Through Multiple Lenses: An Ancient and Modern Holy Land Journey
Tour dates: October 22 – November 3, 2025
Hosted by: Hosted by Pastor Nick Utphall and Pastor Sara Yotter
Price: Starting at $4,460 per person sharing a double room
Single Room Supplement: $ 895
Click here to download tour brochure Click here to Register
We are so excited to return to these special places, support the local Christian economy, grow in our own understanding of Scripture, and safely travel to learn of resilience and hope in the midst of the current realities.
Join us to embark on a transformational journey through multiple lens. This unique travel experience will bring biblical stories to life as you explore sacred sites that have inspired faith for centuries. Beyond these ancient landmarks, you will gain a deeper understanding of the current complexities and realities of the region today.
Witness olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane and participate in the harvest with families.
Marvel at ancient ruins where Peter’s mother-in-law was healed and visit Augusta Victoria Hospital, the only location today for specialized healing for Palestinians.
Sail on the Sea of Galilee where the disciples were called and join a fishing trip to explore contemporary fishing practices on the same waters.
Drink from Jacob’s well, which quenched ancient thirst, and lament the lack of water access today in the West Bank.
Walk through Jerusalem, on the same route as Jesus in his last hours, now a modern city shared by three faiths.
And much more….
We are so excited to share this travel journey with you. Please join us!
Yours in Christ.
DAY 1: WED, 22 OCT Depart U.S.
Depart the USA on an overnight flight to Tel Aviv on an IATA-approved carrier. (Meals in-flight)
(Departure from O’Hare and/or Dulles airports)DAY 2: THU, 23 OCT: TEL AVIV / BETHLEHEM
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, where you will be met by your guide and driver. Transfer to Bethlehem for hotel check-in and overnight at Abu Jubran Guesthouse or similar. (Meals in-flight)DAY 3: FRI, 24 OCT: BETHLEHEM
Tour the region’s only arts college and only Lutheran university in an Arab country, Dar al-Kalima University of Arts & Culture. Meet with The Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb (subject to his availability), faculty, staff, and students to learn how arts and cultural initiatives ensure that today’s Palestinians have abundant life. Experience a cooking class and lunch in the school’s culinary program. After lunch, drive to the checkpoint and cross on foot. Meet your guide and driver and continue to Herodion to visit King Herod’s ancient fortress and palace complex. Return to Bethlehem, stopping at the Walled Off Hotel (Banksy Hotel). Walk along the Separation Wall to learn about its impact on Bethlehem and throughout the West Bank. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Abu Jubran Guesthouse or similar. (B, L, D)DAY 4: SAT, 25 OCT: BETHLEHEM
Travel to Hebron, a city intensely affected by the Occupation, for a meeting with a local organization such as the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) or Hebron Rehabilitation Committee. Visit the Tomb of the Patriarchs (Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob, and Joseph). Before departing Hebron, visit a traditional glassblowing factory. Next, drive to the Tent of Nations, where the Lutheran Daher family has been fighting to save their land from Israeli confiscation. After lunch, drive to Beit Sahour and visit the Shepherds’ Field. Return to the hotel in Bethlehem for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)DAY 5: SUN, 26 OCT: BETHLEHEM
This morning, embark on a walking tour of the Old City of Bethlehem, visiting the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square. Then, make your way to the Christmas Lutheran Church and attend an Arabic worship service with the local community, enjoying some fellowship with the congregation. Next, visit the Israeli settlement of Efrat and meet with one of its representatives. With a contrasting visit, make your way back to Bethlehem, stopping at the Deheisheh Refugee Camp where families have lived since being displaced in 1948. Tour the camp with a local guide and learn about the challenges and impact of the occupation on the local communities. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Abu Jubran Guesthouse or similar. (B, D)DAY 6: MON, 27 OCT: JORDAN
This morning, drive to the Allenby Crossing near Jericho and cross into Jordan. Meet your Jordanian guide and driver and make your way to the Baptismal Site and new Lutheran chapel at Bethany Beyond the Jordan. Next, drive to Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land, and enjoy the dramatic view of the Jordan Valley, Jericho, and the Judean hills beyond. Continue to the village of Madaba to see the ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land. Return to Allenby and cross back into Israel. Drive to Bethlehem for dinner and overnight. Abu Jubran Guesthouse or similar. (B, D)DAY 7: TUE, 28 OCT: RAMALLAH
Depart Bethlehem and drive to Ramallah, the de facto Palestinian capital. Our first stop will be at the nearby Christian village of Taybeh, famous for its local Taybeh Beer and Wine. Stop at the brewery for a short tasting. Next, continue to Ramallah and enjoy a short tour of the city, including the Tomb of Arafat and the adjacent museum. The afternoon program will include a series of meetings, including a meeting with students from the ELCJHL (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land). We will also meet with Sam Bahour, a prominent American-Palestinian businessman, and learn about the political and socio-economic situation across the West Bank. Finally, we will meet with a representative of the Palestinian Hydrology Group and learn about the issue of water and its impact. Make our way to our hotel in Ramallah for check-in, dinner, and overnight. (B, D)DAY 8: WED, 29 OCT: JENIN OLIVE HARVEST
Check out of the hotel and depart north to Jenin. Upon arrival in Jenin, meet with representatives of Canaan Fair Trade, which is dedicated to helping marginalized Palestinian rural communities sustain their livelihoods and culture. Spend the day assisting the local farmers with their olive harvest, then spend the night with a local family. Homestays arranged by Canaan Fair Trade. (B, L, D)DAY 9: THU, 30 OCT: GOLAN / GALILEE
