Have you dreamed of walking where Jesus walked? Of standing where David stood? Of touching stones that witnessed miracles?
That dream is closer than you think.
This November, join fellow believers from across the Heartland for a journey that will transform forever how you read Scripture. Led by Dwight and Anita Widaman, alongside Pastor Clint and Kathe Decker of Great Awakenings Ministry of Kansas, you’ll experience 12 days that will change your life.
Israel isn’t just a destination – it’s the place where faith comes alive. As one rabbi beautifully expressed, it’s “the earthly crossroads of all that has unfolded, determining the affairs of peoples and nations since time began.”
Here, Scripture steps off the page and into your senses. You’ll feel the morning mist over the Sea of Galilee, hear ancient prayers echo off Jerusalem’s stones, and watch the sun set over the same waters Jonah once sailed. The Bible you’ve always known in black and white suddenly blooms into vivid color, revealing depths of meaning you never imagined.
For 37 years, we’ve returned to this sacred land again and again, each visit revealing new treasures. Every journey brings fresh insights into the land, its people, and most importantly, the living reality of our faith. No one leaves Israel unchanged. The fog of misconceptions falls away, replaced by clarity and understanding that will stay with you forever.
This isn’t just a tour – it’s a pilgrimage of the heart. From the ancient steps of Jerusalem to the shores of Galilee, from bustling markets to quiet gardens of prayer, every moment is designed to deepen your faith and understanding. You’ll enjoy comfortable accommodations, savor local cuisine, and share meaningful fellowship with fellow believers, all while Pastor Decker brings Scripture to life at every stop.
The Holy Land is calling. Will you answer?
Join us this November. Let’s begin this extraordinary journey together.
Over the last 37 years, we have made dozens of journeys to the Holyland. Each time is new and refreshing. Each time provides exciting insights into the land, her people and current events but especially the Bible and our faith.
No one ever leaves Israel unfulfilled or disappointed. You return home having shed the fog of misperceptions, false media narratives and indifference. When you return home, you are different–Israel is now forever in your heart and always on your mind.
We want you to experience this with us. Come along! Let’s get started!
Making Your Holy Land Journey a Reality
The decision to walk where Jesus walked is more than a travel choice – it’s a step of faith. We understand the careful consideration this journey requires, from the investment of time to the financial commitment. But we also know the profound impact it will have on your faith and understanding of Scripture.
We believe this sacred journey should be accessible to as many believers as possible. That’s why we’ve worked diligently with our Israeli partners to create an experience that balances quality with value. We’re committed to helping you make this dream a reality.
Think of this not as a vacation expense, but as an investment in your spiritual growth – one that will transform how you read Scripture and understand your faith for years to come.
Review our itinerary below to learn more about this amazing opportunity.
DAY 1, Departure from the U.S.
The plane lifts off, and with it, your heart soars with anticipation. As you settle in and the world sleeps below, you’re not just crossing time zones – you’re crossing millennia, journeying back to where it all began . Your “My Journey to the Holyland” guide and notebook rests in your lap, ready to capture the moments that will transform your understanding of Scripture forever. But the best part? Your’re with friends and family and individuals you’ll soon call friends.
DAY 2, Shalom and Welcome. Anticipation and Visions!
It’s a sunny and warm afternoon in Tel Aviv as our plane touches down, and suddenly, the Bible isn’t just words on a page anymore – it’s the very ground beneath your feet.
- Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport. Lipkin tour staff lead us through the airport to meet our guide, Malkah, who greets us with a warm “Shalom.” As we drive past the ancient city of Lod, and then along the sparkling Mediterranean coast, modern Israel unfolds before you: a land where ancient stone walls stand in the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers.
- Check into our 4-star hotel overlooking the Mediterranean.
- Welcome dinner and orientation
DAY 3, Great Awakenings! Reset Your Clock to Biblical Time
Your first morning in Israel dawns with the salty breeze of the Mediterranean Sea. Eat breakfast then enjoy a stroll along the beach as before we board our coach bus for a short drive north, enjoying the coastal scenery.
