Holy Land Tour with Gregory Gosselin
Tour dates: Dec 28, 2025 – January 7, 2026
Hosted by: Hosted by Gregory Gosselin
Price: Starting at $4,190 per person sharing a double room
Single Room Supplement: $ 905
Click here to download tour brochure Click here to Register
DAY 1: SUN, DEC 28 – DEPART THE U.S.
Today, we begin our journey to the Holy Land — a spiritual pilgrimage to the land of the Bible. Depart Atlanta on a transatlantic flight to Tel Aviv via Frankfurt
Overnight Flight Meals: In-flight
DAY 2: MON, DEC 29 – ARRIVAL IN ISRAEL / TRANSFER TO JERUSALEM
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, we are welcomed by our local guide and transferred to our hotel in Jerusalem. After checking in, we enjoy dinner and rest in preparation for our days ahead.
Overnight: Jerusalem, Grand Court Hotel Meals: Dinner
DAY 3: TUE, DEC 30 – BETHLEHEM / MOUNT OF OLIVES / GETHSEMANE
We begin in Bethlehem, the city of Christ’s birth. We’ll visit the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square, then reflect at the Shepherds’ Field, where angels announced the Savior’s birth (Luke 2).
Next, we visit Herodion, Herod’s fortress-palace and likely his burial site. Back in Jerusalem, we enjoy a panoramic view from the Mount of Olives, then walk down the Palm Sunday Path, stopping at Dominus Flevit (where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, Luke 19:41) and the Church of All Nations beside the Garden of Gethsemane. We conclude with private prayer time in a reserved section of the Garden. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Jerusalem, Grand Court Hotel Meals: Breakfast, DinnerDAY 4: WED, DEC 31 – SOUTHERN JERUSALEM: DAVID’S CITY & TEMPLE FOUNDATIONS
Today we visit the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. Then descend into the Western Wall Tunnels, revealing massive Herodian stones that supported the Temple platform in Jesus’ day.
At the City of David, we explore archaeological remains from the time of David and walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, a remarkable 8th-century BC water system (bring water shoes and headlights!). We emerge at the Pool of Siloam, mentioned in John 9 as the place where Jesus healed the blind man. Next, we visit the Southern Steps, where Jesus likely taught (Luke 21:37). We also walk through the Jewish Quarter, see the Broad Wall, and visit St. Peter in Gallicantu, the traditional site of Caiaphas’ house, where Peter denied Jesus three times. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Jerusalem, Grand Court Hotel Meals: Breakfast, DinnerDAY 5: THU, JAN 1 – TEMPLE MOUNT / VIA DOLOROSA / HOLY SEPULCHRE / GARDEN TOMB
We begin early at the Temple Mount, site of Solomon’s and Herod’s Temples. Though the original structures are gone, the sacredness of the site remains. We continue to St. Anne’s Church, with its renowned acoustics, and the nearby Pools of Bethesda (John 5). Walking the Via Dolorosa, we trace Jesus’ path to Calvary, visiting Ecce Homo, where Pilate said, “Behold the Man.” We then enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, traditionally marking Golgotha and the tomb. Later, we visit the Garden Tomb, a beautiful setting for worship and reflection. We close the day at the Israel Museum, home to the Shrine of the Book (Dead Sea Scrolls) and a model of first-century Jerusalem. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Jerusalem, Grand Court Hotel Meals: Breakfast, DinnerDAY 6: FRI, JAN 2 – MASADA / EIN GEDI / QUMRAN / DEAD SEA
Begin the day with a stop at Bethany to visit the Tomb of Lazarus. Then Head east into the Judean Desert, we ascend Masada by cable car to explore Herod’s desert fortress, where Jewish zealots resisted Rome. At Ein Gedi, we walk the same paths where David hid from Saul (1 Samuel 24). We visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947, confirming the accuracy of biblical texts. Our day ends at the Dead Sea, where we enjoy floating in its mineral-rich waters. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Jerusalem, Grand Court Hotel Meals: Breakfast, DinnerDAY 7: SAT, JAN 3 JORDAN RIVER / GALILEE
We drive to Qasr al-Yahud, the traditional Baptismal Site on the Jordan River — a beautiful place to renew one’s baptismal commitment. Drive north through the Jordan Valley to Beit Shean, a stunning Roman city destroyed by an earthquake in 749 AD. In the Galilee, we visit Magdala, site of a 1st-century synagogue likely home town of Mary Magdalene. End with a stop at Valley of the Doves at the foot of Mount Arbel. Continue to your hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Tiberias, Ron Beach Hotel Meals: Breakfast, DinnerDAY 8: SUN, JAN 4 – NAZARETH / MOUNT TABOR / MEGIDDO
We begin at Mount Tabor, traditional site of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17). Continue to Nazareth, and visit Nazareth Village, a re-creation of 1st-century life, and visit the Church of the Annunciation. Continue to Mount Precipice, from which angry crowds tried to throw Jesus (Luke 4). Finally, we drive to Megiddo, overlooking the Valley of Armageddon (Revelation 16).
