The Israel Experience  |  February 13–23, 2027

Blue Diamond Travel created The Israel Experience to make the places and stories of Scripture feel immediate and unforgettable. From the ancient streets of Jerusalem to the quiet shores of the Sea of Galilee, each day combines biblical history, worship, local culture, and time to take in the beauty of the land. Our guides, drivers, hotels, and tour team manage the details so you can be fully present for the experience.

The itinerary below is our current plan, including the optional Petra Extension. Site availability, security conditions, border operations, traffic, weather, and local requirements may change the order of activities or require substitutions.

Saturday, February 13, 2027

Your journey begins as you depart the United States for Tel Aviv on an overnight flight. Settle in, meet fellow travelers, and look forward to the days ahead as we cross the Atlantic toward the land where so much of the biblical story unfolded. Blue Diamond Travel will provide recommended travel windows and can assist with flight arrangements. Send your final itinerary to Kelly so airport transfers can be coordinated.

Sunday, February 14, 2027

Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport by 6:00 p.m., where our tour team will welcome you to Israel and help with the transfer to Jerusalem. As the city comes into view, the anticipation of the trip becomes real. We will check in at The David Citadel Hotel, located near the Old City, and gather for a welcome dinner before a restful first night in Jerusalem.

Monday, February 15, 2027

Our first full day begins with the sweeping view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. We will descend toward the Garden of Gethsemane, where ancient olive trees create a moving setting for reflection on the night Jesus prayed and was arrested. At the Israel Museum, the detailed Second Temple model helps us picture Jerusalem as it appeared in the time of Jesus. We will also visit the Upper Room, Mount Zion, and St. Peter in Gallicantu, bringing the events surrounding the Last Supper, Peter’s denial, and the final hours before the crucifixion into clearer focus. Overnight at The David Citadel Hotel.

Tuesday, February 16, 2027

Today offers a powerful blend of remembrance, archaeology, and local hospitality. At Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, we will pause to honor the lives and stories preserved there. We then step further back in time at the City of David, where archaeological discoveries reveal the earliest foundations of Jerusalem. After taking in a view of Bethlehem, we will visit Genesis Land for a warm introduction to the customs, food, and hospitality of the biblical world. Overnight at The David Citadel Hotel.

Wednesday, February 17, 2027

We begin in the peaceful garden setting of the Garden Tomb, with time for worship and reflection on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. From there, we enter the heart of the Old City to visit St. Anne’s Church, the Pools of Bethesda, Ecce Homo, and the Via Dolorosa. Walking these narrow streets gives new perspective to familiar passages of Scripture. We will explore the Jewish Quarter and end our time in the Old City at the Western Wall, where travelers may pray and leave a written prayer in the stones. Overnight at The David Citadel Hotel.

Thursday, February 18, 2027

The landscape changes dramatically as we travel into the Judean Desert. High above the Dead Sea, Masada tells an unforgettable story of courage, sacrifice, and survival. At Ein Gedi, the desert gives way to a green oasis associated with David’s flight from King Saul. We continue to Qumran, where the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls became one of the most important archaeological finds of the twentieth century. The day includes an opportunity to experience the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea before we journey north to the Galilee and settle into David’s Harp Hotel.

Friday, February 19, 2027

This day traces the teaching, ministry, and early life of Jesus. On the Mount of Beatitudes, we will reflect on the Sermon on the Mount while looking across the hills and water of Galilee. At Tabgha, we remember the feeding of the five thousand, and Nazareth Village offers an engaging look at the daily rhythms, tools, clothing, and customs of first-century life. We conclude at Yardenit, where travelers who choose to participate may be baptized in the Jordan River. Overnight at David’s Harp Hotel.

Saturday, February 20, 2027

Few moments capture the spirit of this journey like sailing across the Sea of Galilee. During our boat ride, we will worship, reflect, and imagine the disciples fishing these waters and Jesus calming the storm. We will see the remarkably preserved ancient fishing boat discovered along the shoreline, then continue to Capernaum, the center of much of Jesus’ Galilean ministry. Our final stop at Gadara recalls the dramatic Gospel account set on the eastern side of the lake. Overnight at David’s Harp Hotel.

Sunday, February 21, 2027

We begin before the day grows busy with a sunrise service overlooking the Sea of Galilee. The setting provides a quiet opportunity to worship and reflect on all we have experienced. We then travel through the Golan Heights to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter declared Jesus to be the Christ. At Tel Dan, flowing water, shaded paths, and archaeological remains reveal another side of northern Israel. We will also visit Magdala, the hometown associated with Mary Magdalene and an important center of first-century Jewish life. Overnight at David’s Harp Hotel.

Monday, February 22, 2027

Our final touring day carries us from the hills of Galilee to the Mediterranean coast. From Mount of Precipice, we look across the region where Jesus grew up and began His ministry. At Megiddo, we explore the ancient city overlooking the Valley of Armageddon. Muhraqa connects us with the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, while the impressive ruins of Caesarea reveal the grandeur of Herod’s coastal city and the world of the early church. We will share a farewell dinner and celebrate the friendships and memories made along the way. The main group then transfers to Ben Gurion Airport for an overnight return flight, while Petra Extension travelers remain at David’s Harp Hotel for one additional night.

Tuesday, February 23, 2027

Main-group flights arrive in the United States. For Petra Extension travelers, a new chapter begins as we cross into Jordan at the Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein border. We will travel through the Jordanian countryside to Mount Nebo, traditionally associated with Moses’ first view of the Promised Land. From its elevated setting, the landscape stretches toward the Jordan Valley and the hills beyond. We then continue south to Petra and settle in at the Mövenpick Resort Petra, just steps from one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites.

Wednesday, February 24, 2027

Today is devoted to the wonder of Petra. We will enter through the narrow walls of the Siq and emerge before the famous Treasury, then continue among the temples, tombs, and rose-colored facades carved into the sandstone. A horse ride may be available as part of the experience. Later, the scenery opens into the vast desert of Wadi Rum, where a jeep tour carries us among towering rock formations and wide red-sand valleys. We end the day at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba, with time to relax after an unforgettable day of exploration.

Thursday, February 25, 2027

After crossing back into Israel at the Arava border, we will visit Timna Park, known for its striking desert formations and ancient copper-mining history. The changing colors and rugged landscape provide a memorable final glimpse of southern Israel. We then travel to Ben Gurion Airport for an overnight flight to the United States, carrying home photographs, new friendships, and a deeper sense of the places we have encountered.

Friday, February 26, 2027

Petra Extension flights arrive in the United States. Although the journey has ended, the stories, places, and shared experiences of Israel and Jordan will continue to shape the way you read Scripture and remember this remarkable part of the world.

Hotel Information

The David Citadel Hotel  7 King David Street, Jerusalem 94101  |  +972 2 621 1111  |  thedavidcitadel.com

David’s Harp Hotel  Sderot Oved Ben Ami 41, Kfar Nahum  |  +972 4 376 2222  |  davidsharphotels.com/galilee

Petra Extension  Planned at the Mövenpick Resort Petra and Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba; hotels are subject to availability and confirmation.