10 Day Holy Land Tour to Israel with Taylor Halverson
Create Enduring Memories
FOR FULL TOUR INFORMATION GO TO https://exodustours.com/
Tour Highlights:
- Garden Tomb
- Jerusalem
- Bethlehem
- BYU Jerusalem Center Sabbath Experience
- Sea of Galilee
- Ancient Village Cultural Experience
- Bedouin Dinner
- Mount of Beatitudes
- Old City of Jerusalem
- Dome of the Rock
- Megiddo
- City of David
- Western Wall
- Olive Wood Shopping
- Mount of Transfiguration
- Dead Sea
- Masada
- Jesus’s Baptism site
- Hezekiah’s Tunnel
- Mount of Olives
- And much more!
Immersive scriptural learning, personalized attention and teaching from Bible scholar, Middle East expert, and Gospel teacher: Taylor Halverson
Includes: 4 or 5 star hotels with cornucopia buffet breakfasts and dinners, Whisper Headsets, luxury tour bus, local guides and drivers + their customary tips, entrance fees, airport transfers.
Bonus: Register and get access to hundreds of videos that I have carefully curated and organized to enhance your learning about the Holy Land and the Bible, valuing more than $10,000.
Day 1. Flights to Tel Aviv, Israel
Day 2. Flights arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel
Schedule your flights to arrive in Tel Aviv the afternoon or evening of Day 2. Transfers to hotel (Crown Plaza or similar). Relax at the beach or otherwise unwind. Dinner included.
Note on clothing: shorts ok today
Estimated drive time: 45 minutes
Estimated walking length: one mile
Day 3. Caesarea Maritima; Megiddo; Nazareth.
We drive north along the coast to visit the port city built by Herod the Great, Caesarea Maritima. Here Paul was imprisoned for two years (Acts 24) and from here Cornelius the Centurion left on his journey to meet Peter (Acts 10). Later as we drive north to the Jezreel valley, we’ll talk about Mt. Carmel where Elijah’s had his contest with the priests of Baal (1 Kings 18:20-40). Then we’ll visit Megiddo, or Har Megiddo (the mount of the fortress) also known as Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). This spot was one of the most crucial and strategic for the empires of the ancient world and several Israelite kings died defending this location (2 Kings 9) notably king Josiah (2 Kings 23). We’ll cross north through the valley of Jezreel for the city of Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus (Matthew 2:23). Our afternoon will be spent in a recreated ancient Nazarene village that will help us more fully experience what life was like in the time of Jesus. Hotel Sea of Galilee at Migdal (or similar).
Breakfast and dinner included.
Note on clothing: No shorts or bare shoulders at Church of the Annunciation or at Mount Tabor
Estimated drive time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Estimated walking length: 2.5 miles
Day 4. Mount Tabor; Tel Dan; Caesarea Philippi.
We’ll ascend Mt. Tabor this morning, the traditional location of Jesus’s transfiguration (Mark 9; Matthew 17). Next we’ll drive to the beautiful nature reserve of Tel Dan and see the ancient Roman road that Jesus would have walked (Matthew 16), the remains of the Israelite high place (1 Kings 12), and the Canaanite city that Abraham marched through to save the life of Lot (Genesis 14). At Caesarea Philippi, we’ll discuss the soul-expanding reasons why Jesus brought his disciples to this specific spot to ask “Who do men say that I am?” (Matthew 16). We’ll end our day at Hotel Sea of Galilee (or similar) in the town of Migdal (Matthew 15:39, the traditional hometown of Mary Magdalene, right on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Note on clothing: shorts ok today
Estimated drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Estimated walking length: 3 miles
Day 5. Mount of Beatitudes; Capernaum; Sea of Galilee; Qasr al Yahud (River Jordan baptism site); Jerusalem
We’ll begin the morning with Jesus’s Galilean ministry. We’ll find a quiet spot at the Mount of Beatitudes to study and ponder the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Then we’ll visit the home-base of Jesus’s Galilean ministry, the town of Capernaum. There will be at the likely synagogue where Jesus taught and healed (Luke 4:31). Plus we’ll see the likely home of Peter the Apostle (Luke 4:38-41), where Jesus likely stayed during His time in Capernaum (Mark 2). We’ll also discuss Jesus poignantly asking His chief disciple to “feed my sheep” (John 21:16-17). We’ll visit the Yigal Allon Centre that houses a Galilean fishing boat from the time of Jesus; and time permitting we’ll get out on a modern boat for a brief time to consider how the master stilled the storms of the seas and our hearts (Matthew 8:24). We’ll head south toward Jerusalem through the rift valley along the Jordan River. We’ll stop at Qasr al Yahud (River Jordan baptism site) to contemplate the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptism and God’s declaration “Thou art my Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). On the way up the 3500 foot climb from the Jordan River valley to Jerusalem, time permitting, we’ll stop at the beautifully austere overlook of Wadi Qelt and discuss the Good Samaritan story (Luke 10:25-37). Evening at the Grand Court hotel in Jerusalem.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Note on clothing: shorts ok today
Estimated drive time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Estimated walking length: 2 miles
Day 6. Bethlehem; City of David; Hezekiah’s Tunnel; Pool of Siloam; Mount of Olives; Garden of Gethsemane; Olive Wood shopping.
