Best Christian Holy Land Tours 2023

Apr 14, 2023
Travel, Israel
Geoff Kullman

Book your guide for the best Christian Holy Land tours

Whether you’re a pastor beginning to organize a group tour to the Holy Land or you’re a church small group leader researching ideas for your congregation, this travel guide is for you. We’ll show you the best Christian Holy Land tours, answer some important FAQs, and much more.

After you’ve read this travel guide, you’ll be ready to narrow down your destination options and confirm important decisions. Whether you want to follow the mission trips of the Apostle Paul, visit the seven churches of Revelation, or experience the Holy Land and Middle East, you’ll learn about some of our most popular tours and destinations.

You’ll also learn about passport and visa requirements for US citizens, which languages are spoken during the tour, and answer questions about which currency to use on the tour.

With each popular tour, we’ll give you the link to the daily itinerary and the phone number to call if you want to get the planning process started.

Christian Holy Land Foundations

Experience the passion and feel the power of the Bible as you embark on a remarkable and unforgettable adventure through the life and history of Jesus.

This 10-day Christian Foundations tour will transport you back to the days of Jesus and allow you to feel the power of his life and spirit. Your journey begins when you arrive in Israel. You will immediately feel the ancient, mystical powers surrounding the land’s architecture and design.

Your tour will start in Tel Aviv, where cobbled streets and old-world charm mix with modern-day skyscrapers and cutting-edge architecture. As soon as you step foot in Israel, travelers tell us they experience an incredible sensation of feeling “home.” Your spiritual home.

After a day in Tel Aviv, you’ll explore the ancient cities of Caesarea and Tiberias. You’ll visit the places where many of Jesus’ miracles happened, as well as numerous ancient ruins, archeological digs, and religious sites.

You’ll see Nazareth, Cana, and Capernaum, as well as Jericho, on your way to Jerusalem.

When you’re in the Old City, you’ll walk along the 2000-year-old main street known as The Cardo and head to The Western/Wailing Wall and The Temple Mount. No stop to the Old City is complete without a walk down the Via Dolorosa, where Jesus carried his cross. You can also stop for a visit at the Church of The Holy Sepulcher.

When you’re on Mount Zion, you can visit The Room of The Last Supper. In Jerusalem, the stories you’ve read for decades and the faith you’ve lived from childhood will come to life in a brand new way.

With a few days left on your trip, you’ll go to the New City of Jerusalem as well as Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, and Qumran. You’ll take a cable car up a mountain and walk around an ancient fortress built by King Herod.

Tour Details: Christian Foundations daily itinerary
Call Now: [1-855-958-6877](tel: 1-855-958-6877)

Traditions of Apostle Paul in Greece

Be immersed in Christian history, culture, and Greek cuisine, while you travel in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and follow his journey through ancient Greece visiting the sites of Corinth, Veria, and so much more.

You’ll start your tour in historic Athens. There’s so much to see that we’ll plan a few days there. Your Athens highlights include the Parthenon, the Athenian Temple of the goddess of wisdom, and the Temple of Zeus.

A few days into your Athens adventure, you’ll take a trip to Corinth, where Paul met Aquilla and Pricilla and spent 18 months working and preaching. You’ll see where Paul preached the gospel and then return to Athens for dinnertime.

Your tour will also include trips to Thessaloniki as well as Philippi, where you’ll see the Baptistery of Lydia (Paul’s first convert).

Tour Details: Traditions of Paul in Greece daily itinerary
Call Now: [1-855-958-6877](tel: 1-855-958-6877)

Apostle Paul Missions Tour

On this Tradition Tour, you will be immersed in Christian history, culture, and Greek cuisine, while you travel in the footsteps of Apostle Paul and follow his journey through ancient Greece visiting the sites of Corinth, Veria, and so much more.

Your tour will start in Athens, where you’ll experience the Acropolis and Parthenon. Consider Athens your home base for the next few days as you take daily excursions to Corinth and Thessaloniki, among other historical sites.

Also, travel to Delphi, an ancient city once called the “hub” or “naval” of the world. You’ll visit the Delphi Archeological Museum to experience its splendid collection of ancient works of art. More than that, you’ll visit the Temple of Apollo (built in the 7th century BC).

Finally, return to Athens before your departure home, where you’ll reflect on all of the new insights you’ve gained into Paul and John’s prosperous teachings.

Tour details: Apostle Paul Mission Tour daily itinerary
Call Now:[1-855-958-6577](te: 1-855-958-6577)

The Seven Churches of Revelation Tour

Begin your tour in Istanbul, Turkey, a city of timeless charm.

