TH1026C · Traveler companion
Past. Present. Promise.
Discover Israel Tour & Conference
October 23–November 2, 2026 11 days · One remarkable journey
Hope For Our Times · Rock Harbor Church
Overview
The journey ahead
Walk the land.
Experience the story.
From the Mediterranean coast to the Galilee and Jerusalem, discover the places that bring the landscape of Scripture to life.
Together with Pastors Tom Hughes, Brandon Holthaus, and Olivier Melnick, your journey brings biblical history and present-day Israel together with teaching, worship, and fellowship.
Use this companion as your primary trip reference. When plans change on the ground, real-time instructions from your guide and tour leaders supersede the information shown here.
01 / ExploreYour days
of discovery.
Follow your journey from the coast to Jerusalem.
Explore the itinerary
02 / GatherOur evenings
together.
Teaching and fellowship, together in the Galilee.
Discover the conference
03 / UnwindYour places
to unwind.
Your hotels in Herzliya, the Galilee, and Jerusalem.
Find your hotelsBefore you go
A little preparation.
A smoother journey.
Gather your documents, check your travel plans, and get ready for what lies ahead.
Prepare for your journey
Your travel days
From your front door
to the journey ahead.
These are the group travel dates. Your personal flight dates may differ.
To see the complimentary transfer schedule visit Travel & transfer guidance. Be sure to check the arrival and departure times, flight windows, and meeting points before traveling.
Enjoying the journey together
Life along the way.
At the table
Time to gather.
Full breakfast and dinner are included in the tour. Shared meals offer time to connect with fellow travelers and reflect on the day. Follow your tour team’s announcements for meal times and arrangements.
Meals & diningAlong the way
From coast to Galilee to Jerusalem.
Begin in Herzliya on the Mediterranean coast, explore the Galilee, and continue to Jerusalem. Your daily itinerary brings the route together with the visits ahead and your overnight stops.
Explore your itineraryA little extra guidance
Room for your questions.
Ask the AI Travel Assistant about preparation, hotels, or biblical places in your own words. It is an additional resource within this companion.
Travel AssistantPrepare
The anticipation starts here
Get ready for
your time in Israel.
A few preparations now leave more room to enjoy the journey together.
Whether you have group airfare or your own air arrangements, use the instructions that apply to your booking.
Documents
Keep your passport, approved ETA-IL, and airline record accessible. Reverify before leaving home.
Need current entry or document instructions for your circumstances? Contact Nahal Tours.
Baggage
Follow your airline’s current allowance and label every checked bag. Keep medications, documents, valuables, and essentials in your carry-on.
Airport timing
Review your air schedule carefully. Allow time to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your international departure.
Phone access
Contact your service provider and make the appropriate arrangements if you want to use your phone internationally. Set up the apps below before departure.
Medication
Keep necessary medication, with appropriate labels, in the personal item that will remain with you on the plane. Bring enough for the trip and a reasonable delay.
Final check
Within 24 hours of travel, reconfirm your flight status directly with the airline and review the travel details in this companion.
Phone & apps
Set these up before leaving home. Wi-Fi availability can vary; internet access is needed, and normal mobile-data charges may apply when Wi-Fi is unavailable.
Gett · Independent taxi rides
Gett works similarly to Uber, connecting passengers with licensed taxis in Israel, including rides from Ben Gurion Airport. Download the app, create your account, and add a payment method before traveling.
Gett airport guidanceWhatsApp · Messaging and calls
Use Wi-Fi or mobile data to contact family and the Nahal Tours team. Install WhatsApp, confirm your phone number, and ask the people you may contact to do the same. Installing the app does not supply a tour contact or group invitation.
Travel & Transfers
Use your issued airline record for your personal flight arrangements. Airline schedules can change.
The scheduled complimentary transfer schedule is below. No advance sign-up is required.
Group arrival · October 24, 2026
Arriving in Israel
Your personal flight dates may differ. Use your issued airline record together with the arrival information in this guide.
Complete arrival procedures
Complete the arrival procedures in Israel, including passport control and customs. You will receive a small entry slip with your picture on it. Keep this slip safe and do not lose it.