This morning we’ll cross over into Palestinian territory to visit the fabled city of Bethlehem. Jesus, the Bread of Life, was born in the city named House (Beth) of Bread (lehem). We’ll visit the traditional location of Jesus’ birth at the Church of the Nativity (Luke 2:1-7, 16-20) and then contemplate the wondrous night of His birth at the Shepherd’s Field chapel (Luke 2:8-15). In the afternoon we’ll visit the City of David, the oldest portion of Jerusalem. We learn about the Israel’s first kings and the mighty building projects they undertook, including Hezekiah’s tunnel (2 Kings 20:20), a feat of engineering completed around 701 BC so that ever flowing living water would be available to the inhabitants of Jerusalem (bring shoes you can get wet and a flashlight!). We’ll then visit the Pool of Siloam, the location where Jesus sent the blind to wash and gain his sight (John 9). This pool was also where ancient Israelite pilgrims would wash before ascending the royal road up to the Temple at Jerusalem, singing the songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). We will follow the same route, discussing what life would have been like in Jerusalem under Roman occupation during the time of Jesus. Continuing north, we head down the slope to the Kidron Valley and visit the Garden of Gethsemane (the garden of the oil press) (Matthew 26:36-56 ; Luke 22:40-46). And we’ll conclude our day from the beautiful overlook of Mount of Olives and learn of Jesus’s feelings for this beloved city (Matthew 24-25).
(Olive wood shopping in Jerusalem or Bethlehem)
Breakfast and dinner included.
Note on clothing: No shorts or bare shoulders at Church of the Nativity or Chapel of the Shepherds
Estimated drive time: 2 hours
Estimated walking length: 2.5 miles
Day 7. Dome of the Rock (if open); Temple Steps; Western Wall; Western Wall Tunnel; Via Dolorosa; Church of the Holy Sepulcher; Hezekiah’s Broad Wall
We’ll have a packed day of amazing sites and experiences today. Depending upon availability we’ll visit the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock (the third holiest spot in all of Islam, where Muhammad ascended on his nighttime heavenly journey on his trusty steed named Barak, the Arabic word for lightening). Later we’ll visit the Davidson Archaeological Center that contains the remains of the Roman destruction of the Jerusalem temple, the stairs where Jesus entered the temple (John 8) and Peter healed a lame man (Acts 3:1-9), and the spot near where Jesus was tempted to jump from the pinnacle of the temple (Matthew 4:5-7). Then on to one of the holiest spots in Judaism, the Western Wall, a remaining portion of the wall that surrounded the temple complex built by Herod the Great. Afterwards we’ll go underground, like Indian Jones, and see the amazing remains of the ancient city of Jerusalem that have been unearthed in the past several decades. Once we emerge, we’ll be near the Via Dolorosa (the Path of Pain), the Christian pilgrimage route that follows the path that, by tradition, people believe Christ followed on His way to the crucifixion (Matthew 27). We’ll discuss the final hours of Jesus’s life with a stop at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Matthew 28), the holiest spot in all of Christianity and, by tradition, the location of Jesus’s execution, burial, and resurrection. This church is a melding of various Christian traditions, being occupied and managed by these Christian groups: Roman Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Egyptian Coptic, Syriac Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and the Ethiopian Christian Church. The destruction of this church site nearly 1000 years ago is what caused European Christians to launch the crusades (aid for the cross). If time permits, we’ll visit Hezekiah’s Broad Wall from 722 BC that was built to protect northern Israelite refugees at the time of the Assyrian invasion, which resulted in the 10 Tribes being captured and lost to history. Nephi’s ancestors were likely members of those refugees and Nephi likely grew up not far from this wall.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Note on clothing: No shorts or bare shoulders at Dome of the Rock
Estimated drive time: 30 minutes
Estimated walking length: 5 miles
Day 8. Qumran; Dead Sea; Masada.
