church of Transfiguration and we tour here. Moving on we visit Cana - the Church of the Wedding - where Jesus performed his first miracle. We now travel to the River Jordan for renewal of Baptismal vows. Note: if you require total immersion for the renewal of Baptismal Vows, a white gown must be hired for US$15 at the site (you pay when you get there). Check-in to our hotel in Tiberias. Evening dinner at the hotel.
Sea of Galilee - Tabgha - Caesaria Philippi
Early departure to Tiberias, firstly to visit Mt Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount took place. This is followed by a scenic boat-sailing experience on the Sea of Galilee. We then travel to Capernaum, the town of Jesus, visiting the church of St Peter and the remains of the ancient Synagogue. Continue on to visit the church of the Feeding of the 5,000 (Tabgha). We will have our service by the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Afterwards we drive to Caesarea Philippi (Banyas), the source of the River Jordan and visit here. Return to our hotel in Tiberias. Evening dinner here.
Nazareth - Tel Aviv - Airport
After breakfast, we visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, St Joseph’s workshop and the Synagogue of Jesus. Depending on the time of travel we may stop in Tel Aviv - Jaffa and walk along the promenade of its beautiful long sandy beach, or simply do some shopping and have lunch here. Proceed to the airport for our flight back to the UK.
The booking deadline at this price is 29/04/2024. If you are booking after this date, please contact us first to confirm the current price.
A deposit payment of £400 with your completed booking form will confirm your place on this tour. The final balance is due 2 months prior to the departure date.
We’ll mail your travel pack around two weeks before travelling, including your flight information, boarding passes (if applicable), general information booklet, hymn and prayer booklets, name badge, lanyard and luggage label.
All Saints Travel is an ATOL licence holder (no. 6049). In the very unlikely event of company insolvency, you are guaranteed a refund and repatriation back to the UK through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Air Travel Trust Fund (ATTF). Please visit www.caa.co.uk/atol-protection for further information.
It’s your responsibility to ensure you have a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining from the date of return, in addition to any visas required to travel to the relevant countries. Please call us on 01793 881166 for further information.
For the latest travel advice please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
While people of all ages are invited to travel on this tour, a reasonable level of fitness is required in order to keep pace with the group. There may be extended periods of standing and walking on hard surfaces.
It’s compulsory to have adequate travel insurance for your journey. You have the option of purchasing cover from Global Travel Insurance when booking with us, or you can buy your insurance independently.