About the Tour
This journey to Palestine is designed as an invitation to participate rather than observe. Throughout the week, travelers are encouraged to engage actively with the land and with its living stones, the people whose daily lives, stories, creativity, and hospitality give meaning to the places visited. Experiences such as cooking classes and shared meals, hiking through the landscape of Battir, walking through a refugee camp with local context and storytelling, learning traditional crafts, tasting local wines and foods, and encountering communities through conversation are central to the journey.
Alongside these human and cultural encounters, the journey also includes visits to sacred sites and significant archaeological and historical places that reveal the many layers of the land. From places of worship still alive with prayer to ancient sites such as Hisham’s Palace in Jericho, travelers will explore how faith, history, and daily life have intersected here across centuries. These visits provide context and depth, helping to situate present-day experiences within the broader spiritual and historical landscape of Palestine.
This is a journey for those willing to listen, to participate, and to be present, allowing the land and its people to speak in their own voices.
Tour Host: Linda Edens, Vice Chair and Travel Liaison of Bright Stars of Bethlehem Tel #: +(815) 315-0682 Email: travel@brightstarsbethlehem.org
Trip Organizer: Sami Khoury, General Manager, Sacred Travel Paths Mobile: (WhatsApp) +(972)505221225 Email: sami@sacredtravelpaths.com
Day by Day Itinerary
| Day 1: Monday, November 2 Journey Begins | – Departure from the United States to Palestine – Overnight flight |
| Day 2: Tuesday, November 3 Arrival & First Impressions | – Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) – Transfer to Bethlehem – Check-in to Hotel, time to rest and settle in – Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem |
| Day 3: Wednesday, November 4 Art, Education & Cultural Encounter | – Full day at Dar Al Kalima University of Arts & Culture – Campus tour and introduction to the university’s mission – Palestinian cooking class and shared lunch – Encounters with students, faculty, and staff – Conversation and dialogue with Rev. Mitri Raheb (subject to availability) – Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem |
| Day 4: Thursday, November 5 Village Life & Desert Traditions | – Morning hike and guided walk in Battir village (UNESCO site) – Introduction to Battir’s agricultural terraces and cultural landscape – Al Rashaydeh Bedouin Comminuty – Traditional Bedouin Lunch – Desert Jeep ride sunset overlooking the Dead Sea – Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem |
| Day 5: Friday, November 6 Contemporary Realities & Living Traditions | – Walk through the Old Town and enjoy a traditional Palestinian breakfast – Visit to the Separation Wall and surrounding area including the Walled Off Hotel – Visit to Aida Refugee Camp with personal storytelling – Lunch at Tent Restaurant followed by a traditional hookah experience and Palestinian Dabka Performance – Encounter with Bethlehem artisans and the wood-carving tradition – Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem |
| Day 6: Saturday, November 7 Villages, Heritage & the Jordan Valley | – Morning visit to Taybeh village – Tour of Taybeh Brewery and local winery – Lunch in Jericho at Al Rawda Restaurant – Visit to Tel Sultan (Ancient Jericho) – Tour Hisham’s Palace and its mosaics – Optional stop for local products such as Jericho dates or Hebron glass – Optional camel ride experience – Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem |
| Day 7: Sunday, November 8 Faith, Food & Community Resilience | – Optional attendance at Sunday worship service at the Christmas Lutheran Church – Walk through the Old Market and Star Street – Explore Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity – Tour and wine tasting at Cremisan Winery – Farewell dinner at Dar Al Kalima Al Illiyyeh rooftop restaurant – Overnight in Bethlehem |
| Day 8: Monday, November 9 From Bethlehem to Jerusalem | – Check-out from Bethlehem and transfer to Jerusalem – Mount of Olives lookout over the Old City – Palm Sunday Walk – Visit to Dominus Flevit Church – Visit to the Garden of Gethsemane – Lunch on the Mount of Olives – Visit to Augusta Victoria – Olive-harvesting experience and meeting with staff members – Check-in Hotel Jerusalem – Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem |
| Day 9: Tuesday, November 10 Sacred Paths & Personal Exploration | – Full-day exploration of Jerusalem’s Old City – Visit to the Western Wall – Visit to Haram al-Sharif / Temple Mount – Walk along the Via Dolorosa – Tour the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – Lunch in the Old City – Free time for individual exploration and shopping – Farewell dinner at a local restaurant – Overnight Jerusalem |
| Day 10: Wednesday, November 11 Departure home | – Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport – Departure for home |
Tour Cost
Costs: The tour cost is per person based on current airfare from Chicago, double occupancy, tariffs and currency valuations as of February 2026, a minimum of 21 travelers, While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed price and/or itinerary, they are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. Single room supplements may have limited availability and are on a request basis only.
What’s Included
- AIRFARE: Round-trip economy class airfare from Chicago O’Hare on an ARC/IATA approved scheduled carrier (see flight schedule).
- ACCOMMODATION: Eight (08) nights’ accommodation in superior tourist class hotels, double occupancy, with private facilities.
- MEALS: Breakfast and dinner daily in addition to one lunch at Dar Al Kalima
- GROUND TRANSPORT: Transfers and transportation by deluxe motor coach throughout.
- SIGHTSEEING: Extensive sightseeing throughout; entrance fees included as per program.
