holy land mission trip

Revive THE lives of BELIEVERS here by sharing the love of Yeshua  

Join the holy land missions family to impact israel, the p.a territories for the gospel..

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CALVARY JERUSALEM

Over 40 Years of MINISTRY in the  Holy Land

Holy Land Missions is a faith-based organization called to be a compelling help to the suffering communities living in Israel. Partnered with one of the largest Arab ministries, HLM continues to plant the love of God in hearts that forgot it and bring meaningful reconciliation to a hurting nation. HLM is connecting the worldwide church to the Holy Land by taking a stand to bless the suffering communities living in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and throughout the Holy Land.

Join our family today and help us make an impact felt around the world.

100% of your gifts help transform lives with only Christ-centered projects from a trusted & effective ministry that has a rich history of over 40 years.

Director Rev. Khoury

HELPING THE COMMUNITY

Runa left a comfortable life in Egypt to follow God’s call to serve the lost and hurting people of the Holy Land. Based in Jesus’ birthplace of Bethlehem, s he  has been called specifically to minister to the young people in the Holy Land. Runa has a heart for educating children and has built beautiful relationships in the darkest corners of this region.

In the Backyard of Jesus

This amazing book tells the story of what Pastor Steven faced in his life growing up between the Bethlehem of Jesus’ birthplace, and Jerusalem.

Every part of his life has been marked by opposition from those who deny Christ and those who would like to see His followers snuffed out. Order your book here.

Take A  Mission Trip to the Holy Land

 a hlm holy land encounter trip is a  life-changing experience with the lord and his word in the land of the bible a representative from hlm will take you on a tour of israel, which includes jerusalem and bethlehem, to better understand the significance of these places.   7-day, 10-day or custom trips are available..

Donate now to help us reach the Holy Land's Hurting!

100% of your gifts helps transform lives with only  Christ- centered projects from a trusted & effective ministry that has a history over of over 40 yrs of impact.

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Tours to the Holy Land: Trips & Israel Tour Packages 2024, 2025

"Every place we visited was breathtakingly beautiful, with stunning landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. We highly recommend visiting Israel to anyone who wants to experience an unforgettable journey. We had a life-changing time there and are already planning to return." Simon L. and Beatriz G. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024 "I had a wonderful time in Israel. I felt while I was there the precautions that were taken for our safety were well in hand. I still got to experience many holy sites and be blessed by walking the path that Jesus walked. Every day was started in prayer, singing, or scripture reading which also extended the blessing of the trip." Quincie L. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024

Our Israel tours & Holy Land tours of 9-24 days for the Evangelical Protestant Bible believer are what Pilgrim Tours does best. Prepare yourself for a life-changing journey to walk where Jesus walked and visit Jerusalem, Galilee, & Samaria. Each of our Israel tours is led by a local guide who is an experienced expert on the historical, cultural, scenic, and spiritual history of the Holy Land. If you travel with 10 or more people, a private group tour can easily be arranged. Pilgrim Tours can customize an itinerary to fit your group needs with many options to choose from.

Concerned about safety? As a Christian tour operator, the staff at Pilgrim Tours takes a Biblical perspective regarding the current situation in the Middle East. We do not believe that peace in Israel is something that will occur until the Prince of Peace comes to restore His kingdom. Please do not make a reservation with us based on the hopes of a calm future. If you long for the special blessings only available in Israel, we will take you there. An expert driver and guide will carefully keep you from any areas that could present a problem and treat you to the riches of Israel as our special guest.

Below is a large variety of Israel tour packages departing in 2024 and 2025 year-round.

View Our New Israel Tour Highlights Video! Click Here

Reserve your tour at least 6 months in advance for an early booking discount, groups and parties of 6 or more click here for special rates, scheduled 2024 & 2025 israel tours.

View our Israel tours ranging from 9-24 days.

Take a tour of a lifetime and bring the Bible to life.

Featured Sites in Israel

Explore a vast selection of beautiful historical and Biblical locations throughout Israel with our Israel Holy Land tour. You can visit Jerusalem, Galilee, and parts of Samaria, getting the life-changing opportunity to see where Jesus and many other Biblical figures lived and walked. We even offer Holy Land tours that allow you to see the Dead Sea, the Garden Tomb, and the Jordan River Baptism Site. Like all of our Europe tours , our Israel Holy Land tours are led by local guides who have extensive knowledge of the area and its history. If you want to experience the history of Israel and see the Bible come to life, our Holy Land tours give you that opportunity.

The city of Jerusalem offers a unique convergence of Judaism, Christianity, and the Muslim faith. For Christians who visit Jerusalem, you will learn about many stories of the Bible while walking her streets. Many actors in the Bible such as Abraham, King David, King Solomon, the twelve disciples and Jesus all lived, visited, or spent time there. The Passion week of Christ will be highlighted during our stay as we visit the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Western Wall, the Way of Suffering, and the Garden Tomb.

Sea of Galilee

Nowhere in Israel does the Bible come to life more than along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Pilgrims who visit the Galilee region have the opportunity to imagine what life was like 2,000 years ago and what Jesus and the twelve disciples experienced while fishing on the Sea of Galilee. The peaceful setting and the natural wonders of the Golan Heights to the east and Mt. Arbel to the west make for a great way to start your morning in quiet reflection. During our tour, we explore the Biblical towns of Capernaum, Magdala, and Nazareth and take a meaningful cruise on the Sea of Galilee.

The Dead Sea is not only the lowest and most lifeless lake in the world, but also nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean. Travelers will enjoy the beautiful colors of the blue water and the red mountains of Jordan to the east. Take time to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Dead Sea “float” either in the sea itself or at one of the warm salt water pools at our hotel. The Dead Sea experience is truly a bucket list visit you won’t want to miss!

Garden Tomb

Our visit to the Garden Tomb and its surrounding gardens is normally one of the highlights of our tour to Israel. The Garden Tomb is a rock-cut tomb in Jerusalem that was unearthed in 1867 and is considered by some Protestants to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. Our visit offers a unique time of prayer, reflection, communion, and praise, which will be a special life-long memory for many travelers.

Jordan River Baptism Site

The Jordan River Baptist Site or “Yardenit” is a baptism site located along the Jordan River just south of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. This site is frequented by Christian Pilgrims who enjoy imagining the setting of the baptism of Jesus. For anyone who would like to be baptized in the Jordan River, Yardenit has been developed to be a peaceful setting with beautiful gardens, clean colored water, changing facilities, showers, and a nice souvenir shop.

Caesarea Philippi

To many Pilgrim travelers, Caesarea Philippi is a special surprise while on their tour. Located along the rushing springs of Mt. Hermon, the beautiful and natural setting is where Jesus asked his disciples “Who do men say that I am?” He asked this question while observing the pagan worship of the god Pan as worshipers offered their sacrifice at the “Gates of Hell.” Our time at Caesarea Philippi is one of many opportunities throughout our tour to see the lessons and message of the Bible come to light in a special way.

Israel Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month for the Holy Land tour?

Taking a trip to Israel during the spring or fall offers the most enjoyable weather of the year but normally has the largest crowds. If you want to enjoy a peaceful tour with fewer crowds, consider visiting between December and February or June and August. We offer Israel and Jordan tours throughout the year, so you can select a trip that works for your schedule.

How many days do you need for a Holy Land tour?

We offer several types of tours of the Holy Land, so the duration of your tour depends on the tour package you choose. The Best of Israel Tour is our most basic offering and includes a Sea of Galilee boat ride, a trip to the Jordan River Baptism Site, the Dead Sea, and many opportunities to walk on the same land Jesus walked on. This is our shortest trip at just 9 or 10 days. Our most involved trips allow you to experience a wide range of historical locations over the course of a few weeks. Egypt tours are included in some of these packages, as well as tours in Greece and other countries. These tours can take up to 24 days, giving you the chance to spend an extended period of time learning about and visiting different parts of the world. From our Turkey tours to all of our Israel Christian tours, all of our tours feature a first-class hotel rating for the country you visit. We do offer some upgraded tours that offer better lodging options. You can review our hotel categories at https://www.pilgrimtours.com/company/hotelcomparison.htm . Check out any of our tours to view a day-by-day itinerary and see what amenities are included with each tour.

What is the dress code in Israel?

The dress code in Israel is different from other parts of the world. There are a few dress code basics you should understand before booking Israel tours: When you’re in Israel, there is no strict dress code. You can wear what you feel comfortable wearing. However, both men and women should try to dress conservatively and cover their shoulders and knees when visiting any of the religious sites throughout Israel. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid tank tops and shorts. Men need to cover their heads when visiting the Western Wall. Pilgrim Tours provides a Pilgrim Tours ball cap upon arrival in Israel, but you might consider purchasing an affordable kippa that you can bring when you visit Jewish sites. Some places may offer a free kippa, but these are generally low quality. (Women are not required to cover their heads at any sight.) You can figure out what you need to pack and how to dress each day by looking at the itinerary for our Holy Land tours. Guides normally offer guidance on how to dress for the next day while on tour. We also suggest looking at the extended weather forecast as you prepare and pack for your trip.

Is there a lot of walking involved on an Israel Tour?

Our Israel tours do require a significant amount of walking each day and you should be able to walk unassisted 3-4 miles per day on average. Make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes that provide adequate support. While there are bus and boat rides during these tours, you have to walk quite a bit to explore some of the Biblical sites. Our tour guides normally give the group a few options at sites for those that have physical limitations. One thing to keep in mind is that there are many hills and valleys in Israel which can make walking even more taxing. The amount of walking you have to do may vary based on the tour you take, so look at the itinerary before choosing your tour. The good news is that Israel is a beautiful country to see on foot, and you’ll have several opportunities to sit down and give your feet a rest. As long as you have a good pair of shoes and comfortable clothes, it’s easy to forget about all the walking you’re doing and enjoy the tour.

