Join this Unforgettable Israel Tour
Dear Friends:
I am excited to invite you to join our 2026 trip to the Holy Land. This tour of Israel has been a long time in the making, and now it’s official—we’re going! Whether you’ve been to Israel before or this would be your first time to visit the Holy Land, I would love for you to be part of this trip.
My friends at Rishon World Tours have created a journey of a lifetime. We will walk where Jesus walked and where so many of the miracles in the bible took place. They have arranged a deluxe motor coach, wonderful hotels, delicious meals, and a daily itinerary that takes in all that our minds and hearts can absorb.
Please pray about joining us for this life-changing experience, then make your reservation and get your name on the list. And if there’s someone you would like to invite to join us, feel free to give them a call and invite them as well.
I’m looking forward to touring Israel with you!
Many blessings in Christ,
Pastor Christ Atwood
Liberty Barn Church
Best of Israel Tours will bring the Bible to life. Walk where Jesus walked. Those who travel through Israel will never read their Bible the same again!
Join us for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
March 2, 2026
Depart from your Local Airport and arrive in Israel
Depart your local international airport and arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel. Make sure to get some rest on the flight because soon you will be walking where our Savior walked!
March 3, 2026
Arrive in Israel
Arrive in Israel where we will meet our guide and travel to our hotel for one night.
March 4, 2026
Caesarea, Mount Carmel, Megiddo, Nazareth Village
We will travel by bus along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Gospel from Peter and were baptized. We will see the Roman Amphitheatre, the Hippodrome, and Aqueduct before we continue our journey to Mt. Carmel, where the prophet Elijah defeated the priests of Baal. Next, we will journey through the Jezreel Valley and drive by Megiddo, the Armageddon battlefield mentioned in the book of Revelation. We will then stop in Nazareth and journey through time to a recreation of the hometown of Jesus. We will lodge the next two nights in Galilee.
Sites you’ll see include:
- Caesarea
- Mount Carmel
- Megiddo
- Nazareth Village
March 5, 2026
Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride, & Magdala
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to the Mount of the Beatitudes, where we will have a Scripture reading and devotional. In Capernaum, we view the excavations of the seaside village and Peter’s home. We enjoy a lunch of St. Peter’s fish (other selections available). We then visit the ancient Fisherman’s Boat, followed by a relaxing cruise in a wooden boat on the Sea of Galilee. A brief Scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and His fishermen disciples. If time allows, we will stop at Magdala, the hometown of Mary Madalene located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee
Sites you’ll see include:
- Mount of Beatitudes
- Capernaum
- Sea of Galilee Cruise
- Fishing Boat Museum
March 6, 2026
Jordan River Baptism Site, Beit Shean, & Ein Gedi
We will begin our day with an opportunity to be baptized at the baptismal site of the Jordan River. Next, we will travel south to Beit Shean/Scythopolis, one of the most magnificent archeological sites in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hung their bodies on the walls of Beit Shean. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis—a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile valley southward along the Jordan River, our guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey” and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We will pass ancient Jericho and view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world. To the east of Jericho along the Jordan River Valley (Qasr El Yahud) is the Israeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. There, Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan, and the children of Israel entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. Next, we will drive to Ein Gedi, “Spring of the Goat,” an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and plentiful water supply, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is the place where David hid from King Saul and where God defeated Israel’s enemies while King Jehoshaphat led Israel in praise and worship. Afterwards, we will travel to Jerusalem where we will spend the next four nights.
March 7, 2026
Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Church of all Nations, Wailing Wall, Western Wall Tunnels
We will start our day with a view of the Holy City from the Mount of Olives. There, we will be blessed to hear a devotional teaching about the significance of the Mount of Olives in Jesus’ day and also when Jesus returns. Afterward, we will walk on Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed to the Father before He was betrayed. From there, we will walk to the Western Wall and then to the Rabbinical Tunnels, which lead us through the Second Temple Era. The tunnel and exhibit will give us a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply, and the Roman road where Jesus was led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel, we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders.
March 8, 2026
City of David, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, & the Pool of Siloam, Southern Steps, House of Caiaphas,
Then, we will visit the Southern Wall excavations. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common people of Jesus’ day, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is also considered the place where Peter stood and proclaimed the Good News and thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost.
We will continue our sightseeing just outside the Dung Gate on the southeastern hill below the Temple Mount in the City of David. It was during the time of Solomon that the city limits extended past this part of Jerusalem. We visit Gihon Springs, the original water source for Jerusalem, view new excavations including a typical Israelite four-room house, and the lower city wall. A highlight will be a water walk through the incredible Hezekiah’s Tunnel to the pool of Siloam, the place of Jesus’ miracle in John 9. Those who choose to do so, may walk through the sewer tunnel from the City of David into the Old City area.
Next, we visit the House of Caiaphas, the place where Jesus was beaten and spat upon. We will view a pit where He may have been held for the evening and the ancient hillside steps He walked as He was taken to be condemned.
March 9, 2026
Israel Museum, Yad Vashem, Abraham's Tent
An educational and interesting time awaits us today when we visit the Israel Museum. Walk through collections of ancient Israeli artifacts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, along with a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of biblical Jerusalem from the Second Temple Period. Followed by a moving visit to the Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem. We will then back in time to Abraham’s Tent experience with camel rides and a unique meal in “Abraham’s Tent.”