You’ll spend a couple of days exploring Istanbul, including the Spice Bazaar, one of the oldest (and largest) shopping complexes in the world. Be stunned by Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

On your final day in the city, you’ll hop on a boat along the waterway separating Asia and Europe. Along the way, you’ll see ancient Ottoman palaces, old architectural villas, and more.

After Istanbul, you’ll begin your journey to the seven churches, starting with Pergamum.

You’ll see the Altar of Zeus, also known as the “Throne of Satan” in Revelation. Continue to Thyatira (church two) and Smyrna (church three). The next day, you’ll visit Philadelphia, Sardis, Hierapolis, and Laodicea. Your tour will also visit Ephesus and Kusadasi before returning to Istanbul.

Tour details: The Seven Churches of Revelation Tour
Call Now: [1-855-958-6877](tel: 1-855-958-6877)

Holy Land, Jordan, and Egypt Tour

Very few people are privileged enough to experience Israel, Egypt, and Jordan all in one vacation. Tradition Tours makes that possible with this life-changing tour of the most prominent sites of the Bible.

During your 12-night adventure, you’ll always have an experienced travel consultant ready to handle all your tour needs. As you make your way around the sacred lands, the stories of the Bible will come to life.

The tour starts in Tel Aviv, a city that combines the ancient world (cobblestone streets) with the modern day (skyscrapers) before heading to the Judean capital of Caesarea and heading to Mount Carmel as well as numerous other biblical sites in Israel.

One of the many highlights of the tour is a boat ride on the Sea of Gaililee where you’ll stop to see an ancient fishing boat from the tme of Jesus.

Explore Cana and the Wedding Church, where Jesus turned water into wine. Then travel to Nazareth, where Jesus spent most of his life on earth.

Of course, you’ll spend a couple of days in Jerusalem, both the Old City and New, as well as Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus. We include the Dead Sea and Qumran (location of the Dead Sea Scrolls).

Expereince Petra, an unbelievable ancient city carved into the mountains. Marvel as we explore the treasury, a Nabatean king’s tomb, obelisks and so much more! You’ll see many amazing sights on this tour, but Petra may well be your favorite.

From Mount Nebo, you’ll see the vantage point from which Moses viewed the promised land.

You’ll head to Cairo where you’ll see the Egyptian Museum, home to the treasures of Tutankhamen’s tomb, including his marvelous gold mask as well as thousands of other ancient Egyptian relics.

You’ll see the Nile River and experience enough adventures and have enough stories to last a lifetime.

Tour details: Holy Land, Jordan, Egypt Tour itinerary
Call Now: [1-855-958-6877](tel: 1-855-958-6877)

Holy Land Tour FAQ

Passport and visa requirements for US citizens

General Requirements: According to the State Department, US citizens traveling internationally must have passports that are valid for at least 6 months past the date you return to the USA.

Country-Specific Requirements: Some of our tour destinations that do not require a visa or border fees for US Passport holders include:
✓ Greece
✓ Israel
✓ Italy

Some of our tour destinations that do require a visa include:
✓ Greece
✓ Jordan

Countires not listed above may have additional visa or border fee requirements. Give us a call if you need any help sorting through the passport requirements. [1-855-958-6877](tel: 1-855-958-6877).

What languages are spoken during the tour?

Lanuages spoken in Israel.

While Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages of Israel, English is spoken (or understood) by much, if not most, of the population. \

Languages spoken in Egypt.

Many Egyptians are fluent in both Arabic and English, especially if they are educated. Many also speak French.

Languages spoken in Jordan.

While Arabic is the official language of the country, English is spoken by many people, especially in the cities. Many Jordanians have travelled or were educated abroad, so they may also speak French, German, Italian, or Spanish.

Languages spoken in Greece.

While the official language of Greece is Greek, much of the population also speaks English.

Languages spoken in Turkey.

Turkish is the native language of most of the population of Turkey, while much of the population also speaks various dialects. Many people will also speak or understand English, but perhaps not as much as the other countries you may visit.

Of course, if you have any questions or concerns about the languages spoken in the countries you plan to visit, please call Tradition Tours. [1-855-958-6877](tel: 1-855-958-6877).

What currency to use on the tour?

Currencies used in Israel.

The official currency of Israel is the NIS (New Israel Shekel). Most local businesses will not accept US Dollars in Israel, so it’s best to bring the local currency along with you. Ask your local bank if they’re able to order NIS a few weeks before your journey.

Currencies used in Egypt.