What passport & visa information do I need for your Israel tours?

U.S. citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond their intended stay to enter Israel. Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original. Israel: U.S. and Canadian Citizens do not need a Visa when entering Israel. Non U. S. /Canadian Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of destination. Contact your Consulate office for requirements.

What common languages will be spoken during your Israel tours?

Hebrew, Arabic and English.

What currency can I use on your Israel tours?

The U.S. dollar is widely accepted across Israel, and we suggest bringing about $30 for each day you’ll be on tour. U.S. dollars are recommended for use for small purchases and lunches. Lunches typically cost $15-20. It is important to bring about 20 $1 bills as some bathrooms charge a small fee for use. Credit cards may also be used for larger purchases. ATMs in Israel are all connected to European and American banking systems. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in SHEKELS – NOT U.S. DOLLARS. Please notify your bank before traveling overseas.

Do I need to bring a converter for the Israel tour?

Israel uses the European plug with two round pins. You will need to bring along the necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volt appliances such as hair dryers and electric razors as well as camera and cell phone chargers. Electricity in Israel is 220 volts 50 Hz.

What is the time zone for your Israel tours?

The time zone for Israel is seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT.

What climate should I expect during your Israel tours?

In Israel the climate is temperate, and temperatures all year-round are reasonable. Israel has two main seasons: winter (from November to March) is cold and rainy in most parts of the country; summer (from April to October) is hot and dry with little or no rainfall. The desert areas can be extremely hot in summer time.

Recent Reviews on Trustpilot, BBB, & Google

View what others are saying about our Israel tours on Trustpilot , BBB , and Google !

"Pilgrim tours is who I'll be recommending people to travel with. We've been trying to get to Israel for two years and finally made it!! Great company from booking to on the ground with great guides. All details taken care of with great hotels, bus, and the best guides!! Wonderful experience!"

"We had a great experience in Israel with Pilgrim Tours. Everything went very well and there were no glitches or problems of any kind. The bus and driver were top notch as were the hotels and daily breakfast buffets. Our tour guide was great as his depth of knowledge of the people, history and languages Israel was quite amazing. We will very likely use Pilgrim again in the future."

"We have toured with Pilgrim Tours three times and what a blessing. Accommodations, excursions, information and food were all high quality. Post pandemic, we were so thankful to return to Israel."

"I couldn't have asked for more for a trip to the Holy Land than what Pilgrim Tours provided me. It was the perfect balance of spiritual reverence, history, geography, and social issues. I am so grateful for the experience that I had on this trip."

"Our church group just returned from taking a "Best of Israel" ten day tour. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I am so glad we chose Pilgrim tours. From our excellent hotel accommodations, to our wonderful tour guide, we enjoyed everything. Our trip exceeded our expectations. I would recommend Pilgrim Tours to anyone who is planning a trip to the Holy Land. We definitely plan to travel with them again."

View some of the sites from our Israel tours!

Tour the Holy Land

Biblical Perspective • Messianic Jew Tour Guide

Messianic Jew Tour Guide

Gain unparalleled insights into the Holy Land and Jewish culture, ancient and modern, as explained by a Messianic Jew.

Scheduling Options

We offer a variety of holy land tour packages, including large & small group tours, 1, 2, 7 & 10 day tours, customized tours and open tours for individuals to join.

Competitively Priced

Inclusive Package that includes first-class hotels, deluxe motor coaches, entrance fees, buffet breakfasts, dinners and much more.

Spectacular meeting of history and beauty.

Experience the Land of Israel

Roman Aqueducts

Galilee Sunrise

Davidson Center Archaeological Park

Garden of Gethsemane

Overlooking Sea of Galilee

Israel Bible Tours invites you to experience the land of Israel, the Holy Land, where the patriarchs, the judges, the prophets, and our Lord Jesus walked. Together, we will study how the Word of God, the history, and the archaeology of Israel richly connect. Our desire is that every person whether already a follower of Jesus, or not yet, will have a face to face encounter with the Lord, and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior.

Israel Bible Tours is a ministry and not just a business. Before, during, and after a tour our goal is to minister to you, pray with you, and serve you in every way we can. We welcome you to join us in the Land.

Feast your eyes on the beauty of Israel.

Tour Highlights

Judean desert.

Sea of Galilee

Damascus Gate

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MISSIONS IN THE HOLY LAND

Why travel with je.

Watch the Bible come to life in front of your eyes as your group explores the ancient land of Israel and serves where Jesus and his disciples ministered on the Missions in the Holy Land tour. Your group will sail on the Sea of Galilee, rejoice at the Garden Tomb, and serve alongside Messianic Jews and Arabic Believers! You will never be the same after you journey down these ancient roads and walk and serve along the same roads as Jesus, Paul, and other notable Biblical figures.

DAY 1: TRAVEL DAY

• Travel to Israel

DAY 2: CAESAREA

• Arrive in Tel Aviv
• Meet your JE Guide as you exit the security area and check into the hotel
• Travel to Caesarea
• Explore the Roman Amphitheatre and Aqueducts (Acts 25)
• Continue on to the Sea of Galilee
• Check into hotel

DAY 3: SEA OF GALILEE

• Spend time in prayer and worship at the Mount of Beatitudes (Matthew 5,6, &7)
• Explore Capernaum, one of Jesus’ bases of Ministry (Luke 7)
• Stop by Tabgha and the Church of the Loaves and Fishes, where Jesus called Peter (Matthew 14:13-21)
• Make a brief stop to see the Ancient Boat at Ginosar
• Journey out onto the Sea of Galilee by boat (Matthew 14:26)
• Check into your hotel on the Sea of Galilee (two nights)

DAY 4: MISSIONS WITH JEWISH BELIEVERS

*Daily schedule based on the needs of the ministry during the travel period.

DAY 5: MISSIONS WITH ARABIC BELIEVERS IN NAZARETH OR BETHLEHEM

DAY 6: MISSIONS IN JERICHO

DAY 7: DEAD SEA *Today, you will want to pack a towel and a change of clothes for an optional swim in the Dead Sea.)

• Depart to visit Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered
• Continue South towards Masada and stop for lunch
• Take a cable car to visit the palace of Masada
• Head North to take an optional dip in the Dead Sea (Genesis 14:3)
• Head back to Jerusalem
• Take a break at the hotel to freshen up

DAY 8: JERUSALEM

• Depart for the day
• Standing on the Mount of Olives you can see the Dome of the Rock (Zechariah 14:4)
• Witness the Pool of Bethesda and worship in St. Anne’s Church (John 5)
• See the view Herod’s Antonia Fortress once had
• Walk the Via Dolorosa ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Matthew 15)
• Break for lunch
• Walk through the Cardo
• Travel to the Southern Wall excavations of the ancient Temple, the Teaching Steps and the Western Wall
• Visit the Garden Tomb and spend time in prayer and worship, celebrating all that the Lord has done (Matthew 27:33-35)

DAY 9: TRAVEL DAY

• Depart for home

Here at Joshua Expeditions, our ultimate goal is to provide opportunities for life change through travel. Every high-quality travel experience with JE is a chance for travelers to deepen their understanding of God, examine new cultures through a Biblical worldview, and help give back through the JE Ministry Fund. Explore the world with JE and see how you can make a difference.

INTERESTED IN THIS TOUR?

Contact one of our Travel Specialists to begin planning your JE tour.

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What travelers are saying ....

This was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on!! I can definitely say it was life-changing.

I loved that JE planned most of the meals to focus on the local cuisine. It was a great experience!

I love this organization! It makes planning so easy and we have never been disappointed.

Thank you for your faithfulness in serving Jesus through this wonderful ministry of student travel. I highly recommend JE!

JE is Christ-centered and they understand the importance of training students to have an eternal perspective.

The trained guides of JE have led with such excellence that our students have been encouraged to share Christ.

I’ve traveled with JE for the last nine years and I would not imagine traveling with any other company.

JE’s depth of knowledge, logistics, and well-trained guides are why I don’t take trips with any other company.

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HEARTFIRE invites you to mission in the Holy Land.

This historic medical + humanitarian mission trip combines a rare opportunity to serve in Bethlehem hospitals with a paradigm-bending tour of southern and northern Israel – including a time of deep reverence & reflection as we visit ancient Biblical sites throughout the ‘Land of Milk and Honey.’

Watch the Bible come to life as we visit not only Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, Nazareth, Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee; but also less commonly toured sites like Caesarea, Herodium, Lachish, Hebron, Masada and Qumran.

See where Jesus was born and raised, walked on water, was crucified, resurrected and ascended! Discover the land where David wrote the Psalms as he fled Saul, the Disciples awoke each morning, Paul was imprisoned, Stephen became the first martyr, and the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

Note: This life-changing trip will be limited in size due to the nature of traveling in Israel and Palestine. It is our prayer & expectation that the conflict in Gaza will have subsided and that this team will be able to serve in the Holy Land.

What We Will Do

Inquire About Holy Land

• Region: Ecuador
• Category: Short Term
• Dates: 2024-06-10
• Organization: Heartfire Missions
• Phone: (480) 590-5885

Welcome to Mission Finder

We hope you will find the information you need to fulfill God’s will for you. Enjoy Your Search

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Holy Land Tours & Trips

• Holy Land Budget
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• Holy Land from Tel Aviv
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64 Holy Land tour packages with 1,303 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Premium Jordan

Mo was an excellent tour leader in that he has such passion and enthusiasm about Jordan. I learnt so much about the history and culture and so enjoyed all of the activities. Mo went over and beyond to ensure my dietary needs were met as I have coeliac disease which was much appreciated. Highly recommend this tour.

