09/25/2025
HOLYLAND TRIP February 2026
TOUR THE HOLY LAND
with Pastor Tommy and Shelley Pierce
FEBRUARY 13-23, 2026
$4290 FROM TEL AVIV
All Inclusive: Taxes | Tips | ALL LUNCHES ARE INCLUDED! Surcharges, Etc.
All you need is spending money - see details beginning on page 19.
-Assistance with Securing Airfares Available upon Request-
with OPTIONAL 3-DAY EXTENSION
JAN 24-26
TO TIMNA NATIONAL PARK ISRAEL
PETRA AND WADI RUM, JORDAN
ESTIMATED COST FOR EXTENSION $1500
I took my first trip to Israel in 1970 as a 15-year-old. I have returned to the land of the Bible over 20 times beginning to host tours with my dad in the 1970s. I am amazed at how more and more archaeological discoveries affirm the Scripture.
My wife, Shelley and I now serve as host and hostess to deluxe tours with amenities that make them superior tours when compared to most tours offered today. I personally have hand-selected this itinerary to include highlights of previous trips, as well as new places. We invite you to join us on this experience of a lifetime—discovering Israel from Dan to Be’er Sheva.
We suggest that you begin your travel on February 12. The land portion of this tour will begin on our first night February 13, 2026.
DAY 1… February 13… Friday
Secure your Trans-Atlantic flight to arrive in Israel Friday, February 13, before 6pm if possible. Our group will gather at the airport and depart for our hotel. If you arrive after the bus has left for the hotel, other transportation can be secured. You will be responsible for this fee.
Our hotel, for one night, will be on the breathtaking Mediterranean coastal area. We will relax and have dinner. You will have the opportunity to get to know your fellow pilgrims before we experience this incredible land. We will meet our guide, offer prayers of praise and thanksgiving asking God’s blessings on us as we desire to grow closer to Him. You will want to get a good night’s rest; tomorrow our great adventure begins.
OVERNIGHT: Mediterranean Coastal Area
Leonardo Plaza/ Netanya
DAY 2 … February 14 … Saturday
After breakfast, we take a short drive to the Mediterranean Sea coast town of Caesarea Maritima. We will feel the mist of the sea as it crashes to the shore, and easily imagine what it would have been like to sail these beautiful and treacherous waters. It was here that Peter preached to Cornelius and where Paul was imprisoned for two years before appealing to Caesar and sailing to Rome. With the panoramic view of the Great Sea as a backdrop, we will stroll through the great Roman amphitheater built by Herod the Great in 22 B.C., see the hippodrome where chariot races were held, and view the huge aqueduct and the fortified walls. A visit to Caesarea Visitor’s Center will enlighten us to the history of this most significant city.
From here, we travel to Haifa built on the slope of Mt. Carmel. We visit the Carmelite Monastery in Muhraqa where Elijah called down fire from heaven and defeated the prophets of Baal.
We will enjoy lunch in Haifa before we travel to the boyhood home of Jesus, Nazareth. We will visit the church of annunciation and walk through the old City to Mary’s Well where I always enjoy a refreshing cup of pomegranate juice before we board the bus.
OVERNIGHT: Magdala/ Tiberias
DAY 3 … February 15… SUNDAY
We begin our day back in Nazareth at Nazareth Village where we learn about the world Jesus knew as a boy. A village guide will describe for us Galilean life in the first century. We will see an ancient winepress, a watchtower, stone quarries, and a replica of a first-century synagogue. A favorite of many pilgrims, Nazareth Village will absolutely open your eyes to Jesus’ early years.
We then travel to Tel Megiddo National Park to view the ruins of Solomon’s stables, an ancient Canaanite altar, and a centuries-old water system. We will look out over the Valley of Armageddon where the final war will be fought.
After this preview of things to come, we travel through the beautiful Valley of Jezreel to Ma’ayan Harod. It was here that Gideon separated the men by how they drank from the brook reducing the army to those 300 mighty men who would fight the Midianites.