- In Caesaria, where the waves still crash against Herod’s palace ruins just as they did when Paul stood trial here, we’ll visit Paul’s prison, and explore Herod’s amphitheater and hippodrome, plus famous Roman aqueducts. This is an important New Testament city from which the Gospel spread to both Jews and Gentiles, starting with Cornelius the Centurion whom Peter asked to come see him in Jaffa.
- Overview of the Valley of Meggido – Armageddon – the ancient battlefield where Scripture says the final battle will unfold. It is for archaeologists perhaps the most important site in Israel dating from Old Testament times.
- A drive through the Galilee Hills. The center of Christ’s ministry.
- Nazareth Village. Here, you’ll step into a first-century world, complete with villagers in period dress working an ancient wine press that dates back to Jesus’ time, spinning yarn and tending sheep. It’s an open-air living history experience on the original site of Nazareth reconstructing village life in the time of Jesus. Step into the actual wine press from Jesus’ boyhood!
- Mount of Precipice. The cliff where an angry mob attempted to throw Jesus from after his bold proclamation in the Nazareth synagogue. See an inspiring view of Mt. Tabor, the Jezreel Valley, Cana, Nain and more! This is the view Jesus saw.
- Check into our 4-star Galilee hotel for dinner and a stroll along the Sea of Galilee.
DAY 4, In the Footsteps of Jesus – Miracles and Ministry
Today we visit the “Miracle Triangle” of communities central to Jesus and his many miracles.
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Church of the Primacy of St. Peter sits on the edge of the Galilee. Tabgha Region. This area is where Jesus called his first disciples from their fishing nets. Central to Jesus’ ministry, so much happened here, including feeding the multitudes nearby and restoration of Peter after his denials.
- Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter. The morning light dances on the Sea of Galilee just as it did that transformative dawn. At the Church of Primacy, Peter’s declaration of faith echoes across time. See the steps used in Jesus’ day to enter the Galilee boats.
- Mount of Beatitudes invites quiet reflection among gardens overlooking the waters where Jesus taught the multitudes as recorded in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6.
- Capernaum’s ancient stones tell the story of Jesus’ ministry and home base including his synagogue and Peter’s house which we can still see today.
- Next is Bethsaida – the Galilean fishing village that is the birthplace of Peter, Andrew and Philip. This place echoes thestories of Jesus’ many miracles.
- Dinner at the hotel
DAY 5, Along the Route of Abraham and Paul’s “Road to Damascus”
- Tel Dan is our portal to the patriarchal age. An impressive archaeological site with unique remains of the Canaanite and Israelite cities and a Biblical High Place. See the oldest mud-brick gate in the world. Abraham walked through it!
- At the foot of Mount Hermon’s snow-capped peak is Banias, whose springs feed the Jordan River with crystal-clear waters.
- Caesaria Philippi A city of Greek-Roman culture where, amid the pagan temples, Jesus stood at the entrance to “Hades” and Peter proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah. We’ll see the Road to Damascus, where Paul met the Jewish Messiah.
- Aniam Artist Village for lunch. This little village, in the center of a vibrant agricultural region, is home to 15 galleries and workshops, plus a pedestrian mall, restaurants, and cafes.
- Free time to shop and explore the village
- Dinner at hotel
DAY 6, We are Fishers of Men as we Travel to Jerusalem
- Check out of our hotel for our drive to Jerusalem, but first…
- Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and worship to experience the same waters that carried Jesus and his disciples.
- Gadara is on the eastern shores of the Galilee – the site where Jesus cast demons into swine which then ran down into the water. We will see their path from the vantage point of our boat –unique to our tours!
- Beit She’an. A major Roman city (above) located at the crossroads between the Jordan and Jezreel (Yizreel) Vallies. Here you will explore spectacular ruins of the glory that was the Roman Empire including an amphitheater, Roman baths, shops, and the main pillar-lined “cardo”.
