Explore Israel on this Holy Land tour hosted by Glen Earle and Stan & Kathy Bobar.

2021 Holy Land Tour

May 18 to 28, 2021

TEL AVIV | TIBERIAS | CANA | NAZARETH | JERUSALEM | BETHLEHEM  

A Stewart Travel Group Hosted Tour


Prepare yourself for a life-changing journey as you tour the Holy Land and experience the Bible come to life as you “walk where Jesus walked.” We invite you to join us on this spiritual journey that is sure to be etched in your memory forever. 

Highlights


Visit Galilee where you’ll enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, stand at the Mount of Beatitudes, or renew your wedding vows at Cana, the site of Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding feast. While at the Jordan River, take the opportunity to re-commit your faith by being baptized in the river where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s Workshop, and Mary’s Well in Nazareth, continuing on towards the Judaen Desert to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, where you will have the opportunity to float in the Dead Sea.

Ascend to Masada by cable car and discover the famous first-century synagogue, then on to explore the Golden City of Jerusalem, where we will spend the last few days of our tour. Some of what we'll enjoy in Jerusalem includes taking in the Sound and Light show at the Tower of David, visiting the Mount of Olives where Jesus ascended into heaven, and entering into the Garden of Gethsemane to admire the 2000 year old olive trees.

No trip to Jerusalem is complete without a visit to the Western Wall, and walking along the Via Dolorosa (the Way of the Cross) where you can take time to reflect on His sacrificial love. We will travel through Israel to Bethlehem, and see the Church of the Nativity and then to the Shepherd’s Field, where Jesus’ birth was announced. In New Jerusalem, we visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and then on to the Israel Museum, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed.

We invite you to join us as we explore the Holy Land on this spiritual journey, creating memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

  • 9 nights, 8 days,
  • 18 meals (9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 8 dinners)
  • Hosted by Stewart Travel Group's Trusted Travel Advisors, Glen Earle, Stan & Kathy Bobar

Itinerary


Day 1 | May 18, 2021: Overnight Flight to Tel Aviv

Depart Canada on overnight flight to Tel Aviv

Day 2 | May 19, 2021: Arrive in Tel Aviv

Welcome to Israel for your Holy Land tour. Upon arrival at Ben-Gurion airport, a local guide will meet us and assist with our private transfer to the Hotel Leonardo Beach in Tel Aviv, Israel's most populous city.  
In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the neighbourhoods of Tel Aviv. We will continue to the port of Old Jaffa, the southern and oldest part of the city. It in itself is a quaint picturesque city, and is associated with the Biblical account of Jonah. 
Meals: Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel Leonardo Beach

Day 3 | May 20, 2021: The Coastal Road – Tiberias

Today, we depart Tel Aviv and drive north along the coastal road heading to Caesarea, a center of the early Christians. Caesarea is where an angel visited Cornelius, the first Gentile believer, and the city where Paul was imprisoned for two years. It is also the site of an amazing aqueduct, located on the beach—a favourite spots for beach photography in Israel. We continue driving north along the coastal road heading to the modern port city of Haifa, Israel’s third largest city, beautifully set on the slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea. After ascending Mt. Carmel for a breathtaking view of the lush green gardens at the Baha’i Gardens and Golden Shrine, we'll continue to Tiberias to our hotel and enjoy dinner.
Meals: Full Israeli Buffet Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel Golan Tiberias

Day 4 | May 21, 2021: Sea of Galilee 

Always a highlight of any Holy Land Tour, on our third day in Israel, we will tour the Sea of Galilee area, which featured largely in Jesus' ministry. See the place where Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, and performed many of His miracles. The beautiful area around the Sea of Galilee is brimming with a mix of fascinating historical and religious sites. We'll board a wooden boat and sail as the disciples did 2000 years ago on the Sea of Galilee, and visit the Yigal Alon center where the ancient “Jesus boat” is located. We'll also visit the remains of the 2nd century synagogue in Capernaum (Peter’s Primacy) and then proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of fish and loaves. We'll enjoy our own St. Peter fish lunch in the area and finish our day at the Mount of the Beatitudes, the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount.   
Meals: Full Israeli Buffet Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel Golan Tiberias

