May 2, 2028 – May 12, 2028
11-Day “Biblical Encounter” Tour in Israel
with Optional Petra, Jordan Extension
Learn More
Prepare to Be Inspired
We’re glad you are considering this tour. Our hope is that it is an experience of a lifetime.
Overview
Tour of Israel
In the Bible, the land of Israel emerges as a crucible of faith, a testing ground where individuals and the nation faced trials that challenged their belief. Here, Israel’s leaders and people were summoned to grasp the essence of security and well-being, ultimately learning to place their trust in the Lord their God. Embarking on a pilgrimage to Israel promises a profound transformation, offering a fresh perspective on God’s Word through the prism of geography. Witness the unfolding of pivotal events from Biblical history as you traverse, explore, and absorb the significance of the very landscapes that underpin the foundation of our faith in Jesus Christ today.
Tour Leaders
Pastor’s Dale & Angela Donadio
Pastor Dale Donadio serves as the Lead Pastor of River of Life Church with locations in Virginia, Ghana, and El Salvador. The son of missionaries to Alaska, he was raised in Eskimo and Indian villages. He holds a Master of Divinity and is known for his relational leadership style and commitment to community outreach. In his spare time, he loves watching the Yankees and cooking Italian food. He and his wife, Angela, have two grown adult children.
Pastor Angela Donadio encourages others to “Make Life Matter” by engaging with God’s Word, embracing His call on their lives, and experiencing His heart for missions. She holds a Master of Leadership and Ministry and is an author, podcast host, and associate pastor at River of Life. She enjoys music, travel, and a good workout in her spare time.
Tour Details
Dates
May 2 – 12, 2028 (Main Tour)
May 12 – 15, 2028 (Optional Petra, Jordan Extension)
Lodging
MAIN TOUR:
TEL AVIV – DAN PANORAMA HOTEL
TIBERIAS – LEONARDO PLAZA HOTEL
DEAD SEA – VERT DEAD SEA HOTEL
JERUSALEM – GRAND COURT HOTEL
OPTIONAL PETRA JORDAN EXTENSION:
PETRA, JORDAN – MOVENPICK PETRA HOTEL
AMMAN, JORDAN- INTERCONTINENTAL AMMON HOTEL
Itinerary
Day 1: Tuesday, May 2, 2028 – Depart the US for Tel Aviv, Israel
The group departs for Tel Aviv, Israel. Dinner served on the overnight flight from the US.
Day 2: Wednesday, May 3, 2028 – Arrival in Tel Aviv, Israel
Tour group will be met at Ben Gurion Airport and assisted with arrival procedures. Dinner and overnight beside the beautiful Mediterranean Sea in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, Israel.
Overnight: Tel Aviv – Dan Panorama Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 3: Thursday, May 4, 2028 – Tel Aviv / Shiloh
Take time in the morning to relax, walk along the famous Tel Aviv boardwalk and/or take a walk to Jaffa (ancient Joppa). Following a restful morning, we travel by coach to ancient Shiloh as you get to know your fellow travelers.
- Shiloh
- Where Hannah prayed for a son and later left Samuel at the temple in service to the Lord (1 Samuel)
- Location of the Tabernacle for 369 years and where artifacts still stand
- Where the tribal inheritances were divided among the tribes
- Mosaic workshop – 60–90 min (30 or more) OR tour Biblical Story Garden and Tabernacle replica
Overnight: Tel Aviv – Dan Panorama Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Friday, May 5, 2028 – Central Mediterranean Coast / Jezreel Valley / Sea of Galilee
Enjoy the scenery as we drive north along the Mediterranean shore through the lush Jezreel Valley to the Sea of Galilee.
- Caesarea Maritima
- Extensive ruins of an ancient port city built by King Herod
- Later became the seat of government of the Roman governors
- Peter proclaimed the Good News to the Roman centurion (Acts 9 & 25)
- Megiddo (the Valley of Armageddon) & Mt. Carmel
- Mt. Carmel: Where Elijah prayed, and God defeated 450 prophets of Baal with fire from heaven (1 Kings 18)
- Cana
- Visit the Church of the Wedding Feast, where Jesus changed water to wine at the request of Mary
- Visit Sindyanna of Galilee Center and Fair-Trade Store, where Jewish and Arab women work in equality and mutual respect
- A chance to talk with Arab and Jewish women from Galilee who meet and craft together
- A film explaining Sindyanna’s work and agricultural projects
- Taste oil made from varieties of olives, learning about traditional olive cultivation and oil production
- Meet the basket weavers and talk with them about their lives and work
Overnight: Tiberias – Leonardo Plaza Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Saturday, May 6, 2028 – Sea of Galilee
Wake up to a sunrise on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on water, calmed the storm, and taught as He walked along the lake.