Image provided here is for reference purposes only. Collect all luggage and personal belongings
Collect every piece of luggage and all personal belongings before leaving the baggage claim area. Check carefully to make sure nothing has been left behind.
Choose your arrival transportation
Review the courtesy bus schedule alongside your own airline itinerary, or arrange your own transportation.
Complimentary transfer schedule
Arrivals · October 24–25, 2026
Ben Gurion Airport → Herod’s Herzliya
Bus times & courtesy service
All times are local Israel time in 2026. Review the bus times below to see which best corresponds with your flight schedule.
These shared buses are a courtesy. You’re welcome to join if the timing fits your flight. Space and arrival timing can vary; keep an alternative ride in mind. Personal transfer service is not guaranteed.Meet at the Aroma coffee stand outside baggage claim. As you exit baggage claim into the arrivals hall, turn right to find Aroma. Look for staff with a group sign.
The image above is a visual reference for the Aroma coffee stand. Transfer 1Depart 11:30 AM
Saturday, October 24
Depart 11:30 AMFlights
Flights scheduled to land 8:55 AM–10:30 AMTransfer 2Depart 6:00 PM
Saturday, October 24
Depart 6:00 PMFlights
Flights scheduled to land 2:45 PM–4:50 PMGroup transferDepart 12:15 AM · after midnight
Sunday, October 25
Depart 12:15 AM · after midnightFlights
Lufthansa LH 690, scheduled to land at 11:15 PM on October 24. Other travelers may also join, subject to availability.Meeting & departure
No advance sign-up or reply about your arrival choice is required. Arrive at the meeting point before departure. Buses leave promptly at their scheduled times.After-midnight arrival transfer
This bus is timed for the arriving group flight. Other travelers may also join, subject to availability.Other transportation options
Land-only travelers remain responsible for their airport transportation. If the times don’t suit you, you prefer to leave sooner, or you miss a bus, use Gett or the authorized airport taxi service at your own expense. Gett rides are subject to availability.Need help? Bill and Hilary are available via WhatsApp.
Need another ride? Use the Gett app to request a licensed taxi at your own expense, subject to availability. Gett airport guidance · Set up Gett before travel.
Arrive at Herod’s Herzliya
October 24 check-in is scheduled for 7:00 PM because of Shabbat. Use the arrival plan for your own flight arrangements.
HaOgen Street 11, Herzliya 4655112, Israel.
Herod’s hotel details & map
Need help with your arrival arrangements?
Call Nahal: +1 949 899 1964Group departure · November 2, 2026
Departing Israel
Use your issued airline record together with the departure information in this guide, including if you are traveling on different dates.
Prepare the night before
Reconfirm your personal flight and airport plan. Settle personal hotel charges and pack documents, medication, and valuables in your carry-on.
Check your transportation plan
Use the transportation plan confirmed for your booking.
Complimentary transfer schedule
Departures · Monday, November 2, 2026
David Citadel Hotel → Ben Gurion Airport
Bus times & courtesy service
All times are local Israel time in 2026. Review the bus times below to see which best corresponds with your flight schedule.
These buses are offered as a courtesy, subject to availability, and are not a guaranteed personal transfer service.Meet in the David Citadel Hotel lobby. Mamilla guests must come to David Citadel. Airport arrival times below are planned timings.
Group transferDepart 3:00 AM
November 2
Depart 3:00 AM
Planned airport arrival 4:00 AMFlights
Lufthansa LH 683, departing at 7:00 AMTransfer 1Depart 5:05 AM
November 2
Depart 5:05 AM
Planned airport arrival 6:05 AMFlights
Flights departing 9:05 AM–11:30 AMTransfer 2Depart 7:30 PM
November 2
Depart 7:30 PM
Planned airport arrival 8:30 PMFlights
Flights departing 11:30 PM on November 2–1:00 AM on November 3Meeting & departure
No advance sign-up is required. Arrive at the meeting point before the scheduled departure. The chaperone will leave promptly at the scheduled time.Airport assistance
For the group transfer, the guide stays through check-in. For the other departures, the guide escorts travelers to their check-in counters.Missed transfers
Land-only travelers remain responsible for their own airport transportation. If you miss a courtesy transfer, arrange and pay for an airport taxi or Gett.Need help? Bill and Hilary are available via WhatsApp.