• In-depth Cultural

Jordan & Egypt Uncovered

Brilliant. The people who travel with Intrepid tend to be friendly and advventurous so had a great group. The tour guides in Jordan and Egypt were fantastic

Highlights of the Holy Land Best Experience - 8 Days

Tour was well planned and Hotels where great!! Tour guide maybe not so great.

• Sightseeing

Totally Jordan - 8 Days

This was our first tour. We are both fit aged 71 and 64. We can’t say enough about this tour. Fantastic, incredible, awesome. The itinerary was tight but doable. The information given to us by “On The Go” was clear and precise. The hotels were better than we had expected but the icing on the cake was our guide Hameed or AJ as he preferred. He brought us all together as a family and conveyed to us his love of Jordon through it’s history and culture, bringing everything to life. A wonderful genuine guy. I could go through the sights we visited but they were all well above our expectations. We found that the last day of the tour basically left us a free day to enjoy the hotel and dead sea. Some of our group found this a waste of a day, personally we found it rewarding as it gave us time to relax after a hard week of sightseeing. Thank you “On The Go” for making a great holiday totally awesome.

Heritage of the Holyland Tour - 8 days

Lots and lots to see.Put your walking shoes on...

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Passage to Petra - 6 days

Excellent accommodation, fantastic guide and amazing locations. Only down side was long journeys but coach was comfortable and stops were plenty. Definitely recommend

Heritage of the Holy Land

Itinerary excellent, Orna our guide was outstanding, My only criticism was the hotel location in Jerusalem- it was just too far out of the city to be able to walk to the sites - my recommendation would be to use one closer to facilities!

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land Israel and Jordan - 11 Days

All 5 star except tour guide Naomi was atheist, and didn't mind holes in my faith...IN ISRAEL!!!

Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Dead Sea 4-Day Excursion

The tour was amazing! Masada sunrise - Ein Gedi - the Dead Sea - a wonderful mix of mountain hiking (not easy, but such a satisfaction from a successful ascent!), walking in the park and then relaxing in the Dead Sea. Jerusalem - history and modernity - it was interesting to see two sides of this city. And a cherry on the cake - a Tel Aviv bike tour - it was fantastic! Architecture, parks, history and especially the promenade - I enjoyed it so much! And also a complete delight from the hostel! There is a lovely lounge where a lot of events, nice bar and rooftop for guests to relax. Stunning atmosphere! The staff is friendly and professional - any help at any time. Thank you all, guys, you are amazing!

Holy Land Discovery - Faith-Based Travel - Catholic Itinerary

Guide and driver great, place great, food decent enough. Well organised. Downsides - needed more time in Jerusalem and some of the accommodation was not good - very cold and staff rude.

• Coach / Bus

Holy Land Discovery with Jordan - Faith-Based Travel - Catholic Itinerary

The tour was excellent in scope. Our Tour Guide Samir is the best I have ever had!!!! In retrospect and talking with fellow tour members I would have done thing differently if I had direct contact with either Tourradar and Cosmos. I.e plane arrangemets and trip modifications. Mike Steven

• River Cruise

Experience Egypt & Jordan – 5* Cruise

Our tour guides made the difference with their enthusiasm and sincerity. While being awed by the magnificent sights, they filled our minds with historical facts and mystical stories. This is especially so with Mina Nash whom tirelessly explained the history of the places. The accommodations were decent but would have preferred if they were closer to the city centre or downtown and the cruise was luxurious. We loved the places scheduled and would have liked a little more time in some of the places like Giza (who can get enough of that) and especially Petra. All in all, we will definitely recommend this tour to our friends and family. Thank you for the wonderful time and memories.

Egypt & Jordan Jewel with Nile Boat Cruise

This tour had it all…exotic sites, beautiful weather, and a good group. And then it had some downsides. A number of our group were confused by the online brochure that led to a misunderstanding that the tour price included entrance fees to sites, and that some of the “optional” were actually features of the regular tour order. There were a few who missed the suggestion they procure a Jordan Pass, which covered the admissions to the major sites, like Petra, and one’s substantial visa fee. The tour organization was also confusing. There were a number of company tours running concurrently, allowing the more efficient combining of groups for this or that site or option for this or that portion of the tour. As a result communications were sometimes confused. Sometimes there are too many moving parts. Here are the pros and cons – PRO: The tour itself offered a wonderful itinerary. While it was hectic, almost exhausting, it took you where you needed to go. A previous tour with another company was no different. So much to see and so little time. The buses were standard issue. (None offered frills. Even the toilets were decommissioned.) We arrived in Cairo two days early and the company arranged for us to be met and taken to our hotel. The rep (Muhammad) was invaluable when our luggage failed to arrive from our connection in Istanbul. We also arranged a tour with the company to Saqqara and Memphis. Our overnights were all acceptable, if not the Ritz. The Nile cruise ship was nice. The resort at Hurghada provided a much-needed break, and the rooms the best on the trip. Our guide Ramez was terrific. He kept the cats herded and informed. Things happened as per the itinerary. We were all happy. The highlights of Jordan were Petra, our desert “glamping” overnight, Mt. Nebo and the Dead Sea. Petra and the Dead Sea need no explanation. Mt. Nebo, where Moses saw the Promised Land, provided a spectacular view over the historic Jordan Valley. The desert overnight was beautiful, with the Wadi Rum quite the backdrop. Our host was a fine fellow, too. CON: Our guide, Zena, on the Jordan portion was a problem. We arrived at Amman and were taken to our hotel. The company rep there essentially met us and dropped us. No guide. Zena arrived at the hotel and spent the time on her phone, something she did continually. On tour, she had a habit of snapping fingers to attract attention and gather the group. It did not sit well with many, harking back to grade school days. One couple was without their luggage after flight from Cairo to Amman, and it became a growing sore point when, after being found, delivery became a problem. Zena did not appear effective or empathetic. Finally, at Wadi Rum, the dam broke and her disorganization and apparent “attitude” caused a breakdown with some. After a heated parking lot “discussion” she threatened a tourist with the police and then quit the tour. It was out of hand. Our bus driver essentially took calming control at that point – thank goodness. The company replaced Zena with Nobile, and things took an immediate turn for the better! He spoke to each of us to understand the situation, laid out the itinerary, and kept us informed. Frankly, he saved the tour. (Later, in conversation, he said he thought we were all good people, and couldn’t understand the previous guide’s problems.) Final Thoughts: Several among our tour noted that the need for a Jordan Pass was not sufficiently noted in the company’s materials. Some purchased on tour with the help of Ramez. Some, who joined us from another tour, ended up paying out of pocket at each Jordanian site and a visa fee. Many felt nickel-and-dimed by the separation of admission to sites and a tips pool surprised that they were not included in the tour price. Ramez handled all that well at our orientation meeting. Hotels were adequate. Something tour companies need to understand is that ‘net access is very important in today’s world, particularly to keep in touch with home. Several hotels offered sketchy connections. (Also recognize the infrastructure shortcomings in some places.) At least these should be noted in the itinerary details. Overall, the tour grades a “B”. We enjoyed ourselves while seeing a new part of the world and experiencing “bucket list” places and activities. Would we use Ex-Pat again? Several on the tour were long-time customers, saying they’d never experienced anything like our trip before. The answer is a firm “maybe”. It would depend on the itinerary and value. My advice is to read the itinerary closely, understanding that some of the sites you’ll see are not included in the price, and look for the extra charges unmentioned elsewhere. It all adds up.

Journey Through the Holy Land - Faith-Based Travel

The only thing that I would have liked was a guide, that for the reading and interpretation of the scriptures , was a Christian and not a Jew

Journey Through the Holy Land with Jordan - Faith-Based Travel

Our guide for Jordan Tour, Suhaib was fantastic! - he was very organised and knowledgeable. Everybody loves him.

What people love about Holy Land Tours

I got to see all the things that I expected and a few more. I did feel that the trip was a bit rushed though.

We had the most amazing guide Leah Dor and the best driver Hassan they both was so lovely, accomodating and went out their way to be so helpful and gave us some extra nice suprises throughout the tour. Everything was a good pace, never rushed and saw so much place and Leah was an expert with knowledge. Transfer drivers was on time when arrived plus to leave. Reliable company and organised well. Only thing, if you want to visit where Jesus was born inside the church, there is a big que and it is not part of this tour as this is just the highlights, they visit the church but not to que for certain things like that which many was not aware of so read the intinary clearly

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The most popular of our Israel tours , this Christian tour offers 5 star accommodation.

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West of the Dead Sea and a place of pilgrimage and worship for Christians.

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If you are anything like me, food plays an important part in your vacation planning- and not necessarily for gluttonous reasons. Tasting local dishes is about so much more than happy taste buds. It is a valuable opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of your destination. Those who have visited Israel during […]

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While we continue to pray for our entire AIT team in Israel, as well as their families and all innocents affected in Israel, we remain thankful for all passengers who returned home with us safely. We will be updating each of our passengers on the status of their October 2023 tours. Please check your email for updates from our Staff, and email or call us at 877-248-8687 with any questions, or if you don’t think you have received an email update(s). We appreciate your patience while we work with our many passengers.

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When you take a trip with Wide Awake Missions you immerse yourself in another culture filled with stunning opportunities to serve, share, be inspired, love, and give of yourself. Led by seasoned leaders, you join a team of like-minded adventurers who have a heart for the lost, hurting, less fortunate, and broken. Jump in headfirst and be prepared to feel inspired, a little dirty, and fully alive in Christ! 

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Holy Land "Bucket List" Tour

~2024 israel & petra, jordan ~  , may 22 - june 6 , 2024, cost: $5,275.

Details and Basic Itinerary

A fter  registering and  securing your spot a with a $1 00 deposit, we will email you a Holy Land guide that will provide you with all the information about this trip, a payment plan, packing list, and FAQs regarding most questions asked about our time there. 