This morning offers a choice of a fishing trip on the Sea of Galilee. Others will Drive north to explore the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi (Banias Springs), where the ruins tell stories of early Christian history. Continue to the historic site of Tel Dan, rich with archaeological significance, and then ascend to the Golan Heights for breathtaking views and a deeper understanding of this strategically important region. Return to Tiberias for lunch. The afternoon will focus on Jesus’ ministry around the Galilee area. Visit the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount and walk down the mountain, with communion along the way. Next, we continue to Tabgha and visit the Church of Multiplication, built on the site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. A short walk away, we will visit the Church of the Primacy of Peter along the lakeshore. Drive to Capernaum where Jesus lived and visit the Ancient Synagogue and St. Peter’s House. Time permitting, visit the recently excavated site at Magdala believed to be the hometown of Mary Magdalene. See the ancient remains including a First Century Synagogue. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Pilgerhaus or similar. (B, D)DAY 10: FRI, 31 OCT: MOUNT TABOR / NAZARETH / JERUSALEM
Drive to Cana and visit the site of Jesus’ first miracle, where he turned water into wine at a wedding feast. Next, we drive to Nazareth. Visit the Church of the Annunciation and Mary’s Well. After lunch, drive to Mount Tabor and take a taxi van to the summit to visit the Church of the Transfiguration. Return to our hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight. (B, D)DAY 11: SAT, 1 NOV: JERUSALEM
Check out of the hotel and drive south along the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem. Arrive at the Mount of Olives and enjoy an amazing panoramic view of Jerusalem. Learn about the topography of the city and see its key landmarks from this amazing vantage point. Drive to the Augusta Victoria Hospital atop the Mount of Olives and meet with a regional representative from the Lutheran World Federation and hear of the healing work being done. Next, we will make our way to the Church of All Nations and the Garden of Gethsemane. Then, we make our way to the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan and take a short tour with a local guide. Along the way, you will visit various murals and stop to better understand the impact of settlement expansion and Israeli tourism projects on Silwan. Continue to the hotel for check-in, dinner, and overnight. Gloria Hotel or similar. (B, D)DAY 12: SUN, 2 NOV: JERUSALEM
Early this morning, visit the Temple Mount/Haram al Sharif to view the golden Dome of the Rock, an important symbol of the Muslim faith (inside visits not permitted). Then, we will join the Sunday worship at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in the Old City. Visit with the English-speaking pastor at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and learn about the work of the ELCJHL. We will visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and some of the main stations along the Via Dolorosa.
Afternoon is free for individual exploration.DAY 13: MON, 3 NOV: DEPARTURE DAY
Depending on flights, this is a free day for individual exploration. Transfer to the airport for final departure.If you are interested in a possible extension to Petra or Egypt, please let Sara or Nick know ASAP.
Meal codes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Itinerary subject to change.
Speakers subject to availability.
AIRFARE: Round-trip economy class airfare from O’Hare and/or Dulles airports on a ARC/IATA approved scheduled carrier
ACCOMMODATION: Eleven (11) nights’ accommodation in superior tourist class hotels, double occupancy, with private facilities. Hotels as listed or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast and dinner daily. Three (03)lunches enroute as indicated in program.
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.
SPEAKER HONORARIUMS: All honorariums for special speakers
TAXES: Airport/foreign departure taxes
ALL THE INFO YOU NEED: Comprehensive documentation including travel accessory, bag tags, name badges, flight and land itineraries, destination literature, customs information, travel tips and more.
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.
- PCR or Serology Test required at time of travel
- Gratuities to guide, driver, hotel and restaurant staff (we recommend a budget of $165 per person for gratuities for guide, driver and hotel staff).
- 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.
- No entry visa is required for U.S. citizens; non-U.S. citizens may require an entry visa.
Important Notes:
Main Tour Base price : $ Starting at XXXX per person sharing a double
Single Room Supplement: $895
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.
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: At this stage there is no deposit required to register for the tour. However, the deposit of $500 will be requested and required no later than January 10, 2025. A second payment of $1000 is due on June 20 2025. Final payment is due no later than August 20, 2025. The fee for late payment is $50 per traveler.
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 June 19, 2025 – $150 per person administrative fee plus any unrecoverable deposits; June 20, 2025 through August 30, 2025 – Deposit plus any unrecoverable payments to hotels, tour operators or airlines; August 31 , 2025 onwards, 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 August 20, 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. STT offers an extensive and competitively priced plan from Seven Corners Insurance. Travel protection can help provide coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, baggage delay/loss, emergency accident and sickness medical expense, and emergency evacuation/repatriation. If you decline coverage at the time of reservation, you may purchase it later, but the Pre-existing Conditions Waiver is available only if the plan is purchased within 20 days of the initial trip deposit. To review the full plan, get a quote and purchase please visit: https://purchase.sevencorners.com/policygroup/HW7C6WH/HGP5DXM/
You can also contact our Sales Agent at Seven Corners Travel Insurance for further information and assistance before making your decision.
Tiffany Day
Digital Sales Agent – Seven Corners Travel Insurance
Direct Phone: (317) 582 2627
Email: tiffany.day@sevencorners.com
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TRAVEL PROTECTION INCLUSIONS:
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
Note: If you prefer to purchase your travel insurance from a different company, please make sure that the Policy includes coverage for any COVID related illness as this is now a prerequisite for entry into Israel.
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.