Need another ride? Use the Gett app to request a licensed taxi at your own expense, subject to availability. Gett airport guidance · Set up Gett before travel.
Check out and confirm your luggage
Use the communicated luggage placement and collection directions, confirm all bags, and complete hotel checkout at your designated meeting location.
Jerusalem hotel details & mapsAllow time at the airport
Plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your international flight departs. This three-hour allowance begins when you reach the airport; add the driving time from your hotel when determining your hotel departure or pickup time. Complete check-in, security, passport control, and gate procedures.
Need help with your departure arrangements?
Call Nahal: +1 949 899 1964We hope this journey has been a life-changing experience. In the weeks and months ahead, may you return often to the memories made here in Israel. Please ask if you need help with the transition home.
View arriving in Israel instructionsItinerary
Eleven days, from the Mediterranean coast to the Galilee and Jerusalem.
Daily timing, site access, and optional experiences may change during the tour.
Meals & dining.Hotel buffets, local flavors, and kosher dining.
Your hotel buffets.
Full breakfast and dinner are included and served as hotel buffets—a chance to enjoy familiar favorites and try something local. Selections vary by hotel and day.
Follow your tour team’s announcements for meal times and arrangements. For ingredients, allergies, or dietary needs, speak with the dining staff and your tour leader.
A taste of the Mediterranean.
Food in Israel brings together Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors: fresh salads, vegetables, hummus, tahini, olives, and breads.
An Israeli breakfast often includes eggs, cheeses, salads, and baked goods. Try a little of something new alongside your usual favorites; the exact buffet selection will vary.
Explore Israeli breakfastUnderstanding kosher.
Kosher refers to Jewish dietary laws. Meat, including poultry, and dairy are prepared and served separately.
At a kosher dairy breakfast you may see cheese and yogurt, but no meat. At a kosher meat dinner, butter, cheese, and dairy desserts are not served; non-dairy alternatives may be offered.
These customs help explain the choices on the table. Ask hotel staff about the dining arrangements at your property.
More about kosher diningTipping in Israel.Included tour gratuities and independent dining.
Your tour gratuities are included. Gratuities for your guide, driver, porters, and hotel staff are already covered. You do not need to tip them separately.
Lunches and independent dinners. At a sit-down restaurant with table service, a tip of 10–15% is customary when a tip has not already been included. Check the bill before adding a tip. Tipping at a counter or for takeaway service is optional.
Paying the tip. If you are paying by card, ask the server whether the tip can be added before the card is processed. Keeping a few small shekel notes is also helpful.
Your journey begins
Welcome to Israel.
Friday · October 23Depart for IsraelInternational travel day
International travel day. Use your issued airline record for your personal flight arrangements. As you travel, let the pace shift from preparation to attentiveness—the days ahead will place familiar biblical names within real landscapes and communities.
Israel. Rest when you can and arrive ready to observe, listen, and experience the land alongside your fellow travelers.
Psalm 121:7–8
Saturday · October 24Arrive in Tel AvivOvernight: Herod’s Herzliya
Complete arrival procedures, collect your luggage, and follow the transfer plan that applies to you. Shabbat hotel check-in is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Upon arrival at the hotel, you can leave your luggage and explore the surrounding area until check-in.
Herod’s Herzliya. Settle into your first day in Israel at an unhurried pace. The time before check-in offers a gentle introduction to the Mediterranean coast and the rhythm of Shabbat.
Psalm 122:1–2
Into the Galilee
Walk in the footsteps of Scripture.
Sunday · October 25Caesarea & Mount CarmelOvernight: Ayala Hotel · Galilee
Travel from the Mediterranean coast into the Galilee, moving through settings where empire, prophetic courage, and the early spread of the gospel come into view.
