PLAN A CHURCH TRIP TO THE HOLY LAND
Custom-designed Holy Land tours for your church or faith community.
For church trips to the Holy Land, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all
We will custom-build your Israel trip around you so you can be sure that this once-in-a-lifetime journey is absolutely perfect. Your faith community’s hand-crafted luxury travel package includes:
Custom-designed touring itinerary built around your group’s background, needs, and preferences
Hotel accommodations carefully selected to match your group’s itinerary, tastes, and budget
Private, English-speaking tour guide chosen specifically for you
Complete touring services including transportation, activities, and more
Dedicated Tour Specialist to provide expert insight and guidance from trip planning through departure
Private online trip registration and information page dedicated to your group
Full backing and 24/7 support of Dekel Tours at all stages of your trip.
Custom-designed touring itinerary built around your group’s background, needs, and preferences
Hotel accommodations carefully selected to match your group’s itinerary, tastes, and budget
Private, English-speaking tour guide chosen specifically for you
Complete touring services including transportation, activities, and more
Dedicated Tour Specialist to provide expert insight and guidance from trip planning through departure
Private online trip registration and information page dedicated to your group
Full backing and 24/7 support of Dekel Tours at all stages of your trip.
We want every step along the way to be as comfortable and uncomplicated as possible for everyone. We’ll start by getting to know you and the group members you’re planning for, and we’ll start building from there. During your initial consultation, one of our friendly tour specialists will learn about your trip plans, goals, and preferences, and then we’ll get to work putting together the perfect travel package for you.
Dekel Tours custom designs trips for church groups and faith communities that are interested in experiencing the unforgettable wonder of a Holy Land tour but would prefer a higher-end travel experience. We use hotels, coaches, tour guides, and activity suppliers that offer a higher level of service and quality than one might find on a typical pilgrimage tour.
Still have questions about planning a church trip? Visit our FAQs page.
Private Church Trips to Israel, your way
Whether you’re planning a trip for a church group or any other faith community, we’ll create a fully customized Holy Land experience built around your group’s unique needs and preferences.
Engaging itineraries
We’ll help you create opportunities for meaningful experiences. Your dedicated Tour Specialist is a regional expert who’s not only skilled in building itineraries that are fun and make logical sense but also as invested as you are in helping foster deep connections to Israel. We’re full of great ideas!
We speak your language
All of our Tour Specialists are native English speakers. That means nothing will get lost in translation, including intangibles such as customer service, timeliness, and courtesy. And because we come from a diverse set of religious and cultural backgrounds, you can be sure we understand where you’re coming from.
We’re details people
We believe the perfect itinerary is only the beginning. We’ll choose great hotels that fit your group’s needs and budget, match you with an incredible English-speaking tour guide who’ll bring your itinerary to life, and put together all the other finishing touches to make for an all-around smooth and amazing trip.
Comprehensive support
We think all of our guests deserve the same level of service. Last-minute changes, add-ons and upgrades, answering questions, finding solutions, and anything your group needs to make the trip absolutely perfect. Early arrivals, extra nights at the end, post-trips to Jordan, Egypt, or the UAE… Anything. Anytime. Seriously.
Plan a church trip to Israel that’s a curated journey through time and faith.
Tel Aviv-Jaffa
Jaffa’s deep history stretches back over thousands of years to the age of the Bible. This ancient port city is a treasure trove of history. Sister city Tel Aviv’s modern restaurants, beaches, museums, and commerce attract visitors from all over the world.
The Galilee
From Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee, this region is at the heart of Christian history and tradition. The life and ministry of Jesus is woven into the fabric of the Galilee, with sites of miracles and teachings dotting the rolling green landscapes.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem’s spiritual and religious significance echoes in the city’s ancient stone walls and alleyways. The history of Christianity begins here, and pilgrims have been tracing the footsteps of Jesus in Jerusalem for two millennia.
The Land of the Bible
This is a land where scripture comes to life as you stand on the same sacred ground where Jesus preached, where prophets roamed, where Christianity was born. Each step along the journey will take you back into the time of the Bible.
