There is no experience quite like it! A Holy Land tour is an unforgettable experience. It is also the greatest Bible learning experience in the world.

Holy Land Tour – December 3-15, 2018

But you don’t want to choose just any trip to Israel. When you go to the Holy Land, the Bible teaching is what matters! When you travel with Dispensational Publishing House, you’ll have an expert Jewish guide who is very familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures, the Hebrew foundations of Christianity, the life and times of Jesus the Messiah, and the birth of the church out of Judaism. You’ll also have the strongly dispensational teaching of Dr. Randy White, who has toured Israel for many years and taken hundreds of people to the Holy Land.

This trip includes both Israel and Turkey, at an unbeatable ALL-INCLUSIVE price. The trip price of $4,320 (get a $125 per person cash discount when paying in check or money order – total $4,195) includes airfare (see Day 1 for details), three meals daily from arrival to departure in Israel (lunches not included in Turkey), hotels, luxury coach exclusive to our group, expert guides, entry fees, bottled water, even tips and taxes.

Not included  in price:

  • E-Visa to Turkey ($20)
  • Lunches in Turkey
  • Travel Insurance (optional, highly encouraged, see below)

Click Here to Register

December 3 – Day 1

Departure from USA. Prices are guaranteed when traveling out of Boston, Chicago, Houston*, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City (JFK), San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Typically we can find tickets direct from your nearest airport for the same price. (Note: Houston passengers will depart at approx. 10 PM on December 2).

December 4 – Day 2

Arrival Israel. Transfer to Tel Aviv. Dinner and overnight Tel Aviv.

 

December 5 – Day 3

Drive to Caesarea named in honor of Augustus Caesar who gave the territory to Herod as a gift. Previous port cities at that time were established in the vicinity of natural bays, but Herod began building an artificial port, one of the largest in the Middle East, and the most sophisticated. Caesarea played na important role in early Christian history. Here the baptism of the Roman officer Cornelius took place; (Acts 10:1-5, 25-28) from here Paul set sail for his journeys in the eastern Mediterranean; and here he was taken prisoner and sent to Rome for trial. (Acts 23:23-24). Continue to Mt Carmel which has been a symbol of beauty and splendor, with its green woodlands, its forests and its magnificent wild landscapes. Mount Carmel is also the mountain of the Prophet Elijah. According to the Biblical account, after years of drought, Elijah competed against four hundred of Baal’s prophets, all servants of King Ahab, to see who could make it rain (1 Kings, 18): whichever of them could persuade “his” god to send down rain would be recognized as a true prophet. Driving eastwards towards the Sea of Galilee. On our way, we will visit Megiddo, also known as Armageddon. The site is located at a strategic entrance through the eastern Carmel hills where an ancient trade road (Via Maris) links the North (and Assyria) and South (Egypt). Megiddo has played an important role in the history of the Biblical Israel. Dinner and overnight Sea of Galilee.

December 6 – Day 4

We will spend the day around the Sea of Galilee. Starting with a boat ride that will take us to Capernaum, sometimes called “the town of Jesus, where we will see “The House of St. Peter,” which apparently served as a meeting place for early Christians. In it lay many fragments of plaster bearing Christian symbols and inscriptions including the names of Jesus, Simon and Peter. Tabgha, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, is accepted traditionally as the site where Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21). The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes was built here in the fifth century. At Mt of Beatitudes, located on a low hill near Tabgha. Jesus is believed to have given the Sermon on the Mount here. The octagonal-shaped Church of the Beatitudes (to symbolize the eight beatitudes as described in Matthew 5:3-11). Magdala (near present day Migdal) is located on the western coastline of the Sea of Galilee and at the eastern foothills of Mount Arbel. It is at the crossroads of Jewish and Christian history. It is known traditionally in Christian sources as the birthplace of Mary Magdalene. She is named at least 12 times in the gospels where she is described as one of several women traveling with Jesus and his disciples and personally supporting his work. She was one of the women who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and planned to tend to his body after the Sabbath. Mary Magdalene was the first eyewitness of the risen Christ and was commissioned by Jesus to inform the disciples of his resurrection. It is also certain that during his ministry Jesus taught in Magdala. Dinner and overnight Sea of Galilee.

