DATE
July 7th-16th, 2024
TRIP LENGTH
10 Days
COST
$4975 USD
*Based on Double Occupancy. Airfare Credit of $1,000 Included.
“YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO MY FEET AND A LIGHT TO MY PATH.”
Psalm 119:105
Bridge the Gap’s Dr. Rho and Dr. Shumonte Cooper invite you to join them on a once in a lifetime, exclusive tour of the Land of the Bible. Experience the Scriptures on location, the rich cultures of Jews and Arabs, and hike among the historical sites where Jesus performed the miracles that shook the world and continue to do so today.
The cost includes roundtrip airfare from JFK*, hotel accommodations, breakfasts, and dinners, National Park passes, all tips and gratuities and transportation for the whole tour! We guarantee you’ll be transformed, and how you read the Bible will never be the same.
REFLECT WHERE JESUS PRAYED AND AGONIZED ON THE NIGHT OF HIS ARREST IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE.
TAKE PART IN AN UNFORGETTABLE SEA OF GALILEE EVENING CRUISE
WALK THE STREETS OF JERUSALEM – THE HOLY CITY OF GOD, WHERE YAHWEH HAS STAMPED HIS NAME FOREVER.
FLOAT ON THE DEAD SEA – THE SALTIEST WATER AND THE LOWEST POINT ON THE PLANET.
July 6th | Optional Pre-Arrival
- See “Travel Info” page for more info
July 7th | Depart JFK for Israel
July 8th | Welcome to Israel
- Arrive at Tel Aviv Airport
- Welcome Dinner at Hotel
Tel Aviv – Grand Beach Hotel
July 9th | Caesarea to Galilee
- Caesarea– The book of Acts comes alive as you tour the Roman headquarters in Israel during the 1st century. Peter, Philip, and Paul spread the Word of God here.
- Mt. Carmel– The site of the Old Testament showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18.
- Nazareth Village– In the outskirts of Old Nazareth visit an authentic first-century farm and archaeologically accurate re-creation of the hometown of Jesus.
- Drive to Galilee
Galilee – Maagan Eden Hotel
July 10th | Galilee
- Mt. Arbel (Optional)– The area where much of Jesus’s earthly ministry took place. Take a morning hike up this mountain at sunrise for a stunning view of the Sea of Galilee. Hike to a fortress and cave village.
- Magdala– A first century village that is a unique crossroads of Jewish and Christian history on the shores of Galilee, hometown of Mary Magdalene.
- Mt. of Beattitudes– This is most likely where Jesus spoke to the massive crowd just north of the Sea of Galilee in His famous sermon.
- Peter’s Primacy– The traditional site where Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples and commenced Peter’s ministry.
- Capernaum– Known as the “Home of Jesus” after our Savior left Nazareth. This site is rich with stories from the gospels as Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law and many others. Here He defeated the demons in the synagogue who cowered in His presence.
Galilee – Maagan Eden Hotel
July 11th | Caesarea Philippi & Golan Heights
- Dan Nature Reserve– Hike in a nature reserve in northern Israel that is the headwaters of the Jordan and Dan rivers. An impressive archeological site with remains of ancient Canaanite and Israelite cities. This is where Israel fell into idolatry under King Jeroboam.
- Caesarea Philippi– This important site in Jesus’ ministry is where He took the disciples to give them their marching orders with “Upon this Rock, I will build My Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”
- Lunch in Druze Restaurant
- Golan Heights– Venture deep into the Golan Heights and see one of the most contested areas between Israel and Syria.
- Evening Boat Ride– On the Sea of Galilee with local hors d’oeuvres, wine, and other refreshments.
Galilee – Maagan Eden Hotel
July 12th | Jerusalem
- Drive to Jerusalem
- Mt. of Olives– Overlook Jerusalem from the highest of the three ridges surrounding Jerusalem, from here Jesus wept over the city. Jesus was standing on this mountain when He ascended to Heaven this is where He will return in His second coming, splitting the mountain in half.
- Dominus Flevit– Visit the traditional site where Jesus wept over Jerusalem and the coming judgment on His people for rejecting Him.
- Garden of Gethsemane– The site where Jesus prayed and agonized before His arrest.
- Stephen’s Gate– Read from Acts 7 at the traditional site of the martyrdom of St. Stephen – one of the most beloved gates in Jerusalem’s Old City.
- Pools of Bethesda– The location where Jesus healed the paralyzed man in John 5.
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre– Walk through the ancient church that become the epicenter of Christianity in the 300’s.
- Rest and Free Time
Jerusalem – Sephardic House Hotel
July 13th | The Old City
- Temple Mount– Explore the site near the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque. This has been instilled as a place of conflict but, most notably, the very place where the Glory of God resided at the first and second temple.
- The Southern Steps– Walk on the ancient steps where Jesus taught His disciples, where Pentecost occurred, and where the Church was born!
- City of David– Explore the site of the first city of Jerusalem built by King David.