Join us for a core-shaking, groundbreaking, life-altering trip to Israel. Our team will experience the same deserts, streams and valleys that Jesus, Moses, Jacob, Elijah, Paul, Mary and the disciples walked themselves, centuries ago. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. 

We'll spend hours each day hiking the landscapes of this beautiful country. Along the way we will hear teachings that masterfully weave together the Old and New Testament, Jewish traditions, Greek and Roman history, all with a "Jesus" worldview. By the end of our trip, our hearts and minds will forever reflect on the amazing friendships made, sites encountered up close and personal, and the feeling of awe, grace, and gratitude after experiencing the very sites and land that birthed the beginning of our faith in Christ, our Savior and Redeemer! 

This isnt just a typical Holy Land tour, our team will experience heartfelt devotionals, worship, and daily teachings from our trip Director, Guide, and each other. You'll have the opportunity to be ceremoniously baptised in the Jordan river, walk in the footsteps of Jesus, enjoy "family-style" dinners, and be stirred in your heart as the Bible stories come alive right before your eyes.

So get your sandals ready as we prepare to embark on the ultimate "Jesus" journey together!

What’s Included: • Round-trip international flight from NYC, to Tel Aviv

• 8-Day private and guided tour and sightseeing (Delux air-conditioned motor coach)

• All entrance fees as per Holy Land tour intinerary • All Accommodations, (3, 4, and a 5-Star) (Price based on double occupancy) • 3-Day Petra Excursion (Guided) • All transportation, airport transfers, and ground transportation. • Amazing daily quality meals (3 per day). We'll dine at restaurants the majority of time & skip the tour group food!

• Trip t-shirt

• Medical Emergency Insurance

• Free Day Excursions

•  Museums (2) These are world-class museums! 

What’s Not Included: • Domestic flight from your hometown to NYC • Passport and Visa's • Snacks in all transit airports

• Guide and Driver gratuities

•  Souvenirs

2024 Basic Trip Itinerary

( Subject to change. A comprehensive itinerary will be sent prior to the trip.)

* Each day we try and start or end with a quiet time, relevant devotional, and prayer/worship.

Wednesday, May 22: Arrive NYC.

Once you arrive, our airport greeting team will meet you at the airport and later that evening our team will have a special team welcome reception, dinner, special worship service and meeting.

DINNER. ACCOMMODATIONS: TBD

Thurs/Fri, May 23-24 : Depart NYC to Tel Aviv, Israel .

Arrive in Israel. The moment we walk into the airport we'll begin to feel the excitement increase as we suddenly realize we’re going to walk the land of The Bible, the land where Jesus walked. Our group will be greeted by our personal Israeli licensed tour guide, who will be our personal host. We will then be transferred to our hotel. After settling in, we'll travel to the coastal area in Tel-Aviv and enjoy a light day of touring, visiting Joppa Sea port and tanners home. Afterwards, we head to our hotel to rest, relax and have dinner and an evening devotional and some worship time.

Overnight: Mediterranean Shores

BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER. ACCOMMODATIONS: TBD

Friday, May 25: Day 2 of Tour.

We start this day at Caesarea, where the Gentiles first heard the news of a Messiah from Peter and then followed in baptism. We’ll view the Roman Amphitheater and aqueduct still in pristine condition after several thousands of years. Next, we head north to visit Mount Carmel where Elijah hid from King Ahab; travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo (the Armageddon battle field of Revelation prophecy where 20 levels of previous civilizations have been unearthed). We continue driving through the areas of Cana and Nazareth, where Jesus spent most of His childhood, we proceed to visit Nazareth Village, here, we are taken back in time as we walk through the environment Jesus grew up in. During the tour, our Guide will speak about the "Christian" and the Biblical importance of everything we are visiting.

Overnight: Tiberias

Saturday, May 26: Day 3 of Tour

We awake on the Sea of Galilee, enjoying an incredible Israeli breakfast then a short travel to visit the Valley of The Doves, next, we proceed to view an ancient fisherman’s boat by a Kibbutz on the sea, known as the Jesus Boat. Afterwards, we board a sailing boat on the Sea of Galilee where we’ll enjoy hearing the words of the Scriptures come to life. Docking in Capernaum we will visit the ancient synagogue and Peter’s home. There is no doubt that the foundation stones of this ancient synagogue were in full use at the time of Jesus. Afterwards, we'll travel to the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes which overlooks the beautiful Sea. Walking to the bottom of the hill we'll view St. Peter’s House. Finally, the day ends with a ceremonial baptism service for those that would like to be baptized  or re- dedicated  in the Jordan River. Returning to the hotel for another beautiful Israeli dinner and overnight. After dinner, we gather around for a time of testimonies and worship together.

Sunday, May 27: Day 4 of Tour

This morning we begin our day traveling to Golan Heights for a visit to the Bentel outpost which overlooks Syria and Mt. Hermon. Nearby we will visit Tel Dan where the Israelites began to worship pagan gods and fell into great sin. Traveling back to Galilee we can see the sea from the Decapolis; traveling southward to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis which is one of the most incredible archeological sites in Israel. This is the city where the Philistines hung the bodies of Saul and his sons who were killed on Mt Gilboa (I Samuel 31:10-12). When Jesus walked here it was named Scythopolis, one of the chief cities of the Decapolis. As we travel south we will follow the Jordan Valley as we see for ourselves the incredible agricultural restoration of the land of milk and honey. As we begin to near the Dead Sea we drive past the ancient city of Jericho, noted to be the oldest city in the world, then finally descend to the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. We will have time for spa, a Dead Sea ‘swim’ and float before enjoying our dinner in the Dead Sea hotel.

Overnight: Dead Sea

Monday, May 28: Day 5 of Tour

Today begins with a cable car ride to the top of Masada, where our guide will unfold to us the history of the famous zealot stand; We continue to Ein Gedi where David hid from Saul in the caves of the mountains, and where God defeated Israel’s enemies by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. We proceed to the Qumran Caves where the famous Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Finally, we begin our trip up the mountain to Jerusalem, the City of Gold! 

Overnight: Jerusalem 

Tuesday, May 29: Day 6 of Tour

We begin our day by visiting one of the most controversial sites. It’s here that the first and second temples stood and where the third Temple is yet to be built which will usher in the final days of prophecy according to Daniel and Revelation. We'll walk the "old" city of David and many more archeological sites. We'll visit the upper room and then stop for some ice-cream in the main "modern" promenade. Tonight we eat out at one of Jerusalem's many wonderful and scenic restaurants. Evening free time to walk around. 

Overnight: Jerusalem

Wednesday, May 30: Day 7 of Tour

The day starts with a panoramic view of the Temple Mount, Mount Moriah, Dome of the Rock as we stand on top of the Mount of Olives, then a short walk down the mountain to the Garden of Gethsemane. This is probably one of the more memorable and emotional times as we remember that night when Jesus prayed, ‘let this cup pass from me’. Walking among these ancient olive trees, reading the scriptures, we'll take some time for a little personal journal time. Entering the Old City through Stephen’s Gate we will visit the Pool of Bethesda and St. Ann’s Church; Antonio’s Fortress and the pit where Christ may have suffered. Walking the Via Dolorosa we’re reminded of the price Jesus paid for all of us; arriving at the Wailing Wall and the Kotel Tunnels reflecting the Second Temple era. Tonight we eat out at one of Jerusalem's many wonderful and scenic restaurants. Evening free time to walk around. 

Thursday, May 31: Day 8 of Tour

Today is our final day in the land of the Bible. After breakfast, we visit the house of Caiaphas where Jesus was whipped, spat upon and let down into the pit. Next, we enter the City of David as our guide recounts the early city of Jerusalem when King David ruled; viewing the pool of Siloam and even travel through Hezekiah’s Tunnel. We visit the southern wall of the Temple Mount excavations which was for the common people, the Priests and Levites entered on the higher eastern side of the mount. Parts of the stairs leading to the Temple Mount as well as some of the purification pools can be viewed. This is the general area where Jesus would have driven out the money changers. The south eastern pinnacle is said to be where Jesus was tempted to throw Himself down when tempted by the Enemy. The ending of the day is the Garden Tomb where we’ll enjoy a visit to Calvary, the garden, and the empty tomb. We will gather around for communion in the garden and a time of worship before returning to the city center for dinner.

BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER. ACCOMMODATIONS: Jerusalem, TBD

Friday, June 1: Petra Excursion

After crossing the border, we drive to JERASH to visit the incredible Roman city built over 2000 years ago. Travel to MADABA, the Biblical Medeba for a visit to a church built over the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Drive on to MT. NEBO to view the mountains of ISRAEL and the PROMISE LAND as Moses did just before he died.

Continue south for dinner and overnight on the Dead Sea. Relax with a swim in the pool.

BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER. ACCOMMODATIONS: Dead Sea, TBD (The Jordan side)

Saturday, June 2: Petra Excursion

Leaving the Dead Sea, travel on the Kings Highway, the path of Moses and the children of Israel on their way to Canaan Land. Drive toward Kerak via Wadi, El Mujib, the Grand Canyon of the MiddleEast. View the magnificent Crusader fortresses. Their history goes back long before the Crusaders; the earliest remains are Iron Age, shortly after the Exodus, when this was part of Moab and its doom was prophesied by Isaiah (16:7), who mentions its ‘raisen-cakes’, presumably a local specialty. Continue on to Petra for a day of touring the Red Rock City, considered to be the eighth wonder of the world, a complete city carved in colored sandstone. Enter the Nabatean city of Petra by way of camel as we experience the breathtaking Treasury, the Palace of Justice and other amazing and spectacular sites. After passing back through the Siq, the natural gorge, we'll board the coach to return to our hotel on the Dead Sea.

Sunday, June 3: Petra Excursion

We will have a late check-out so you can enjoy a swim in the infinity pool, have a " Dead Sea Mud" massage in the spa, or rest and relax at the incredible Dead Sea. We will have mid-afternoon departure for our transfer across the border to Israel and continue to Jerusalem.

