- About the Tour
- Itinerary
- Tour Cost
- Flights
- Payment Terms
- Travel Protection
- Conditions / Responsibility
About the Tour
This journey to the Holy Land is designed not simply as a tour of sacred places, but as an invitation into encounter with Scripture, with living Christian communities also known as the living stones, and with the cultural and social realities of the land and the people today. Throughout the program, travelers are encouraged to engage actively rather than observe passively, listening carefully to the voices of those whose faith and daily lives are rooted here.
In Bethlehem and beyond, participants will spend meaningful time with Palestinian Christian institutions such as Dar Al-Kalima University, sharing meals, conversations, and learning experiences with students, faculty, and local leaders. Encounters in places such as Battir, Aida Refugee Camp, and the Old City of Bethlehem provide space for thoughtful reflection on justice, dignity, memory, and hope. These experiences invite deeper understanding of what it means to live out Christian faith in a complex and often challenging context.
Alongside these contemporary engagements, the journey moves through the landscapes of the Gospel including Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Jericho, and Jerusalem. Pilgrims will stand on the Mount of Beatitudes, walk the Palm Sunday road, pray in Gethsemane, and gather at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
This journey invites participants not only to see the Holy Land, but to encounter it with openness, humility, and faith.
Tour Host: Pastor Sara Pearson, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Email: pastorsara@propeace.org
Trip Organizer: Sami Khoury, General Manager, Sacred Travel Paths Mobile: (WhatsApp) +(972)505221225 Email: sami@sacredtravelpaths.com
Day by Day Itinerary
| Monday, October 5 | Depart USA Journey Begins | Begin your journey with a departure from San Francisco on your transatlantic flight to Tel Aviv. |
| Tuesday, October 6 | Arrival – Bethlehem | Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, meet your guide and driver and transfer to Bethlehem. Check-in to your hotel Overnight: Bethlehem Meals: Cold Plate in Room |
| Wednesday, October 7 | Dar Al-Kalima University Art, Education & Cultural Encounter | The day begins with a guided tour of Dar al-Kalima University, including a visit to the Library—where the group can deliver the books brought from the U.S.—followed by the Zahi Rami Khoury Entrepreneurial Hub to learn about innovative student-led projects, and a stop at the on-campus gallery showcasing works by leading Palestinian artists. Afterwards, participants will have the opportunity to meet with students and faculty in and outside the classrooms, with the possibility of viewing a film produced by students or faculty. Midday, the group heads to the Culinary Arts program to enjoy either a cooking demonstration a hands-on cooking class in the state-of-the-art kitchen, followed by lunch at the scenic Upper Room restaurant. In the afternoon, a lecture will be given by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, schedule permitting. The group departs at the end of the day inspired by the creative, educational, and cultural life of the campus. Overnight: Bethlehem Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| Day 4 – Thursday, October 8 | Faith and Present Realities | This morning we explore the realities shaping modern Bethlehem. We visit the Separation Wall and the Walled Off Hotel to understand the physical and political landscape affecting movement and daily life. In Aida Refugee Camp, we listen to stories of displacement and resilience, encountering perspectives that are often unheard. In the afternoon, we walk through Bethlehem’s Old City to Manger Square and enter the Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional site of Jesus’ birth. We conclude at Shepherds’ Field, reflecting on the angelic proclamation of peace in a land still longing for it. Overnight: Bethlehem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner |
| Friday, October 9 | Battir & Local Christian Presence | This morning we visit Battir, a Palestinian village known for its ancient terraced landscape and agricultural heritage. Walking through its olive groves and irrigation systems, we reflect on stewardship of land and rootedness in place. In the afternoon, we return to Shepherds’ Field and the Church of the Nativity for time of prayer and reflection. Our focus remains on both the biblical story and the present-day Christian presence that continues in this region. Overnight: Bethlehem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner |
| Saturday, October 10 | Mount Tabor, Sepphoris & Nazareth | Departing Bethlehem, we travel north through the central highlands into the Galilee region. We ascend Mount Tabor, traditionally associated with the Transfiguration, In nearby Sepphoris, a thriving city during the time of Jesus, we explore impressive mosaics and Roman-era streets that offer insight into the cultural world of first-century Galilee. This setting helps us understand the broader social environment in which Jesus grew to adulthood. We continue to Nazareth, visiting the Basilica of the Annunciation and walking through the town where Jesus was raised. Here we reflect on incarnation, humility, and the sacredness of ordinary life. Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, dinner |
| Sunday, October 11 | Around the Sea of Galilee | Today we gather along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where much of Jesus’ public ministry unfolded. At the Mount of Beatitudes, we reflect on the Sermon on the Mount. At Tabgha, we recall the feeding of the five thousand and visit the Church of the Primacy of Peter, remembering restoration and calling. In Capernaum, Jesus’ ministry base, we stand among the remains of a first-century synagogue and Peter’s house, grounding the Gospel narrative in lived space. Overnight: Tiberias Meals: Breakfast, dinner |
| Monday, October 12 | Jordan Valley, Jericho & Jerusalem | – CheckTraveling south along the Jordan Valley, we visit Beit Shean, one of the cities of the Decapolis, where Roman urban life once flourished. Walking its colonnaded streets and theater, we glimpse the broader Greco-Roman world of the New Testament era. At Qasr al-Yahud on the Jordan River, we reflect on baptism and covenant identity. Continuing to Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, we enjoy lunch before visiting Tel es-Sultan, associated with ancient Jericho, and Hisham’s Palace, an early Islamic site that reflects the layered history of the region. By late afternoon, we ascend toward Jerusalem, entering the city that stands at the center of biblical faith and contemporary tension alike. Overnight: Tiberias Meals: Breakfast, dinner |
| Tuesday, October 13 | Mount of Olives & Passion Narrative | We begin with a panoramic view from the Mount of Olives, orienting ourselves to the Old City and its sacred spaces. Walking the Palm Sunday path, we pause at Dominus Flevit, recalling Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. Descending to the Garden of Gethsemane, We visit the Church of All Nations before continuing to Augusta Victoria for a broader perspective over East Jerusalem and its surrounding neighborhoods. Finally, end the day visiting Caiaphas’ house at the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu. Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, dinner |
| Wednesday, October 14 | Old City of Jerusalem | Today we enter the Old City of Jerusalem. On the Haram al-Sharif, also known as the Temple Mount, we stand at a site sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, reflecting on shared and contested holiness. We visit St. Anne’s Church and the Pools of Bethesda before walking portions of the Via Dolorosa, including Ecce Homo. These streets invite reflection on suffering, empire, and the theology of the cross. At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, we gather at the traditional sites of crucifixion and resurrection. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon free for individual exploration and last minute shopping. Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner |
| October 15 | Departure | Early morning transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our return flight home. |
Tour Cost
Costs: The tour cost is per person based on current airfare from San Francisco (other cities available upon request), double occupancy, tariffs and currency valuations as of February 2026, a minimum of 21 travelers, and subject to confirmation. 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 San Francisco on an ARC/IATA approved scheduled carrier
- ACCOMMODATION: Nine (09) nights’ accommodation in superior tourist class hotels, double occupancy, with private facilities. Hotels as listed or similar.
- 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
- 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 San Francisco )
| Date | Flight / Airlines | Route | Departure | Arrival |
| October 5, 2026 | LH 459 (Lufthansa Airlines) | San Francisco / Munich | 21:05 | 17:10 +1 |
| October 6, 2026 | LH 682 (Lufthansa Airlines) | Munich / Tel Aviv | 19:45 | 00:35+1 |
| October 15, 2026 | LH 691 (Lufthansa Airlines) | Tel Aviv / Frankfurt | 04:45 | 08:25 |
| October 15, 2026 | LH 454 (Lufthansa Airlines) | Frankfurt / San Francisco | 10:25 | 12:40 |
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 June 5, 2026. Final payment is due no later than August 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 July 6, 2026 – $150 per person administrative fee plus any unrecoverable deposits;
- July 7, 2026 through August 5, 2026 – Deposit plus any unrecoverable payments to hotels, tour operators or airlines
- August 6, 2026 through September 4, 2026 – 50% non-refundable
- September 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.