Today we’ll be back on the bus to descend into the Jordan River valley again. We’ll visit Qumran, the location of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which contain the oldest complete version of the Bible. Next we’ll experience the Dead Sea and float in the high-salt-content water. Then we’ll ascend to the top of Masada, the fortress-palace built by Herod the Great and the last refuge for Jewish zealots during the war with Rome.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Note on clothing: shorts ok today
Estimated drive time: 3 hours
Estimated walking length: 2.5 miles
Day 9. Last Supper; St. Peter in Gallicantu; Garden Tomb; other sites in Jerusalem; late night flights home.
We’ll visit the traditional location (Cenacle) of the last supper of Jesus with His disciples (John 13-17) and consider the Psalms Jesus likely sung with His disciples (Psalms 113-118). We’ll ponder the trial of Jesus at St. Peter in Gallicantu and visit the prison where He was likely held and walk the stairs that He likely climbed on His way to judgment (Matthew 26). As time permits, we’ll visit other sites in Jerusalem. We’ll then contemplate the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ in the beautifully maintained Garden Tomb (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20). Later afternoon transfers to Tel Aviv. Book flights for after 9:00 pm.
Breakfast included.
Note on clothing: shorts ok today
Estimated drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Estimated walking length: 1.5 miles
Day 10. Arrive home with incredible memories!
[If you are looking for a private tour to Israel, contact me at Taylor@ExodusTours.com]
What Are Past Guests Saying?
Check out the photos and testimonial from Marsi Walker about touring Israel and Egypt .
Taylor is an AMAZING tour guide!!
“Thus ends the best vacation ever. Taylor Halverson is an AMAZING tour guide!! If you’re ever looking for a guide to the Holy Land, call Taylor!”
Superlatives are the only way to describe Taylor
“Your 2018 India-Nepal-Bhutan trip was incredible! It far exceeded our expectations. Superlatives are the only way to describe our guest lecturer, Taylor Halverson. He was so much more than the guest lecturer as he went out of his way to make sure everything proceeded accordingly to plan. By the second day he knew the names of everyone on both buses and made it a point to spend time and get to know everyone personally. It was not uncommon for him to deliver an hour’s lecture on the history, religions or sites without any notes. It was obvious his educational background and the additional study he did to get ready for the trip benefited us all tremendously.”
Taylor is a complete delight to travel with
“I’ve just said goodbye to Taylor. How sad! I wish he [was available to] go with us on the rest of the trip [to Jordan & Egypt]. He is a miracle. He blessed my family and me in so many ways. I can’t believe what an intelligent, beautiful person he is. EVERYONE in my family was so blessed by his testimony and knowledge. His testimony and knowledge of history / scriptures / current geo politics are without peer. He explains things in very understandable ways. Lastly, he’s a complete delight to travel with. We simply couldn’t wait to see him every morning.”
Your knowledge is extraordinary
“[We] wanted to extend our fond regards and gratitude for your knowledge and professionalism on the November 2018 trip to India and Nepal. You provided memorable moments and keen insight throughout the trip and made valuable contributions with your comments, concerns, stewardship, and very welcome extra gestures. Your knowledge is extraordinary. You were under considerable stress during the trip [because of your wife’s] health concerns yet never failed to say and do the right things at every moment.”
Taylor was fantastic
“The trip was very well planned across the board. Taylor was fantastic. He was knowledgeable, accommodating to our range and variety of questions, contagiously enthusiastic and passionate, funny, and just a great person you wouldn’t mind being stuck on an island with.”
Truly the most amazing trip and experience
“Thank you for the amazing knowledge you shared with us on those eight days in Israel. It was truly the most amazing trip and experience we have had!”
