Join Pastor David Rutherford on this Unforgettable Israel Tour
For me, traveling to Israel is the spiritual experience of a lifetime. After a trip like this, you will never read the Bible the same. Imagine reading Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount on the Mount of Beatitudes and exploring the Old City of Jerusalem where so much of Scripture actually happened. Walking where Jesus walked and learning where Jesus taught will deepen your love for God and His Word.
Ultimately, seeing where Jesus suffered and died for our sins will make your faith more personal than ever imagined. I’m convinced that your worldview and personal Christian conviction will be enhanced through your daily Bible studies, times of worship, and Christian fellowship. With so much to see and experience, I’m confident this trip will be a source of spiritual growth and personal inspiration.
As an added bonus, I'm thrilled that CrossCity's very own Trevor Morgan and Brent Deffenbacher will be joining me on this trip. As an accomplished singer/songwriter, Trevor will be leading our team in times of worship. Then Brent, as someone who has traveled to Israel on multiple occasions, will add his Biblical knowledge and perspective through partnering with me in leading our Bible Studies. February 2023 will be here before you know it...so sign up now!
Sincerely,
Pastor David
Meet These Special Guests During Your Exceptional Travel Experience
For the past 20 years Brent Deffenbacher has been serving in full time vocational ministry through the local church. Brent received a business degree from Azusa Pacific University and his Masters of Divinity from Fresno Pacific University where he now serves as an adjunct professor. Brent is a member of the weekend teaching team with Pastor David Rutherford in addition to serving as the Discipleship & Teaching Pastor at CrossCity Christian Church. He is also a sought after communicator who speaks at camps and conferences. In addition, Brent serves as the team chaplain for the Fresno Foxes Professional Soccer Team, and is the head coach of the varsity golf team at Fresno Christian Schools. Having recently traveled to Rome and Israel on multiple occasions, Brent will bring both his biblical knowledge and international experience to this trip.
For the past 20 years Brent Deffenbacher has been serving in full time vocational ministry through the local church. Brent received a business degree from Azusa Pacific University and his Masters of Divinity from Fresno Pacific University where he now serves as an adjunct professor. Brent is a member of the weekend teaching team with Pastor David Rutherford in addition to serving as the Discipleship & Teaching Pastor at CrossCity Christian Church. He is also a sought after communicator who speaks at camps and conferences. In addition, Brent serves as the team chaplain for the Fresno Foxes Professional Soccer Team, and is the head coach of the varsity golf team at Fresno Christian Schools. Having recently traveled to Rome and Israel on multiple occasions, Brent will bring both his biblical knowledge and international experience to this trip.
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 (Depart for Israel)
February 16
Arrive in Israel
After passing through Ben Gurion Airport (voted one of the best in the world), you will meet your group and drive to Tiberias, the capital of Galilee. Share your first meal, and spend time getting to know one another. Explore Tiberias, a city with an impressive history and spiritual significance.
February 17-18
Central Coast & Jezreel Valley
Worship and bond with your group as you get to know this lush valley, which produces much of the fresh fruit and vegetables you’ll enjoy every day of your tour. Visit Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. Encounter God on Mount Carmel, where Elijah called down fire from heaven. And look out over the Valley of Armageddon (Megiddo), as you gain new insights into biblical prophecy.
Sites you'll see include:
- Caesarea by the Sea
- Mount Carmel
- Megiddo
- Nazareth Village
- Mount Precipice/Nazareth Overlook
The Galilee Region
Wake up to a sunrise on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on water and calmed the storm. Then sail these same waters in a first-century replica boat. Gather on the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, a millennia ago. Rededicate your faith while being baptized in the waters of the Jordan as your entire group worships and praises God.
Sites you'll see include:
- Mount of Beatitudes
- Capernaum
- Magdala
- St. Peter’s Primacy
- Baptism in the waters of the Jordan
- Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee
February 19
Lower Jordan River Valley
Tour the ancient Roman ruins of this desert oasis as you learn little known facts about its fortresses and walled cities like Bet She’an. After your group shares this experience, wrap up your evening with heartfelt worship and a timely message.
Sites you'll see include:
- Bet She’an
- Qasr al-Yahud - Jesus Baptismal Site
- Israel Museum: Model City & Dead Sea Scrolls
- Haas Promenade
February 20-23
Jerusalem & The Old City
Walk the gold stone streets of Old City Jerusalem and meet Israelis shopping with you in the marketplace. Leave your own prayer at the Western Wall as you stand beside God’s chosen people at the holiest site in Jerusalem. Behold the famous Temple Mount, pray in the Garden of Gethsemane and sing in the Upper Room. Stand on the Mount of Olives and gaze at the gate Jesus will walk through when He returns. Enjoy another delicious Mediterranean dinner recounting the day’s adventures with new friends.
Sites you'll see include:
- Southern Steps
- Davidson Center
- Western Wall & Plaza
- Jewish Quarter & Cardo
- Arab Quarter
- Christian Quarter
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- Via Dolorosa
- Sisters of Zion
- Saint Anne’s Church
- Pool of Bethesda
- Armenian Quarter
- Mount Zion
- Upper Room
- Saint Peter’s in Gallicantu
- City of David
- Mount of Olives
- Temple Mount View
- Palm Sunday Road
- Dominus Flevit
- Garden of Gethsemane & Church of All Nations
- Garden Tomb
- Friends of Zion Heritage Center
- Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum)
- Antonia Fortress
Judean Wilderness & Dead Sea Regions
Journey into the wilderness of Ein Gedi, the rocky wilderness where David penned the Psalms. Get a bird’s eye view from the famous Fortress of Masada. Then, enjoy the beautiful descent down to the lowest point on Earth: the Dead Sea. Conclude your tour with new friends by relaxing in these mineral-rich waters.