- PORTERAGE: Porterage on 1 bag at the Hotels
- EXPERT GUIDES: An experienced English-speaking tour guide throughout
- WHISPER SETS: Individual guide whisper sets throughout the tour.
- SPEAKER HONORARIUMS: All honorariums for special speakers are included and will be provided to the Tour Leader on arrival ($1,150 allocated from group’s budget).
- TAXES: Airport/foreign departure taxes
What’s not included
- Fuel surcharges and/or tax increases levied since the pricing of this tour.
- Beverages other than coffee/tea at breakfast.
- Any meal or sightseeing item not listed in the itinerary.
- Gratuities to guide, driver, hotel and restaurant staff (Recommended budget of $150 per person for gratuities).
- Optional Travel Protection: trip cancellation/interruption, baggage delay/loss, emergency accident and sickness medical expense, and emergency evacuation/repatriation. Please refer to the Travel Protection section.
- Passport fees. A passport valid six months beyond date of re-entry to the U.S. is required.
- Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel: There are new procedures for entry to Israel. You will need to apply for the ETA entry permit which is very straight forward. Cost around ILS 25 so $7 per person. You need to do this before the trip. Here is the link https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/apply-for-an-eta-il-1/
Groups Flights (from Chicago O’Hare)
| Date | Flight / Airlines | Route | Departure | Arrival |
| Nov. 2, 2026 | LH 433 (Lufthansa Airlines) | Chicago / Frankfurt | 22:35 | 14:00+1 |
| Nov. 3, 2026 | LH 690 (Lufthansa Airlines) | Frankfurt / Tel Aviv | 17:55 | 23:05 |
| Nov.11, 2026 | LX 258 (Swiss Airlines) | Tel Aviv / Zurich | 05:20 | 08:40 |
| Nov.11, 2026 | LX 008 (Swiss Airlines) | Zurich / Chicago | 13:10 | 16:20 |
Note for travelers arranging their own flights to Chicago: Participants making independent flight arrangements to Chicago O’Hare should plan to arrive with sufficient time to connect with the group flight. Please be aware that luggage will need to be claimed and rechecked in Chicago prior to departure with the group.
Payment Terms and Conditions
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Your reservation and deposit of $500 per person are requested immediately to fulfil the group deadline requirements. Note that space is limited and reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis. A second payment of $1,500 is due on August 5, 2026. Final payment is due no later than September 5, 2026. The fee for late payment is $50 per traveler. For credit cards, STP accepts Visa and MasterCard (add 2.5 % credit card fees).
PAYMENT METHODS
Participants may pay securely online via credit card through our encrypted payment gateway. Alternatively, payment can be made by bank or wire transfer. Bank details will be provided upon request. For bank transfers, please ensure your name is clearly referenced with the payment and that the full amount is received after any transfer fees.
REFUND POLICY:
All cancellations must be in writing. There is no refund for partial or unused land arrangements. Note: Airline tickets will be issued well in advance of departure and may be non-refundable. The following penalties will apply:
- Up to August 4, 2026 – $150 per person administrative fee plus any unrecoverable deposits;
- August 5, 2026 through September 4, 2025 – Deposit plus any unrecoverable payments to hotels, tour operators or airlines
- September 5, 2026 through October 4, 2026 – 50% non-refundable
- October 5, 2026 or after – No refund.
Travel Protection
Travel protection is optional but strongly recommended. It can provide important coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events.
For travel to Israel and Jordan, we recommend the Israel travel insurance plan offered by Insurance Consultants International (ICI): Click here for more information about the plan
Please note: Sacred Travel Paths acts only as a third-party tour operators and is not affiliated with or responsible for the sale, coverage, or claims process of any travel insurance policy. Travelers are responsible for reviewing the policy details, speaking directly with the provider, and purchasing coverage independently.
Conditions and Responsibility
Sacred Travel Paths (STP) provides customized travel planning throughout the world for group travelers who have a variety of reasons and goals for travel. The goals and/or opinions of these groups do not reflect or imply the position of STP in any matter. Brochure contents may not be duplicated without permission from STP. In offering these travel arrangements, Sacred Travel Paths (STP) acts solely as an agent for the sale of air transportation and other travel-related services. STP maintains no control over the personnel, equipment, or operations of any entity furnishing services, products, or accommodations. STP assumes no responsibility or liability for, and shall not be expected, asked, or required to pay for any injury, damage, expense, personal injury, property damage, inconvenience, or any other loss experienced by reason of: Any intentional, wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any supplier, its agents, or employees. Any defect, breakdown, or other failure of any vehicle, equipment, service, product, or other instrumentality which is owned, operated, or otherwise used by a supplier. Any intentional, wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any other party not under the direct control of STP. Financial problems causing nonperformance by any supplier. Any other cause, condition, or event whatsoever beyond the direct control of STP. STP cannot guarantee any rates, bookings, or reservations of any supplier. Your retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the foregoing provisions. All prices quoted are subject to change if airlines or ground operators increase their prices, the U.S. dollar is devalued significantly against foreign currencies, the group falls below minimum numbers, or a fuel surcharge, government tax, or user’s fee is imposed. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. STP reserves the right to withdraw from any tour any tour member whose conduct is incompatible with the interests of the group as a whole. The above Conditions and Responsibility also cover the group leader(s) and their respective organizations.