A dream that was beyond expectations
“I had dreamed of going to Israel for many years. Taylor and Lisa you helped me realize a dream that was beyond expectations. Thank you for sharing your love and passion for the region and leaving me with amazing scriptural, spiritual, historical and political insights. I can’t wait for the next trip with you guys!”
You made this a fantastic trip of learning
“Taylor, you made this a fantastic trip of learning and a great beginning to understanding so much more than we ever would have dreamed possible in a weeks time! Good job and good times!!”
Your fun attitude made for a winning combination
“Taylor: Thanks to you and Lisa for making our trip a fun and wonderful learning experience for our family. Your breadth of knowledge, love for the people and the country and your fun attitude made for a winning combination. Thank you for everything.”
You made it such a success!
“We so much enjoyed our time with you and Lisa – you made it such a success!”
Incredible people and guides!
“Wow my mind is still circling with new found memories, facts and treasures. We are feeling very blessed that we had the opportunity to make such a trip with such incredible people and guides!”
Life changing experience
“We so appreciated traveling with you to Nepal, India, and Bhutan. It was a “life changing” experience.”
A great experience for our family
“Thank you, again, for all you did to create a great experience for our family.”
I will be forever grateful
“You and your family are absolutely remarkable. Your energy and enthusiasm are second to none! Your humor is impeccable and your wisdom enlightening and faith-building. My testimony compounded immensely these past two weeks and I am reeling in the knowledge and experiences I felt in my heart and soul and body. Thank you are just two words, but they are laden with love and gratitude for you. With all the sincerity of my heart, these past weeks are forever etched in my being and I will be forever grateful to you and God’s mercy and grace for the opportunity.”
It was a trip of a lifetime
“My knowledge and insights about the Holy Land and peoples expanded tenfold when I toured with Taylor & Lisa. It was a trip of a lifetime.”
Amazing tours with you
“I hope there is a chance for another of those intimate and amazing tours with you sooner than later.”
Great trip
“I have been reflecting on our great trip to the Book of Mormon lands. I want you to know that we really enjoyed the cruise and meeting you and your family!”
A delightful and lasting experience
“It has been some time since we last visited; yet our Israel experience still is the number one topic of conversation for us. Thanks again for making it such a delightful and lasting experience.”
It was a priceless experience!!
“Easter meant so much more to me this year having gone through Israel! It’s been amazing sharing the things I learned with my kids 😊. What an incredible experience it was!! Thank you again for everything you did from all the arranging and scheduling to the knowledge and examples you shared. It was a priceless experience!!”
Appreciated
“I appreciated your informed Latter-day Saint perspective on the Holy Land.”
“I really enjoyed your insight into the scriptures and how you opened them up to us with your presentations and testimony.”
Our Israel trip was unforgettable
Our Israel trip was unforgettable. It has forever changed the way we feel about and understand the Bible. Thank you for all that you did to help us learn about history and increase our testimony of the Bible!
My family and I had a wonderful time
My family and I had a wonderful time. We couldn’t have asked for more. You and Lisa are excellent at what you do.
I will treasure it forever!
Thank you Taylor for the amazing experience we had! I will treasure it forever!
Our fondest gratitude
“Our fondest gratitude for including us in your tour experience. It was such an additional pleasure to get acquainted with you and Lisa. Thanks so much!”
I loved every minute of the trip
“I loved every minute of the trip. Being around you is like drinking out of a fire hose, just so much fun and stimulating information. I may not remember a whole lot, but I know the feelings I experienced and that is enough for me.”
I will forever be changed by your teachings and thoughts
“Thank you so much for the insights, education, and spiritual feelings. I will forever be changed by your teachings and thoughts. I will never look at the religions and people of the world the same. I came to love your family and the spirit they brought to the journey. I pray that God continues to bless and protect you in your service.”
“Fond memories!”
“We would enjoy another tour with you.”
“We really enjoyed cruising with you and your family!”
“Thank you again for a wonderful trip. We enjoyed it so much.”
“Thanks Taylor for a great trip!”
“Thanks again for a wonderful trip where I felt loved AND the spirt of the Lord so often.”
“Thanks for a wonderful trip!”
“Thank you for creating a great community on the trip. Super enjoyed.”
“We sure appreciate all you have done to assist us in our journey. Your lifelong pursuit to study is a blessing to our family. We are so grateful you are willing to share.”