- Hezekiah’s Tunnel– Walk through the ancient water tunnel King Hezekiah built to relocate Jerusalem’s water source inside the city and away from enemies. (Bring your water shoes, headlamp and/or flashlight)
- Bethlehem & Shepherds Field– Visit the site where Jesus, The Lamb of God was born, and where Gabriel announced His arrival to the Shepherds.
- Church of the Nativity– Church of the Nativity is the traditional birthplace of Jesus. Commissioned by Constantine, the church is built over the ruins of the site believed to be where Jesus was born.
Jerusalem – Sephardic House Hotel
July 14th | Dead Sea
- Masada– See the fortress where the Israelites made their last stand against Rome after the Fall of Jerusalem. They committed mass suicide there to avoid becoming prisoners of Rome. This is also where David went while on the run from King Saul.
- En Gedi– Ruth and Naomi walked up the rugged mountain to Bethlehem, where Boaz would marry the Moabite, who became a follower of the God of Israel. This site has a spectacular waterfall and caves where David hid from King Saul, as recorded in 1 Samuel 23.
- Dead Sea– Come float in the world’s saltiest water. It’s the lowest point on the planet.
- ATVs in the Desert
Jerusalem – Sephardic House Hotel
July 15th | Garden Tomb
- Friends of Zion Museum– This incredible museum tells the story of Israel from the time of Abraham to the establishment of the modern Israel following World War II.
- Service Project– TBD
- Garden Tomb– This inspirational site may be the very place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead. We’ll celebrate The Lord’s Supper here to conclude our incredible time in the Land of the Bible.
- Free Time in the Old City
Jerusalem – Sephardic House Hotel
July 16th | Depart Tel Aviv for the USA
Flights
A flight credit of $1,000 is included in the cost of the trip. Flights will be booked approximately 6 1/2 months prior to departure. Flights will be departing from JFK to TLV and returning from TLV to JFK.
If you prefer to book your own flights, you can deduct $1,000 from the cost of the trip. Below are some arrival and departure windows, we recommend you do your best to book your flights within. If you choose to book your flights on other days or times, you may encounter a longer wait time at the airport and/or be responsible for paying the additional transportation costs of private transportation to/from the airport. (i.e. a private car service will cost $150-$200 USD in most cases.) If your arrival and departure dates are different from what is below you will be responsible for paying for additional hotel nights.
ARRIVALS | Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV)
July 7th, 2024 | TIME TBD
DEPARTURES | Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV)
July 16th, 2024 | TIME TBD
NOTE: Many flights back to the US are “red eye” flights that depart around midnight.
Butler Travel |Nathanael Martin | 503-879-5005 | nathan@butlertravel.com
NOTE: Butler Travel is based in Oregon (Pacific Time Zone)
Pre-Arrival
Additional fees apply. Coming in a day early is optional for trip participants, but please be aware this is prior to the start of the tour. While your guides, transportation, and hotels are covered over the course of your tour, the pre-arrival date is outside of this window. Please be advised that travelers will be responsible for their own transportation, activities, and hotels should they decide to arrive early.
Solo Travelers
We welcome solo travelers on all our trips! However, the advertised trip cost reflects a cost per person that assumes the person will share a room with another traveler (“double occupancy.”) We will do our best to pair you with another solo traveler (of the same gender) that also desires a roommate. It has worked out well for many people on our trips. If, however, we are unable to assign a roommate, you should anticipate that 1-2 months before trip departure, you will receive an additional invoice of $877 USD from Uncharted Adventures to cover to costs of having a private room (“single supplement”) at all hotels during the trip.
Trip Cancellations
In the event that you choose to cancel you reservation, or it is cancelled due to reasons outside the control of Uncharted Adventures (including, but not limited to, political turmoil, natural disasters, acts of God, pandemic or epidemics), you will be responsible for any non-refundable expenses incurred by you or on your behalf (including, but not limited to, airfare, airline cancellation fees, deposits, lodging etc.) Uncharted Adventures will strive to refund everything possible if the expedition is cancelled for reasons outside of our control. We strongly recommend cancellation trip insurance to help protect you in the unfortunate event you would need to cancel your trip.
Cancellation Fees and Refunds
If you choose to cancel your reservation, cancellation fees will be determined according to the following schedule:
- 181 days or more prior to departure date, the cancellation fee is the trip deposit amount $400 USD, plus any other costs or administrative fees incurred from transportation agency or hotel.
- 91-180 days prior to departure date, the cancellation fee is 50 percent of trip cost plus any air costs or administrative fees incurred from transportation agency or hotel.
- 90 days and less prior to departure date, the entire price of the trip becomes nonrefundable.
Additionally, all cancellations received after Uncharted Adventures has booked rooms and/or local travel will incur a $175 USD administrative fee per person. Any refunds will be processed in accordance with the hotel/resort, ground operators, etc. refund policies.
Passport Requirements
Its is very important that your passport does not expire six months before our return date. You will be denied entry into Israel if your passport expires earlier than this date.
If your passport expiration date looks good, please email a copy to info@unchartedadventures.co.