- Jerusalem unfolds like a golden scroll as you ascend the Mount of Olives. View the setting sun over Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.
- Garden of Gethsemane. Its ancient olive trees stand as silent witnesses to His prayers of anguish on the night of His betrayal and arrest.
- Church of All Nations. The architecture and the gold stars on the deep blue ceiling reflect the moods and atmosphere on the night of Jesus’ arrest.
- Check into the hotel. Dinner.
DAY 7 Reflections on What Was to Come for Jesus
- City of David. Here we will see the King’s palace in this active archaeological dig.
- On Mount Zion, the Last Supper Room and David’s Tomb connect Old and New Testament narratives.
- Enter into the Old City through the Lion’s Gate.
- Jewish Quarter Cardo stroll to view architecture, historical and archaeological points of interest.
- The Western Wall draws you into Judaism’s heart. One of the last remaining walls of the Temple Mount on which stood the Jewish Temple at the time of Jesus. Today, prayers written on small papers fill ancient crevices. As Friday evening approaches, observe or join the jubilant celebration of Shabbat, where song and dance transform the Western Wall plaza into a scene of pure joy.
- Return to Hotel for Shabbat dinner.
DAY 8, Following the Path of the Passion of the Christ
- Lions’ Gate, also known as St. Stephen’s Gate. Located on the north-east walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.
- Via Dolorosa path while we view many historical sites
- Bethesda-Sheep’s Pool. The actual place of the healing of the paralyzed man, who had waited for 38 years for someone to help him into the pool.
- Church of Alexander Nevsky. Beneath this Russian Orthodox church is the ancient city wall and its “Eye of the Needle,” and the “Judgment Gate” through which Jesus carried his cross.
- Church of the Holy Sepulcher where centuries of devotion permeate the stone walls. Built by the mother of Constantine and recognized as the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion since the early Byzantine period.
- Christian quarter. Free time to stroll and enjoy lunch, the shops, treats and architecture.
- Dinner at the hotel
- Option to join us as we walk a few blocks to the pedestrian area of Ben Yehuda street to experience Jerusalem coming alive after Shabbat ends. Close to the hotel, it features shops reopening with Israelis and tourists mingling, enjoying live music, shopping, and sipping coffee. Great time for souvenirs and last-minute shopping.
DAY 9, Desert Journey of Kings, Scrolls, and Baptisms
- Masada, King Herod’s ancient fortress occupies a breathtaking, strategic location high on a flat plateau above the Dead Sea. This is where the Jews took their final stand against the Romans in 73 AD.
- Dead Sea stop to learn about biblical prophecy coming to life with new springs of fresh water emerging.
- Qumran Overlook to see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered n Dinner at hotel
- We end the day at the Qasr Al-Yehud baptismal site on the banks of the Jordan River. Baptism opportunity, reflection.
- Dinner at hotel
DAY 10, The Biblical “Heartland” of Ancient Israel – Samaria
- Today we go deep into the Old Testament starting with a Biblical overlook. See the spectacular view of Shechem, Mt. Gerizim (Mt. of Blessing) and Mt. Ebal (Mt. of Curses). You will be able to identify sites where many biblical stories took place.
- Ancient Shiloh still bears the outline of the Tabernacle’s foundation, where the Ark of the Covenant rested for nearly four centuries. We’ll see it up close and step over countless pottery shards left in testament to countless sacrifices.
- Bethel –Beit El. Time permitting, we’ll see where Jacob dreamed of a ladder to heaven and Abraham worshipped.
- Dinner at hotel.
- Free evening: Have coffee and dessert or a soda on the terrace of the famous King David Hotel down the street or take the elevator at the historical YMCA tower for a stunning view of Jerusalem at dusk.
DAY 11, The Big “Dig”: Become an Archaeologist
- Sifting project. Guided by archaeologists, we’ll take part in sifting through archaeological treasures recovered from beneath the First and Second Temples!
- Southern Steps. The original 2,000-year-old steps that Jesus and worshippers climbed to the old Hulda Gates that lead to the Temple Mount. From here, Peter baptized the multitudes.