Caesarea. Walk through Herod’s harbor city, where Peter entered the home of Cornelius and Paul later stood before Roman rulers.
Mount Carmel. Look across the ridge associated with Elijah’s challenge to the prophets of Baal and the call for Israel to return wholeheartedly to God.
1 Kings 18:17–46 · Acts 10:1–48 · Acts 25–26
Monday · October 26Sea of Galilee & CapernaumOvernight: Ayala Hotel · Galilee
Spend the day close to the water and villages that shaped much of Jesus’ Galilean ministry, then return to Ayala for the opening conference session.
Sea of Galilee. Cross by wooden boat and take in the scale of the lake where the disciples fished, storms rose quickly, and Jesus taught about faith.
First Century Boat Museum. See remains that illuminate the working boats and fishing life described throughout the Gospels.
Capernaum. Walk through the town that became a center of Jesus’ ministry, where teaching, healing, calling, and everyday village life met.
Mark 1:16–34 · Mark 2:1–12 · Mark 4:35–41 · Luke 5:1–11
Tuesday · October 27Beatitudes, Tabgha & MagdalaOvernight: Ayala Hotel · Galilee
Explore the northern shore of the Galilee through teachings, meals, and people that shaped the Gospel story, then return for the second conference evening.
Mount of Beatitudes. Pause above the lake with the Sermon on the Mount in mind—words first heard in this region and still meant to shape daily life.
Tabgha. Consider the feeding of the multitude and the Gospel theme of ordinary provisions becoming enough in Christ’s hands.
Magdala. Walk among the remains of a first-century Jewish community and consider the world of the women who followed and supported Jesus’ ministry.
Matthew 5–7 · Mark 6:30–44 · John 6:1–14 · Luke 8:1–3
Wednesday · October 28Tel Dan & Caesarea PhilippiOvernight: Ayala Hotel · Galilee
Travel into Israel’s far north, where abundant water, ancient boundaries, and the setting of a decisive Gospel confession give the day a distinct character. The conference concludes this evening.
Tel Dan. Walk shaded paths near the springs while considering the city’s place at Israel’s northern edge and the worship established there by Jeroboam.
Jordan River headwaters. Watch the waters gather near their source before flowing south through the land.
Caesarea Philippi. Stand in the region where Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” and Peter answered with his confession of faith.
Golan Heights overlook. Take in the wider geography of northern Israel and the neighboring lands visible from the heights.
Judges 18:27–31 · 1 Kings 12:25–33 · Psalm 42:6–7 · Matthew 16:13–20
The ascent to Jerusalem
Discover the stories in every stone.
Thursday · October 29Morning Baptism, Beit Shean & JerusalemOvernight: Your assigned Jerusalem hotel
Begin the morning with a Jordan River baptism service at Yardenit, then visit Beit Shean and ascend to Jerusalem. The exact baptism start time will be communicated by your tour leaders.
Yardenit baptism service. Gather beside the Jordan River for the morning baptism service, reflecting on the biblical meaning of baptism and our life in Christ.
Beit Shean. Walk its monumental Roman streets and consider the nearby biblical city of Beth-shan, remembered in the closing account of Saul’s reign.
Jerusalem. Experience the physical ascent to the city as the language of pilgrimage in the Psalms takes on new depth.
Joshua 3:1–17 · 1 Samuel 31:8–13 · Matthew 3:13–17 · Psalm 122
Friday · October 30Optional touring or free dayOvernight: Your assigned Jerusalem hotel
Choose from three touring options, or enjoy a free day in Jerusalem. Your tour leaders will share departure times and participation details.
Dead Sea, Masada & Ein Gedi — led by Pastor Brandon Holthaus
Travel into the Dead Sea region for desert landscapes, ancient history, and an oasis beside the wilderness.
Dead SeaTake in the salt-rich waters and stark beauty of this remarkable desert shoreline, where the landscape invites a different pace of reflection.
MasadaExplore the mountaintop fortress built by Herod, overlooking the Dead Sea, and consider its place in the story of Jewish resistance to Rome.