Sample itinerary for a church trip to Israel
Day 1 – Arrival day
Airport Meet & Greet
Transfer to hotel
Explore Jaffa on your own
Welcome DinnerOvernight: Tel Aviv
Day 1
Arrival: Tel AvivArrival at Ben Gurion Airport – Your group will be met by a representative and assisted with the arrival formalities.
Transfer to your hotel
Leisure time – enjoy the hotel facilities and explore the neighborhood around the hotel. You may choose to take this opportunity to walk around Jaffa on your own.
Dinner included.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Day 2 – Lower Galilee
Caesarea Maritima
Lunch en route
Mukhraka
Tel MegiddoOvernight: Galilee
Day 2
Coastal PlainEnjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Caesarea National Park – Home to ancient palaces built for King Herod, a Roman amphitheater, historic port, and other Roman archaeological wonders, such as the Promontory Palace with the remains of its mosaic floor.
Lunch on your own.
Mukhraka – Sometimes called the Horn of the Carmel, this site is believed by Jews, Christians, and Muslims to be the location of the battle between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. This is also the location of the Monastery of the “place of burning” and contains fantastic views overlooking the hills of the Lower Galilee.
Tel Megiddo – A UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its well-preserved archaeological remains of early Canaanite and Israelite cities. A museum within the park uses models to recreate some of the historical structures which once stood there. This unique site is also thought to have seen more battles than any other location in the world.
Continue to the hotel and check in.Dinner included.
Overnight: Galilee
Day 3 – Sea of Galilee
Galilee Wooden Boat Ride
Capernaum, Tabgha
Mount of Beatitudes
Baptism in the Jordan RiverOvernight: Galilee
Day 3
Golan Heights / GalileeEnjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Galilee Boat Ride – A short cruise in an authentic wooden boat on the beautiful and tranquil Sea of Galilee. Your guide will point out the historical and biblical landmarks you’ll see along the way.
Capernaum – Known as one of the three cities cursed by Jesus for its lack of faith, this historical village along the coast of the Sea of Galilee is home to an ancient synagogue and church, as well as gorgeous views of the sea and the surrounding area.
Mount of Beatitudes – This site is believed to be the place where Jesus met his apostles after his resurrection, and possibly the site where he delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Today, it is home to a church and monastery built onto the hilltop overlooking the surrounding area including the Sea of Galilee and numerous landmarks from the life and ministry of Jesus.
Lunch included.
Yardenit Baptismal Site – This lovely spot where the Sea of Galilee spills into the Jordan River is believed by some to be the site where Jesus was baptized by John. It’s the perfect location for a baptismal ceremony, quiet prayer or reflection, or simply to enjoy the lovely scenery
Dinner included
Overnight: Galilee
Day 4 – Jezre’el Valley
Kfar Cana
Nazareth
Mount Precipice
Monastery of St. GerasimusOvernight: Jerusalem
Day 4
Jordan ValleyEnjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Kfar Cana – Associated with the Biblical town of Cana, where Jesus performed the miracles of turning water into wine and remotely healing the Official’s son.
Nazareth – Rich with biblical history, including the Church of the Annunciation (built on the site of Mary’s Cave), St. Joseph’s Church (built on the site of Joseph’s workshop), and the Synagogue Church (built on the site of the synagogue where Jesus studied and prayed).
Mount Precipice – Just outside Nazareth, this is the hilltop mentioned in the Gospel of Luke where the angry mob threatened Jesus after he announced that he was the Messiah.
Lunch on your own.
Deir Hajla (Monastery of St. Gerasimus) – This fifth-century monastery was established on the site where Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus took shelter while fleeing Herod the Great. The monastery’s history mirrors that of the Holy Land itself, with numerous conquests and re-dedications continuing until the most recent dedication in the mid-19th century.
