Bear Valley Students, Faculty, Friends, and Alumni Israel Tour
Itinerary
Monday, March 4
Depart from Denver on United Flight 1572 at 11:15 AM and arrive in Newark at 5:01 PM
Depart Newark on United Flight 90 at 11:00 PM
Tuesday, March 5
Arrive in Tel Aviv at 4:20 PM and travel by luxury coach through the territories of Judah and Simeon. Stop at a scenic overlook to observe the environs of the Dead Sea. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the beautiful David Dead Sea Hotel and settle in for a good night’s sleep at the lowest place on earth. Overnight at the Dead Sea. (Dinner Provided)
Wednesday, March 6
Watch the sun rise over the mountains of Moab, eat breakfast at our resort hotel, and then travel by gondola up the steep mountain cliff of Masada. One of Israel’s most important national monuments and a world heritage site, Masada is the traditional site of King David’s stronghold, and what would later become the site for an amazing fortress palace built by King Herod. From here we will enjoy marvelous vistas of the Dead Sea and Judean desert before we make our way by bus to a beautiful oasis in the desert and the site nearby where, in a cave, David cut the corner of King Saul’s garment. An optional hike up to the beautiful waterfall and living waters of the desert are rewarded by a refreshing walk in the cool waters of Ein Gedi. As time allows, we will visit the ruins of an old Byzantine church to see the beautiful Mosaic floors and consider the meaning and message of its designs and artwork. An early arrival at the Hotel will offer an opportunity to float in the Dead Sea and observe the rugged and rocky terrain of the desert. Overnight at the Dead Sea. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided)
Thursday, March 7
Leaving the Dead Sea, our next destination will be Khirbet Qumran, the site where the most important discovery of the 20th century was made: the Dead Sea Scrolls. Here we will walk among the ruins of the Essene community and discuss the preservation and transmission of the ancient text. Then it’s on to Jericho, the oldest city in the world. From here we will travel north to Beit She’an National Park (Scythopolis) and see the Egyptian, Israelite, Roman, and Byzantine ruins of one of the Decapolis cities of the New Testament era. From the top of Beth She’an we can look out over the Harod Valley, see the mountains of Trans-Jordan, and gaze upon on Mount Gilboa where King Saul met his death. From here we will travel to the Sea of Galilee where we will lodge in the heartland where Jesus worked during His Galilean ministry. Overnight near the Sea of Galilee. (Breakfast and Dinner provided)
Friday, March 8
Awaken to the picturesque scenery surrounding the Sea of Galilee. Travel near the ancient site of Bethsaida on our way to biblical Hazor, the largest archaeological site in Israel. Situated at the entrance of the Huleh Valley, Hazor was important to the Egyptians, Canaanites, Syrians, and Israelites. From here we will travel north to Tel Dan where a powerful lesson will be learned at the remains of an altar built by Jeroboam, and where we will observe some of the sites of the most important archaeological discoveries in Northern Israel. Then it’s on to the ruins of Caesarea Philippi (Banias) where Jesus made the promise to establish His church. We will walk along the beautiful headwaters of the Jordan River and end our day in the Golan Heights where we will see Mount Hermon in the distance and the route taken by Paul to Damascus. Overnight at the Sea of Galilee. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided)
Saturday, March 9
Watch the sun rise over the Sea of Galilee. Engage in private prayer and personal reflection as you imagine Jesus walking on the water some 2000 years ago. After breakfast, begin the day at yet another impactful vista on Mt Arbel overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Visit the first century “Jesus Boat” museum at Ginosar and then take a scenic boat ride on the Sea of Galilee observing the environs and unique topography of its coast and surrounding mountains. Following lunch, we will visit a first century synagogue at Magdala, and then travel to Capernaum to walk among the ruins where Jesus made His home during His public ministry in the region of Galilee. Our day will end by traveling in the footsteps of Jesus on our way to Chorazin. Overnight at the Sea of Galilee. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided)
Sunday, March 10
After breakfast, travel near the base of Mount Tabor on our way to Mt. Precipice. Imagine seeing Jesus as a young boy looking out over this breathtaking vista. Contemplate the history and significance of the Jezreel valley below. Here we will orient ourselves to the many biblical places and sites to be visited and studied in the days that follow. From here will we travel to the Nazareth church of Christ for worship, and likewise to enjoy a period of fellowship and lunch with our brethren in Israel. After lunch, our next stop will be Tel Megiddo (near the battlefields of Armageddon), one of the oldest cities in the world, and where Solomon constructed one of his chariot cities. Then we will travel to Beit She’arim National Park for a beautiful view looking up to Mount Carmel, and as time permits visit the 2nd century Jewish Catacombs. Overnight at Hadera. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided.)
