PART 1: Optional Pre-Tour Jordan Excursion (3 nights / 3 days touring)

Thursday, October 8 — Depart

Depart the US for a next-day arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.

Friday, October 9 — Arrive Tel Aviv

Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to nearby Rehovot for hotel check-in. Overnight in Rehovot at the Leonardo Boutique Hotel or similar (dinner buffet).

Saturday, October 10 — Negev Desert

Travel by private luxury coach to Israel's historic Negev desert. Stop at Lachish to explore a premier biblical archaeology site tied to Joshua's conquest and Sennacherib's siege. Continue to the Nabatean city of Avdat, walking among Byzantine church and Roman fortress ruins with panoramic Negev views and stories of the ancient spice route. Travel on to the Ramon Crater, where the Israelites spent part of their 40-year sojourn after the Exodus, with a brief stop at Timnah (near King Solomon's presumed copper mines) as time permits. Arrive in Eilat for an overnight stay at a resort hotel on the Red Sea (dinner and breakfast buffet).

Sunday, October 11 — Petra, Jordan

After early morning worship, travel through the Arabah into Jordan to visit Petra. Enter through a dramatic, narrow gorge that opens onto the stunning 40-meter-high Treasury facade, explore royal tombs, and take in the Nabatean sandstone architecture. Overnight in Petra (breakfast and dinner buffet).

Monday, October 12 — Mount Nebo, Bethany & Return to Rehovot

Travel through the ancient territories of the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites to Mount Nebo for panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and plains of Moab. Visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the traditional baptism site of Jesus, then cross back into Israel via the Allenby Bridge. Stop near Wadi Qelt to reflect on the parable of the Good Samaritan before returning to Rehovot, where you'll meet up with the main Basic Israel Tour group. Overnight in Rehovot (breakfast and dinner buffet).

PART 2: Basic Israel Tour (9 nights / 8 days of touring)

Sunday, October 11 — Depart from U.S.

Depart the US for a next-day arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv for those who were not on the pre-tour trip to Jordan.

Monday, October 12 — Arrive Tel Aviv

Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to Rehovot for hotel check-in. Overnight in Rehovot (dinner buffet).

Tuesday, October 13 — Shephelah & Negev to the Dead Sea

Depart early through the Shephelah, stopping at the Elah Valley where David killed Goliath. Continue to the Biblical Negev, walking in the steps of the patriarchs at Tel Beersheba and learning about ancient water systems. Head east to the Israelite fortress and temple at Arad, time permitting, then continue to a scenic Dead Sea overlook en route to Ein Bokek for a two-night stay at a resort hotel. Overnight at the Dead Sea, night 1 of 2 (dinner and breakfast buffet).

Wednesday, October 14 — Masada & the Dead Sea

After watching the sunrise over the mountains of Moab, visit Masada — King Herod's mountaintop desert fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage site — ascending by cable car to explore Roman-era palace, synagogue, and bath ruins. Return to Ein Bokek for a free afternoon to float in the Dead Sea or visit the springs and waterfall at Nahal Bokek. Overnight at the Dead Sea, night 2 of 2 (dinner and breakfast buffet).

Thursday, October 15 — Qumran, Jericho & Beth She'an to Galilee

Depart early and drive the length of the Dead Sea coast to Khirbet Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Continue to Jericho to see the ancient city conquered by Joshua, then take a cable car to the traditional site of the Mount of Temptation for a traditional Arabic lunch with views over the Judean desert. Head north through the Jordan River Valley to Beth She'an, an ancient Roman and Byzantine city, taking in views of the Harod Valley, the Trans-Jordan mountains, and Mount Gilboa. Overnight at the Sea of Galilee (dinner and breakfast buffet).

Friday, October 16 — Northern Galilee & the Golan Heights

Travel near ancient Bethsaida to biblical Hazor, the largest archaeological site in Israel. Continue north to Tel Dan to see the remains of an altar built by Jeroboam, then on to the ruins of Caesarea Philippi (Banias), where Jesus promised to establish His church. Walk along the headwaters of the Jordan River and finish the day in the Golan Heights, with views of Mount Hermon and the route Paul took to Damascus. Overnight at the Sea of Galilee (dinner and breakfast buffet).

Saturday, October 17 — Sea of Galilee

Begin with sunrise reflection over the Sea of Galilee, then visit an overlook on Mount Arbel. Stop at the first-century "Jesus Boat" museum at Ginosar and take a scenic boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. After lunch, visit the first-century synagogue at Magdala, then walk among the ruins at Capernaum, where Jesus made His home during His Galilee ministry. The day ends at Chorazin. Overnight at the Sea of Galilee (dinner and breakfast buffet).

