January 31, 2028 – February 9, 2028
Wellspring Wellness Group 10-Day “Biblical Encounter”
Tour in Israel
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Prepare to Be Inspired
We’re glad you are considering this tour. Our hope is that it is an experience of a lifetime.
Overview
Biblical Encounter Tour of Israel
The 10-Day Biblical Encounter Tour takes you through Israel from January 31 to February 9, 2028, with visits to many of the places where the stories of the Bible took place. After you arrive in Tel Aviv, you’ll have a free day to rest by the Mediterranean Sea or walk to the old port city of Jaffa. The group then heads north to the Sea of Galilee, stopping at Caesarea, Megiddo, Mount Carmel, and Nazareth Village along the way. While staying in Tiberias, you’ll visit Capernaum, take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, and have the chance to be baptized in the Jordan River. The next four nights are spent in Jerusalem, where you’ll walk from the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane, follow the Via Dolorosa, pray at the Western Wall, and take a day trip to Bethlehem. You’ll also see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum, spend quiet time at the Garden Tomb, ride a cable car up to Masada, hike to the waterfalls at Ein Gedi, and float in the Dead Sea before flying home.
Get an Early Registration Discount! Register by January 5th, 2027 for $100 off per person.
Tour Leaders
Pastor Chuck & Leigh Lewis
Chuck spent a decade in the corporate world at a Fortune 500 company before stepping into full-time ministry. Since then he has planted a church, led one through revitalization, and now serves on the team of one of the fastest-growing churches in America. He and his wife, Leigh, have been married for over thirty years and have four children. Chuck’s driving passion led him to create Wellspring Wellness, a ministry devoted to coming alongside church leaders and helping them walk out the calling God has already placed on their life.
Tour Details
Dates
January 31 – February 9, 2028
Lodging
TEL AVIV – DAN PANORAMA HOTEL
TIBERIAS – LEONARDO PLAZA HOTEL
JERUSALEM – GRAND COURT HOTEL
Itinerary
Day 1: Monday, January 31, 2028 – Depart USA for Tel Aviv, Israel
Day 2: Tuesday, February 1, 2028 – Arrival in Tel Aviv
Arrive in Tel Aviv. Tour group will be met at the airport and assisted with arrival procedures. Dinner and overnight beside the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
Overnight: Tel Aviv, Dan Panorama Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 3: Wednesday, February 2, 2028 – Tel Aviv / Free Day
Today is a free day with no planned touring so you can rest or take a walk on the Tel Aviv boardwalk or take a short walk to Jaffa (Joppa). Dinner and overnight in Israel.
Overnight: Tel Aviv, Dan Panorama Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, dinner (lunch is on your own)
Day 4: Thursday, February 3, 2028 – Caesarea Maritima / Megiddo / Mt. Carmel / Nazareth Village / Tiberias (Sea of Galilee)
Today we depart for the Galilee, enjoying stops at biblical sites along the way.
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)
- A major city-state in the ancient Near East that was conquered and rebuilt many times by various civilizations
- The site of the final battle between the forces of good and evil
Mt. Carmel
- Where Elijah prayed, and God defeated 450 prophets of Baal with fire from heaven (1 Kings 18)
Nazareth Village
- Open-air museum which recreates and depicts life in a Galilean village during the time of Jesus Christ
Dinner and overnight in Tiberias on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Overnight: Tiberias, Leonardo Plaza Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Friday, February 4, 2028 – Caesarea Philippi / Tel Dan / Capernaum / Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee / Yardenit (Baptism Site)
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
Tel Dan Nature Reserve
- Named for the Tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel
- Exploration of archaeological sites, including the Gate of Jeroboam and the ancient Abraham Gate
- Immersion in the natural beauty of the reserve, which features lush vegetation and flowing streams
Capernaum
- Base of Jesus’ early ministry
- Home of Peter
- Site of many healings (Mark 1:31–38)
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
Yardenit for Baptisms
- Participants will have the opportunity to experience baptism in the Jordan River. (White robes must be worn over clothing or swimsuits for baptisms. Robe and towel are rented on site for a minimal fee.)