Monday, March 11
Our first stop will be at the New Testament era city Caesarea Maritima, the capital of Judea under the Romans. Visit the excavations of this ancient city and see where Paul made his defense before Festus and King Agrippa prior to his final journey to Rome. Next, we will travel along the ancient Via Maris and through the beautiful Sharon Plain. After lunch we will visit the hills and valleys of the Shephelah and walk in the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath. Here we will reenact that epic battle scene in our imaginations as we read from I Samuel 17. Then it’s on to Jerusalem, passing the biblical towns of Beth-Shemesh, Zorah, and Emmaus. Overnight in Jerusalem. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided)
Tuesday, March 12
Our day will be begin with a journey to the burial site of King Herod and see the ruins of the Herodium, an ancient palace fortress complete with the remains of a synagogue and its elaborate tunnel system. From this location, we will see the Shepherd’s fields near Bethlehem and recount the birth of King Jesus. From here, it’s back to Jerusalem to visit the Citadel, the likely place for the trial of Jesus. After lunch, we will visit what many believe to be the remains of King David’s palace, see evidence of the Babylonian destruction, walk through Hezekiah’s tunnel, and see the Pool of Siloam. Overnight in Jerusalem. An optional guided evening visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Western Wall will also be available after an early dinner. Overnight in Jerusalem. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided)
Wednesday, March 13
Our day unfolds with a breathtaking view of the Old City of Jerusalem, including Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock, from atop the Mount of Olives. We will walk down to the Garden of Gethsemane and see the ancient olive trees. Here we will read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and arrest, and take time for personal reflection. We will enter the Old City walls through the Lion’s Gate and move on to the Pool of Bethesda and raise our voices in song in St. Anne's Church. We then walk along the traditional site of the Via Dolorosa (The Way of Suffering), and then on to the Western Wall, the holiest site for Jews. Next, we walk among the Southern Wall Excavations of the Temple Mount and walk on stones that were in place during the time of Christ. We will see ancient baptisteries, remains of first century buildings, and end the day with a devotional on the first century steps which lead up to the southern end of the Temple Mount. If time permits, we will visit the Western Wall tunnels. Overnight in Jerusalem. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided)
Thursday, March 14
This is a free day to travel as you choose. It will a great day for shopping, relaxation, or visiting other places in the city such as the Temple Mount, the traditional site for the Upper Room, David’s Tomb, Zedekiah’s Cave, The Damascus Gate Museum, Roman Guardhouse, and Oskar Schindler’s grave. Other great sites to visit would be the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Rampart Walk, the Temple Institute, the Wohl Museum, the Rockefeller Museum of Archaeology, and many other historically and culturally interesting and significant places. It will be a special day for individual adventure and exploration, or rest and relaxation. An optional excursion to the location of the long-ago tabernacle at Shiloh may be procured (price will vary depending on the number of participants). Overnight in Jerusalem. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided)
Friday, March 15
Our final day will begin with a trip to Gallicantu, the site where it is believed that the Lord was imprisoned, and where Peter denied Jesus. Here we will also examine the topography and environs of ancient Jerusalem and sing a song inside a first century prison cell. Our journey will then take us to Yad Vashem (Jerusalem’s Holocaust Museum). After lunch our last stop will be at the Garden Tomb for a lesson about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Then we’re on our way to biblical Kiriath Jearim for a final devotional and view of the Judean Hill Country, and then to Abu Ghosh for a special Arab feast and farewell dinner. From here you will travel by coach to Ben Gurion Airport. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided). Depart Tel Aviv late Friday night on United Flight 91 at 11:10 PM
Saturday, March 16
Arrive at 5:25 AM in Newark. Depart Newark on United flight 2292 at 7:40 AM and arrive in Denver at 9:55AM
Important Info
Download the brochure for complete information, terms and conditions
Bear Valley Tour Info
This unique learning opportunity is being offered by Bear Valley Bible Institute International and is made available for all Bear Valley Bible Institute staff, students, alumni, and friends. Bible Lessons, lectures, and onsite instruction will be given by the faculty of Bear Valley Bible Institute International. Check out the Bear Valley Bible Institute website here.
Participant Information
To safeguard the security and intent of the Bible Land Tour program, unless otherwise stated, the following rules apply to be eligible for participation in a Bible Land Passage tour:
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Be a local church member, or be the spouse, family member, or friend of someone traveling on the Bible Land Passages Tour.
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You must also meet the physical and mental health guidelines prescribed in the terms and conditions.
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Comply with all conduct and biblical principles of Christian decorum and practice.
To maximize the travel and tour experience, and to keep costs affordable, a minimum and maximum number of passengers is set between 30 and 50. To ensure your place on this unique tour opportunity, please secure your reservation immediately by completing the registration form and making your deposit. Registration forms will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cost
The estimated (based on 2023 projections) for sharing a twin room, including roundtrip airfare from Denver, is $5,150 (double occupancy). If you prefer single occupancy you will need to add the $1,200.00 supplement. Please click here for full terms and conditions. Bible Land Passages will accept credit card payments (a credit card fee will be assessed). For those wishing to make their own flight arrangements, a “land-only” price is offered at $3,750 (see terms and conditions regarding portage).
Tour Price Includes
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Round-trip flights originating from Denver, Colorado (economy class)
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Standard hotels (3 to 4 star hotels)
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Abundant, delicious, all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner buffets
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Luxury coach transportation in Israel
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All entry fees to museums, special sites, holy sites, areas of interest (except on Free Days)
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Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee
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Tips for guides, drivers, bellmen
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All known Airport taxes, service charges, government taxes, and fuel surcharges
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One suitcase per person at airports and hotels
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Israel maps and trip handouts
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Instructional Lessons, Bible Applications and Connections, and explanations at all sites.
Price Does Not Include: Fee if you choose to make payment by credit card to Bible Land Passages. Airfare or portage to and from original point of group embarkation (Denver). Passport (it is the responsibility of the Traveler to obtain and maintain a current U.S. Passport in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations), phone calls, valet/laundry service, and other items of a strictly personal nature, excess baggage, beverages and meals not detailed in the itinerary (e.g., daily noon meal), optional excursions, health or trip insurance.
BLP highly recommends that you purchase travel/trip insurance.
Payment Information
Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card (w/fees). A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your reservation. Within 145 days of departure, 50% of payment is required (an airfare supplement may apply). The remaining balance of the tour price is due upon receipt of the final invoice, approximately 60 days prior to departure. To officially enroll, either register online or complete the registration form, acknowledge that you have read the terms and conditions document, and mail the form along with your $300 per person deposit to 287 Beulah Rd., Dripping Springs, TX 78620. For further information, please email us at johnmoore.biblepassages@gmail.com or call 512-695-5099.