Monday, June 4: Jerusalem

Holocaust and Israel  Museum Day

Wednesday, June 5 Tel Aviv

Explore the resort town of Tel Aviv, it's beautiful boardwalk , piers, and golden, pristine beaches to enjoy. Tons of shops for souvenirs and great restaurants!

BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER. ACCOMMODATIONS: Tel-Aviv, TBD

Thursday, June 6: Depart for NYC. Shalom!

Dinner & Team Debrief. Overnight

Friday, June 7 :  All team members travel home .

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Join other Christians and make your dreams come true on our popular fifteen day Holy Land Egypt, Jordan, and Israel tour to "Where it all Began."

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Travel on a journey to Israel & Rome including Vatican City. Tour Rome where Christianity flourished, and the Gospel spread to both Jews and Romans.

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Experience Israel

Where is life taking you, being a student is weird..

You’re on the edge of your future, expected to make a decision about the rest of your life. But you haven’t had the chance to really experience the world yet.

You’re supposed to just know what your next step is, but you’re still trying to figure out who you even are—and what you actually believe.

It’s a lot.

Step out into the world.

There’s a tried and true way to gain perspective and define life for yourself—travel.

But where should you go?

For Christian students in particular, a special place calls out. A place where you can connect with the roots of your faith in Jesus. A place where you can encounter new cultures, expand your world and fuel your future as you enter the next chapter of life.

The Holy Land of Israel

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Jon & Rachel Polin hosted Passages students for Shabbat dinner. Now, their son is being held hostage

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Travel is tricky, but we've got you covered. We make sure you're well prepared for a life-changing trip to Israel.

Encounter Israel—both its rich history and modern splendor—with a group of other students on an incredible nine-day journey.

More than just a trip, Passages helps you build on your experience and invites you into a community of future leaders.

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Fill out the form below to be notified of any open availability for the standard package.

How interested are you in the Passion Holy Land Tour?

Although registration is closed, there may be opportunity for spots to open for the Standard Package. If you would like to be notified of open spots, please click the button below.

Experience the land of Jesus

Join us for a one-of-a-kind journey through Israel hosted by Louie and Shelley Giglio and the Passion team.

Review the package options available for Passion Holy Land.

Review the frequently asked questions to learn more about the details of Passion Holy Land.

See all of the potential sites that will be on our journey from Jerusalem to the Sea of Galilee.

Have more questions? Send our team and email and someone on our team will be in touch!

Registrations for the Passion Holy Land Tour are currently closed. If you would like to be notified of future Passion Holy Land Tours you can let us know here .

These will be life-shaping days as we experience many of the places where Jesus walked and ministered throughout His life on Earth. The Passion Holy Land Tour is set apart from other trips because it includes special worship moments and teaching from the Passion team throughout the day along with expert guides. This is a unique experience! During our time in Israel, we will visit sites such as Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Olives, the Dead Sea, the Valley of Elah and so many more. You are invited to join us as we journey and explore the land of the Bible. We are confident that this experience will deepen your walk with Jesus and transform the way you read Scripture and worship.

Pastor Louie and Shelley, together founded Passion Conferences in 1997, uniting college-aged people in events around the globe—most recently gathering students at Passion 2022 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Pastor Louie is the Visionary Architect and Original Visionary of the Passion Movement, comprised of Passion Conferences, Passion City Church, Passion Publishing and sixstepsrecords, and the founder of Passion Global Institute. Shelley is the Chief Strategist, Director of Label Operations and Artist Management for sixstepsrecords, co-founder of the Passion Movement, and leads The GROVE, a gathering for the Women of Atlanta.

Additional on-site Teaching

Throughout our journey, you'll encounter people, sites, cultures, and history of the Scriptures in a completely new way. At each location , you'll have the opportunity to hear from Pastor's from the Passion team as they unpack the significance of where you're standing. These are powerful moments as we open the Scriptures together and read the Biblical accounts of each location.

Come & See

All pricing options include the following Standard Package Items:

Worship Moments with Passion

Onsite teachings by the Passion Team

Professionally guided touring of the Holy Land

Sailing on the Sea of Galilee

Accommodation in middle-class hotels including porterage

Daily buffet-style breakfast and dinner at the hotels

Daily lunches on route

All entrance fees, gratuities, and taxes

Air-conditioned transportation by deluxe coach

Access to tour information on the custom Passion Holy Land app

Airport shuttle bus transfer for arrival and departure

International round-trip group airfare available for additional cost

Included in the Standard Package:

Our standard package includes accommodations in middle-class hotels including porterage. Meals are included throughout our time together with breakfast and dinner available at the hotels and daily lunches on route. While on route, air-conditioned transportation by deluxe coach will be available. The standard package also includes airport shuttle bus transfer for arrival and departure.

The standard package of the Passion Holy Land Tour is full. Please fill out the form below to be notified of any availability.

Experience the Holy Land with upgraded amenities and accommodations as well as exclusive moments with the Passion team.

All Standard Package items PLUS:

5 Star hotel accommodations(based on double occupancy)

Transportation by VIP coach

Small group touring experience (40 persons or less per coach)

Unique dining experiences in local restaurants

Unique dinner experience with the Passion team

Sunset small group sailing on Sea of Galilee

on-site Teaching

You are about to embark on an incredible journey, encountering the people, sites, culture, and history of the Scripture in a completely new way. The goal of these days is to let your eyes rest on the very places where Jesus lived and traveled, to soak in the beauty and to stand in awe and wonder of our God. We want you to experience the Word. Each moment will build upon the other and culminate into what could be the most significant trip of your lifetime. Embrace the journey! *SAMPLE ITINERARY – SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Breathe it in. You’ve arrived in the Holy Land. Over the next week, around every corner, scripture will come to life. What you once read in black and white, will now be in full color as you stand in the very places where these historic moments occurred. After your arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, you will drive north along Israel’s coastal plains and enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean, enjoy a relaxing dinner and check into your hotel. Get some rest, your week is just beginning.

The Galilee region was the center of Jesus’ ministry. This is the land where Jesus grew up, showed his power in miracles and where he called the disciples to follow him. Today, this region of the Holy Land is still very untouched and looks much like it would have in the days of Jesus. During your time in Galilee, you will follow in Jesus' footsteps while soaking in the beauty of the land, watching the sunset on the surrounding hills, and walk quaint towns and powerful historic sites that bring the Bible to life. You will sit on hillsides where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, visit Capernaum and Magdala, and worship on a wooden boat as you sail the very waters that Jesus walked upon. You will also get to experience the Jezreel Valley, which has a long and varied history throughout both the Old and the New Testaments. Possible Sites: Mount of Beatitudes Capernaum Boat ride Sea of Galilee Mount Arbel Magdala Caesarea Philippi Mount Precipice / Nazareth Lookout Panoramic view over the Jezreel Valley/ Valley of Armageddon Mount Carmel

There is nowhere in the world like Jerusalem. History is found in every crevice of this ancient city where three of the world’s major religions overlap. The Bible has nearly 800 references to Jerusalem - called “the City of our God” (Ps. 48:1,8) Jesus traveled here as a child to worship in the Temple, and it was here as an adult that He preached and healed the hurting. Ultimately, it was here in Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected! For the Believer, your time in this ancient city will light up your heart and set your faith on fire as the story of scripture comes into clear view. You will explore the four quarters of the walled city, wander through the alleyways that kings and prophets once walked and kneel in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus also prayed. You will have time to visit the colorful markets and the ancient Roman roads now filled with shops brimming with Middle Eastern artistry and discover first-hand the collision of Jerusalem’s unique mix of past and present, ordinary and extraordinary. Possible Sites: Mount of Olives View over the Temple Mount and the Old City Garden of Gethsemane The Pools of Bethesda at the complex of the St. Anna Church The Praetorium, Pilate’s Palace Church of the Holy Sepulcher Western Wall Southern Temple Steps Hulda Gates, Entrance gates to the Temple

The Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea Maritima and eventually sailed to Rome from this port, taking with him the Gospel message that would reach the world.  Explore the wonders of the past once built along these shores by King Herod, a great builder of the ancient world. Possible Sites: Caesarea Maritima Via Maris – “the Way of the Sea”

The Judean Desert known as the wilderness is bordered by mountains in the west and the Dead Sea to the east and is drastically different than the Galilee region. The desert has provided a refuge and hiding place, solitude and isolation to many including David as he fled from Saul and is the backdrop for many of the psalms he penned. It was here in the wilderness that Jesus fasted for 40 days, and John the Baptist lived and began his ministry. You will travel on to Masada, float in the mineral rich water of the Dead Sea and visit the excavation site of the Qumran caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Possible Sites: ‍ Masada Dead Sea Qumran

In the time of the Judges and the Kings, the Valley of Elah formed the border between the Israelite cities in the Judean mountains and the Philistines in the plain. The young shepherd David began his military career in the Valley of Elah, by defeating the Philistine champion Goliath with a well-aimed stone from a slingshot. Here in this valley Goliath met his match!

The Passion Holy Land Experience is coming to a close but we pray you are heading home with a full heart, a new nearness to Jesus, and a deep appreciation for the unchanging and powerful Word of God.

on the journey

Additional info.

The Passion Holy Land Tour is open to everyone! You are not required to be a US citizen to register.

Registration for the Tour is done entirely online. You can register here .

A valid passport through September 23, 2023, with at least one blank page is required to participate in the Holy Land Tour. There are no exceptions to this policy as it is required by the Israeli government. Although there is not a minimum requirement required by the Embassy of Israel, airlines may decline boarding if a traveler has less than six months validity on his or her passport. A travel visa is not required. To read more about traveling to Israel, please click here .