- Zippori (Sepphoris)
- Served as a major political and spiritual capital of ancient Galilee – the seat of the Sanhedrin, and where the Mishna was completed
- With ruins of Roman theaters and stunning floor mosaics, every corner of Zippori whispers tales of ancient civilizations, religious milestones, and cultural intersections
- Mt. Tabor
- Traditional site of the Transfiguration of Jesus
- Site of the Battle of Mount Tabor during the time of Judges between the forces of King Jabin of Canaan and the Israelite army led by Barak and Deborah (Judges 4–5)
- Mt. Arbel
- Short hike through this national park to enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights
Overnight: Tiberias – Leonardo Plaza Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Sunday, May 7, 2028 – Sea of Galilee
Travel north this morning into the Golan Heights to ancient biblical sites before returning to the Sea of Galilee.
- Caesarea Philippi (Banias)
- Location where Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” (Mark 8:27–30)
- Opportunity for reflection on the profound question posed by Jesus to His followers
- Historical significance as a center of pagan worship during biblical times
- Mt. of Beatitudes
- Time for spiritual reflection and meditation on Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:1–15)
- Capernaum
- Base of Jesus’ early ministry
- Home of Peter
- Site of many healings (Mark 1:31–38)
- Peter’s Primacy
- Located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee
- Best known for the appearance of Jesus to His disciples after His resurrection (John 21:1–14)
- Site where Jesus commands Peter to “feed and tend” His flock, symbolizing his role as a leader in the early Christian community
- Ginosar / Gennesaret
- Board a replica “Jesus Boat” – a fishing boat of the type used by the disciples of Jesus – for a ride on the Sea of Galilee
- Boat Museum of fishing boat from the time of Jesus discovered in 1986
Overnight: Tiberias – Leonardo Plaza Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Monday, May 8, 2028 – Judean Wilderness / Dead Sea
Departing the Galilee after our morning devotion at Magdala, rest and relax with new friends while driving through the Judean wilderness, stopping to visit Jericho, the oldest city on earth!
- Ancient Magdala
- Prominently mentioned in the Bible as the hometown of Mary Magdalene, a disciple of Jesus Christ
- Visit the synagogue and spend time in Duc in Altum learning about prominent biblical women
- Time permitting: Brief stop at a local “kitchen” shop serving the kibbutz/community, selling local herbs, teas, dates, wine, and kitchenware
- Bethany Beyond the Jordan
- Situated in a natural environment, the site is believed to be the location where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist
- For baptism: Robes and towels are rented for a small fee on site – bring appropriate attire for under robe: swimsuit or t-shirt/shorts
- Jericho Tel
- Visit remains of the oldest fortified city in the world as we hear the story of Rahab (Joshua 2 & 6)
- Dead Sea
- Our hotel awaits us at the lowest point on Earth, the remarkable Dead Sea, renowned for its mineral-rich waters and therapeutic properties
After arriving at our hotel, we will have time to float in the Dead Sea.
Overnight: Dead Sea – Vert Dead Sea Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Tuesday, May 9, 2028 – Dead Sea / Masada / Bethany
Following breakfast, we depart from the hotel and embark on our journey to Jerusalem, making several fascinating and educational stops along the way.
- Masada Fortress – The formidable fortress constructed by King Herod and renowned as the site of the last Jewish resistance against the Romans in 73 AD
- Ascend Masada by cable car, granting us panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
- Survey the extensive ruins of Masada, including fortifications, waterworks, a synagogue, temples, and palaces, offering insights into ancient Jewish life and history
- Ein Gedi
- Discover the serene beauty of Ein Gedi, a lush oasis nestled in the desert landscape
- Explore the area where David sought refuge from King Saul, as recounted in 1 Samuel 24:1–7, connecting with the biblical narrative in a stunning natural setting
- Bethany
- The village of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary
- The frequent resting place and home for Jesus and His disciples when visiting the Jerusalem area
- Visit the tomb of Lazarus
Overnight: Jerusalem – Grand Court Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Wednesday, May 10, 2028 – Jerusalem / Bethlehem
Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing, Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna to the King!
- Mt. of Olives
- Stand on the beautiful Mt. of Olives to behold the breathtaking panorama of the Holy City as you gaze at the gate Jesus will walk through
- Palm Sunday Road
- Sing Hosanna as you walk down the Palm Sunday Road
- Garden of Gethsemane
- Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane just as Jesus did on the night of His betrayal (Matt. 26:36–56, Mark 14:32–50, Luke 22:39–53)
- Pools of Bethesda
- Jesus heals the paralyzed man (John 5:2–15)
- The Pavement and the Ecce Homo Arch
- The places of the trial of Jesus by Pontius Pilate
- Follow the “Way of the Cross” through the Old City, picturing Jesus carrying His cross to Calvary
- Church of the Holy Sepulcher
- Traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection
- Bethlehem
- Manger Square / Church of the Nativity – place of Jesus’ birth
- Shepherd’s Field – reflect on the story of Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi
- Rachel’s Tomb – beloved wife of Jacob (Genesis 29–35) who helped mother the twelve tribes of Israel
Overnight: Jerusalem – Grand Court Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Thursday, May 11, 2028 – Jerusalem
Step back into time when King David captured the fortress of a Canaanite tribe, the Jebusites, 1000 years before Christ and where he established his capital and pitched a tent to house the Ark of the Covenant.