December 7 – Day 5

Leaving the Galilee behind us driving south via the Jordan valley. We will visit Beit Shean, a major city during Biblical times, located in the center of crossroads between the Jordan valley and the Jezreel (Yizreel) valley. The mighty Canaanite city was not conquered by the Israelites (Judges 1: 27: “Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns”). Later, in the 11th century BC, King Saul’s body was displayed on its walls after his defeat by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31 10: “…and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan”). The city was leveled by a massive earthquake in the 8th century AD. Continue to Jericho, also known as the “City of Palms” on the west side of the Jordan River at 825 feet below sea level. “Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it. Now a man named Zacchaeus was there; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to get a look at Jesus, but being a short man, he could not see over the crowd. So, he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, because Jesus was going to pass that way” (Luke 19:1-4). Dinner and overnight Jerusalem.

December 8 – Day 6

The Mt. of Olives has always been an important feature in Jerusalem’s landscape. Jesus made many visits to the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:37). In fact, it was “usual” for Him to go there when in the vicinity of Jerusalem (Luke 22:39). The Bible records Jesus’ visiting the Mount of Olives three times in the last week of His earthly life, and each time something of significance happened. Jesus’ third visit during the week of His passion was on the night He was betrayed. That evening began with the Last Supper in Jerusalem and ended in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. During that last Passover meal, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet and then revealed Judas as the betrayer (John 13:1–30). At the conclusion of the meal, Jesus established the New Covenant and instituted the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26–29; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). Then He took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane located on the western slope of the Mount of Olives. There Jesus prayed in agony as He contemplated the day to come. Walk the “Stations of the Cross“, which designates a stretch of road between the Antonia fortress and Golgotha, along which Jesus Christ walked bowed under the weight of the Cross. Visit the Western Wall, the Kotel, the most significant site in the world for the Jewish people. The walk thru The Western Wall Tunnels allows visitors to reach the segments of the Wall hidden from view, and to touch the original and special stones that tell the story of the Jewish nation. The southern stairs lead to the main entrances of the Temple Mount. End the day at the Garden Tomb, believed by many to be the garden and sepulcher of Joseph of Arimathea, and therefore the site of the resurrection of Jesus. Dinner and overnight Jerusalem.

December 9 – Day 7

The day will be spent in the Dead Sea area, starting with Masada. In the days of the Great Revolt, the last of the rebels against Rome entrenched themselves at Masada, and turned their desperate fight into a symbol of the struggle for freedom. Because of the enthralling historic events that took place on the mountain, and the archaeological finds that have been revealed there, UNESCO has declared Masada National Park a World Heritage Site. Continue to Ein Gedi which is the biggest oasis in Israel. It has springs and waterfalls, and flowing brooks at the foot of the cliffs, home to ibexes and rock hyraxes. Ein Gedi is mentioned a number of times in the Bible. It is one of the towns of the tribe of Judah in the desert, and is where David concealed himself when he fled from King Saul. Visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found and learn about the history of the small group of isolationist inhabitants who populated Qumran, the Essenes. Before going back to Jerusalem, we will float on the unique water of the Dead Sea. Dinner and overnight Jerusalem.

December 10 – Day 8

We will visit the Israel Museum, one of the world’s leading museums for Biblical history and archeology. Here we will see The Shrine of the Book, which was built as a repository for the first seven scrolls discovered at Qumran in 1947. The unique white dome embodies the lids of the jars in which the first scrolls were found. Next stop will be The Second Temple Jerusalem Model that recreates the city of 66 CE at the height of its glory; the eve of the great revolt of the Jews against the Romans. The Israeli Parliament – the Knesset – is located close to the museum. We will get a tour of the Knesset that will explain the nature of Israeli democracy, to the Knesset’s roles and responsibilities. The tour will take us to Knesset Committees Wing, the Plenary Hall, Chagall Hall, and the exhibit of Israel’s Declaration of Independence. Last stop will be Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. It was established in 1953 and its main goal is education, research and documentation, and commemoration. Dinner and overnight Jerusalem.