Dinner included
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 5 – Jerusalem Old City
Mount of Olives, Gethsemane
Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulcher
Mount Zion
Davidson Center, Western WallOvernight: Jerusalem
Day 5
Jerusalem Old CityEnjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Mount of Olives – A prominent mountain adjacent to Jerusalem with arguably the best views of the Old City. This site contains numerous landmarks of religious significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, making it a particularly fascinating spot to discuss the holy city of Jerusalem and its role in these traditions.
Garden of Gethsemane – Located at the foot of the Mount of Olives and known as the site where Jesus prayed on the night of his betrayal and arrest, this site holds great religious significance for Christians around the world.
Old City Christian Sites – Visit some of Jerusalem’s treasures of Christian history, including the Pools of Bethesda, the Via Dolorosa and 14 Stations of the Cross, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Lunch on your own.
Mount Zion – Just outside the walls of the Old City, this hilltop is home to a number of significant historical and religious sites including the Room of the Last Supper (the Cenacle) and King David’s Tomb. Looking out over the Old City, you will have an opportunity to get an understanding of how the three major religions of Jerusalem intertwine.
Davidson Center / Western Wall – An impressive collection of archaeological discoveries from the First and Second Temple periods, including a drainage channel containing rare artifacts from the destruction of Jerusalem. The Center also houses a 3D model of ancient Jerusalem which allows visitors to imagine what it might have felt like to walk through the ancient walled city.
Dinner included
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 6 – Jerusalem
Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial
Israel Museum, Dead Sea Scrolls
Garden TombOvernight: Jerusalem
Day 6
JerusalemEnjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Yad Vashem – Israel’s official Holocaust memorial site and the definitive source for Holocaust education, documentation, and research. Learn about and pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, Jews who fought their Nazi oppressors, and non-Jews who aided the victims of the Nazi Regime.
Lunch on your own.
Israel Museum – Featuring a display of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls and the most extensive holdings of biblical and Holy Land archaeology in the world.
The Garden Tomb – Beautiful and serene garden believed by many Christians to be the site where Jesus was buried and resurrected. Immerse yourself in the tranquil environment or enjoy a solemn prayer in the peaceful landscape.
Dinner included
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 7 – Judean Desert
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Masada Fortress
Float in the Dead Sea
Return to JerusalemOvernight: Jerusalem
Day 7
Judean DesertEnjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve – A spectacular natural desert oasis, where you can get up close with the stunning array of desert flora, take a dip in a refreshing desert spring, and cool off under a breathtaking waterfall.
Masada – After ascending to the top of this mountain fortress via cable car (options for hiking), you’ll explore the fascinating remains of King Herod’s palace, including the Roman-style bathhouse and the ancient storerooms and watchtowers. Here you’ll learn about the significance of the site and the mass suicide that occurred during the Roman siege on the fortress.
Lunch included.
Lunch and Swim/Float in the Dead Sea – Take a relaxing break from touring and experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of weightlessness as you float in the mineral-rich hypersaline water at the lowest spot on earth. You’ll enjoy private beach access and an indulgent buffet lunch at a resort hotel. (Optional spa treatments available.)
Dinner included
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 8 – Jerusalem & Bethlehem
City of David
Bethlehem
Farewell Dinner
Transfer to the airportHave a pleasant flight!
Day 8
Jerusalem & BethlehemEnjoy breakfast at the hotel.
City of David & Hezekiah’s Tunnel – At the City of David, you’ll encounter fascinating archaeological discoveries from both the First and Second Temple periods. In Hezekiah’s tunnels, you’ll wade in the darkness through knee-deep water and learn about how King Hezekiah built this intricate system of tunnels in order to protect the freshwater Gihon Spring from the encroaching Assyrian forces. Make sure to bring shorts and water shoes for the full experience, but don’t worry – there’s an option for dry tunnels!
Lunch on your own.
Bethlehem – The birthplace of Jesus and a pilgrimage site for Christians around the globe. Visit some of Christianity’s holiest and most interesting sites, including the Church of Nativity, the Chapel of the Milk Grotto, Mary’s Well, and the Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field.
Farewell dinner included.
Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport – Your driver will meet you just outside the lobby of your hotel and transport you to Ben Gurion Airport for your departure flight.
Have a safe flight!
Day 1 – Arrival day
Airport Meet & Greet
Transfer to hotel
Explore Jaffa on your own
Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Day 1
Arrival: Tel Aviv
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport – Your group will be met by a representative and assisted with the arrival formalities.
Transfer to your hotel
Leisure time – enjoy the hotel facilities and explore the neighborhood around the hotel. You may choose to take this opportunity to walk around Jaffa on your own.
Dinner included.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Day 2 – Lower Galilee
Caesarea Maritima
Lunch en route
Mukhraka
Tel Megiddo
Overnight: Galilee
Day 2
Coastal Plain
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Caesarea National Park – Home to ancient palaces built for King Herod, a Roman amphitheater, historic port, and other Roman archaeological wonders, such as the Promontory Palace with the remains of its mosaic floor.
Lunch on your own.
Mukhraka – Sometimes called the Horn of the Carmel, this site is believed by Jews, Christians, and Muslims to be the location of the battle between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. This is also the location of the Monastery of the “place of burning” and contains fantastic views overlooking the hills of the Lower Galilee.
Tel Megiddo – A UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its well-preserved archaeological remains of early Canaanite and Israelite cities. A museum within the park uses models to recreate some of the historical structures which once stood there. This unique site is also thought to have seen more battles than any other location in the world.
Continue to the hotel and check in.
Dinner included.
Overnight: Galilee
Day 3 – Sea of Galilee
Galilee Wooden Boat Ride
Capernaum, Tabgha
Mount of Beatitudes
Baptism in the Jordan River
Overnight: Galilee
Day 3
Golan Heights / Galilee
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Galilee Boat Ride – A short cruise in an authentic wooden boat on the beautiful and tranquil Sea of Galilee. Your guide will point out the historical and biblical landmarks you’ll see along the way.
Capernaum – Known as one of the three cities cursed by Jesus for its lack of faith, this historical village along the coast of the Sea of Galilee is home to an ancient synagogue and church, as well as gorgeous views of the sea and the surrounding area.
Mount of Beatitudes – This site is believed to be the place where Jesus met his apostles after his resurrection, and possibly the site where he delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Today, it is home to a church and monastery built onto the hilltop overlooking the surrounding area including the Sea of Galilee and numerous landmarks from the life and ministry of Jesus.
Lunch included.
Yardenit Baptismal Site – This lovely spot where the Sea of Galilee spills into the Jordan River is believed by some to be the site where Jesus was baptized by John. It’s the perfect location for a baptismal ceremony, quiet prayer or reflection, or simply to enjoy the lovely scenery
Dinner included
Overnight: Galilee
Day 4 – Jezre’el Valley
Kfar Cana
Nazareth
Mount Precipice
Monastery of St. Gerasimus
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 4
Jordan Valley
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Kfar Cana – Associated with the Biblical town of Cana, where Jesus performed the miracles of turning water into wine and remotely healing the Official’s son.
Nazareth – Rich with biblical history, including the Church of the Annunciation (built on the site of Mary’s Cave), St. Joseph’s Church (built on the site of Joseph’s workshop), and the Synagogue Church (built on the site of the synagogue where Jesus studied and prayed).
Mount Precipice – Just outside Nazareth, this is the hilltop mentioned in the Gospel of Luke where the angry mob threatened Jesus after he announced that he was the Messiah.
Lunch on your own.
Deir Hajla (Monastery of St. Gerasimus) – This fifth-century monastery was established on the site where Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus took shelter while fleeing Herod the Great. The monastery’s history mirrors that of the Holy Land itself, with numerous conquests and re-dedications continuing until the most recent dedication in the mid-19th century.
Dinner included
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 5 – Jerusalem Old City
Mount of Olives, Gethsemane
Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulcher
Mount Zion
Davidson Center, Western Wall
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 5
Jerusalem Old City
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Mount of Olives – A prominent mountain adjacent to Jerusalem with arguably the best views of the Old City. This site contains numerous landmarks of religious significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, making it a particularly fascinating spot to discuss the holy city of Jerusalem and its role in these traditions.