Overnight: Tiberias, Ron Beach Hotel Meals: Breakfast, DinnerDAY 9: MON, JAN 5 – JESUS’ MINISTRY AROUND THE SEA OF GALILEE
Explore Tel Dan, source of the Jordan River and a site of Israelite pagan worship. Then continue to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ” (Matthew 16). We return to the Sea of Galilee, visiting the Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha (site of the Feeding of the 5,000), and Primacy of Peter. At Capernaum, we explore the synagogue and Peter’s house — Jesus’ “own city” (Matthew 9:1). End the day with a peaceful boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, followed by devotion.
Overnight: Tiberias, Ron Beach Hotel Meals: Breakfast, DinnerDAY 10: TUE, JAN 6 – COASTAL SITES / JAFFA
We head west to Mount Carmel (Muhraqa), where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Visit Stella Maris Monastery, then descend to the coast to explore Caesarea Maritima, built by Herod and where Paul was imprisoned (Acts 24). Our final stop is Jaffa (Joppa), where Peter had his rooftop vision (Acts 10). Continue to Tel Aviv for and check into your hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Tel Aviv, Grand Beach Hotel Meals: Breakfast, DinnerDAY 11: WED, JAN 7 – DEPARTURE
Early morning transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our return flight to the U.S.
Return Flight Meals: Breakfast, In-flightItinerary subject to change.
AIRFARE: Round-trip economy class airfare from Atlanta International airport to Tel Aviv on Lufthansa Airlines .
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.
GROUND TRANSPORT: Transfers and transportation by deluxe motor coach throughout.
SIGHTSEEING: Extensive sightseeing throughout; entrance fees included as per program.
PORTERAGE: Luggage handling of one piece per person.
EXPERT GUIDES: An experienced English-speaking tour guide from arrival in Tel Aviv through departure from Tel Aviv.
WHISPER SETS: Individual guide whisper sets throughout the tour.
TAXES: Airport/foreign departure taxes
Items 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.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Gratuities to guide, driver, hotel and restaurant staff . For your convenience, $150 per person will be added to your final invoice to cover all necessary tipping. Your tour leader will manage and distribute all tips on your behalf.
- 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 reentry 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/
Important Notes:
Main Tour Base price : $ Starting at $4,190 per person sharing a double
Single Room Supplement: $905
Costs: The tour cost is per person based on current airfare from Portland Oregon (other cities available upon request), double occupancy, tariffs and currency valuations as of June 2024, a minimum of 20 travellers, 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.
These tour conditions are subject to confirmation of space and may change until contracts applicable to actual dates have been received and accepted by all parties involved.
- PAYMENT SCHEDULE: Your reservation and deposit of $500 per person are requested immediately to fulfill the group deadline requirements. Note that space is limited and reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis. A second payment of $1000 is due August 28, 2025. Final payment is due no later than October 28, 2025. The fee for late payment is $50 per traveler.
- Payment Option:
- Payment can be made via Wire Transfer to our Bank Account in Jerusalem, Israel (Provided upon request).
- Payment by credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) accepted but subject to 2.5% credit card processing 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 nonrefundable. The following penalties will apply: Up to October 01, 2025 – $150 per person administrative fee plus any unrecoverable deposits; October 02 – Nov 28, 2025– Deposit plus any unrecoverable payments to hotels, tour operators or airlines; Nov 29, 2025 or after– No refund.
- CHANGES TO GROUP FLIGHTS: The group airfare contract for this tour may not allow travelers to make any date or itinerary changes. If you are considering other dates or cities, please submit your request in writing well in advance to secure the best rates and schedule, but no later than October 01, 2025. A minimum fee of $100 per person will apply for changes to group flights in addition to a possible airfare increase.
- LATE BOOKINGS: Passengers registering within thirty days of tour departure will be charged a $50 per person fee. Tour payment in full is required before we can request and confirm space. This fee does not cover any additional airline or ground service charges
Note to Travelers:
Be assured that STT & TRAVEL (STT) continually monitors travel industry developments (strikes, etc.) as well as world events. If any such matters affect your tour, you will be notified. At the time this tour was developed the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory for this destination was Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution); refer to the following website for current information or call STT & Travel. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Travel protection is optional, but we encourage all travellers to purchase a plan. Travel protection can help provide coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, baggage delay/loss, emergency accident and sickness medical expense, and emergency evacuation/repatriation.
TRAVEL PROTECTION TYPICALLY INCLUDE:
Trip Cancellation:
Trip Interruption:
Travel Delay (6 hours):
Missed Connection (3 hours):
Baggage:
Baggage Delay:
Medical Expense:
Emergency Dental Expense
Medical Evacuation $ Repatriation of remains
Political Emergency Evacuation
ID Theft Resolution Services
Assistance Service
Conditions and Responsibility: Shepherds Tours and Travel (STT) provides customized travel planning services to Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt 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 STT in any matter. Brochure contents may not be duplicated without permission from STT. In offering these travel arrangements, (STT) acts solely as an agent for the sale of air transportation and other travel related services. STT maintains no control over the personnel, equipment or operations of any entity furnishing services, products or accommodations. STT 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: (1) any intentional, wrongful, negligent or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any supplier, its agents or employees; (2) 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; (3) any intentional, wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any other party not under the direct control of STT; (4) financial problems causing nonperformance by any supplier; or (5) any other cause, condition or event whatsoever beyond the direct control of STT. STT cannot guarantee any rates, bookings or reservations of any supplier. Your retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute a 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. STT 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 covers the group leader(s) and their respective organizations.