The Egyptian Pound is the official currency of Egypt. In many cases, locals may accept US Dollars, but you will tend to overpay if you use non-local currency.

Currencies used in Jordan.

The Jordanian Dinar has long been one of the world’s strongest currencies. Foreign currencies are generally not accepted in Jordan and it is primarily a cash society. Again, ask your local bank numerous weeks before you travel if they’re able to order Dinar.

Currencies used in Greece.

The official currency of Greece is the Euro. Do not bring US Dollars as most businesses will only accept the local currency (Euros).

Currencies used in Turkey.

The official currency of Turkey is the Lira. You can use Euros in Turkey, however many vendors may quote a higher price is not in Lira. Many ATMs are available in Turkey that can dispense Liras at a responsible exchange rate.

As always, if you have any questions about best practices or how to plan for currencies across multiple countries, please give us a call. [1-855-958-6877](tel: 1-855-958-6877).

Call us at Tradition Tours to talk about your Holy Land tour.

Call today - 1 855 958 6877

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Geoff Kullman

Geoff Kullman is a freelance copywriter and former pastor. Geoff traveled to the Middle East (and Holy Land) in 2007 and has been an avid researcher and writer of history and archeology since. He has traveled to 5 continents and loves learning about the world's cultures.

Best Times of the Year to Tour the Holy Land

Table of Contents:

Best Time for Sightseeing & Pilgrimage of the Holy Land
a. Spring (March to May)
b. Autumn (September to November)
Less Popular Time for Sightseeing & Pilgrimage of the Holy Land
The Least Desirable Season for Traveling to the Holy Land
Fitness & Safety Considerations

Best Time for Sightseeing & Pilgrimage

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)

The temperatures tend to be mild, pleasant, and mostly dry during these times of the year. Of course, that also means that these are peak tourist seasons so prices may be higher.

Religious holidays, such as Easter, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, attract large numbers of pilgrims to Israel during this time. Mild temperatures also make these seasons optimal time to try hiking and biking in Israel.

It’s also the perfect time to explore Israel’s neighboring countries with a mini-tour of Jordan and Egypt. If you want to add such extras, call us, and we’ll help you build them into your trip. 1-855-958-6877.

To learn more about calculating how much to plan on spending for a Holy Land trip, read our article titled: How Much Does a Trip to the Holy Land Cost?

Spring (March to May)

Springtime in Israel is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Many people incorporate the holidays of Passover and Shavuot into a Holy Land pilgrimage. Passover is the Jewish holiday commemorating the exodus of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. And Shavuot, also called the Feast of Weeks, is celebrated seven weeks after Passover commemorating the first fruits of the harvest and the giving of the Torah.

While it can be an unforgettable experience, we do not recommend traveling to the Holy Land during these holidays. In general, the rates are much higher, and many hotels require a minimum 5-night stay, which will impact your overall tour schedule and destination plan. Additionally, many businesses and tourist stops can be shut down due to the national holidays.

Other than during these important holidays, hotel and flight prices are comparatively moderate. Call us today to discuss which time of year fits your schedule and plan the best. 1-855-958-6877.

Autumn (September - November)

Just like Spring, there are religious holidays in Autumn to be aware of as well. If you’re so inclined, you can also incorporate these holidays into a Holy Land pilgrimage.

Rosh Hashana celebrates (rather than dreads) the day of judgment. Similarly, Yom Kippur celebrates the Day of Atonement.

Sukkot, Shemini Alzeret, and Simchat Torah celebrate and reflect on the importance and thankfulness of God and the Torah.

If you travel to Israel during these holidays, your hotel and flights may be more expensive, but if you can avoid the dates, the prices during Autumn can be quite moderate. As with the Spring holidays, we do not recommend traveling to the Holy Land during these holidays unless it’s an absolute must.

Less Popular Time for Sightseeing & Pilgrimage

As with much of the world, the winter months (December to February) tend to be less popular and appealing to people. For some groups and individuals, this can be a good time to travel as the weather is cooler, and there is less risk of rain. Of course, there’s always the allure of Christmas in Bethlehem, but that trip can become quite expensive. Worthwhile if it’s a priority and important to you and your faith, but otherwise, Bethelem and the area are best enjoyed in other seasons.

The winter also has colder temperatures and higher rainfall. The benefit is that this time of year (winter) can offer lower prices for travelers on a budget.

Summer Is a Less Desirable Season for Traveling to the Holy Land

It might seem to go against common sense that summer is the least desirable season for a trip to the Holy Land. Summer is often thought of as vacation time, after all. But, during this time of year, temperatures are the hottest, and the weather is often very dry.