Sites you'll see include:
- Masada
- Qumran
- Ein Gedi
- Dead Sea & Swim
February 23
Night Departure for Flight Home
Friday, February 24, 2023 (Arrive Home)
All dates & locations subject to change.
Home of the Bible
Israel is a place where hidden oases are tucked away amid windswept deserts, where rocky cliffs were carved by ancient rivers and where historical ruins lie within sight of modern architecture. A melting pot of religion, culture and spiritual depth, a Christian tour to Israel is far more than a typical vacation. It is a journey into the origins of belief—one that will connect your faith today with the depth and power of the Christian story. For followers of Christ, a trip to the Holy Land is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a place that doesn’t just bring the Bible to life but adds a visual dimension to the beliefs you’ve staked your life upon.
Biblical Sites
Visit the places of the Bible to see where Jesus lived, walked and where His disciples began sharing the Gospel of His love.
Middle Eastern Culture
Soak in the sights, sounds and life of a culture from across the globe.
Historic Landscapes
Come see the variegated deserts, gardens, oases and seas of the Middle East.
Optional Post-Tour Rome Extension
February 24-27, 2023
For travelers seeking a unique and culturally enriching experience, Rome, one of the world’s great cities, is the ideal destination. Filled with ancient ruins, iconic marble fountains, charming plazas and famed works of art, Rome has thousands of years of history on display. Savor the rich and flavorful cuisine Italy is known for as you explore this fascinating place where contemporary and ancient cultures come together. Enhance your Israel tour with a Rome tour guided by Inspiration.
EXTENSION HIGHLIGHTS
Sistine Chapel
Be astounded by the detail in the famous frescoes that populate the interior—including Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam.”Vatican Museums
The Museums include more than 70,000 works of art across 1,400 galleries and chapels, making it the world’s largest museum.Trevi Fountain
Toss a coin over your shoulder into the water of this massive marble foundation, one of the oldest water sources of Rome. The coins are later collected to serve the needy.Colosseum
Consider the steadfast faith of early believers as you tour the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built and ancient Rome’s largest surviving structure.INCLUDED IN YOUR EXTENSION
- Breakfast provided daily along with two group dinners
- Outstanding accommodations
- All porterage, taxes and gratuities; Entrance fees to all sites
- Travel by private, deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach with an English-speaking guide
OTHER SITES YOU'LL SEE IN ROME
- Saint Peter’s Basilica
- Roman Forum
- Arch of Constantine
- Mamertine Prison
- Pantheon
- Spanish Steps and many more
Experience over 15 monumental sites as we enjoy the best of Rome together.
PRICE: $2,548 per person
This extension, available only to those booked on the CrossCity Christian Church Israel Tour, is operated by Inspiration Cruises & Tours.
Tour Pricing
Included in the Tour:
- Teaching from Pastor David Rutherford at significant biblical sites
- Study materials for your pre-tour preparation
- International round-trip group air transportation (not included in Tour Only option) and transfers to your group hotel
- Outstanding accommodations
- Breakfast and dinner provided daily during the tour, along with four lunch stops including a special St. Peter’s Fish Lunch
- Israel’s best tour-operators and licensed, hand-picked tour guides
- Travel by private, deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach
- All porterage, taxes and gratuities; Entrance fees to all sites
- The most up-to-date health and safety protocols available, including state-of-the-art Aura Air filtration systems on every motorcoach
*4-STAR ACCOMMODATIONS |
|
Price |
Flights |
$3,398 |
Tour Only |
$4,298 |
Los Angeles (LAX) |
$4,668 |
San Francisco (SFO) |
SIGNATURE SERVICE OPTION |
Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Taxes and gratuities are included in the advertised rates.
MON - FRI 8:30AM - 5:00PM (PACIFIC TIME)
BE SURE TO BOOK THROUGH INSPIRATION:This event is exclusive to those who book in advance through Inspiration Cruises & Tours. Booking through a secondary travel agent at the same hotels will not allow you to participate in any event programming.
Conferences
New Testament Landscapes
International Agents
Frequently Asked Questions
Optional Post-Tour Rome Extension
February 24-27, 2023
For travelers seeking a unique and culturally enriching experience, Rome, one of the world’s great cities, is the ideal destination. Filled with ancient ruins, iconic marble fountains, charming plazas and famed works of art, Rome has thousands of years of history on display. Savor the rich and flavorful cuisine Italy is known for as you explore this fascinating place where contemporary and ancient cultures come together. Enhance your Israel tour with a Rome tour guided by Inspiration.
EXTENSION HIGHLIGHTS
Sistine Chapel
Be astounded by the detail in the famous frescoes that populate the interior—including Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam.”Vatican Museums
The Museums include more than 70,000 works of art across 1,400 galleries and chapels, making it the world’s largest museum.Trevi Fountain
Toss a coin over your shoulder into the water of this massive marble foundation, one of the oldest water sources of Rome. The coins are later collected to serve the needy.Colosseum
Consider the steadfast faith of early believers as you tour the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built and ancient Rome’s largest surviving structure.INCLUDED IN YOUR EXTENSION
- Breakfast provided daily along with two group dinners
- Outstanding accommodations
- All porterage, taxes and gratuities; Entrance fees to all sites
- Travel by private, deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach with an English-speaking guide
OTHER SITES YOU'LL SEE IN ROME
- Saint Peter’s Basilica
- Roman Forum
- Arch of Constantine
- Mamertine Prison
- Pantheon
- Spanish Steps and many more
Experience over 15 monumental sites as we enjoy the best of Rome together.
PRICE: $2,548 per person
This extension, available only to those booked on the CrossCity Christian Church Israel Tour, is operated by Inspiration Cruises & Tours.
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