Join us on our next tour! June 4-13, 2022.
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This is the only Holy Land tour in the world that is dedicated exclusively to the life of Jesus.
Still only $3995 per person (based on double-room occupancy) Registrations for this tour have already begun.
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Typical Itinerary
Our Typical Itinerary (It's all about Jesus, and all of the sites in our tours are referred to in the Gospels) . Current conditions may not allow us to visit all of these places during your particular tour.
- The actual site of the Sermon on the Mount (MT 5:1, 5:2-12, LK 6:17-26)
- The cave where Jesus prayed all night (MT 5:1b, MK 3:13, LK 6:12)
- Where Jesus appointed His Apostles (MT 5:1b, 10:2-4, MK 3:13-19, LK 6:12-16)
- The mountain of the miracle of the swine (MT 8:28-34, MK 5:1-21, LK 8:26-40)
- The site of the feeding of the 5000 (MT 14:13-21, MK 6:32-44, LK 9:11-17, JN 6:1-14)
- The site of the great catch of fish (MT 4:18-22, MK 1:16-20, LK 5:1-11)
- Peter’s home (MT 8:14-15, MK 1:29-31, LK 4:38-39)
- The Capernaum synagogue (MK 1:23-28, LK 4:33-37)
- Chorazim, the town that Jesus cursed (MT 11:21, LK 10:13)
- Herod’s palace in Tiberias (MT 14:6-12, MK 6:21-29)
- The home of Mary Magdalene (MK 16:9)
- A praise boat ride across Galilee (MT 14:22-33, MK 6:45-52, JN 6:15-21)
- The ancient Galilee boat museum (MT 14:34-36, MK 6:53-56)
- Jacob's Well, the site of the woman at the well (JN 4:4-42 )
- Jesus' boat dock at Gennesaret (MT 14:34, MK 6:53)
- The Mountain of Temptation (MT 4:1-11, MK 1:12-13, LK 4:1-13)
- Herod’s Jericho palace (MT 2:20)
- Jesus’ baptism site (MT 3:13-17, MK 1:9-11, LK 3:21-23)
- The birthplace of Jesus (LK 2:1-7)
- The infant home of Jesus (MT 2:9, MT 2:11)
- The shepherds’ field (LK 2:8)
- The shepherds’ caves (LK 2:20)
- The home of Mary (LK 1:30-38)
- The wedding chapel at Cana (JN 2:1-11)
- The Nazareth synagogue of Jesus (MT 13:54-58, MK 6:1-6, LK 4:16-30, JN 4:44)
- Ancient Nazareth (MT 2:23)
- Where John spent his life in the desert (LK 1:80)
- The Upper Room (MK 14:15, LK 22:12)
- The Via Dolorosa, and the stations of the cross (MT 27:31, MK 15:20b, JN 19:17)
- Mount Calvary (MT 27:33, MK 15:22, LK 23:33, JN 19:17)
- Jesus’ Tomb (JN 19:41)
- The Western Wall of the Temple (MT 24:1, MK 13:1, LK 21:5)
- The Temple Mount (LK 1:9)
- The Pool of Bethesda (JN 5:1-47)
- The Tomb of Lazarus (JN 11:38)
- The site of Jesus’ ascension (MK 16:19-20, LK 24:44-53, AC 1:4-12 )
- The road where Jesus rode the donkey (MT 21:8-9, MK 11:8-10, LK 19:36-40, JN 12:12-13, 17-19)
- Where Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer (LK 11:1-4)
- The place where Jesus met Nicodemus (JN 3:1-21)
- The gate through which Jesus carried the cross (MT 27:31b, MK 15:20b, JN 19:17)
- The Pool of Siloam (JN 9:7)
- The synagogue, from which the man born blind was cast (JN 9:13)
- The palace of Caiaphas (MT 26:57, JN 18:24 )
- The Garden of Gethsemane (MT 26:36-46, MK 14:32-42, LK 22:39-46, JN 18:1)
- The Cave of the Ten Lepers (LK 17:12)
- The final path of Jesus after Gethsemane (MK 14:53, LK 22:54, JN 18:13)
- The stairs that Jesus ascended before His trial (MK 14:53, LK 22:54, JN 18:13)
- The rock of Christ’s agony in Gethsemane (MT 26:39, MK 14:35, LK 22:41)
- Sebastia, the burial site of John the Baptist (MT 14:12, MK 6:29)
- Bethphage, from which Jesus took the donkey (MT 21:2, MK 11:2, LK 19:30)
- Gabbatha, where Jesus was tried by Pilate (JN 19:13)
- The Potter’s Field (MT 27:7)
- The Mount of Olives (JN 8:1)
- The Tower of Siloam (LK 13:4)
- Gehenna (Hinnom Valley) (MT 5:22)
- The site where Jesus spent the first 27 years of His life. (LK 2:40)
- The site of Jesus post-resurrection fish breakfast at Galilee (JN 21:1-23)
- The un-excavated ruins of Capernaum (JN 2:12)
- The courtyard of flagellation (JN 19:1)
- The prison of Jesus and Barabbas (probably also John and Peter) (Acts 5:18-23)
- The crushed 1st-century street of Jerusalem (MT 24:2, MK 13:2, LK 21:6)
- The site of Peter's Pentecostal sermon (Acts 2:14-41)
- The road of escape for the Magi (MT 2:12)
- The Church of St. Gabriel, with the Spring of Mary (LK 1:26-28)
- The Chapel of the Holy Innocents (MT 2:16-18)
Questions and Answers
What is the cost for this tour?