- Wohl Museum, also known as the Herodian Quarters. The site includes 6 houses overlooking the Temple Mount. The homes are from the wealthiest residents and the priestly class of Jesus’ day. The geometrically patterned mosaic floors, frescoes, and costly glassware and ceramics provide a glimpse into citizen’s life in the days of Herod and Jesus.
- Western Wall (Kotel). Return here at a less busy time for personal reflection, and prayer, and leave a note.
- The bus can return you to the hotel for a free afternoon or you can stay in the Old City for shopping and exploring.
- Dinner at hotel
- After dinner stroll Jerusalem and enjoy the Nachlaot Neighborhood, Machane Yehuda Market, Montefiore Windmill, or the First Station with new friends.
DAY 12, The Tomb is Empty! Final Reflections on What We’ve Seen
- Garden Tomb, where the reality of resurrection pervades the peaceful grounds. We begin our day here, to share communion here, worship, and here a timely message of new life.
- Israel Museum Second Temple Scale Model. The model recreates Jerusalem of 66 CE on the eve of its destruction by the Romans. Inside the Museum we’ll see a Roman nail used in crucifixions and other priceless artifacts that bring to light the scriptures.
- Dead Sea Scrolls. View some of the actual scrolls and to see how the scriptures have NOT changed.
- If traffic and time permits, stop at Emmaus where after the resurrection, Jesus met the two travelers
- A final sunset in ancient Jaffa, where Jonah set sail and Peter’s vision opened the gospel to the Gentiles, provides a fitting farewell to this land where every stone tells a story.
- Farewell restaurant dinner. Leisurely fellowship for our last evening at a nice restaurant (included) to enjoy the friends we have made!
- Drive to Ben Gurion airport. Overnight flight.
As your plane lifts off from Ben Gurion Airport, you carry with you more than photographs and souvenirs – you take the living reality of Scripture, experienced through every sense, etched forever in your heart.
Your Investment Includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Kansas City
- Deluxe hotel accommodations
- All entrance fees to biblical and historic sites
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Modern, air-conditioned motor coaches
- Licensed Israeli guides who bring Scripture to life
- Personal audio headsets for clear tour guidance
- Tips for drivers, guides, and hotel staff
- All transfers and porterage
- Pre-trip orientation materials and study guide
- Special Shabbat dinner experience
- Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee
Land price is $3397 all-inclusive and includes:
- 11 days in Israel
- 10 nights (all lodging) in 4-star hotels
- Custom, personalized Tour Bible Study Guide
- Pre-trip consultation and in-person meeting with the Widamans or Deckers
- All entrance fees to sites including churches, national museums, archaeological digs, special events, and more!
- Transfers from airport to hotel
- Air-conditioned premium travel coach with wi-fi
- Licensed tour guide
- Licensed coach driver (licensed through the Israeli government)
- All breakfasts
- All dinners (with both Israeli and American food choices and drinks)
- Special lunch
- Last night farewell celebration dinner
Not Included:
- Tips for hotel, driver and tour guide
- Lunches (except 1 special lunch)
- Flights. Most of the group will travel together from Kansas City but others from around the country may join us for our international departure. Airfare is estimated to be between $1750 and $1950 pp, economy. Upgrades available.
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Any fees associated with obtaining a passport or entry visa.
For solo travelers, there is an additional charge for a single room or you can choose to share a room if another solo traveler participates. Families up to three can share a room.
Mobility and physical expectations
The daily itinerary is robust. On some days, there is a fair amount of walking, often over uneven pavement or outdoor rustic areas. There are also steps, at numerous areas. The tour is not advisble for individuals using wheelchairs or walkers, or for those for whom walking is a challenge. If this describes you, contact us and we can help arrange a trip that suits your particular needs and abilities.
The itinerary order above can change depending on highway detours or opening times of sites.
For more information call Dwight and Anita at 816-524-4522 or email heartlandtoholyland@gmail.com
