- 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 to encounter Scripture, living Christian communities often called the “living stones,” and the cultural and social realities of the land and its people today. Throughout the program, participants are encouraged to engage thoughtfully with the places they visit, listening to the voices of those whose faith and daily lives are deeply rooted in this land.
In Bethlehem and the surrounding region, the group will spend meaningful time with Palestinian Christian institutions and communities. At Dar Al-Kalima University, travelers will meet students, faculty, and community leaders whose work in education, culture, and the arts reflects a vibrant Christian presence in the Holy Land today. Visits to places such as Aida Refugee Camp, Battir, Taybeh, and the Old City of Bethlehem create opportunities for conversation and reflection on themes of identity, resilience, justice, and hope.
Alongside these contemporary encounters, the journey moves through the landscapes of the Gospel. Participants will visit Nazareth and the Basilica of the Annunciation, explore the historic city of Sepphoris, and gather along the shores of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus’ ministry unfolded. In Jerusalem, pilgrims walk the Palm Sunday path from the Mount of Olives, pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, and stand at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of the crucifixion and resurrection.
This journey invites participants not only to visit the Holy Land, but to experience it more deeply through encounter, reflection, and shared faith.
Tour Host: Pr. Bryan Odeen Tel #: +(612) 722 8000 Email: pastorbryan@stpeders.org
Trip Organizer: Sami Khoury, General Manager, Sacred Travel Paths Mobile: (WhatsApp) +(972)505221225 Email: sami@sacredtravelpaths.com
Day by Day Itinerary
| Monday, January 11 | Depart USA Journey Begins | Begin your journey with departure from Minneapolis on an overnight transatlantic flight to Tel Aviv. Overnight: Flight |
| Tuesday, January 12 | Arrival – Bethlehem Arrival & First Impressions | Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, meet your guide and driver and transfer to Bethlehem. Check-in to your hotel Overnight: Bethlehem Meals: Dinner |
| Wednesday, January 13 | 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. Overnight: Bethlehem Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| Thursday, January 14 | Bethlehem: Faith & 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, January 15 | Taybeh and Jericho Villages, Heritage & the Jordan Valley | This morning we travel to Taybeh, the last entirely Christian village in the West Bank. Here we learn about the community’s traditions and local industries, including a visit to the Taybeh Brewery and Winery. Continuing into the Jordan Valley, we arrive in Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Sites include ancient Jericho (Tel es-Sultan), Mount of Temptation, and Hisham’s Palace, known for its remarkable early Islamic mosaics. Overnight: Bethlehem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner |
| Saturday, January 16 | Battir and Jerusalem | After checking out of the hotel, we visit Battir, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape known for its ancient terraced agriculture and irrigation systems. Walking through the village and its surrounding hills provides insight into traditional farming and the deep relationship between land and community. In the afternoon we travel to Jerusalem. From the Mount of Olives we take in a panoramic view of the Old City before walking the Palm Sunday path to Dominus Flevit and the Garden of Gethsemane. The day concludes with a visit to the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu before arriving at the hotel. Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, dinner |
| Sunday, January 17 | Jerusalem Worship and the Old City | This morning we join Sunday worship at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem’s Old City. After the service we explore the historic streets of Jerusalem, walking portions of the Via Dolorosa and visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. In the afternoon we visit Augusta Victoria on the Mount of Olives, offering a broad perspective over East Jerusalem and the surrounding region. Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, dinner |
| Monday, January 18 | Jeruaslem Temple Mount and Old City Exploration | Today we visit the Haram al-Sharif, also known as the Temple Mount, one of the most sacred and historically significant spaces in the world for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Nearby we visit the Western Wall and continue to St. Anne’s Church and the Pools of Bethesda. Walking along sections of the Via Dolorosa, including Ecce Homo, we reflect on the final moments of Jesus’ journey to the cross. The afternoon is free for individual exploration in the Old City, with opportunities to walk the city ramparts, visit traditional shops, or observe the centuries-old craft of the Razzouk tattoo family. Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, dinner |
| Tuesday, January 19 | Sepphoris, Nazareth & Galilee | Departing Jerusalem, we travel north through the hills of the West Bank and into the Galilee region. Our first stop is Sepphoris, an important Roman-era city during the time of Jesus. Walking its colonnaded streets and exploring its remarkable mosaics, we gain insight into the cultural and historical world of first-century Galilee and the environment in which Jesus grew up. Continuing to Nazareth, we visit Nazareth Village, a reconstructed first-century farm and village that offers a vivid glimpse into daily life during the time of Jesus. Nearby, we enter the Basilica of the Annunciation, built over the traditional site where the angel Gabriel announced the birth of Christ to Mary. By late afternoon we arrive at our hotel in Tiberias along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, dinner |
| Wednesday, January 20 | Around the Sea of Galilee | Today we explore the region where much of Jesus’ public ministry took place. At the Mount of Beatitudes we recall the Sermon on the Mount. At Tabgha we visit the traditional site of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes and the Church of the Primacy of Peter. In Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry, we stand among the remains of a first-century synagogue and the traditional house of Peter. We also visit Magdala and the nearby ancient city of Sepphoris, known for its remarkable mosaics. Overnight: Tiberias Meals: Breakfast, Dinner |
| Thursday, January 21 | 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 Minneapolis (other cities available upon request), double occupancy, tariffs and currency valuations as of March 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 Minneapolis on an ARC/IATA approved scheduled carrier (see flight schedule).
- ACCOMMODATION: Nine (09) 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
- 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 |
| Jan. 11, 2027 | UA 3517 (United) | Minneapolis / Newark | 15:00 | 18:54 |
| Jan. 11, 2027 | LH 413 (Lufthansa Airlines) | Newark / Munich | 20:50 | 10:25 |
| Jan. 12, 2027 | LH 680 (Lufthansa Airlines) | Munich / Tel Aviv | 11:20 | 16:05 |
| Jan. 21, 2027 | LX 257 (Swiss Airlines) | Tel Aviv / Zurich | 05:20 | 08:40 |
| Jan. 21, 2027 | LX 008 (Swiss Airlines) | Zurich / Chicago | 13:10 | 16:20 |
| Jan. 21, 2027 | UA 2865 (United) | Chicago / Minneapolis | 18:10 | 19:34 |
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 1, 2026. Final payment is due no later than November 10, 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 September 10, 2026 – $150 per person administrative fee plus any unrecoverable deposits;
- September 11 – November 10, 2026 – Deposit plus any unrecoverable payments to hotels, tour operators or airlines
- November 11 – December 10, 2026 – 50% non-refundable
- December 11, 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.