The cost is $3995 per person (double room occupancy). We have not raised our price in ten years. There is a single's supplement of $898 (single room occupancy).
What does the tour price cover?
It covers everything, including airfare to and from Houston, complete buffet breakfast and dinner (not lunches), hotel, guides, tips, and all entrance fees.
How much is the deposit? When is it due? When in the balance due?
The deposit is $300 per person. It is due three months prior to travel (March 2022). However we don't recommend that you wait long to do this, since space on this tour is limited. You pay all of this to Pilgrim Tours.
I am single. Is it possible that I can room with another lone traveler to avoid the single supplement?
If this is your desire, we will try to make this arrangement. However, it is not guaranteed. To reserve a single room on this trip costs an additional .
Is there a discount for children under 12?
There usually is, but this is something that is negotiated on a case-by-case basis with Pilgrim Tours and our hotels and ground services company. If you interested, call Octagon Tours at 405-227-8243.
Who do I call if I have questions?
Start by calling Octagon Tours at 405-227-8243. For questions related strictly to billing, booking or flight arrangements, call Pilgrim Tours at 800-322-0788.
Do I have to be vaccinated against Covid 19 before I can travel to Israel?
At this point we don't know. The current rules are bound to change over time, and information about that will obviously be forthcoming.
Do I need a visa? What are the rules regarding passports?
You don't need a visa for traveling to Israel. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after your return date.
Is it safe in Israel?
It is probably accurate to say that one of the safest places in the world at any particular moment is on a tour bus in Israel. Everyone who lives in Israel loves tourists, for obvious reasons - Jews, Christians and Arabs alike. And besides, we never do anything that would be considered unsafe. Israel is one of the hottest tourist destinations, and the high level of security in every corner of the country means that everyone can relax and enjoy their pilgrimage.
How do I stay in touch with people back home?
Your phone will work anywhere we go. Check with your mobile provider about charges while traveling. In addition, we recommend using mobile or computer apps that allow you to communicate for free or cheap.
How different is this tour than other Israel tours?
Our travelers who have been to Israel before tell us that it's about 75% different than other tours. That's because we take you to places that are related to the life of Jesus, and this often takes us away from the typical tourist trail. Our goal is to put you into Jesus' three-foot circle as many times as possible.
How physically fit do I have to be?
We are very conscious of the fact that our travelers have different levels of mobility. For this reason, we design our tours with this in mind. They are not too strenuous, although we do occasionally walk up a small hill here and there. At most of our stops the bus will take us close to where we want to be. And, of course, there are many stairs in Israel. If you can keep up with a group of people who are walking at a casual pace, then you'll be good to go. There are also many rest stops and places to sit all along the way.
Can I fly a different airline and just purchase the land portion of the tour?
Yes. All you would do is pay the land portion of the tour, and arrange your flights separately. The thing you want to do is to schedule your arrival in Tel Aviv before our group flight arrives, so that we can all leave the airport on a bus together.
How long is the flight?
The total travel time is usually about 21 hours. There will be one layover, and the longest stretch (which is during your sleeping hours) will be about ten hours. Of course, these times are approximations.
What hotels will we be staying at?
We stay at 4.5-star hotels, but these change from trip to trip.
Should I get travel insurance? What about cancellation fees?
Click here for tour insurance info.
What will the weather be like?
At this time of year, the weather is almost always identical to what it is in Dallas, Texas.
Can I come to Israel sooner, stay longer, or extend my trip to some other location?
Yes, and that's another issue that you can discuss directly with Pilgrim Tours. Call them at 800-322-0788.
Can I upgrade my airfare to first or business class?
Yes. Pilgrim Tours can make these types of arrangements for you. Call them at 800-322-0788.
Do you have a recommended packing list?
About two months before we depart we will send each traveler a travel tip sheet.
What about taking medical equipment or medical electronics on the plane?
We recommend that you get an official letter from your doctor. It is best to pack these items into checked luggage, but if you need them handy during travel, then this letter is a good thing to have.
What are the rules regarding luggage?
Airlines normally allow two checked bags for international travelers. However, for this tour we can only allow one checked bag. This is because our buses in Israel don't have the storage capacity for two bags per person. That being said, there are three types of bags that you are allowed on the plane.
What airline are you flying on this trip?