Because of the popularity, hotels, and airfare become expensive. More than that, the tourist crowds can become massive. That’s why we highly recommend traveling to Israel in the other seasons of the year.

Even if you don’t mind the weather and crowd sizes, the cost might be the deciding factor.

Fitness & Safety Considerations

Sometimes people forget, so let’s be very clear. Pilgrimage groups can involve a lot of walking or hiking and sometimes traverse over difficult terrain. If your goal is to do a lot of hiking during your time in Israel, which most pilgrimage trips include, then we have a few recommendations:

If you’re not already in good physical condition, add some exercise to your daily routine. Start going for daily walks and be active for the months leading up to your trip
Pack appropriately. If your pilgrimage will include a fair amount of walking, make sure you bring the right outfits with you. Less formalwear and more casual clothing.
Get the proper insurance. Of course, with added exercise comes added risk, so plan ahead by getting extra insurance on your flights and hotels.

One further recommendation: We advise wearing new (hiking) shoes before your departure. There’s little worse than breaking them in (or discovering you don’t like them) during your trip. Break them in a week or two before you leave.

Create a Tailored Holy Land Experience with Tradition Tours

If you’re planning (or hoping to plan) a trip to Israel in the near future, our top recommendation is to let us help you plan and curate your trip. With over 25 years of experience creating memorable experiences to the Holy Land, we know the destinations and deals to recommend or avoid.

To see some of our most popular destinations and packages, read our Travel Guide of the Best Holy Land tours.

Whether you’re traveling on your own or planning a group trip with your church, Tradition Tours operates a full-service travel boutique. We’re proud to offer you concierge services to make your trip to the Holy Land unforgettable.

Call us today @ 1-855-958-6877.

Planning a trip to the Holy Land can be overwhelming. Let us help guide you through the journey. Call now.

Travel, Israel

Donny Arkush17 May 2023

Paul lived here for years. You can visit today!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” – Ephesians 6:10

On his third missionary journey, Paul lived in Ephesus. It’s likely where he wrote 1 Corinthians and perhaps other letters in the Bible. His companion during the 2.5 years in Ephesus was his protege, Timothy.

On the western shores of modern-day Turkey, Ephesus was an important port city then and is an amazing place to visit today.

When you’re there, you’ll discover ancient archeological sites. You’ll see where Paul lived and served and grew the Early Church.

You’ll visit the Library of Celsus, one of the most beautiful structures in all of ancient Ephesus. While the library is from before the time of books, it once held over 12,000 scrolls, the third largest ancient library in the world.

The Great Theatre of Ephesus will be another highlight. With ancient pillars and statues, and carvings, the Theatre was three stories tall and could host 25,000 people. It’s quite the marvel!

When you call us, ask us about the other sites to add to your time in Ephesus.

You’ll be amazed and awed when you walk in the footsteps of St. Paul!

You won’t regret adding this ancient biblical city to your tour.

Travel

Geoff Kullman11 May 2023

Best Time of the Year to Visit Israel

Best Times to Visit Israel

It’s a common question that we often hear from travelers starting the planning stages of their trip to Israel. What time of year should they book their trip? What is the best time to visit Israel? Or what month is the best to travel to Israel?

Is February a good time to visit Israel?
Is November a good time to visit Israel?
Is October a good time to visit Israel?
Is December a good time to visit Israel?
What is the best time to visit Israel and Jordan?

After you’ve read this travel guide, you’ll know the best time of year for you to visit the Holy Land based on your priorities. Depending on your reasons for choosing Israel, one month may be better than the next. The best time to visit depends on your individual interests and priorities (or those of your group).

The goal of this article is to help you build a trip to Israel based on the preferred experience you want to create. We’ll also provide you with additional information on the curated tour packages that Tradition Tours has to offer.

You’ll also be interested in reading our Travel Guide on costs and budget.
How Much Does a Holy Land Trip Cost?

Best Times of the Year to Visit Israel

Table of Contents:

Best Times for Experiencing Isreal’s Highlights
Holidays in Israel
Best Times for a Beach Vacation
Best Times for Jewish Family Time
Cheapest Time to Visit
Least Busy Time to Visit

Best Times for Experiencing Israel’s Highlights

Spring (Match - May) and Fall (September - November)

We recommend these seasons because the temperatures are mild, pleasant, and mostly dry. You’ll be able to visit the country’s top attractions without the hustle and bustle of the high season, and hotels are comparatively cheaper.

January and February are especially popular with church groups. The weather can be hit-or-miss that time of year, but it’s a quiet time and easy to get arranged.