Day 5 | May 22, 2021: Sea of Galilee – Caesarea Philippi – Cana – Yardenit

The itinerary today includes a visit to Caesarea Philippi, an ancient Roman city located at the southwestern base of Mount Hermon, where Jesus announced he would establish a church. We visit a nature reserve and archaeological site, Gamla, located in the center of the Golan Heights, about 20 km south to the Israeli settlement of Katzrin. We will then drive to The Golan Olive Oil Mill, where we get to see the process of olive oil production. We will also travel to Cana, the site where Jesus’ performed His first miracle, turning water into wine. Our day ends at Yardenit, a baptismal site on the Jordan River, where some take the opportunity to re-commit their faith by being baptized in the same waters where John the Baptist baptized Jesus before we return to the hotel for dinner.
Meals: Full Israeli Buffet Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel Golan Tiberias

Day 6 | May 23, 2021: Tiberias – Dead Sea – Nazareth – Beit She’an

We make our way to Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood home, visiting the Basilica of the Annunciation and St. Joseph’s Church and Mary’s Well - believed to have been the location of the house of the Virgin Mary and where the angel of the Lord, Gabriel, appeared to her to announce that she would conceive and bear the son of God (the Virgin Birth). Continue to Beit She’an, a major Biblical city, in the crossroads between the Jordan valley and the Jezreel (Yizreel) valley. We'll visit the Beit Alpha Synagogue, famous for its large zodiac wheel ancient mosaic. We then head towards the Judean Desert on our way to the Dead Sea. At our hotel, we can enjoy optional spa treatments and a massage, float on the salty water of the Dead Sea, or take a dip in the hotel pool.
Meals: Full Israeli Buffet Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel David Dead Sea

Day 7 | May 24, 2021: Dead Sea – Masada – Jerusalem

Today on your Holy Land tour, we will visit the 1500 foot mountaintop at Masada. Masada is located at the top of an isolated rock on the edge of the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea valley, between Sodom and Ein Gedi. We will ascend to Masada by cable car and discover the first century Herod the Great’s mountaintop fortress, the Synagogue, King Herod’s Bathhouse and other sites atop of Masada. After the tour we return to Jerusalem and check in at the hotel. After dinner, we will enjoy a show at the Tower of David where the tower's ancient walls come alive, quite literally, in the museum's latest exhibit, a night-time sound and light show that take its audience on a stirring open-air tour of Jerusalem's history.  
Meals: Full Israeli Buffet Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel Caesar Jerusalem

Day 8 | May 25, 2021: Jerusalem – Mount of Olives – Garden of Gethsemane – The Old City

In the morning we drive to Mount of Olives for a spectacular view of the Old City, including views of the Church of Mary Magdalene and Orson Hyde Memorial Gardens. Enter the Garden of Gethsemane, home to ancient olive trees, and known as the place where Jesus' prayed before his crucifixion. Spend the afternoon in the old city of Jerusalem, exploring the Christian, Jewish, Armenian, and Muslim quarters, alleyways, and religious sites, including the Temple Mount, The Davidson Centre (southern wall excavations), and the Western Wall. Walk along the Via Dolorosa and along the ancient city ramparts and rooftops of the old city. Enjoy time to shop the colourful Bazaars (markets) located near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 
Meals: Full Israeli Buffet Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel Caesar Jerusalem

Day 9 | May 26, 2021:  Jerusalem – Bethlehem* – New City

Today in the morning, we drive to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and the hometown of King David. We will then continue to the Church of the Nativity, built above the Grotto of the Nativity in which Jesus was born. We will visit The Shepherd’s Field where an angel appeared to announce the birth of Jesus. Return to Jerusalem and in the afternoon, we will visit the New City of Jerusalem, where we will start with Yad Vashem – the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. We'll also go to the Israel Museum, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display, along with other exhibits. As our day ends, we'll drive through the Knesset – home of Israeli Parliament and stop at the Menora – a symbol of Israel. Evening at leisure. 
Meals: Full Israeli Buffet Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel Caesar Jerusalem