Ein GediDiscover a desert oasis of springs, vegetation, and wildlife, recalling the wilderness refuge where David encountered Saul. The route will depend on available site access.
Yad Vashem, Israel Museum & Elah Valley — led by Olivier Melnick
A day of remembrance, cultural discovery, and biblical landscape.
Yad VashemEncounter the personal stories and historical testimony preserved at Israel’s Holocaust remembrance center, making space for thoughtful remembrance of the six million Jews murdered.
Israel MuseumExplore the world of the Bible through archaeology, the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book, and the model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple period.
Elah ValleyLook across the landscape associated with David and Goliath, and reflect on the courage and trust at the heart of 1 Samuel 17.
Jerusalem walking tour — led by Pastor Tom Hughes
This will be a rigorous day involving a great deal of walking, including hills, steps, and uneven paving. Consider your comfort with sustained walking before choosing this option.
Proposed stops — some or all:
- Damascus Gate
- Three of the Old City’s quarters
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- Old City museum visit / Conrad Schick temple model
- Herod’s Secret Gate / discussion of Yeshua’s trial before Caiaphas
- Old City ramparts
- St. Peter in Gallicantu
- Upper Room
- Hezekiah’s Wall
- Jewish Quarter
The tour may include some or all of these proposed stops. The final route and museum venue are still being finalized.
Free day in Jerusalem
Enjoy the day at your own pace: walk the city and surrounding area, revisit a favorite place, linger over a meal, or rest and reflect on the journey.
Psalm 122:1–9 · Isaiah 2:1–3
Saturday · October 31Old City of JerusalemOvernight: Your assigned Jerusalem hotel
Spend the day within Jerusalem’s layered streets, moving from places of prayer and remembrance toward the accounts of Jesus’ suffering, burial, and resurrection.
Mount Zion. Consider the disciples gathered in Jerusalem and the community formed through prayer and witness.
Jewish Quarter and Western Wall. Enter the living heart of Jewish Jerusalem and pause beside the retaining wall closest to the former Temple precincts.
Pool of Bethesda and St. Anne’s Church. Read John’s account of healing near Bethesda, then take in the church’s quiet beauty and remarkable acoustics.
Via Dolorosa. Walk through the Old City with the Passion narratives in mind, remembering that the route is a place of Christian devotion.
Garden Tomb. Conclude with the Gospel witness to the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection—the center of Christian hope.
Psalm 122 · John 5:1–15 · Luke 23:26–49 · John 19:38–20:18
Sunday · November 1Mount of Olives & City of DavidOvernight: Your assigned Jerusalem hotel
Move through Jerusalem’s eastern approaches and earliest settled ridge, tracing scenes of arrival, prayer, worship, and the city’s long relationship with water.
Mount of Olives and Palm Sunday Road. Look toward the Old City while following the route that recalls Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and his lament over the city.
Gethsemane. Pause in the setting remembered for Jesus’ prayer on the night of his arrest.
Southern Steps. Stand near the ancient approaches to the Temple Mount and imagine the movement of worshipers entering the sacred precincts.
City of David, Hezekiah’s Tunnel and Pool of Siloam. Explore Jerusalem’s earliest settled ridge and ancient water systems, recalling Hezekiah’s preparations and Jesus’ healing of the man born blind.
2 Samuel 5:6–10 · Luke 19:28–44 · Matthew 26:36–46 · John 9:1–7
Monday · November 2Depart for the USAInternational travel day
Use the departure information in this guide and allow ample time for airline and airport procedures. As the group leaves Israel, carry home more than a list of places: remember the people, conversations, and passages that gained new context along the way.
Jerusalem. Take a final look at the city and consider one practice, passage, or insight from the journey that you want to carry into life at home.
Deuteronomy 6:4–9 · Psalm 121:7–8
Tour meals include full breakfast and dinner. Meals & dining
Conference
October 26–28 · Ayala Hotel
Renewed, encouraged,
and strengthened.
Gather with Pastors Tom Hughes and Brandon Holthaus, Olivier Melnick, and special guests to engage Scripture, reaffirm core biblical convictions, and consider how enduring truth speaks into our day.