Sunday, October 18 — Nazareth & the Coast to Jerusalem

Travel near the base of Mount Tabor to Mt. Precipice for views over the Jezreel Valley, orienting to the sites ahead. Continue to Nazareth for worship and lunch. In the afternoon, visit Caesarea Maritima, the Roman capital of Judea, where Paul made his defense before Festus and King Agrippa. Continue south for a late arrival in Jerusalem. Overnight in Jerusalem (dinner and breakfast buffet).

Monday, October 19 — Jerusalem: Temple Sites

Visit the Haram Al-Sharif and walk around the Dome of the Rock, near the former location of the Jewish Temple. Continue to the Western Wall (the Kotel) to observe Hassidic Jewish practices and traditions. Stop at the Ophel Archaeological Park to see the ancient steps to the Temple's southern entrance and walk on stones from the time of Christ. After lunch, visit the City of David, believed remains of David's palace, evidence of the Babylonian destruction, Hezekiah's Tunnel, and the Pool of Siloam. Overnight in Jerusalem (dinner and breakfast buffet).

Tuesday, October 20 — Jerusalem: The Via Dolorosa

Take in a view of the Old City and the Dome of the Rock from the Mount of Olives, then walk down to the Garden of Gethsemane for scripture reading and reflection. Enter the Old City through the Lion's Gate, visit the Pool of Bethesda and St. Anne's Church, then walk the traditional Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Continue to the Jaffa Gate and the "Hidden Gate" (possible site of Gabbatha). As time permits, visit the traditional Upper Room, David's Tomb, and the Garden Tomb. Overnight in Jerusalem (dinner and breakfast buffet).

Wednesday, October 21 — Departure or Egypt Connection

The tour officially ends Tuesday night; breakfast is available Wednesday morning. From here, fly Tel Aviv to Cairo on MS604 (19:50–21:15) to begin the Egypt Extension, fly home, or stay on independently in Jerusalem (options include Zedekiah's Cave, the Damascus Gate Museum, the Ramparts Walk, the Israel Museum, and Yad Vashem).

PART 3: Egypt Extension — 6 Days / 5 Nights

Wednesday, October 21 — Arrival in Cairo

Arrive at Cairo International Airport on MS604 from Tel Aviv (19:50–21:15) — flight timing is pending confirmation, as the brochure notes it's awaiting a response on earlier flight options. A Gideon Tours representative will meet and assist you through immigration and customs, collect luggage, and transfer you to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Cairo at the Pyramisa Cairo Hotel or similar. (Meals: D)

Thursday, October 22 — Pyramids & the Grand Egyptian Museum

After breakfast, depart with your Cairo-based Egyptologist guide to visit the Pyramids of Giza (Cheops, Chephren, Mycerinus) and the Great Sphinx — entering a pyramid's interior is not included but available as an extra. After lunch at a local restaurant, spend the afternoon at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to thousands of Pharaonic artifacts including the Tutankhamun treasure collection. Dinner and overnight in Cairo. (Meals: B, L, D)

Friday, October 23 — Fly to Luxor, East Bank

Transfer to Cairo airport for an early flight, MS62 (07:15–08:15), to Luxor. Meet your Luxor-based Egyptologist guide and visit the massive Karnak Temple complex, the largest religious building ever constructed in ancient Egypt. After lunch, continue to Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated by the afternoon light on the Nile's east bank. Check in to the Iberotel Luxor Hotel or similar (city view room). Dinner and overnight in Luxor. (Meals: B, L, D)

Saturday, October 24 — Luxor West Bank, Return to Cairo

An optional early-morning hot-air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings can be arranged separately at extra cost. After breakfast, visit the Valley of the Kings (royal tombs of the pharaohs), the terraced Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. After lunch, transfer to Luxor airport for MS67 (18:00–19:10) back to Cairo. Transfer to the Pyramisa Cairo Hotel or similar for dinner and overnight. (Meals: B, L, D)

Sunday, October 25 — Cairo: NMEC, Coptic Cairo & Khan El Khalili

After breakfast, visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), highlighted by the Royal Mummies Hall. After lunch, explore Old Coptic Cairo, including Abu Serga Church (built over the crypt where the Holy Family stayed), the Hanging Church (suspended above the Roman fortress gate), and a historic synagogue. Finish at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo's oldest and most famous market. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (Meals: B, L, D)

Monday, October 26 — Departure

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Cairo International Airport for your international flight home. For late flights, optional tours can be arranged at additional cost, such as the Citadel of Saladin (Alabaster Mosque) or the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. (Meals: B)