Registration pricing is based on 2 people per room / double occupancy. If you are traveling alone, you will have the option to book your own room at a higher package price or be placed with a roommate at no additional cost.

The Passion Holy Land Tour will take place from March 6, 2023, through March 13, 2023. In order to arrive in Israel in time for the start of the tour group flights will depart on March 5, 2023. You will be in-country from March 6 through March 13. Group flights will depart after 1:00a on March 13.

A $150 deposit is due at the time of registration for Standard and Deluxe Land Only packages. If you are adding flights to your registration package, an additional deposit of $150 is due at the time of registration. There are a few other add-on opportunities, depending on which package you decide, on that also require deposits.

We require that 50% of your balance be paid by October 22, 2022. The balance must be paid in full by January 6, 2023, which is 60 days prior to departure. You are welcome to make payments at any time through your user account. The credit card used for your deposit payment will be charged automatically on the dates provided if the correct amount is not received by 11:59p EST on each of the days listed in the payment schedule. Please note that all payments made are nonrefundable.

Air-conditioned transportation will be available by bus to and from the airport, hotels, and sites. The Standard package includes transportation by deluxe coach. The Deluxe package includes transportation by VIP luxury coach. You will have access to free Wi-Fi on most buses. Please note that not all tour buses will be equipped with restrooms. We will stop throughout the tour for restroom breaks, but it is possible to go a few hours without access to a restroom.

You can request your roommate at the time of registration or later through your registration account. Please keep in mind that requests can only be guaranteed when registrations are booked together as a 2 guest registration. For additional questions and requests, please contact us here .

The Passion Holy Land Tour is recommended for adults age 18 and older. Please keep in mind that registration pricing for minors is the same as adults and a signed letter of consent will be required. Please also note that children younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. The content, travel, schedule, and groups are best suited for high school students or older.

Once you complete your registration, you will be asked to claim your Passion Holy Land user account from RegFox. You will be able to make payments at any time through your account, as well as update your personal information.

Travel insurance is not required but is strongly recommended. We encourage you to consider travel insurance to cover any unexpected costs incurred before or during your trip. A travel insurance plan can help to protect your trip investment with coverages related to flight delays, travel injuries and illnesses, unpredictable weather, lost or delayed baggage, and more. To read about the benefits and see the purchase options, click  here .

If you want to book your package requesting a roommate and you don’t know the name of your companion, you can leave that selection blank. If you want to book a 2 guest package and you do not know the name of your companion, please contact us here .

The Passion Holy Land Tour is designed to deepen your faith as you experience the land of the Bible. We will have very full days that can consist of up to 2-3 miles of walking per day. The schedule doesn’t provide for much flexibility, as we want to make the most of our time together. Because of this, we recommend that you wait to bring your children until they are in high school for the best experience possible.

Check payments are not accepted for the Holy Land Tour. Payments can be made anytime through your user account. Please contact us here with any further questions.

There are no specific immunizations or medications that are recommended or required for travel to Israel, but you are welcome to connect with your primary care physician regarding their recommendations for you individually. Please keep in mind that you can buy the equivalent of most standard over-the-counter medicines in Israel.

We would also encourage you to inform your health insurance provider that you will be traveling out of the country and to determine your coverage and medical care options while in Israel.

Lodging is based on double occupancy, the rate to register as a single guest is higher because you will receive your own room. If you would like to be placed with a roommate, you can indicate this preference on the registration form.

You do not have to live in the United States in order to join the Tour. If you are joining us from outside of the United States, you will need to purchase your own flights as our offered flight itineraries only include domestic departures from the United States. Please plan to arrive in Tel Aviv on March 6 by 6p so that you can join the group for travel from the airport. Your departure flight should be on March 13 from Tel Aviv at any time after 2:00a.

Yes, you can switch your package type once you register as long as space permits in the Tour. Please note that once you switch your package type, you may not be able to switch back should you change your mind. Please contact us here if you would like to make changes to your reservation.

It is not required to present a negative COVID-19 test result for entry and Israel does not require COVID-19 vaccinations for entry.

Yes, you can add a roommate to your registration, which would lower your overall cost. You can add your roommate through your user account. Any rooming and roommate changes must be made by January 1, 2023.

The Passion Holy Land Tour is designed as a journey, so the best experience for you will be to stay for the whole time. However, we do understand the possibility of needing to adjust your schedule. Please note that if you arrive late or leave early, we will not be able to assist with ground transportation to and from the airport. We are also unable to offer partial discounts based on an abbreviated tour schedule should you need to arrive late or leave early. Please contact us directly for more information.

All deposits and other payments made are non-refundable. However, for registrations of two or more deposits and payments are transferrable for a $100 fee for the first guest in your group, and a $50 fee for the second and third guests in your group. If you have any questions regarding your registration, please contact us here .

We will provide a list of recommended items to all trip participants before March. We recommend wearing long pants and bringing a jacket each day, as some holy sites will have stricter clothing requirements (arms and legs covered). Please plan to bring comfortable shoes or sneakers, as there will be a lot of walking.

We believe that you’ll have the best experience if you plan to participate in each of the planned activities with your group. However, if you prefer to schedule an alternate activity at some point during the trip, you are welcome to do so. Please keep in mind that transportation and other accommodations will be your responsibility if you choose to divert from the group.

While in the Holy Land we will be divided into multiple Passion Holy Land touring groups for the duration of the tour. All groups will have the same experience. These groups are generally based on inbound flight arrival times. If you are organizing your own flights, we recommend selecting flights with similar arrival times as your friends. We will do our best to honor all group placement requests, but it is not guaranteed that we will be able to place you in the same group should you arrive at a different time.

The best way to ensure that you and your friends will be placed in the same touring group is to sign up under one reservation with the same package type and flight selection. Participants must have the same package type in order to be in the same group.

We expect daily temperatures in March to range from 60-70°F. Please note that several sites are located outside with full exposure to the sun, so we recommend bringing sunscreen.

Because we will have attendees joining us from all over the United States, we will not be hosting predeparture meetings. We will provide all attendees with helpful scriptures and resources in the months leading up to the trip to help prepare for our time together in the Holy Land.

Most activities will include walking so participants will be walking approximately 2-3 miles per day. We would recommend wearing comfortable shoes or sneakers each day. Most walks will be lightly to moderately strenuous and there will be breaks throughout the day as you travel to and from sites.

Please plan to arrive in Tel Aviv on March 6 by 6p so that you can join the group for travel from the airport. Your departure flight should be on March 13 from Tel Aviv at any time after 2:00a.

While Israel is a very safe country to visit and tour, your safety is a top priority. We take all necessary safety precautions, including remaining in contact with local law enforcement throughout the trip. Please visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for all current information on traveling to Israel.

Israel Standard Time (IST) is the standard time zone in Israel. It is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Tap water is safe to drink in Israel, but bottled water will also be available.

Yes, you will have access to free Wi-Fi on the buses and in some hotels. Many cafes and restaurants also offer complementary Wi-Fi. Some hotels will have Wi-Fi available for hotel guests at customary prices.

Please check with your phone service provider to determine if you will need to purchase an International plan to use your phone in country. You can also find international plan information online for AT&T , T-Mobile , and Verizon .

You can use your debit or credit card to obtain shekels at ATMs throughout Israel. You can also use American Express, MasterCard and Visa cards at most Israeli hotels, restaurants and stores.

Almost all hotel rooms are equipped with hairdryers, and all have shaver sockets. For other appliances, Israel's electricity is 220V A/C, single phase 50-cycles; 110V-220V transformers can be used. Israeli outlets have three prongs, but European two-prong adapters usually work. Please click here for an option found on Amazon.

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Gap Year Holy Land / Caribbean

Program Overview

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Look beyond the stories you see on the news in this Gap Year mission trip. More than ancient history, learn what life looks like for people who call the Holy Land home today! As you engage with Muslim, Christian and Jewish neighbors, your faith will be challenged and impacted in unexpected ways. You'll make your home in the town where Jesus was born and lean into hard conversations about politics, religion, injustice, and peace.

After your 3-month mission trip to the Middle East, you'll come home for the holidays for a short break before starting 6-months of life in the Caribbean. But this isn't a beach vacation. You'll experience real, everyday challenges. A slower pace of life will compel you to reflect and grow as you serve in practical ways. Come with an open heart to listen and learn from each person you meet. You'll never look at the world the same way again.

This Gap Year combines 2 distinct IMMERSION terms into one, year-long experience: 3-Month Holy Land and 6-Month Caribbean / Latin America .

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IMMERSION FAQ

Top questions.

What will it cost me? The cost of the Holy Land-Caribbean GAP YEAR program in 2023-2024 is $17,600—and we've seen over and over again how God can provide or far exceed the amount people need to go. Feeling overwhelmed? Stop now and read a few success stories from IMMERSION team members who had no idea where the money would come from when they first started this journey. We promise we'll be there to encourage and motivate you along the way, too.

Is there any training before I go? Each IMMERSION trip begins with a time of training, team building, and personal reflection. EM's IMMERSION staff will share stories from the field, challenge your faith in new ways, and help you learn how to build healthy cross-cultural relationships.

After several days of training, you'll hop on a plane with your fellow adventurers and engage in a short on-the-field orientation to learn more about culture, safety, and the schedule for the weeks ahead.

All Gap Year trip legs (2 for each trip) end with a two-day debrief, which provides a valuable reflection and re-entry time as you ask “What's Next?” after IMMERSION.

How can I communicate back home? We encourage you to pack your cell phone or other small, wifi-enabled device. Often, just turning off cellular data and connecting to a local hot-spot is the best way to stay in touch with friends and family. In some IMMERSION locations, you'll be totally off the grid for weeks at a time. In other locations, you can get online daily. During your interview, please ask our staff about expectations for each country so you can be prepared!