Our conference hotelTentative program · Subject to adjustment. Speaker order and session timing may change. Please follow announcements from your tour leaders for the latest arrangements.
The evening program
Your evenings in the Galilee.
Monday, 26 October 2026
6:45–7:00 PM · WelcomePastors Tom Hughes and Brandon Holthaus, and Olivier Melnick
Guest program- Eliah Lebowski
- Jonathan Feldstein
- Hillel Fuld
Tuesday, 27 October 2026
6:45–7:00 PM · WelcomePastors Tom Hughes and Brandon Holthaus, and Olivier Melnick
Guest program- Chaim Malespin
- Roddey Harel
- James Block
Wednesday, 28 October 2026
6:45–7:00 PM · WelcomePastors Tom Hughes and Brandon Holthaus, and Olivier Melnick
Guest program- Jeff Morgan
- Dan Cohen
- Joshua Aaron
All times are local Israel time. Guests are listed in planned program order.
Hotels
Herzliya · October 24
Herod’s Herzliya
HaOgen Street 11, Herzliya 4655112, Israel
Saturday check-in: 7:00 PM · Checkout October 25
Map: Herods HerzliyaUpper Galilee · October 25–29
Ayala Hotel
Ayelet HaShahar, Israel
Conference hotel · Four nights
Map: Ayala HotelJerusalem · October 29–November 2
Mamilla Hotel
11 King Solomon Street (Shlomo HaMelekh), Jerusalem 94182, Israel
Hotel details and map
Map: Mamilla HotelJerusalem · October 29–November 2
David Citadel Hotel
7 King David Street, Jerusalem 94101, Israel
Hotel details and map
Map: David Citadel HotelHelp
If you are separated from the group
Remain in a safe public place. Contact your tour leader, share the exact name or address of your location, and follow their directions.
The guide / bus contact has not yet been provided in this guide. If you do not have your leader’s contact details, try Nahal Tours.
Call Nahal: +1 949 899 1964In an immediate threat or medical emergency, use the local emergency services below.
Your guide and tour leaders are available throughout each tour day to help with questions and changes.
Local emergency services in Israel
Dial locally in Israel. Official emergency and consular guidance
Local ground services · Amiel Tours
Head office for local tour operations and ground-service questions.
Call Amiel: +972 3 538 8444Airport information · Ben Gurion
Passenger and terminal information.
Call airport information: +972 3 975 5555Visitor information · Ministry of Tourism
Tourism information through the Ministry’s virtual tourist office on WhatsApp. This is a visitor-information service.
WhatsApp: +972 53 583 5808U.S. citizen assistance
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem, Branch Office Tel Aviv: general consular assistance. For urgent or after-hours needs, use the current official assistance instructions, which distinguish the relevant office and location.
Call Tel Aviv branch: +972 3 519 7575Travel Assistant
Meet your digital travel resource
A curious mind.
A richer journey.
The Travel Assistant is a conversational tool powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Ask about your itinerary, hotels, preparations, or the biblical places you will visit—in your own words, at your own pace.
Open Travel AssistantOpens in a new tab. Keep this guide open and return whenever you like. Internet access is needed.
A companion to the guide
Use the assistant for added context.
The assistant can help explain the itinerary, hotels, preparation, and places you will visit. It does not receive real-time tour updates.
AI can make mistakes. Confirm same-day meeting points, departure times, and changes of plan directly with your guide or tour leaders.
Getting started is simple.
Open & ask
Choose a suggested question or type your own into the question box, then send it. No special wording is needed.
Add a little context
Mention the day, hotel, or place you mean. A specific question helps the assistant give a more useful answer.
Keep the conversation going
Ask a follow-up, request a shorter explanation, or say, “Please explain that more simply.”
A few questions to try
Let your curiosity lead.
- “What is the biblical background of Capernaum?”
- “What should I pack for a day of walking?”
- “Can you help me understand the hotel information in our itinerary?”
For help with your personal arrangements or anything needing a person, contact Nahal Tours or your tour leader directly.
Contact Nahal & get help