Step out in faith, embodied and whole, for an experience of the Holy Land. We will encounter sacred places where brave women, prophetic, and Jesus were unapologetically embodied and whole in their ministry and we will meet with local women who lead with fullness and faith now. This tour is hosted by three women pastors who bring gifts to share: Rev. Meta Herrick Carlson (blessings and poems for places), Rev. Natalia Terfa (daily devotions for the journey), and Rev. Jenny Sung (embodiment practices). Join us for joy, presence, and community along the way.
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PRICING:
- $3,790 per person based on double occupancy - space is limited
- Single room supplement: $890
- Deposit: $300 per person with registration to secure space
- Balance due on or before April 1, 2023
- Register by mail? Please enclose a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person, made payable to: Elias Tours. Mail to: Elias Tours; 4941 Chalden Ln NE; Marietta, GA. 30066
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Download the Registration Form
FLIGHT SCHEDULE:
AC 1016 01JUN MSP - YYZ 0600 0902
AC 080 01JUN YYZ - TLV 1610 1005+1
AC 083 10JUN TLV - YUL 1245 1700
AC 1017 10JUN YUL - MSP 1945 2142
* Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.
What is included in the tour
- Airfare from Minneapolis, MN. - Other cities available
- 8 nights in 4-star hotels (Double Occupancy)
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner daily
- Entrance fee to all sites
- All ground transportation in a private tour bus
What is NOT included in the tour
- Gratuities for Guide and Driver
- Personal Expenses
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is required and not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Travelex Insurance Services. For questions, quotes, or to purchase travel insurance, visit Travelex Insurance or call (800) 228-9792 and use the code 26-0057 for Elias Tours.
DAILY ITINERARY
Embodied: Women in the Holy Land
June 1 – 10, 2023
Day 1: Departure from Minneapolis, MN
Day 2: Arrival (Tel Aviv – Tiberias)
Welcome to the Holy Land! Arrive in Tel Aviv and meet our representative from Elias Tours. They will guide us through baggage claim and customs to the buses. It’s a two-hour drive to our hotel in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee where we’ll have dinner and spend the night.
Day 3: Born and Called (Nazareth)
Travel to Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus. Visit the oldest of the churches of the Annunciation. Explore the grounds, the labyrinth, and the mosaics of Mary from around the world. Inside the church, see the cave that served as the dwelling place for Mary when the Angel Gabriel came to announce God’s favor for her. After lunch, visit a nearby spice farm and vineyard to taste flavors from this region and get to know each other.
Day 4: Loaves and Fish (Sea of Galilee)
While Jesus lived and traveled in many different places, Capernaum was his chosen home. See the remains of an early church, an ancient synagogue, and the ruins of Peter’s Mother-in-law’s house, where Jesus and many of the disciples found belonging and rest. After a delicious St. Peter Fish lunch, travel to the Mount of Beatitudes. Worship and share Holy Communion together, then wander the gardens and grounds. Before dinner, enjoy a boat cruise on the Sea of Galilee and remember the many miracles Jesus performed in this area.
Day 5: New Life (Magdala, Mount Tabor, Nain)
Visit Magdala! This was the hometown of Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susana. Magdala is one of the most impressive archeological sites in Israel. Explore Migdal, a first-century synagogue, and Duc in Altum, the main basilica dedicated to the women of the Bible and the women of the world. After lunch, head south along the sea to Mount Tabor for stories of courage and strength with Deborah and Jael. It was on this same mountain where Jesus’ transfiguration took place and three disciples saw his glory. Visit nearby Nain where Jesus raised a widow’s son from the dead. The story echoes a very similar miracle by Elijah in Zarepheth, located just across the mountain from Nain.
(Pack and prepare to move to a different hotel in the morning.)
Day 6: Water is Life (Jericho, Jordan River, Dead Sea)
Head south from Galilee for the sacred wellsprings of Jericho, the lowest and oldest city in the world. Hear the story of Rahab and consider what location and orientation reveal about power. Walk along a ridge overlooking the Valley of the Shadow of Death, a dangerous route travelers were willing to take so they would have access to water. Then, remember the gift of baptism at the Jordan River before floating in the Dead Sea. This is our first overnight stay in Bethlehem, Palestine. (Goddess of Chaos, Jacob’s Well)
Day 7: Presence (Palestinian Women and NGOs)
The best way to learn about Palestine is from the people who live there, whose work actively pursues hope. When we listen to their stories, we reject the notion that the Holy Land is a museum of miracles in past tense. Our generous attention encourages our siblings in Christ and equips us to share what we learn about the land and people of Palestine back home. Spend the day hearing from women who are healers, educators, scholars, creatives, and entrepreneurs. Learn about movements and organizations that connect us to God’s vision, both near and far.
Day 8: Friendship (Jerusalem and Bethlehem)
Visit the Mount of Olives for a breathtaking view of the city of Jerusalem. Remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into the city and walk the Palm Sunday road. Walk down cobblestone streets to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. Then see Ein Kerem, the birthplace of John the Baptist to hear Elizabeth’s blessing and Mary’s Magnificat and the Church of Mary Magdalene. After lunch, visit the Shepherds’ Fields where an angel announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds and their flocks. These fields were also home to Boaz when he met Ruth and Naomi. Help prepare dinner with Chefs for Peace at a local restaurant and learn about their work in Palestine.
Day 9: Faithfulness (The Old City)
Rise early for a day in the Old City. Begin at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, considered the most holy site of Christianity. This church tells the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, anointing, burial, and resurrection. Then explore sites including the Dome of the Rock, St. Anne’s Church, the House of Caiaphas, and the Western Wall. After lunch, walk the Via Dolorosa and wander the spice markets and bazaars of historic Jerusalem. Finally, enjoy a celebratory dinner that concludes our trip with good food and traditional dance.
Day 10: Departure
After an unforgettable pilgrimage to the Holy Land, begin the journey home. Our representative from Elias Tours will guide us through the first phase of our departure from Ben Gurion Airport and we say farewell for now!
NOTE: The schedule is subject to change, due to various factors, and at your Tour Leaders and Guide’s discretion.
