WALK WHERE JESUS WALKED
Join Senior Pastor, David Dwight, Senior Associate Pastor, Pete Bowell, and guide, Ezer Kalmovitcz, for a tour through the Holy Land. Explore significant and meaningful biblical locations, grow deeper in your understanding of scripture, and engage in a richer, personal relationship with God.
INFORMATION
WHEN
October 20 - November 1, 2026
WHERE
Israel + Ephesus, Türkiye
WHO
Must be 21+; a HOPE member or regular attendee; and comfortable walking daily on various surfaces.
COST
Holyland Tour | October 20-29: $4,495 per person/shared
*Flights not included
Optional: Ephesus Add-On | October 29-November 1 $1,050
Single Room Occupancy Supplement: $1,395
Deposit due by May 25. $750 deposit upon registration secures your spot on the tour. Flights and tips not included.
REGISTRATION + PAYMENT
This link takes you directly to the Holyland Pilgrimage Tours site, created specifically for this HOPE trip, that contains in-depth information and the link to register and submit your deposit.
CLICK HEREFAQS
We recognize that with the challenges of recent war and violence that people may receive this idea with different perspectives and feelings. We will only take a trip if we have high confidence in our safety. It is possible that this may mean avoiding some sites that may be of particular concern.
We are in regular touch with our friend and guide in Israel, Ezer Kalmovitcz, and during 2025, he has been pleased to be able to host several church trips similar to ours. We continue to communicate regularly with regard to the matter of safety.
We will be traveling by bus, moving between various sites in the cooler, greener North (Galilee) and the hotter, desert South (Dead Sea). You’ll be on and off the bus frequently, so a small daypack or single-strap shoulder bag is essential.
- Daily Essentials: Keep your Bible, a journal, a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a packable hat with you at all times.
- Don’t Stress: If you forget an essential, don’t worry—Israel has plenty of shops where you can buy what you need.
The best way to prepare is through “Prep Reading” to ground yourself in the history and significance of the locations.
- The Essentials: If your time is limited, focus on the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to keep the life of Jesus fresh in your mind.
- Recommended Books: For a personal perspective, David has recommended Jesus: A Pilgrimage by James Martin. For a historical overview, look into Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn by Daniel Gordis. We also encourage you to read David’s book, Field Notes from the Letter to the Ephesians. More suggested books: Impossible Takes Longer by Daniel Gordis, When the Stones Speak by Doron Spielman, Excavating the Evidence for Jesus by Titus Kennedy, My Promised Land – The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel by Ari Shavit, Where God Came Down by Joel Kramer, Walking the Bible by Bruce Feiler, and The Lion’s Gate by Steven Pressfield.
- Reflect on Baptism: We will have an opportunity for baptism or recommitment in the Jordan River. Rather than seeing it as a tourist activity, take some time before the trip to reflect on your relationship with God and whether this step feels meaningful for your journey.
Israel in October and November is all about layers. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 70s or 80s, but they can drop into the 50s at night.
- Holy Sites: Many religious sites require modest dress. Men should have long pants available (no shorts), and women should ensure their legs are covered (long skirts or pants).
- Essential Accessory: Women should carry a versatile scarf in their daypack. It can quickly cover your shoulders or your head when needed at a holy site.
- Footwear: Bring comfortable walking shoes for the daily site visits and a pair of flip-flops or water shoes specifically for the Dead Sea.
- Layers & Shade: Light jackets, windbreaker, or rain jacket; packable hat, like a ball cap or a hat with a brim.