December 11 – Day 9

Transfer to the airport and fly to Turkey via Istanbul and then domestic flight to Izmir. Our representative will meet you at the Izmir Airport and depart for the hotel.

December 12 – Day 10

Visit of ancient Smyrna; poor and persecuted, the church at Smyrna suffered amidst prosperity for its refusal to worship the Roman Emperor. This proved to be the last stronghold of Christianity in Asia Minor. Home of the great second century Bishop Polycarp Pergamum who was burned alive at the age of eighty-six. Continue to Pergamum; a most memorable experience will be Pergamum, with its acropolis and Great Theatre, the steepest of the ancient world. Revelation 2:12-16 describes the city as “where Satan’s seat is”, a reference to the altar of Zeus, where we pause for reflection on the fulfillment of Scripture. Nearby, visit the Red Basilica; once a pagan temple, it later converted into a Christian church. Finally, walk through the Asclepion, the famous medical center of antiquity. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Izmir.

December 13 – Day 11

Depart for the visit of Thyatira; was once a busy trading center and famous in dyeing of purple clothes. Thyatira is one of the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelations tolerated the false prophetess, Jezebel (Rev. 1: 11; 2: 18-29). Travel to Sardis, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Jesus told Sardis, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name, that thou livest, and art dead”(Rev. 3: 1-6). Coins were minted and the dyeing of wool originated in Sardis. You will be impressed by the massive scale of the Temple of Artemis, by the white marble Royal Road, by the gymnasium, and by the synagogue. Visit the site of Philadelphia also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 3: 7-13). Christ told those who overcame that He would write upon them “the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem.” (Rev.3: 12) Today, not much is left to mark the spot. You will see an ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

December 14 – Day 12

After the breakfast at the hotel, depart for the visit of Hierapolis; an ancient city of pagan cults, Hierapolis or “holy city” was evangelized by Paul and Epaphras. The Apostle Philip lived and is said to be buried here. Pamukkale, or “cotton castle” is a spa and resort center with its hot springs and cascading limestone pools. Col. 4:12-13. Hierapolis The Christians of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches, (Rev. 3: 14-22) were chastised for being lukewarm, “You are neither cold nor hot” (Rev. 3: 15), and for being too comfortable incorporating pagan and Christian beliefs. In the famous scripture from Revelation (3: 20-21), Jesus says to the Laodicean church: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…”. Today, there are many acres of ruins to see, including the stadium and columned streets and a chance to witness the newest excavations in Laodicea. Continue to Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 1: 11). In ancient days, Ephesus was a bustling port town of 250,000, graced with wide, colonnade bordered streets. The St. Paul’s first visit to Ephesus was brief – during his second missionary tour (Acts 18:19-21). His second visit lasted about three years – during his third missionary tour (Acts 19:1 to 20:31). Luke’s account of the worship of Diana appears in Acts 19:34-35. The Great Theatre (stadium) mentioned in Acts 19:29-31 could seat 25,000 people. Walk the marble-paved street with grooves made by chariot wheels. See the Fountain of Trajan, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theatre with a capacity of 24.000 spectators. Visit the Chapel of the Virgin Mary (Double Church), where the Third Ancient Council convened. Continue to visit the Basilica of St. John; early tradition associated John, the disciple of Jesus, the author of the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation with the city of Ephesus. As early as the 4th or 5th century a Christian church was built over a simple grave, supposedly the grave of St. John. In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian had an impressive domed basilica built to replace the earlier church. The church, known as the Church of St. John the Theologian, is located on Ayasuluk Hill, which can be reached by a street leading up from the center of the town called Selcuk. Visit the Museum of Ephesus for an up-close look at artifacts from the ancient city. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

December 15 – Day 13

Transfer to Izmir airport for domestic flight to Istanbul and then an international flight to the US.