- Western Wall
- Surviving wall built around the Second Temple over 2000 years ago
- Holiest place where Jewish people can pray
- Southern Steps of the Temple
- View Temple Mount, where the First and Second Temples stood
- Pause and reflect on the Prophetess Anna, who served the Lord in the Temple day and night (Luke 2:36–38)
- City of David
- Capital and royal compound of King David
- Hezekiah’s Tunnel (wet) – 2700-year-old rock-cut channel designed to safely route water inside city walls during a siege (shorts, water shoes, flashlight to walk in the wet tunnel)
- Dry tunnel for those who are claustrophobic or choose not to walk in water
- Pool of Siloam – fed by Gihon Spring, site of Jesus’ healing of the blind man
- Garden Tomb
- Share communion in celebration of Jesus’ resurrection
- Contemplate the incredible devotion and frustration demonstrated by Mary and Salome, mothers of the Apostles, when their testimony about the risen Lord was not believed (Mark 16:1–8)
Overnight: Jerusalem – Grand Court Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Friday, May 12, 2028 – Flight to USA or Jordan Extension
Following breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the USA OR continue on to the Jordan extension.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Petra, Jordan Extension
Day 11: Friday, May 12, 2028 – Jordan / Mt. Nebo / Petra
This morning, we bid farewell to Israel as we embark on our journey to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge. Upon arrival, we’ll be met and assisted through the border crossing procedures.
- Mt. Nebo – The sacred site where Moses beheld the Promised Land. We will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Israel and the Jordan River from this historic vantage point.
- Madaba, the City of Mosaics, to visit the Church of Saint George with its sixth-century Byzantine mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites.
- The remainder of the day will be spent traversing through the picturesque landscapes of Jordan, culminating in our arrival at Petra.
Overnight: Petra, Jordan – Mövenpick Petra Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Saturday, May 13, 2028 – Petra
Following breakfast, we embark on a journey to Petra, a remarkable 2000-year-old Nabatean city.
- Walk Through the Siq
- Upon arrival, we enjoy a guided walk through the narrow passageway known as the “Siq,” flanked by towering cliffs on either side
- The Treasury
- At the end of the Siq, Petra’s most iconic monument, the Treasury, emerges in all its grandeur, illuminated by the brilliant sunlight
- Exploration of Petra
- Known as the “Rose City,” Petra is a labyrinth of intricately carved caves, temples, and tombs, crafted from blush pink sandstone over two millennia ago
- Enjoy a guided explanation of the site’s history and significance before having the freedom to explore this extraordinary ancient city at your own pace
- Return to Hotel
- After a day of exploration, return to the hotel at your leisure, relishing the memories of Petra’s timeless beauty and enchanting atmosphere
Overnight: Petra – Mövenpick Petra Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch on own, Dinner
Day 13: Sunday, May 14, 2028 – Jerash / Amman
Depart from Petra and embark on a journey to Amman, the vibrant capital city of Jordan.
- Jerash – Visit Jerash, Jordan to tour this extensive archaeological marvel
- Once a thriving ancient city in the Roman Empire, it was here that Jesus performed a miraculous exorcism on a man possessed by demons (Gerasa)
- Amman, Jordan
Overnight: Amman, Jordan – InterContinental Amman Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Monday, May 15, 2028 – Depart Amman for USA
Meals: Breakfast
Payment Info
| PAYMENT SCHEDULE | WHICH PASSENGERS | PAYMENT INFORMATION |
| At Registration | All Passengers | $500 Per-Person Deposit (Non-refundable) |
| Final Payment Due Date | All Passengers | January 23, 2028 |
Pricing
Main Tour
Land Only
$4,985 per person (Main Tour)
$1,699 per person (Optional Extension)
Single Supplement Fee
$1,599 per person (Main Tour)
$599 per person (Optional Extension)
Tour Price Includes
Main Tour
- Superior hotel accommodations, as shown above
- Meeting at the Ben Gurion Airport on arrival and departure
- Ground transfer from the Ben Gurion Airport to the group’s hotel
- Ground transfer from the group’s hotel to the Ben Gurion Airport at the completion of the tour
- All transfers & sightseeing days
- Gratuity for driver, guide, hotel staff, restaurant lunch staff, Garden Tomb, and the Garden of Gethsemane
- Entrance fees for sites indicated in the itinerary
- Daily buffet breakfast and dinner in hotels
- 8 lunches and gratuity for lunches as indicated in the itinerary
- Headset for each passenger
- Bottled Water on board the tour bus during daily tours
- Porterage at hotels
Optional Extension
- Superior hotel accommodation in Petra, Jordan
- Superior Star hotel accommodation in Amman, Jordan
- Visa and border crossing taxes
- Ground transfer from the group’s hotel to the Amman Airport at the completion of the extension
- English speaking licensed guide, for all transfers & sightseeing days
- Daily breakfast and dinner in the hotels.