Springtime in Israel is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The mild temperatures make these seasons the optimal time to try hiking and biking in Israel. It’s also the perfect time to explore Israel’s neighboring countries with mini-tours of Jordan and Egypt.

To learn more about traveling to Israel, read our Discover Israel page, where you’ll see details of multiple Israel packages.

Discover Israel here >>

Holidays in Israel

You likely already know the major religious holidays, such as Easter, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. These holidays attract large numbers of pilgrims to Israel during this time. Also of note, during these holidays, there are huge displays and parties.

What’s more, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are two major holidays celebrated in Israel, which often cause the country to shut down completely. You can travel to Israel during this time of year, but most (or all) of the tourist and religious destinations will be closed.

As we’ll note below, this doesn’t mean that you can’t visit the Holy Land during these holidays. But you’ll want us to help you plan the trip to ensure you organize things properly.

Passover is also a tricky time to travel to Israel as hotel prices tend to spike during the holiday, and bread may not be served in supermarkets and kosher restaurants.

All reasons to give us a call so we can help you plan your trip to Israel. Call us at 1-855-958-6877.

Best Times for a Beach Vacation

Summer (June - August)

At Tradition Tours, we recommend visiting the west coast beaches of Tel Aviv and beyond in summer. We can also arrange tours leaving from the city every day.

You’ll also want to consider travel to Eilat as a resort location.

Remember that the nightlife and club scene are best in the summer. The temperatures are also the hottest during this time. And summer is when crowds are at their peak.

As with most travel, summer is the most expensive time to visit Israel.

Best Times for Jewish Family Time

As we mentioned, there are two biggest Jewish holiday times in Israel.

Passover in March/April.
Rosh Hashana September/October.
And Sukkot also in September/October.

You’ll want to be careful when planning your trip to Israel during those months on your own. It may be difficult without an inside edge, as most tours don’t run during this time. One prime example of why it’s so important to plan your trip with an expert. Give us a call at Tradition Tours.

Remember, hotel and flight prices are higher due to the popularity of traveling to Israel during this time.

If your preference is to visit Israel during these times of the year, don’t plan it yourself, as there are too many details that might fall through the crack. Give us a call. 1-855-958-6877.

Cheapest Times to Visit

The shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall are beautiful and a great time to visit. With milder weather and fewer tourists, these seasons are the best time to balance saving money, avoiding crowds, and enjoying the weather.

Winter (November to March) may also work for your travel plans. With fewer tourists and lower prices for hotels and flights, we often recommend groups consider Winter.

Be warned: some shops and businesses may close during this time due to fewer tourists, but the weather remains warm and appealing. Shops may also close earlier as it gets darker earlier.

November is the cheapest time to fly to Israel.

Least Busy Time to Visit

As mentioned, winter (December to February) may be the best time to visit Israel.

With its cool and dry weather, it’s a great time to explore the country.

Some attractions and activities may be closed, but there are also fewer tourists to crowd those attractions and cities.

Remember to consider the shoulder season (March to May, September to November) as a good time to visit. These off-season months will be more affordable, which is often an important factor if you’re traveling with a church group.

Create a Tailored Holy Land Experience with Tradition Tours

To summarize and restate the information above, the best times to visit Israel are based on your individual interests and priorities. You’ll also need to consider the importance of the weather, tourism levels, and personal preferences when planning a trip to Israel.

At Tradition Tours, we make traveling and planning a memorable trip to Israel simple and worry-free. With more than 25 years of experience creating memorable experiences in the Holy Land, we know the hiccups to watch for and plan around.

As a full-service travel boutique, we offer full-service, personalized concierge services for individuals, families, and church groups traveling to the Holy Land. More than that, we also have package tours that include Egypt, Jordan, and Greece.

If you’re starting to plan your trip, don’t do it alone. Your trip to Israel is an important, life-changing, amazing experience that we’ll gladly help you plan and organize. Give us a call. 1-855-958-6877.

If you have questions after looking at our tour packages, we invite you to call us. We’ll help you decide the best seasons to travel to Israel before planning your trip. We can also provide you with additional information on our curated packages.

We’re happy to share stories from people who’ve traveled with Tradition Tours. Here’s just one:

“Tradition Tours made the planning of our trip personal for us. Donny provided details on different tours, gave us time to make a decision, and worked closely with us after complications delayed our much-anticipated trip to Israel and Egypt. The tour in Israel exceeded our expectations. Tradition Tours worked with us every step of the way. Highly recommend Tradition Tours without any hesitation whatsoever!” – David B, Virginia

Travel, Israel