Will EM provide a detailed packing list? We'll help you fit your entire life inside a backpack! It's one of the most freeing, humbling experiences to realize you can live with so little. Check out a country-specific packing list in your Mission Center when you start the application process.

Will I be required to get the Covid-19 vaccine to join IMMERSION? The Covid-19 vaccine is not currently required by Experience Mission to participate in the IMMERSION program, but it is required for entry into a small number of IMMERSION countries (including entry into the United States for non-U.S. citizens for training and debrief). Fill out an Interest Form to learn more about our Covid guidelines for upcoming trips.

What is included in the cost of the trip? Are there extra costs? On our side, we try to keep IMMERSION all-inclusive so you don't have to worry about any hidden fees or big, unexpected costs! All your essentials (airfare, food, housing, staffing, training) are covered once you arrive in Fort Wayne, Indiana—but plan a little extra for immunizations, travel to training, travel home after debrief, or a new passport if you need one. We also recommend a small stash of spending money in case you need shampoo, snacks or souvenirs along the way. But this amount is minimal and totally up to you. Experience Mission also requires all team members to travel with a Personal Emergency Fund —a debit or credit card with $1,000-$1,500 available and $300 of reserve cash in case you were to have a medical issue or reason to travel home unexpectedly. This amount may seem high, but it's purely a precaution. Most team members never spend a penny of their emergency fund while on the trip.

Is the $1000 deposit for Gap Year trips refundable? Once you commit to a trip, we're counting on you. We don't offer refunds, but we'll do our best to be flexible and work with you to transfer the funds to a different trip whenever possible. You can read more in our Payment & Refund Policy document.

I'm worried about fundraising. What have other team members done in the past? Once you're all-in, we're committed to helping you go. Over and over again, we've seen people roll up their sleeves and get creative. We've also seen God show up miraculously when team members had no idea how they'd raise enough. We provide a few helpful things to support you in the process:

• Our IMMERSION Fundraising Guide with creative ideas and practical resources to get you started.
• A free, online Fundraising Profile which allows you to easily collect donations, share your story on social media and post updates about your progress. There are no fees and all donations are tax-deductible for your donors.

Can I get college credit for participating in the program? We're happy to write a letter to your Academic Advisor or sign-off on paperwork for your professor. Every college and university has different requirements for obtaining course credit, so it's up to you to do the research and make sure the IMMERSION program fits your school's expectations. But it's definitely possible! We've seen team members get approved for: foreign language, internships, study abroad, independent studies, or elective credits.

Communication

How often will I be able to communicate with home? We encourage you to pack your cell phone or other small, wifi-enabled device. Often, turning off cellular data and connecting to a local hot-spot is the best way to stay in touch with friends and family. In some IMMERSION locations, you’ll be totally off the grid for weeks at a time. In other locations, you can get online daily. During your interview, please ask our staff about expectations for each country so you can be prepared!

What if I have a personal emergency and need to talk with someone at home? In all things, we’re there to support you. If you have a personal emergency, our staff will allow you to use the official EM phone with an international calling or data plan. In most locations, communication is fast and easy, but in some locations it can be slow or very expensive to make a call back to the U.S. During your interview, ask our staff more about communication limitations or how we get in touch when there is an emergency.

What can I expect from the application process? We hope joining an IMMERSION team feels like an exciting, relational process. In our eyes, it’s a two way street—us getting to know you but also you learning more about Experience Mission. You don’t have to be 100% committed to fill out an interest form , submit your application or even schedule a video interview. During your face-to-face video call with our staff, we hope you’ll feel free to be yourself, ask lots of questions, and figure out if this is the right fit for you. Once you’re accepted onto a team, it’s up to you to say YES and begin fundraising using the free fundraising profile , making this adventurous idea become a reality.

How do I know if I fit the requirements for this team? We’re not looking for perfect people, but simply individuals who want to challenge themselves as they serve others. IMMERSION as a program for young adults (ages 18-30) pursuing Jesus with a desire to grow in their faith. We look for people who can embrace a rugged lifestyle, respect cultural differences, build healthy relationships with teammates and locals, thrive away from home, and are in good physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note: Holy Land IMMERSION team members must be 21-30 years old and have previous international travel experience.

How many people will be on my team? We’re expecting you to make some lifelong friends on IMMERSION! Each team is made up of 5-15 people who will know the good, bad and ugly about you. You’ll sweat and serve and share so much life together across countless miles. We can’t wait for you to meet each other.

Trip Philosophy

Will this program help me grow spiritually? We hope you’ll look back on your IMMERSION term as a time of meaningful exploration and growth! In fact, we hope you’re never the same. We hope your faith becomes more personal, deep and bold as you seek to live your mission on the trip but also once you get home. From personal experience, we know there is something incredibly powerful about leaving behind the familiar and serving others with our everyday lives.

What’s the impact of IMMERSION? How do I know I’m part of something meaningful? Throughout the term, you'll have the opportunity to connect with a variety of local partners who already have a vision to reach their community. EM typically works alongside churches, missionaries, schools or non-profits in the community with the goal of cheering them on in their long-term work. We desire to encourage our local partners in the work they are already doing instead of taking over or coming in with our own agenda.

What will my daily schedule look like? Each day brings something new and gives you the chance to share Christ’s love through everyday life moments! Most ministries are relationally focused, but there may also be opportunities for hands-on work projects such as painting schools, digging outhouses, or helping with agricultural projects. Our hope is that you’ll find opportunities to serve whether you’re leading VBS with your teammates, tutoring at a local school, attending church, participating in a Bible study, working in your host family's field, doing laundry in the river, going to the market, playing soccer, carrying water from the spring, or preparing meals with your host mom.

How will EM choose my host families? Our local partners help us identify trusted host families in each community. Host families are eager to have team members in their homes, but they are usually just as nervous as you are! Remember that this is a cross-cultural experience for them, too. Typically, we divide team members into pairs for homestays and families are within a short distance of one another, giving you the chance to see teammates around the community and serve together in a variety of ways.

Will I be able to share the Gospel? EM strives to share the message of Jesus in a way that is highly relational and respects each person's story and journey. Delivering this message of hope drives everything that we do, but we think it's especially important to partner with local people who can continue the process of growth and discipleship. Often, we’ve found the best moments to share your faith don’t happen in a scheduled program, but in the midst of a real person-to-person conversation. These are the kinds of meaningful moments we try to facilitate on the trip. If you’re interested, read more about How We Share the Gospel.

Is EM part of a specific religion or church denomination? Experience Mission is a Christian organization, although we aren't connected to any one church or denomination. Our staff members all have a personal faith in Jesus and come from a variety of church traditions and denominations. Our Statement of Faith in the About Us section of our website seeks to unite us, not divide us, in ministry.

Travel & Safety

Do I need a passport or visa? International travel 101: You definitely need a passport! If a visa is needed for your trip, the EM staff will guide you through the process of applying for one after you join the team. Regarding visa costs, you can count on us to cover any visa fees as part of the trip! But if you don't have a passport yet, you’ll want to start applying for one now. The good news is, it won’t expire for 10 years so you can plan lots of trips after IMMERSION!

When will I get a trip itinerary? We’ll send you an itinerary, including all flight information, approximately one month before the start of your trip. But you’ll also receive a lot of details during pre-trip conference calls or by interacting with teammates and our staff on your team’s Facebook group! These will start 3-4 months before the beginning to your trip.

What if there is an emergency that affects the entire team? What will we do? Your team leader, local community partners, and international staff are equipped to support you if there is an issue (i.e. natural disaster, political unrest, increased crime, etc.) while living abroad. If your team were to need to leave the country, each of you would be responsible to use your “Personal Emergency Fund”—a debit or credit card with $1,000-$1,500 available and $300 of reserve cash in case you were to have a medical issue or reason to travel home unexpectedly—to rearrange travel plans, but our staff would be available to guide you. EM encourages team members to purchase Travelers Insurance and offers provider recommendations once you join the team. We also take extra precautions by enrolling our teams in STEP (Safe Traveler Enrollment Program) through the U.S. Department of State. This means we will receive any urgent travel updates for U.S. citizens in the region where you are living and serving.

Should I purchase Travelers Insurance? Experience Mission requires all team members to travel with “Personal Emergency Fund”—a debit or credit card with $1,000-$1,500 available and $300 of reserve cash in case you were to have a medical issue or reason to travel home unexpectedly. This amount may seem high, but it’s purely a precaution. Most team members never spend a penny of their emergency fund while on the trip. Although Travelers Insurance isn’t required, we highly recommend it because it may help you recoup some costs if you did have an issue. We make a recommendation for one provider in your Mission Center who offers rates as low as 40 cents per day, so the cost is minimal.

If my parents need to get ahold of me, how can they reach me? Our office has a 24-hour line that is available to parents if they have an emergency at home and can’t communicate with you directly. 30 days before your trip, we’ll send your parents more information about how and when to use this line! We hope it gives them some peace of mind to know our staff is here to help if an emergency arises.

Who Will You Become?

We are passionate about seeing people make missions a lifestyle, not just a one-week or six-month experience. IMMERSION gives young adults the chance to go, but also the challenge to come back and make a difference in their home context. We’re proud of the growing group of IMMERSION past team members who are choosing to live boldly. As you consider joining an IMMERSION team, ask yourself, “Who will I become?"

“Experience Mission has become a second family to me; a home away from home. Like so many of us, I was looking for meaning, purpose, and a chance to grow like I couldn't on my own. IMMERSION gives you the opportunity to expand your cultural perspective, expound on your ideologies, and experience the freedom of living outside your comfort zone. But most importantly, it gives you the opportunity to love people across cultural boundaries and in new ways.

I came on IMMERSION hoping to make some big life decisions. But instead, I got confusion. The beautiful thing is, it left me more open to what God wanted for me instead of what I wanted. Starting this fall, I will be attending a Bible college and pursuing a career in ministry! It started with a click of a button. Requesting information about the IMMERSION program.”