- Best: Color scan of your passport in .jpg, .png or .pdf format
- Good Enough: Up-close photo in .jpg or .png format (make sure there is no glare and all info is readable.)
- Make sure passport is SIGNED and that signature page is included in your scan or photo.
If your passport expires 6 months before we return from our trip, you will need to apply immediately for a passport renewal. Please click here for directions on how to renew your passport. NOTE: Routine renewal processing can take 12 weeks. Expedited (more expensive) is more like a 6 week turnaround.
If you do not have a valid passport, click here to apply for one.
Be aware, if you are traveling with us to Israel, customs may take longer if your passport contains stamps from Muslim-majority countries.
Weather
The average daily high temperature during the month of July is 91 degrees (F) with evening temps around 70 (F). July is typically in the midst of a hot and dry season in Israel. Temperatures may differ in the south (desert) and Galilee (north) regions.
Clothing
- shirts, blouses, socks, underwear (pack limited supply – use wash-and-wear)
- shorts, slacks, jeans, skirts (pack limited supply)
- personal modesty kit (for entering holy places and conservative communities)
- heavy sweater or jacket
- swimsuit
- walking shoes (plenty of walking! Good shoes are very important!)
- flip-flops
- sunglasses
- hat
Toiletries/Medications
- shampoo
- toothbrush and paste
- deodorant
- personal soap
- comb and hairbrush
- shaving equipment
- eyedrops, contact lens solutions and cleaners
- other personal hygiene products
- band-aids
- diarrhea medicine (just in case!)
- cold remedy or decongestant tablets
- sleeping pills
- motion sickness pills
- aspirin
- sunscreen
- package of towelettes
- earplugs
Miscellaneous
- water bottle
- travel alarm
- plastic bags
- pen, notebook, small Bible
- adapter or converter
- tiny flashlight
- tissues
- small umbrella
- snacks
Carry-On Items
- airline tickets
- passport
- one-day change of clothes
- essential toiletries
- neck pillow and sleeping mask
- good book
Is Israel safe?
Israel is regarded as one of the safest countries in the world. Annually, the city of Chicago has more violent crimes than the entire country of Israel.
The safety of our travelers is of the highest priority to Uncharted Adventures and our partners. If for any reason safety is threatened by any factors the owners/operators reserve the right to make whatever changes deemed necessary for the safety of the team. This could include changing lodging or avoiding areas at short notice.
Passport Requirements
All participants must have a valid passport that will expire no sooner than six months past their scheduled date of return. You must always carry your passport on your person. Be aware, if you are traveling with us to Israel customs may take longer if your passport contains stamps from Muslim majority countries.
How much personal money should I bring?
We recommend bringing $100-$300 so you can buy souvenirs for yourself and those back at home.
COVID-19 Policy
To read the latest entry procedures required for tourists arriving and departing Israel, please click here.
Trip Cancellation
In the event that I choose to cancel my reservation, or it is cancelled due to reasons outside the control of Uncharted Adventures (including, but not limited to, political turmoil, natural disasters, acts of God, pandemic or epidemics), I will be responsible for any non-refundable expenses incurred for me or on my behalf (including, but not limited to, airfare, airline cancellation fees, deposits, lodging etc.) Uncharted Adventures will strive to refund everything possible if the expedition is cancelled for reasons outside of our control.
Cancellation Fees and Refunds
If you choose to cancel your reservation, cancellation fees will be determined according to the following schedule:
- 181 days or more prior to departure date, the cancellation fee is the deposit amount of $400 USD, plus any air costs or administrative fees incurred from transportation agency or hotel.
- 91-180 days prior to departure date, the cancellation fee is 50 percent of trip cost plus any air costs or administrative fees incurred from transportation agency or hotel.
- 90 days and less prior to departure date, the entire price of the trip becomes nonrefundable.
Additionally, all cancellations received after Uncharted Adventures has booked rooms and/or local travel will incur a $175 USD administrative fee per person. Any refunds will be processed in accordance with the hotel/resort, ground operators, etc. refund policies.
Ready to Experience The Holy Land?
This is an invite-only trip. If you’ve been invited, read below on how to sign-up.
Payment Information
Reserve Your Spot!
Pay $400 deposit per person at sign-up. This will secure your place on the trip.
Remaining Balance
We will invoice you the remaining balance which you can pay in full, or split into two payment deadlines. These will be due Dec. 7th and Apr. 7th.
Payments towards the payment deadlines can be at your own pace (weekly, biweekly or monthly) as long as the payment deadlines are met.
Pricing Information
*Price per person based on double occupancy (two people in a hotel room), paying by check. Solo travelers will have the option to pick “Single Occupancy, Assign Roommate” or “Single Occupancy, Private Room.” We will do our best to assign a roommate to solo travelers if that is their preference. In the event we are unable to assign someone a roommate, an additional charge of $877 USD per person will be assessed approximately two months before departure. Flights will be booked approximately 6 1/2 months prior to trip departure and are budgeted at $1000 per person. If sign-ups occur past this window, flight costs will likely increase. If you would like to book your own flights we will deduct $1000 from your trip cost.