On this trip we are flying with Air Canada. We depart from Houston, with one layover in Toronto. Then onto Tel Aviv, Israel.
The cost is $3995 per person (double room occupancy). We have not raised our price in ten years. There is a single's supplement of $898 (single room occupancy).
What does the tour price cover?
It covers everything, including airfare to and from Houston, complete buffet breakfast and dinner (not lunches), hotel, guides, tips, and all entrance fees.
How much is the deposit? When is it due? When in the balance due?
The deposit is $300 per person. It is due three months prior to travel (March 2022). However we don't recommend that you wait long to do this, since space on this tour is limited. You pay all of this to Pilgrim Tours.
I am single. Is it possible that I can room with another lone traveler to avoid the single supplement?
If this is your desire, we will try to make this arrangement. However, it is not guaranteed. To reserve a single room on this trip costs an additional .
Is there a discount for children under 12?
There usually is, but this is something that is negotiated on a case-by-case basis with Pilgrim Tours and our hotels and ground services company. If you interested, call Octagon Tours at 405-227-8243.
Who do I call if I have questions?
Start by calling Octagon Tours at 405-227-8243. For questions related strictly to billing, booking or flight arrangements, call Pilgrim Tours at 800-322-0788.
Do I have to be vaccinated against Covid 19 before I can travel to Israel?
At this point we don't know. The current rules are bound to change over time, and information about that will obviously be forthcoming.
Do I need a visa? What are the rules regarding passports?
You don't need a visa for traveling to Israel. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after your return date.
Is it safe in Israel?
It is probably accurate to say that one of the safest places in the world at any particular moment is on a tour bus in Israel. Everyone who lives in Israel loves tourists, for obvious reasons - Jews, Christians and Arabs alike. And besides, we never do anything that would be considered unsafe. Israel is one of the hottest tourist destinations, and the high level of security in every corner of the country means that everyone can relax and enjoy their pilgrimage.
How do I stay in touch with people back home?
Your phone will work anywhere we go. Check with your mobile provider about charges while traveling. In addition, we recommend using mobile or computer apps that allow you to communicate for free or cheap.
How different is this tour than other Israel tours?
Our travelers who have been to Israel before tell us that it's about 75% different than other tours. That's because we take you to places that are related to the life of Jesus, and this often takes us away from the typical tourist trail. Our goal is to put you into Jesus' three-foot circle as many times as possible.
How physically fit do I have to be?
We are very conscious of the fact that our travelers have different levels of mobility. For this reason, we design our tours with this in mind. They are not too strenuous, although we do occasionally walk up a small hill here and there. At most of our stops the bus will take us close to where we want to be. And, of course, there are many stairs in Israel. If you can keep up with a group of people who are walking at a casual pace, then you'll be good to go. There are also many rest stops and places to sit all along the way.
Can I fly a different airline and just purchase the land portion of the tour?
Yes. All you would do is pay the land portion of the tour, and arrange your flights separately. The thing you want to do is to schedule your arrival in Tel Aviv before our group flight arrives, so that we can all leave the airport on a bus together.
How long is the flight?
The total travel time is usually about 21 hours. There will be one layover, and the longest stretch (which is during your sleeping hours) will be about ten hours. Of course, these times are approximations.
What hotels will we be staying at?
We stay at 4.5-star hotels, but these change from trip to trip.
Should I get travel insurance? What about cancellation fees?
Click here for tour insurance info.
What will the weather be like?
At this time of year, the weather is almost always identical to what it is in Dallas, Texas.
Can I come to Israel sooner, stay longer, or extend my trip to some other location?
Yes, and that's another issue that you can discuss directly with Pilgrim Tours. Call them at 800-322-0788.
Can I upgrade my airfare to first or business class?
Yes. Pilgrim Tours can make these types of arrangements for you. Call them at 800-322-0788.
Do you have a recommended packing list?
About two months before we depart we will send each traveler a travel tip sheet.
What about taking medical equipment or medical electronics on the plane?
We recommend that you get an official letter from your doctor. It is best to pack these items into checked luggage, but if you need them handy during travel, then this letter is a good thing to have.
What are the rules regarding luggage?
Airlines normally allow two checked bags for international travelers. However, for this tour we can only allow one checked bag. This is because our buses in Israel don't have the storage capacity for two bags per person. That being said, there are three types of bags that you are allowed on the plane.
- One checked bag (23 kg, or 50.7 lbs, overall dimensions - 158 cm, or 62 inches).
- One on-board bag (8 kg, or 17.6 lbs, overall dimensions - 118 cm, or 46 inches).
- One personal bag, such as a purse, briefcase, computer case or backpack. We generally recommend the backpack solution, since there is no size or weight requirements for personal bags, and backpacks hold the most stuff.
- Of course you can also carry stuff in your pockets, and the more pockets you have, the better.
What airline are you flying on this trip?
On this trip we are flying with Air Canada. We depart from Houston, with one layover in Toronto. Then onto Tel Aviv, Israel.