Garden of Gethsemane – Located at the foot of the Mount of Olives and known as the site where Jesus prayed on the night of his betrayal and arrest, this site holds great religious significance for Christians around the world.
Old City Christian Sites – Visit some of Jerusalem’s treasures of Christian history, including the Pools of Bethesda, the Via Dolorosa and 14 Stations of the Cross, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Lunch on your own.
Mount Zion – Just outside the walls of the Old City, this hilltop is home to a number of significant historical and religious sites including the Room of the Last Supper (the Cenacle) and King David’s Tomb. Looking out over the Old City, you will have an opportunity to get an understanding of how the three major religions of Jerusalem intertwine.
Davidson Center / Western Wall – An impressive collection of archaeological discoveries from the First and Second Temple periods, including a drainage channel containing rare artifacts from the destruction of Jerusalem. The Center also houses a 3D model of ancient Jerusalem which allows visitors to imagine what it might have felt like to walk through the ancient walled city.
Dinner included
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 6 – Jerusalem
Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial
Israel Museum, Dead Sea Scrolls
Garden Tomb
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 6
Jerusalem
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Yad Vashem – Israel’s official Holocaust memorial site and the definitive source for Holocaust education, documentation, and research. Learn about and pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, Jews who fought their Nazi oppressors, and non-Jews who aided the victims of the Nazi Regime.
Lunch on your own.
Israel Museum – Featuring a display of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls and the most extensive holdings of biblical and Holy Land archaeology in the world.
The Garden Tomb – Beautiful and serene garden believed by many Christians to be the site where Jesus was buried and resurrected. Immerse yourself in the tranquil environment or enjoy a solemn prayer in the peaceful landscape.
Dinner included
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 7 – Judean Desert
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Masada Fortress
Float in the Dead Sea
Return to Jerusalem
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 7
Judean Desert
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve – A spectacular natural desert oasis, where you can get up close with the stunning array of desert flora, take a dip in a refreshing desert spring, and cool off under a breathtaking waterfall.
Masada – After ascending to the top of this mountain fortress via cable car (options for hiking), you’ll explore the fascinating remains of King Herod’s palace, including the Roman-style bathhouse and the ancient storerooms and watchtowers. Here you’ll learn about the significance of the site and the mass suicide that occurred during the Roman siege on the fortress.
Lunch included.
Lunch and Swim/Float in the Dead Sea – Take a relaxing break from touring and experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of weightlessness as you float in the mineral-rich hypersaline water at the lowest spot on earth. You’ll enjoy private beach access and an indulgent buffet lunch at a resort hotel. (Optional spa treatments available.)
Dinner included
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 8 – Jerusalem & Bethlehem
City of David
Bethlehem
Farewell Dinner
Transfer to the airport
Have a pleasant flight!
Day 8
Jerusalem & Bethlehem
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
City of David & Hezekiah’s Tunnel – At the City of David, you’ll encounter fascinating archaeological discoveries from both the First and Second Temple periods. In Hezekiah’s tunnels, you’ll wade in the darkness through knee-deep water and learn about how King Hezekiah built this intricate system of tunnels in order to protect the freshwater Gihon Spring from the encroaching Assyrian forces. Make sure to bring shorts and water shoes for the full experience, but don’t worry – there’s an option for dry tunnels!
Lunch on your own.
Bethlehem – The birthplace of Jesus and a pilgrimage site for Christians around the globe. Visit some of Christianity’s holiest and most interesting sites, including the Church of Nativity, the Chapel of the Milk Grotto, Mary’s Well, and the Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field.
Farewell dinner included.
Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport – Your driver will meet you just outside the lobby of your hotel and transport you to Ben Gurion Airport for your departure flight.
Have a safe flight!
Create a Holy Land experience that’s as unique and inspiring as your faith community.
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