DAY 1: MON – Nov. 3, 2025 Depart U.S.

Begin your journey with departure from Minneapolis on your transatlantic flight to Tel Aviv

DAY 2: TUE – Nov. 4, 2025           Arrival to Tel Aviv

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, meet your guide and driver and transfer to Bethlehem. Check-in to your hotel, rest and gather for an opening dinner and orientation.

Overnight: Abu Jubran Guesthouse                Meals: Dinner

DAY 3: WED – Nov.5, 2025           Dar Al Kalima

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 by Chef Bassam or 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. The group departs at the end of the day inspired by the creative, educational, and cultural life of the campus.

Overnight: Abu Jubran Guesthouse               Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 4: THU Nov. 6, 2025           Bethlehem, Qumran and Jericho

The day begins with a powerful and immersive visit to Aida Refugee Camp, where a local guide shares the lived realities of displacement, resistance, and hope in one of Bethlehem’s most densely populated areas. From there, the group walks along sections of the Separation Wall, witnessing firsthand its visual and emotional impact on local communities. A visit to the thought-provoking Walled Off Hotel, created by the artist Banksy, offers additional insight into the intersection of art, politics, and daily life. Departing Bethlehem, the journey continues east through the Judean desert to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in nearby caves, offering a window into the world of ancient Judaism. The day concludes in Jericho, considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Here, the group explores the ancient ruins at Tel es-Sultan, enjoys views of the Mount of Temptation, and visits Hisham’s Palace, a stunning 8th-century Umayyad site renowned for its elaborate mosaics and historic architecture. Return to your hotel in Bethlehem.

Overnight: Abu Jubran Guesthouse               Meals: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 5: FRI – Nov. 7, 2025           Bethlehem

We begin our day with a guided walk through the Old Town of Bethlehem, following the historic Star Street — part of the pilgrimage route and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our walk leads us to Manger Square, where we visit the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest continuously used churches in the world and also designated a UNESCO site. Next, we travel to Beit Sahour, the town of the shepherds, to visit Shepherds’ Field, where angels first proclaimed the good news. Afterward, we enjoy a traditional Palestinian lunch. In the afternoon, we continue to the village of Battir, a tranquil landscape of stone terraces and ancient water channels — a UNESCO cultural heritage site known for its beauty and agricultural legacy. Here, we explore the Roman-era spring and bath, known locally as Ein al-Balad, which has sustained the village’s agriculture for centuries. We also visit the Battir Eco-museum, a community initiative preserving the village’s rich heritage. A short, scenic hike through the valley offers insights into the traditional farming practices that have shaped this land.

Overnight: Abu Jubran Guesthouse               Meals: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 6: SAT – Nov. 8, 2025           Jerusalem

After breakfast and hotel checkout, we depart Bethlehem and begin our Jerusalem journey with a stunning panoramic view from the Seven Arches lookout on the Mount of Olives. From this breathtaking vantage point, the group takes in the full expanse of the Old City, identifying key sacred sites and gaining a deeper understanding of the physical and spiritual landscape. From there, we begin a walk down the traditional Palm Sunday Road, retracing the path Jesus took as he entered Jerusalem. Along the way, we pause at Dominus Flevit, the chapel where tradition holds that Jesus wept over the city. We then continue to the Church of All Nations and the Garden of Gethsemane, where pilgrims are invited into quiet reflection beneath ancient olive trees. After the walk, we meet our bus and drive to the Augusta Victoria campus, where we will spend the remainder of the day. Our visit includes a guided tour of the hospital and surrounding complex, learning about its historic role in providing healthcare to Palestinian communities. If the season allows, the group will also participate in a hands-on olive harvest on the terraced slopes of the campus, connecting deeply with the land and its people. We conclude the day with hotel check-in and a group dinner in Jerusalem.

Overnight: Gloria Hotel               Meals: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 7: SUN – Nov. 9, 2025           Jerusalem

We begin this holy day with Sunday morning worship at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, located in the heart of the Christian Quarter. Joining this English-language service offers a moment of spiritual connection and shared liturgy in a space that has welcomed pilgrims for generations. Following worship, we begin a journey through the Old City of Jerusalem, walking its narrow streets and sacred quarters. Our first stop is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of both the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ — a place of profound reflection and global Christian unity. We continue into the Jewish Quarter, where we explore the ancient Cardo, once the central Roman thoroughfare, now a place where past and present meet. At the Western Wall, the last remnant of the Second Temple, we witness Jewish prayer and devotion in one of the holiest sites in Judaism. Crossing into the Mount Zion area, we visit the Upper Room (Cenacle), commemorating the Last Supper, and then continue to Dormition Abbey, the traditional site of the Virgin Mary’s falling asleep. Our final stop is St. Peter in Gallicantu, built on the site of Caiaphas’ house, where Peter denied Jesus — a place that speaks of human frailty and divine forgiveness.

Overnight: Gloria Hotel               Meals: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 8: MON- Nov. 10, 2025          Jerusalem and Nazareth

We begin the day with a visit to Al-Haram al-Sharif, also known as the Temple Mount, one of the most sacred spaces in Islam and a place of deep reverence and layered history. The group will walk the expansive plaza and view the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque exteriors. From there, we exit the Old City through the Lions’ Gate and visit the tranquil Church of St. Anne, celebrated for its acoustics and as the traditional site of the Virgin Mary’s birth. Adjacent to it lie the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the paralyzed man (John 5). Continuing along the Via Dolorosa, we pause at Ecce Homo, a site linked to Pilate’s presentation of Jesus to the crowd. In the courtyard beneath, we see the Lithostrotos, ancient Roman pavement where Jesus may have been scourged. After returning to the hotel and checking out, we leave Jerusalem and begin our journey north through the Galilean hills. We stop in Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood town, and visit the majestic Basilica of the Annunciation, commemorating Mary’s “yes” to the angel’s message. By evening, we arrive in Tiberias on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where we check in and gather for dinner.

Overnight: Mount Beatitude Guesthouse               Meals: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 9: TUE – Nov. 11, 2025           Sea of Galilee

We begin this deeply meaningful day on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, taking in the peaceful setting where so many pivotal moments in Jesus’ ministry took place. Our pilgrimage around the lake begins at the Mount of Beatitudes, the traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus spoke the words of blessing that continue to guide and challenge His followers. From there, we visit Tabgha, the site of the multiplication of loaves and fish, and then walk to the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, recalling Jesus’ post-resurrection encounter and Peter’s restoration. At Capernaum, often referred to as Jesus’ “own city,” we walk through the ruins of the ancient synagogue and the house believed to be Peter’s. We continue to Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, a site rich in both archaeological discovery and spiritual resonance. In the late afternoon, we travel to Sepphoris (Zippori), once the Roman capital of Galilee, where we explore its impressive mosaics, ancient theater, and streets that Mary and Joseph may have once walked. The day offers a blend of biblical history and deeper reflection on the context of Jesus’ early life and ministry.

Overnight: Mount Beatitude Guesthouse               Meals: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 10: WED – Nov. 12, 2025          Return to U.S.

Transfer this morning for flight check-in and departure home.

Itinerary subject to change.