“Simply put, my IMMERSION experience changed my life. It may not have changed my career goals, or any other big plan for my life, but it did more. It changed how I think about every person that I meet. It changed how I appreciate every culture and every experience that makes up each of our lives. It made me more resourceful, more giving, more selfless, and all around more loving towards God's people and the world He has placed us in.

These days I 'live my mission' teaching high school. Every day I learn a new piece of information about my students. I have students who are homeless, pregnant at 15, have had parents die or abandon them; students who are unloved. This too is a poverty of sorts, in many ways more devastating to me than what we experienced on the trip because the love we received from the communities seemed to out-shine anything else. IMMERSION opened my eyes to my students' joys and needs and pains, and opened my ears to hear their stories. My daily thoughts and actions have been impacted by the trip, and from this I know that my heart has been forever changed as well.”

Fundraising Help

Worried about the raising the money to go? Don’t let it stop you from taking a journey that can radically impact your faith and purpose in the world.

Over and over, we’ve seen team members roll up their sleeves and get creative with fundraising. We’ve also seen God show up miraculously when team members had no idea how they’d meet their goal. And we know you can do it, too!

EM provide's helpful tools to support you in the process, including: EM's IMMERSION Fundraising Guide wIth creative ideas and resources to get you started!

IMMERSION Fundraising Profiles which you can customize to share your story and easily collect donations.

For Parents

As a parent of someone considering the IMMERSION program we know you may have questions, so we've tried to answer a few of them here. Although team members are over 18 and will be treated as adults, your support and input are so valuable as they make plans. So, thank you for cheering them on!

Many of these details (and more) will be discussed with team members during the application process and pre-trip conference calls or are already listed as accessible resources for all applicants. If you feel like you have a lot of unanswered questions, we encourage you to talk with team members and review the available information together to help you feel more in the loop.

About Experience Mission

Is EM part of a specific religion or church denomination? Experience Mission is a Christian organization, although we aren't connected with any one church or denomination. Our staff members all have a personal faith in Jesus and come from a variety of church traditions and denominations. Our Statement of Faith seeks to unite us, not divide us, in ministry.

But I've never heard of Experience Mission. Yeah, we know! As a relatively young organization (founded in 2003) our name is still new to many. Although we're continually developing partnerships with Christian conferences, universities, and denominations, much of our marketing efforts are focused on word of mouth and getting opportunities in front of people online. We trust the right volunteers and partners will find us and share our desire to be people of hope in a broken world. You can read Our Story for more details about how and why we got started!

How do I know EM is a credible organization? Experience Mission will have over 4,000 short-term (1-2 week) volunteers serve with us this year and over 120 IMMERSION team members! We're proud of our growing network of church leaders and young adults all over the world. Throughout the interview process, we are happy to provide applicants with references if they'd like to talk directly with team members who have been a part of IMMERSION in the past. Our alumni network is thriving and many are eager to share their experience!

Are donations toward this trip tax-deductible? Since EM is a 501c3 non-profit, any donations made through the EM website or any checks mailed to the EM office are tax deductible. All donors receive receipts for tax purposes outlining their contributions.

• Fundraising Coach to cheer team members on, give a pep-talk if they feel discouraged, and help them stay on schedule.
• EM's Fundraising Guide with creative ideas and practical resources to get team members started.
• Online Fundraising Profile which allows team members to easily collect donations, share their story on social media, and post updates about their progress. There are no fees and all donations are tax-deductible for donors.

What is EM's refund policy? Once team members commit to a trip, we're counting on them. Due to the long-term logistics that are set in motion when team members join a team, we aren't able to offer refunds, but we do our best to be flexible and work with team members to transfer their funds to a different trip whenever possible. Team members can also read more about our Payment & Refund Policy by signing in to their MyMission account.

What happens if EM cancels a trip? If a trip is canceled by Experience Mission because of the minimum team size not being met, safety concerns in the community, natural disaster, or another issue, we will provide the team member with other options during the same timeframe and transfer any available funds to the new trip. If a team member cannot find a location that interests them during the same timeframe, they will be offered a credit to be used toward a future IMMERSION trip within 24-months of the original start date.

How long has EM been working in these communities and do they work with trusted partners? Depending on the specific location, EM has been working in a community anywhere from 1-15 years. We work with local people who are often pastors, non-profit managers, missionaries, school teachers, or indigenous leaders. These local leaders work closely with our full-time staff and the IMMERSION team leader to identify host families, select ministry sites, place volunteers in classrooms, navigate cross-cultural barriers, and determine safety guidelines. We couldn't and wouldn't do ministry without our local partners!

How reliable is communication and how often should we expect to be able to connect with team members? As a general rule, we typically tell team members to expect to have access to the internet every other week. However, it could be more or less often depending on the exact location. Team members should ask about this during the application and interview process in order to set good expectations for their specific trip. In some IMMERSION locations, team members will be completely off the grid for weeks at a time. In other locations, they may be able to get online daily.

Will I receive updates from EM throughout the trip? In regards to travel, we encourage you to go by the mantra that "no news is good news." Our staff will be in communication with the team and inform you if there is an emergency, but otherwise, you will not receive updates about delays, flight changes, arrival times, etc. We ask all team members to keep friends and family in the loop, but please know that in some locations their updates to you may not be immediate or frequent. We encourage all family and friends to "Like" EM on Facebook and keep an eye out for posts on the IMMERSION Blog as a way of receiving periodic updates throughout the trip!

What happens if there is an emergency at home and I can't communicate with a team member directly? Our office has a 24-hour line that is available to parents if there is an emergency at home and the family can't communicate with a team member directly. In this case, our staff would help relay a message and support the team member in whatever way possible. 30 days before the trip, the official emergency contact will receive more information about how and when to use this line! We hope it gives you some peace of mind to know our staff is available to you as a resource if there is an emergency.

Can I visit my son or daughter while they're on IMMERSION? Over the years, we've seen how visits from family members in the middle of IMMERSION can create distractions (or extra homesickness) for both team members and teammates. Additionally, it can be a logistical challenge for families to arrange transportation or housing in remote communities, creating a burden for our partners or host families. For this reason, we ask parents and other family members to refrain from planning to visit team members during the trip unless Experience Mission staff has given special permission ahead of time.

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How to join an IMMERSION team

Fill Out an Interest Form / Apply Now

Choose the program and trip dates you are most interested in—no commitment necessary. After you submit your interest form or application, a member of our staff will connect with you to answer questions and help you determine if IMMERSION is right for you.

Complete a Video Interview

Once you complete your application, connect over Zoom for a video interview so we can learn more about you and why you want to join an upcoming program. If IMMERSION is a good fit for you, we will check your references and offer you a spot on the team.

Serve & learn as part a cross-cultural IMMERSION team!

Your 1-9 month experience—organized by EM and local partners and led by a dedicated team leader—will seek to bring encouragement and light to people in difficult circumstances as you learn more about who God is, his heart for people across the globe, and your place in this world.

Fill Out an Interest Form

Is IMMERSION right for you?

Take our 10-question quiz to find out if you’re ready for an experience like IMMERSION!

Take the Quiz

You must have a group size of at least 6 members to join this trip. Please view the Small Team trips or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414 .

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New Jerusalem, a Russian replica of the Holy Land

Victoria Derzhavina

Travel tips for central region.

If you go 40 km to the north-west from Moscow , you will find yourself in a small town called  Istra . The main landmark here is the Resurrection Monastery , created in the 17th century as a Russian replica of the Holy Land and called New Jerusalem . It is not only a holy place for the Christian pilgrims, but it is also historically interesting and aesthetically beautiful. Visiting New Jerusalem in Moscow Region, you can do the same things that the pilgrims usually do in Israel: bathe in the Jordan River, walk around the Garden of Gethsemane, climb up the Mount Tabor, enter the Resurrection Cathedral, which is a replica of Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Patriarch Nikon’s dream

The Resurrection Monastery was founded by Patriarch Nikon in 1656. At that time, the Holy Land was occupied by the Ottoman Empire and visiting it was dangerous. Nikon had a dream to create the Russian Palestine. The landscape near Istra reminded that of Palestine, and the hills, parks and river were renamed according to the Bible. The cypress model of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre brought by Jerusalem Patriarch Paisius served as an example during the construction process.

Replicated Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Entering through the gate of the Entrance of Our Lord into Jerusalem Church, you can enjoy the astonishing view of the Resurrection Cathedral , which is the replicated Church of the Holy Sepulchre . It includes 30 aisles. You can take a guide or follow Christ’s life on your own – see the Prison of Christ, the way to Golgotha, the Altar of the Crucifixion. The Stone of Anointing, where Jesus' body is said to have been anointed before the burial, is decorated with the rose petals on Holy Friday. The Edicule in the rotunda is like a church inside the church and symbolizes the shrine over Christ’s tomb. Downstairs, there is a well with a consecrated water "Life-giving spring".

Traditional Russian decorations

However, the decoration of the cathedral is unique. It is a  traditional Russian , and not Palestinian. The colorful tiles from the 17th century, eight meters high icons wall, rich baroque plasterworks give a festive appearance to the church.

On October 18, 1657, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich was present at the ceremony of consecration of the Resurrection Monastery , which was built as a Russian replica of the Holy Land . Seeing it from “the Mount of Olives”, he called it New Jerusalem . To get there, take a suburban train from the Rizhsky railway station (Moscow), and you'd find all the places connected to the earthly life of Christ.

The Resurrection Monastery (New Jerusalem Monastery)

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I live in Moscow. I am passionate about travelling, history, nature and architecture. I worked as a tourist guide in Moscow and other Russian cities for several years. I get inspiration visiting new places and like sharing it with others.

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