Overnight: Tiberias, Leonardo Plaza Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Saturday, February 5, 2028 – Mt. of Beatitudes / Beit She’an / Jerusalem
Today’s adventure leads us on a picturesque journey as we travel southward along the banks of the Jordan River up to Jerusalem.
Mt. of Beatitudes
- Time for spiritual reflection and meditation on Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:1–15) before departing the Sea of Galilee
Beit She’an
- Known for its historical significance, including the poignant site where the bodies of King Saul and his sons were hung from the city walls after their defeat by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:10–12)
Jerusalem
- Ascend to the magnificent “City of Gold,” one of the most ancient and culturally significant cities in the world
Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem, Grand Court Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Sunday, February 6, 2028 – Mt. of Olives / Palm Sunday Road / Garden of Gethsemane / Western (Wailing) Wall / Church of the Holy Sepulcher / Bethlehem
We begin our day on the beautiful Mt. of Olives to behold the breathtaking panorama of the Holy City.
Palm Sunday Road and Garden of Gethsemane
- From the Mt. of Olives, descend along the Palm Sunday Road to the serene Garden of Gethsemane, where ancient olive trees whisper tales of the past.
- Visit the Church of All Nations, believed to be where Jesus prayed on the night of His betrayal (Matt. 26:36, John 18:1).
Zion Gate and Pools of Bethesda
- Enter the Old City of Jerusalem through the Zion Gate, proceeding to the historic Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a cripple.
- Explore St. Anne’s Crusader Church, renowned for its magnificent acoustics, before continuing our pilgrimage.
The Pavement and Via Dolorosa
- Visit the Pavement, where Jesus stood while being tried by Pilate, immersing ourselves in the profound history of the site.
- Follow the Via Dolorosa, retracing the steps of Jesus, culminating in a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Western Wall
- Approach the Western Wall, a sacred site where Jews gather for prayer and reflection.
- Contemplate the significance of the Temple area, once purchased by King David (2 Samuel 24:18–25), now adorned by the golden Dome of the Rock and the El-Aksa Mosque.
Bethlehem and Shepherd’s Field
- Travel to Bethlehem to visit the revered Church of the Nativity, marking the sacred birthplace of Jesus.
- Explore Shepherd’s Field, a pastoral setting imbued with biblical significance, where the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth was made to the shepherds.
Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem, Grand Court Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Monday, February 7, 2028 – Israel Museum (Shrine of the Book and the Model City) / Garden Tomb / Free Afternoon
Continue to revel in the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the Holy City today.
Golgotha and the Garden Tomb
- Sacred sites for reflection, worship, and communion.
- Take time for quiet contemplation amidst the serene surroundings, connecting deeply with the spiritual significance of these hallowed places.
Israel Museum
- We will marvel at the Shrine of the Book, housing the Dead Sea Scrolls, providing insights into ancient Jewish life and thought.
- Explore the 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem, depicting the city as it would have appeared during Jesus’ time, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Free Afternoon
- Return to the Old City for further exploration or visit other sites of your interest.
Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem, Grand Court Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: Tuesday, February 8, 2028 – Masada / Ein Gedi / Qumran / Dead Sea
Journeying through the desert by the Dead Sea offers captivating sights of arid landscapes, date palm groves, salt formations, and rugged mountains. Experience the stunning vistas of the desert and Dead Sea from Masada. Hike into the beautiful desert oasis of Ein Gedi, the rocky refuge where David penned the Psalms and hid from King Saul among the lovely waterfalls.
Ein Gedi
- Explore the serene beauty of Ein Gedi, an oasis nestled in the desert landscape.
- Connect with the biblical narrative as you explore the area where David sought refuge from King Saul, as recounted in 1 Samuel 24:1–7.