Payment Schedule

  • Deposit: $1,000 (this amount will be invoiced. You will not pay when you submit the online registration. Deposit is due within 15 days of invoice). Note: your flight tickets are often arranged shortly after your invoice is paid, so this becomes a non-refundable deposit after purchase of flights.
  • Balance due by November 1, 2018.
  • Payment plans available. Contact us for information.

Click Here for Registration

No payment due when submitting the registration. You will be invoiced for the deposit and the balance.

Airfare Information

Because travelers will be coming from all parts of the United States, airfare is included in the price, and travel arrangements will be made on an individual basis by DPH Travel. Early arrivals or late departures are possible, but you would be responsible for arranging and paying for your own transport to or from the airport and extra lodging. Assistance with arrangements is available. See “Day 1” for additional information. When you register, we will ask for your preferred departure city and you will notify us at that time whether you desire extensions or early arrivals. We can also arrange airfare going to third-point destinations.

Travel Protection

Trip insurance is available and strongly recommended, though not required. You can use our group provider or your own insurance agent. Our travel coverage is through Travelers Insured.

Travel Protection Coverage:

Trip Cancellation Trip Interruption Trip Delay Missed Connection Baggage Baggage delay Non Medical Emergency Evac. Accident & Medical Medical evac/ repatriation Emergency Assistance
GroupDelux for covered reason – 100% up to 150% of trip cost  $750  $500  $1,500  $400  $150,000  $50,000  $250,000 Yes
Group Delux with CFAR For any reason – 75%, Covered reason 100% up to 150% of trip cost  $750  $500  $1,500  $400  $150,000  $50,000  $250,000 Yes

Some of the benefits of travel protection:

  • If you or an immediate family member gets sick, laid off, or has another emergency, you will receive a full refund of your registration fees.
  • If you want “cancel for any reason” insurance, it will cost more, but will reimburse a large portion of your trip registration fees for any reason.
  • If your flight is delayed requiring extra transfers or hotel stays, these will be reimbursed.
  • If your luggage is lost, you will be reimbursed for purchases to replace your personal goods.
  • If you have a medical need while traveling, expenses will be reimbursed. Some insurance providers do not cover overseas medical needs. Check with your provider.

Holy Land Tour Safety

If you’ve ever been on a Holy Land tour, you know that safety is only a concern before the tour begins. After the first day, every traveler feels safe, secure, and comfortable with their surroundings. Our DPH Holy Land Tour will use the expert services of EDI Travel of Israel for our guide, buses, and driver. EDI is experienced in Christian travel to Israel and Turkey, and safety is their number one concern. If at any time prior to the tour DPH or EDI considers the trip unsafe, the trip will be canceled and you will be refunded any previously contributed payments through your travel insurance, and no further payments will be required. EDI is in touch with Israel Department of Tourism on a constant basis and is very aware of any problem areas in Israel. These areas, if any, will be avoided.

What do you need to travel?

You will need a passport with six months before expiration. No visa is required for travel to Israel. An E-Visa to Turkey is required, and will cost $20. Travelers will be given information about how to get the E-Visa. The E-Visa must be purchased within three months of departure date, and at least 48 hours before departure. NOTE: travelers flying on non-USA passports may need additional documentation for travel and entry. It is the responsibility of the traveler to secure these documents.

Theological Perspective

We believe that the theological perspective of your tour leaders and guide is of greatest importance when traveling to Israel. Briefly, our theological perspective is:

  • We believe that Israel and the church are distinct – we reject replacement theology
  • We believe in a pre-tribulation rapture of the church and a coming “Day of Jacob’s Trouble” in which God will draw Israel unto Himself.
  • We believe that Christianity has Hebrew roots, but reject the Hebrew Roots movement that mixes the church and Israel as well as Law and Grace.
  • We believe that the modern nation of Israel has a God-given right to the land of Israel.
  • We believe that all people must be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Travel arrangements provided by DPH Travel