We then travel to Bet She’an, an important biblical city located between the Jezreel and Jordan valleys—protecting the ancient primary highway—a branch of the Via Maris. Bet-She’an/Scythoposis has been called the most magnificent archeological site in Israel. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hung their bodies on the walls of Bet-She’an. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis—a league of Ten Roman cities.
OVERNIGHT: Magdala / Tiberias
DAY 4 … February 16 … MONDAY
This morning we go to Mt. Arabel for an overlook of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus invested nearly 3 years in ministry. From the Arabel, we go to Kibbuts Ginasor to view the ancient boat and also board a boat to sail across the sea. Sailing the sea is a highlight of the trip as we spend some time reflecting on all that Jesus taught on these very waters.
We arrive at Capernaum, the adopted hometown of Jesus following His rejection in Nazareth, where we will see the ancient synagogue and Simon Peter’s house.
We will then drive the short distance to the Church of the Primacy where Jesus met the disciples after his resurrection.
DAY4
-continued-
You will have the opportunity to walk down to the shore of Galilee at this stop.
Lunch today will provide you the opportunity to eat St. Peter’s fish that is native to the Sea of Galilee. This may well be the species the disciple fishermen caught and dined upon.
We will continue this special day with a visit to the beautiful Mount of Beatitudes where it is believed Christ delivered His Sermon on the Mount. We will enjoy a leisurely visit in the gardens for a time of reflection and prayer. We will then visit Tabga, or the Church of Multiplication, built on the site of the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes.
Finally, we will drive around the lake to the Southern end where the Jordan River exists the sea and visit Yardenit, where those who desire can be baptized in the Jordan River.
OVERNIGHT: Magdala / Tiberias
DAY 5 … February 17 …TUESDAY
We leave the Galilee region today traveling south through the Jordan Valley. We will visit the Jordan River (Qasr El Yahud), the Israeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. This is the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, where Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan, and the area where the children of Israel entered the Promised Land being led by Joshua.
We visit Jericho where the walls came tumbling down in Joshua’s time. This is good place to have a camel ride. It is also the place we visit for Hebron glass.
We then travel to Qumran, the settlement of Essenes, and the Dead Sea Scroll Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.
We arrive early at our Dead Sea Resort at En Bokek for the afternoon and overnight. Our lodging for the next two nights is at the Dead Sea—the lowest place on earth. Spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Vert Hotel/ Dead Sea
DAY 6 … February 18… WEDNESDAY
Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Our guide will treat us to the history of the famous Zealot stand.
We will attempt to visit a site that many consider the ancient Gomorrah, one of the cities God destroyed by fire and brimstone due to their wickedness, and where sulfur balls are embedded in the geological layers along the shores of the Dead Sea.
Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, “Spring of the Goat,” an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat.
OVERNIGHT: Vert Hotel/ Dead Sea
DAY 7 … February 19 … THURSDAY
Today we will visit Bethlehem, Manger Square, the Church of Nativity, the Shepherd’s Fields, the Fields of Boaz and Ruth, and then ascend the magnificent Herodian Fortress. Once again, after we return to the hotel, the rest of the day is free.
OVERNIGHT: Olive Tree, Jerusalem
DAY 8 … February 20 … FRIDAY
Traveling north, we will see ancient Shiloh where the tabernacle resided for 369 years and where Hannah prayed for a son (Samuel). We travel next to Bethel where Jacob saw a ladder to heaven, where the tabernacle resided, and where Jeroboam erected a Golden Calf. We will drive by the site of ancient Ai, the second city Joshua and the Israelites destroyed.
If time allows, we will visit the Israel Museum where we will view a model of Jerusalem and get an overview of the area. If we do not have time, we will work in the model tomorrow.
OVERNIGHT: Notre Dame, Jerusalem
DAY 9 … February 21 … SATURDAY
The beautiful Mount of Olives awaits where we will visit the church of the Pater Noster, followed by a visit to the top of the Mount where we get a fantastic overview of the city of Jerusalem. We will have a group picture made before we follow the path that Jesus took on that Palm Sunday when he entered into the city of Jerusalem. We finish our morning by visiting St. Anne’s Church and excavations of the pools of Bethesda.