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.
Qumran
- Enjoy a brief yet enriching stop at Qumran, where the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls were authored over 2,000 years ago and discovered in 1947, shedding light on ancient Jewish life and thought.
Float in the Dead Sea
- Please be sure to bring a swimsuit, towel (from the hotel), and water shoes, as the bottom surface can be rough.
Overnight: Jerusalem, Grand Court Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Wednesday, February 9, 2028 – Flight to the USA
Following breakfast, we check out of the hotel by 11:00 AM and depart for the airport for our return flight to the 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 | October 23rd, 2027 |
Pricing
Main Tour
Land Only
$4,025 per person
Land + Air (Estimated)
$5,790 per person
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: ROOMING ALONE
$1,175 per person
Get an Early Registration Discount! Register by January 5th, 2027 for $100 off per person.
Tour Price Includes
- ESTIMATED: Domestic and International airfare (Coach Seats) out of MIAMI, FL*
- Superior hotel accommodations as shown above
- Travel Insurance for the Tour Leader and spouse
- Meeting at the Ben Gurion Airport on arrival and departure
- Ground transfer from the Tel Aviv – Ben Gurion Airport to the group hotel
- Ground transfer from the hotel to the Tel Aviv – Ben Gurion Airport at the conclusion of the tour
- All transfers on sightseeing days
- Gratuity for driver, guide, and hotel staff
- Luxury air-conditioned motor coach
- Entrance fees for sites indicated in the itinerary
- 6 lunches and gratuity for lunches
- Daily buffet breakfast and dinner in hotels as indicated in the itinerary
- Headset (Whispers) for each passenger
- Porterage at hotels
*AIRLINE COST WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH 2027. THE POSTED ESTIMATED LAND AND AIR PRICE IS BASED ON 2027 AIR COST. ONCE WE RECEIVE THE FLIGHT SCHEDULE AND ACTUAL COST THEN WE WILL ADJUST THE LAND AND AIR COST (IF NEEDED).
GROUP AIR RATE IS BASED ON A MINIMUM OF 10 PASSENGERS REGISTERED AS LAND AND AIR. IF THE NUMBER OF LAND AND AIR PASSENGERS FALL BELOW 10 PERSON MINIMUM, THEN THE GROUP AIRLINE DEPARTMENT WILL CANCEL THE GROUP AIR RESERVATIONS. IF THE GROUP AIR RESERVATION IS CANCELED BY THE AIRLINES, THEN WE WILL OFFER 2 OPTIONS TO THE LAND AND AIR REGISTRANTS. FIRST OPTION IS THAT THEY COULD ELECT TO SECURE THEIR OWN AIR RESERVATIONS. THE SECOND OPTION IS FOR FAITH BASED EXPEDITIONS WILL WORK WITH OUR AIR CONSOLIDATOR TO SECURE THE RESERVATION ON THE REGISTRANT’S BEHALF. HOWEVER, FAITH BASED EXPEDITIONS CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT THE FLIGHT SCHEDULE AND PRICE WILL NOT CHANGE.
Tour Price Does Not Include
- Domestic or International airfare for LAND ONLY passengers
- Lunch on Day 3: Wednesday, February 2, 2028
- Hotel cost for any traveler arriving before FEBRUARY 1, 2028
- Hotel cost for any traveler staying after 11:00 AM on FEBRUARY 9, 2028
- Optional Travel Protection Insurance for the main tour attendees (excluding the Tour Leader and Spouse)
- Optional Sites not included in itinerary that have entrance fees
- All beverages including alcoholic beverages
- Personal incidentals charged to hotel room
- Bottled water on board the tour motor coach while touring
- Items of personal nature
- Single SupplementFee for those requesting to room alone or if a roommate is not available or if Faith Based Expeditions cannot find a male or female to assign as a roommate.**
**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.