- Bottled water on board the bus during daily tours
- 2 lunches and gratuity for lunches while touring as indicated in the tour itinerary
- Porterage at hotels
Tour Price Does Not Include
Main Tour
- Domestic or International airfare
- Hotel cost for travelers arriving prior toMAY 3, 2028
- Hotel cost for travelers checking out of the hotel after11:00 AMonMAY 12,2028
- Optional Travel Protection Insurance
- Optional Sites not included in itinerary that have entrance fees
- All beverages including alcoholic beverages (excluding the bottled water on board the bus)
- Personal incidentals charged to hotel room
- Items of personal nature
- Single Supplement Fee as shown above for those wanting to room alone or if a roommate cannot be assigned by Faith Based Expeditions
**Any passenger who does not have an assigned roommate by the final payment due date will be charged the Single Supplement Fee. If after the final payment due date, a person can be assigned to the person needing a roommate, then the Single Supplement Fee will be refunded to the person charged for the Single Supplement Fee.
Optional Extension
- Optional Travel Protection Insurance
- Hotel cost for any travelers staying after 11:00 AM on MAY 15, 2028
- Lunch on Day 12: May 13, 2028
- All beverages including alcoholic beverages (excluding the bottled water on board the bus)
- Items of personal nature
- Incidental cost in participant’s hotel room
- Single Supplement Fee for those requesting to room alone or if a roommate cannot be assigned by Faith Based Expeditions
**Any passenger who does not have an assigned roommate by the final payment due date will be charged the Single Supplement Fee. If after the final payment due date, a person can be assigned to the person needing a roommate, then the Single Supplement Fee will be refunded to the person charged for the Single Supplement Fee.
Required Deposit
$500 Non-refundable deposit per person due upon registration
Insurance
| Trawick International Travel Protection Insurance Price Chart | |
|---|---|
| Tour Cost Range | Insurance Premium Cost |
| $1 – $1,000 | $88.44 |
| $1,001 – $2,000 | $139.00 |
| $2,001 – $3,000 | $211.14 |
| $3,001 – $4,000 | $280.40 |
| $4,001 – $5,000 | $377.67 |
| $5,001 – $6,000 | $424.91 |
| $6,001 – $7,000 | $527.54 |
| $7,001 – $8,000 | $611.21 |
| $8,001 – $9,000 | $724.68 |
| $9,001 – $10,000 | $895.64 |
Cancellation Policies
The below cancellation penalties and refund policy will apply for all travelers who choose not to abide by a country’s official travel restrictions.
- Non-refundable Third-party supplier penalties include but not limited to –
- Credit / Debit Card Processing Fee
- Land Suppliers
- Cruise Ship supplier
- Non-refundable Cruise Deposit from 149 days prior to the tour departure date
- Group Air supplier
- Etc.
- Any individual canceling between the date of registration and the Final Payment Due Date (Final Payment Due Date is 100 days prior to the tour departure date) will be penalized a Non-refundable, Non-transferrable $500 per person deposit and plus any non-refundable third-party supplier cost/s
- Any individual canceling between 99 – 85 days prior to the scheduled departure date we will be penalized the entire tour deposit plus 10% of the total tour cost and any nonrefundable payments to any third-party supplier.
- Any individual canceling between 84- 55 days prior to the scheduled departure date we will be penalized 50% of the total tour cost plus any nonrefundable payments to any third-party supplier.
- Any individual canceling between 54 – 45 days prior to the scheduled departure date will be penalized 80 % of the total tour cost plus any nonrefundable payments to any third-party supplier.
- Any individual canceling between 44 – 0 days prior to the scheduled departure date will be penalized 100 % of the total tour cost.
- Any individual canceling less than 60 days prior to the tour departure date and causes their assigned roommate to room alone and if there is no one to be assigned as the person’s roommate, then the person canceling will be responsible to pay the Single Supplement fee.
- If a roommate is subsequently found for the remaining roommate, then the Single Supplement fee will be refunded to the canceling individual.
- Allow up to 8 weeks for any refund to be issued.