Afternoon free
OVERNIGHT: Olive Tree / Jerusalem
DAY 10… February 22 … SUNDAY
You will learn much from our visit the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, the Cardo, the burnt house, and Hezekiah’s wall before proceeding to the Western Wall and the Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply, and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel, we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders.
We visit the City of David, Hezekiah’s tunnel and pools of Siloam and the newly discoverd Pilgrim’s road.
We enter the Dung Gate and visit Jerusalem’s Archaeological Park at the South Wall excavations. A favorite area has become the Southern Steps which led up to the Temple Mount. We go the Western Wall to the Temple Mount to see the Dome of the Rock, built over the site of the Temple which stood in the time of Christ. We then follow the traditional stations of the cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
OVERNIGHT: Ollive Tree/ Jerusalem
DAY 11… February 23… MONDAY
Today is the climax and highlight of our entire visit to the Holy Land as we retrace the steps of our Savior in the last hours of His life on earth. We begin by going to Mount Zion for a visit of the Upper Room. From here we will go through the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. Then we pass back through the Kidron Valley past the tombs of Absalom, James the Less, and Zechariah. From here we go to the Church of St. Peter’s in Gallicantu, built over the house of Caiaphas who was the High Priest in the time of Christ.
After lunch we will enter into the Old City via the Lion Gate and walk down to the Fortress of Antonia, Pilate’s headquarters. Here we will stand on the actual pavement where Jesus stood before the Roman governor Pilate to be judged. We will then walk the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows) through the ancient city streets and out the Damascus Gate.
Walking a short distance, we arrive at Calvary, the place of the Crucifixion, and from there we will go to the Garden Tomb where Christ was buried. We will have the privilege of worshipping together before the open tomb in celebration of the Lord’s resurrection.
We enjoy a last meal in the land of Christ before heading to the airport for our night flight home, arriving early February 24.
DAY 12 … February 24 … TUESDAY
For those with OPTIONAL 3-DAY EXTENSION
TO TIMMA NATIONAL PARK ISRAEL,
PETRA AND WADI RUM, JORDAN
Our tour operator has put together a magnificent luxury extension for those who wish to visit World Treasured Petra and the Wadi Rum.
This morning we leave Jerusalem for a beautiful drive to the south through the Negev to the Timna National Park. Timna has a majestic desert setting with amazing history and geology. There are ancient copper mines dating back to imperial Egypt. Here we will see a replica of the Tabernacle.
OVERNIGHT at the 5-star Movenpick Resort Petra or similar. The Movenpick Resort is located just a few meters from the entrance to the historic Jordanian city of Petra.
DAY 13 … February 25 … WEDNESDAY
Today we visit Petra, the beautiful “Rose City.” Petra is not only known for its famous hewn-in-rock monuments, but is considered by some to have biblical significance in the life of Moses and in end-time prophecy.
After discovering Petra, a 2-hour Jeep ride takes us into Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon. Wadi Rum is known for some of the most beautiful sunsets and clear nights. The camp provides Bedouin hospitality in a most amazing setting. You must look at this on the internet to get the full idea. Married folks, a romantic night under the stars.
DAY 14 … February 26… THURSDAY
We travel north today past Madaba for lunch, to the Allenby Bridge for border crossing to Israel, and then on to Ben Gurion Airport to catch our flights back to the USA.
GENERAL EXTENSION INFORMATION
Our extension costs are based on double occupancy. Hotel accommodations are half board, which means breakfast and dinner.
COST INCLUDES: All entrance fees to visited sites, English speaking guide, dinners at hotels AC coach, 2-hour Jeep tour, border tax at South Border, and departure tax at Allenby Border.
NOT INCLUDED IN COST: Tips/portages and golf cart in Petra are not included. The lunch cost for day 2 at Petra is $25, and day 3 at La Storia is $15.
