Bear Valley Students, Faculty, Friends, and Alumni Israel Tour
Bear Valley & Friends in Jerusalem
Save the Date!
March 6-17
Estimated cost $4,800*
Registration Coming Soon!!
*Price includes round trip airfare out of Denver and is based on double occupancy
Explore the History, Archaeology, and Geography of the Land of the Bible with Bear Valley Bible Institute
Itinerary
Day 1: Friday, March 6th
Travel Day! Depart the U.S and begin your journey to Israel, a land rich with biblical history and spiritual significance. Prepare to walk in the footsteps of prophets, kings, and Jesus himself.
Day 2: Saturday, March 7th
Arrive in Tel Aviv. If we arrive early, we will visit Aphek, a strategic city where the Philistines defeated Israel and captured the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 4). Alternatively, explore Joppa (Jaffa), the ancient port city where Jonah boarded a ship to flee from God’s call (Jonah 1:3) and where Peter had a vision that opened the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10:9-16). Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Day 3: Sunday, March 8th
Today we visit Shiloh, the spiritual center of Israel for 369 years and the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant (Joshua 18:1). Continue to Samaria (Sebastia), the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, built by King Omri (1 Kings 16:24). Stop at Jacob’s Well, where Jesus revealed His identity as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman (John 4:5-6). Conclude the day at Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal, the mountains where Israel proclaimed blessings and curses as instructed by Moses (Deuteronomy 11:29). Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Day 4: Monday, March 9th
Begin the day in Caesarea, a Roman city where Peter baptized Cornelius, the first Gentile convert (Acts 10), and where Paul was imprisoned before his journey to Rome (Acts 23:23-35). Travel to Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus, and visit Nazareth CofC to reflect on His early life (Matthew 2:23). Experience Nazareth Village, a living museum that recreates first-century life, offering a glimpse into the world Jesus knew. As time permits, we will also stop for photographs and a devotional at the base of Mount Carmel near the brook of Kishon. Overnight at the Sea of Galilee.
Day 5: Tuesday, March 10th
Explore Hazor, a major Canaanite city conquered by Joshua (Joshua 11:10). Visit Dan, the northernmost city of ancient Israel, where Jeroboam set up a golden calf, leading the people into idolatry (1 Kings 12:28-30). Continue to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:13-20), and see the remains of pagan temples that once dominated the area. Upon our return to the Galilee we plan to travel through biblical Bashan where we will see Mount Hermon in the distance along with the region where Paul travelled on the road to Damascus. Overnight at the Sea of Galilee.
Day 6: Wednesday, March 11th
Climb Mt. Arbel for breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding region. Take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, recalling Jesus calming the storm and walking on water (Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 14:22-33). Visit Capernaum, Jesus’ ministry base, where He performed many miracles (Matthew 4:13). Explore Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, and see the remains of a first-century synagogue (Luke 8:2). Conclude the day at Chorazin, one of the cities Jesus rebuked for its lack of faith (Matthew 11:21). Overnight at the Sea of Galilee.
Day 7: Thursday, March 12th
Visit Beit Shean, a major biblical city where the bodies of King Saul and his sons were displayed after their defeat by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:10). Continue to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, offering invaluable insights into the Bible and ancient Jewish life. End the day at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, where you can float in its mineral-rich waters. Overnight at the Dead Sea.
Day 8: Friday, March 13th
Ascend Masada, the fortress where Jewish rebels made their last stand against the Romans in 73 AD. Explore the ruins and reflect on their courage and sacrifice. Travel to Jericho, one of the oldest cities in the world, where the walls fell after Joshua and the Israelites marched around them (Joshua 6:20). Overnight in Jerusalem. At Jericho we will take a cable car to the Mountain of Temptation and enjoy a traditional Arabic lunch. From here we will visit the Wadi Qelt overlook, and then make one final stop for the day at Mount Scopus to receive a proper introduction to beautiful city of Jerusalem. Overnight in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Day 9: Saturday, March 14th
Spend the morning at the Israel Archaeological Museum, home to artifacts that illuminate the biblical world. Here we will also spend time discussing the topography and history of Jerusalem as we examine in detail the magnificent outdoor model of first century Jerusalem. In afternoon we travel to the Shephelah and visit Beth Shemesh, where the Ark of the Covenant returned after being captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:12). Then it’s on to the Elah Valley, the site of David’s victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17:2). Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 10: Sunday, March 15th
Begin at the Kotel (Western Wall), the holiest site in Judaism, where you can pray and reflect. Take the Great Bridge Tour for a modern perspective of Jerusalem’s history and architecture. Explore the Davidson Archaeological Park, which showcases ruins from the Second Temple period along with the southern steps which some believe to be the place where 3,000 were baptized as recorded in Acts 2. Next, we visit the City of David, the original site of Jerusalem, where David established his capital (2 Samuel 5:7). Here we will also explore the ancient Canaanite underground water system and Hezekiah’s tunnel. Our day will end with a devotional at the first-century pool of Siloam where Jesus told the blind man to wash and was healed (John 9). Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 11: Monday, March 16th
Walk the Mt. of Olives, where Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-12) and where He wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). Visit the Church of All Nations, built over the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before His arrest (Matthew 26:36-46). Walk the Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus took to the cross, and reflect on His sacrifice. See the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the traditional site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. Conclude the day at the Tower of David Museum, which traces Jerusalem’s history through the ages, and where Herod’s kingly palace was located. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 12: Tuesday, March 17th
Visit the Garden Tomb, a serene site which is an alternative site to the church of Holy Sepulcher and the site connected to Golgotha. Spend free time reflecting, shopping, or exploring Jerusalem at your own pace. Depart late from Tel Aviv, carrying the memories of your journey.
Day 13: Wednesday, March 18th
Arrive back in the US, enriched by your experiences and the deep connections you’ve made to the biblical narrative.
Disclaimer: Itinerary subject to change. Estimated price Includes round-trip airfare from Denver, lodging, experienced personal guides, two meals a day (plus lunch at Jericho), all entrance fees for items mentioned on itinerary, taxes, tips, instructional materials, lectures, land travel in luxury coach, portage to and from Tel-Aviv airport for those travelling with the group; welcome kit, and audio guide hearing system.