Day 10 | May 27, 2021: Jerusalem

Enjoy your day today at your own leisure. 
Meals: Full Israeli Buffet Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel Caesar Jerusalem

From ancient temples to markets and landmark museums, Jerusalem invites travelers to explore the past, sample local cuisine, and discover traditional culture. Since key sites are found in the compact city center, you can cover the essentials with just one day in the city. Here are some suggestions on how to plan a day in Jerusalem: 
  
Morning: Old City Exploring 
The historic center of Jerusalem is like a city within a city, and the area within the walls is packed with options. Start the day by entering Old City Jerusalem through one of its landmark gates, then make your way to the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock. Since every stop is deeply layered with history, join a guided tour that delves into the stories behind each place; choose between general-interest excursions and trips that focus on the Old City’s religious heritage, underground passageways, or traditional neighbourhoods. 

Afternoon: Beyond the City Walls 
After a light lunch in one of the many Old City cafés—save your big meal of the day for Mahane Yehuda Market—go outside the historic center to check out one of the city’s world-class museums. Opt for a tour that helps unlock the stories behind the museum exhibits.

Night: Market Foods and Flavors
Hundreds of vendors gather in the landmark Mahane Yehuda Market, which combines a neighbourhood shopping spot, tourist destination, and foodie heaven under its peaked roof. With so much to try, avoid filling up in one place. Instead, taste your way through the market on a guided food tour, or snag the Mahane Yehuda “Bite Card,” which is good for samples at a long list of stops. Cafés stay open late, but if you’re hoping to visit the many fresh-food vendors, plan to arrive early in the evening for a wider selection.

Day 11 | May 28, 2021: Jerusalem – Tel Aviv – Canada 

Your tour comes to a close. After breakfast, prepare for your transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your return flight back to Canada.
Meals: Full Israeli Buffet Breakfast

* Note: The visit of Bethlehem on Day 9 might be cancelled at any time due to political issues. Please bring your original passport to cross into Bethlehem (Palestinian territories). All tour details are subject to change. 

Optional Tours **


Mahane Yehuda Market Tasting Tour 

Taste your way through Jerusalem’s biggest outdoor market on a 3-hour gourmet tour of Mahane Yehuda with a local guide. Have your lunch on the go as you visit a series of five market stalls for samples, and get an inside perspective on a foodie hotspot in the heart of Jerusalem. 

Jerusalem Three Religions Holy City Walking Tour

Jerusalem is the spiritual center of the world for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. Take this guided walking tour to better understand the city’s 4000-year history and visit the important sites that make up its past. See Temple Mount, one of the most important religious sites in the Old City of Jerusalem; the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, located on the hill of Calvary, where Jesus was crucified and buried; and many more. Explore the fascinating history of this holy city.

Ancient Jerusalem: City of David Tour 

Travel through the ancient City of David on a tour that explores some of the oldest and most historically significant parts of Jerusalem. Led by a guide who can interpret the complicated historical and religious details of archaeological sites dating back more than 6000 years, adventurous travelers can explore underground tunnels, historic waterways, and an ancient palace.

Guided Tour of Jerusalem: The Biblical City of David 

Go deep into Jerusalem’s biblical history with this tour of the City of David, a 3800-year old site that’s outside the old city walls. Trace the story of Jerusalem through the ages as you explore archaeological excavations. See the First Temple homes at the Royal Acropolis, and visit the Citadel that protected Gihon Spring, Jerusalem’s main water source. Take an adventurous walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, then visit the Givati Excavation, where digging underneath a modern parking lot has revealed golden coins, a queen’s palace and Roman amphorae.

** Note: Optional tours will each be an additional cost ranging from $30-$65 CAD per person


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