This is expensive, but a rare opportunity. The cost of this extension is $1500. Check out comparable 3-day desert adventures and you will find it is a bargain.
TOUR CONDITIONS
TIPS: Tips for waiters, baggage handlers, maids, receptionists, bus drivers and guides ARE INCLUDED in the tour cost package. NOT INCLUDED are items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks with meals other than water, tips for personal favors, insurance, any costs due to absence or deviation from the itinerary and any items not shown herein as being included.
TAXES: NOT INCLUDED are taxes for personal items, gifts, souvenirs, duty, etc.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: It is the responsibility of the passenger. The tour host will assist securing airfares upon request.
HOTELS: Deluxe hotels are to be used. All hotels offer twin-bedded rooms with private facilities. Single rooms, if requested are extra. Contact your host for per person/per night charge for every tour night that a single is available and confirmed to the tour member.
MEALS AND SIGHTSEEING: Three meals per day are provided. Local transportation by motor coach or local conveyance as indicated, along with the services of an English-speaking guide and the entrance fees to places visited on sightseeing tours described in the itinerary are all included.
TRANSFERS/BAGGAGE: Included is the transfer of the passenger and one suitcase between stations, airports and hotels. Delivery of the baggage to the airline or motor coach shall be deemed release of the tour operator from any and all liability whatsoever resulting from loss, damage, theft, weather, delay in transit of any baggage, luggage, hand piece, etc. of the tour participant during any and all portions of the tour. Luggage insurance is recommended.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
PAYMENT: Payment for the tour must be made to James Pierce, III—your authorized tour host. Checks should be made payable to J. K. Pierce, III. A $500 deposit is required at the time of booking, 50% of the remaining cost of the tour 120 days prior to the departure date (October 16) and the balance 60 days prior to departure (December 15). There can be no bookings after December 15.
CANCELLATION CHARGES: A cancellation charge of $100 will be assessed for passengers cancelling prior to 120 days before departure. Anyone cancelling within 45 days of departure will forfeit 25% of the total published price of the tour in cancellation fees. Cancellation less than 30 days out will forfeit all unrecoverable costs up to 75% of the total published price. Trip cancellation insurance is encouraged. Of course, insurance is your option but it is recommended.
REFUNDS: All claims for refunds must be made prior to departure in writing to J.K. Pierce, III. On or after the day of departure, no refund will be made for services not used.
RESPONSIBILITY: J.K. PIERCE, III acts as agent, and is responsible to the participant in making arrangements for all services and accommodations offered. No person, other than the operator, in writing has the authority to vary, add, amplify or waive any description, representation, term or condition set forth in this offer. In the event that the services and or accommodations set forth in the tour program cannot be supplied, or there are changes to the itinerary due to delays or other causes beyond the control of the operator, he will supply comparable services and accommodations. Additional expenses, if any, will be borne by the participant. Conversely, refund will be made to the participant if any savings is affected. The participant waives any claim against the operator for any damage to, or loss of property, or injury, or death of persons, due to any acts of negligence of any airline, hotel or any person rendering any of the service or accommodations included. The operator shall not be responsible for any delays, substitutions of equipment, or any; act of omission whatsoever by the transatlantic carrier, its agents, its servants or employees, and the participant hereby waives any claim against the operator. The right of the participant is reserved to claim against the carrier.
In the unlikely event of the tour being cancelled by the operator, he shall have no responsibility beyond the refund (without request) of all deposits made and monies paid to him by the participant. These provisions shall be deemed a part of this tour program and agreement between the operator and the participant. All services are subject to the law of the country in which these services are rendered.
The price of this tour is based on the current value of the US dollar relative to appropriate foreign currencies at the time of this printing. Any change in this value may be reflected in the final tour price.
IMPORTANT
Please read the tour conditions carefully. Enrollment in and payment for the tour constitutes acceptance of these conditions.
Questions and Notes
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J. K. PIERCE, III
1870 Asheville Highway
Greeneville, TN 37743
Contact Number
(423) 823-8082
Email
[email protected]