March 10, 2026
Pool of Bethesda, St. Anne’s Church, Jewish Quarter, Via Dolorosa, and the Garden Tomb
On our last day in Israel, we will begin with a visit to the Pool of Bethesda and St. Anne’s Church. Make sure to bring your singing voices to experience the amazing acoustics at the church there. Next, we will enjoy some lunch on your own in the Jewish Quarter. after lunch, we will walk along the Via Dolorosa and be reminded of Jesus’ way of suffering.
The highlight of the day will be a visit to the area of Golgotha (Place of the Skull) and the Garden Tomb, where we will celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of worship. There will be some free time for shopping or exploring Jerusalem on your own.
This evening, after dinner, we will transfer to the Tel Aviv Airport for a late-night flight departure.
Optional Jordan Extension
March 11, 2026
Jordan - Day 1
Welcome to Jordan!
We cross from Israel to Jordan and travel south towards Petra. We arrive at the amazing mountain fortress, known to be inhabited by the Edomites, descendants of Esau. We will begin the tour with a walk through the “Siq,” an immense crack in the Nabatean sandstone, to the city of Petra carved out of the rose red rock. The Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh we are surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra’s carved and built structures. We overnight in Petra.
March 12, 2026
Jordan - Day 2
Today, we travel north to Jerash, one of the best preserved and most complete provincial Roman cities. Jerash, Gerasa of Roman Times, was one of the cities of the Decapolis, a confederation of ten Graco-Roman cities dating from the First Century BC. Known as the Pompeii of the East for its extraordinary state of preservation, the ruins indicate human occupations at this location for more than 2,500 years. We then will travel to Amman to visit the old Roman Citadel and the Archeological Museum. We will overnight in Amman.
Sites you’ll see include:
- Roman Citadel
- Archeological Museum
March 13, 2026
Jordan - Day 3
Our morning tour begins at Mount Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, which commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Study the panorama as we read the Scripture of God showing Moses the “Promised Land” before He brought him to heaven. As we travel west toward the Allenby Bridge, we look to the north and see the Plains of Moab, the area where the tribes of Israel camped before crossing the Jordan, and picture the place where Jesus was baptized. Crossing the Jordan River into Israel, we will head to the ancient city of Jericho, where God gave Israel its first victory in the Promised Land. After lunch, we take a cable car to Mt. Temptation. Our final stop will be the Valley of Elah where David faced the Philistine giant.
March 13-14, 2026
Depart for Home
We will have a farewell dinner and then transfer to the Tel Aviv Airport for a late-night or early-morning flight departure and enjoy the memories of an amazing journey to the Holy Land and Jordan.
Join this Unforgettable Best of Israel Tour
Israel Land Tour
Included:
Roundtrip airfare from Columbus including current air taxes and fuel surcharges (taxes and fuel charges are subject to change), 9 nights lodging at 4-star hotels, breakfast and dinner daily, farewell dinner, 2 lunches, full-time English speaking tour escorts, services of air conditioned deluxe motor coach, all guides, tips,
entrances, touring and transportation as appears on itinerary, baggage handling at hotels (one piece).
NOT Included:
Personal expenses, lunches and drinks, optional payment processing Visa or MasterCard (+3%), optional group travel insurance “Cancel for any Reason” travel insurance policy quotes are available by request – must be purchased within 14 days of deposit.)
Join this Unforgettable Best of Israel Tour
Additional Tour Options
Please review the following options. You will be able to select your options during the online booking process. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Jordan extension
Optional Jordan Extension: cost $*** per person.
Flights & Seat upgrades
Rishon Tours offers group flights for this Footsteps of Paul Cruise/Tour. Please select airfare or seat upgrades during online booking.
If you book your own flights, depart from your airport on March 2, 2026, to arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel (TVL) in the afternoon of March 3, 2026. The tour ends in Tel Aviv so please make sure that your flight home also leaves from Tel Aviv, Israel (TVL).
If you select the optional Jordan extension, you will still depart from Tel Aviv, Israel (TVL).
Please send your flight itinerary to info@rishontours.com and we will make arrangements for transfers from the Tel Aviv airport to our hotel and a transfer to the Tel Aviv airport at the end of the tour.
*Prices are based on the best-priced airfare available at the time of booking and are subject to change.
Single Supplement option
The Best of Israel Tour pricing is based on double occupancy. If you are traveling solo or do not have a roommate, a “single supplement” fee will be added to your account in the booking process.
The single supplement fee is based on the accommodations you select.:
Israel Land Tour: $***
Jordan Extension – $***
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Please see “Should I Purchase Travel Insurance” on the Resources page for a great article on the importance of purchasing travel insurance.
An Allianz group travel insurance policy is available to purchase in the booking process. Pricing is based on the overall trip cost (including the cost of flights). Please click on the link below to download the policy details according to your state of residence.
Individual travel insurance policies are also available, such as the “Classic Plan – with Cancel Anytime” provision. Rates must be quoted as they are based on age and state of residency. Please indicate if you would like a quote during the online booking process.
Allianz Classic Plan -with Cancel Anytime provision must be purchased within 14 days of initial deposit.