Western Christian Schools

The Trip Of A Lifetime

Dec 27, 2023 - Jan 5, 2024

10 Days - The Best Of Israel

Western Christian Schools invites you to immerse yourself in the culture of Israel for ten glorious days. Stand on some of the very places where Jesus walked, taught, and healed people 2000 years ago. Sit on the Mt. of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, pray in the Garden of Gethsemane amongst ancient olive trees, weep at Golgotha, float in the Dead Sea, get baptized in the Jordan River, ride a desert camel, sail on the Sea of Galilee, and take communion together as we celebrate our living and powerful Savior at the Garden Tomb. All families, alumni, and friends of WCS are welcome to participate in this trip. It is recommended for ages 12 and up.

ITINERARY

_{Each day you will be on location in the very spots that you read in your Bible. As you take in the sights (and sites), sounds, smells, and sensations, these places will forever be embedded in your soul.}

_{A PDF brochure is available for you to download below this itinerary section.}

DAY 1

Your Journey Begins

December 27, 2023

Begin your journey to enjoy the trip of a lifetime! It's a travel day as you fly across the miles to arrive in the land of the Bible. The Holy Land awaits you.

DAY 2

Israel Arrival

December 28, 2023

Welcome to the land of Israel. As you arrive in Tel Aviv, you will begin your spiritual pilgrimage. You will be met at the airport by our local Israeli guide and transferred by bus to our hotel in Netanya.

DAY 3

Caesarea, Nazareth, Cana

December 29, 2023

Visit Caesarea Maritima where the Pilate stone was discovered. This vast and impressive archeological site reveals a thriving city and palace of King Herod. Behold the Valley of Armageddon as you stand in Megiddo and explore the secret underground tunnels. In Nazareth, see where Jesus grew up.Walk through the newly discovered site of Magdala, the traditional home of Mary Magdalene. Celebrate in Cana where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding as His first miracle.

DAY 4

Baptisms In The Jordan River

December 30, 2023

As you walk the Tel Dan Nature Walk you will have an overview of the Syrian border and get to see an ancient Canaanite city gate. In Caesarea Philippi, Jesus revealed himself to be the Messiah as he asked Peter, "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:13-20). Splash in Gideon Springs where Gideon camped before his battle with the Midianites. Remember the fate of King Saul and his sons in Beit Shean. Finish the day with the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River.

DAY 5

Sail the Sea of Galilee

December 31, 2023

Begin your day sailing on the Sea of Galilee. Look out upon the same waters where the disciples watched Jesus walk on the water. Sit on the Mount of Beatitudes and listen to the words of the Sermon on the Mount just as the people did when Jesus taught them. In Capernaum walk into a 1st-century synagogue and visit Peter's mother-in-law's home. Drive south to the Dead Sea where will enjoy floating in the lowest elevation and the lowest body of water on the surface of Earth.

DAY 6

Desert Wilderness & Caves

January 1, 2024

Ascend to the top of Masada to recount the dramatic account of the Jews' last stand against the Romans. Visit another palace of King Herod. Hike through Ein Gedi recounting much of the wilderness that inspired the Psalms of David. See the caves that may have been where David hid from Saul. In Qumran envision the Essene life and discover the cave where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

DAY 7

Jerusalem & City of David

January 2, 2024

The ancient city of Jerusalem comes to life as you walk the same ancient streets where Jesus walked. Explore the tunnels of the Temple Foundation. Walk the same steps that Jesus likely used to climb up to the temple. See the House of Caiaphas and explore the extensive ruins of the City of David. Pray at the Western Wall. Visit the Pool of Siloam where Jesus healed a blind man. Mourn at Yad Vashem.

DAY 8

Bethlehem & Camel Rides

January 3, 2024

The little town of Bethlehem gave birth to the biggest gift to this world. See the fields where the angels may have appeared to the shepherds and the caves that are similar to where Jesus likely was born. Walk the fields where Ruth met Boaz. If time allows, visit Herodium, King Herod's impressive palace and burial site. Interact with "Father Abraham" at Genesis land, ride a camel, and learn the desert ways. Returning to Jerusalem, become an archeologist as you dig for artifacts in the Temple Mount Sifting Project.

DAY 9

The Garden Tomb

January 4, 2024

Climb the Temple Mount and behold the golden curve of the Dome of the Rock. This sacred site is where God provided a sacrifice for Abraham and Isacc. Reflect at the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed a paralyzed man. Walk down the Mount of Olives just as Jesus did on Palm Sunday. Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane amidst ancient olive trees. Follow in the last footsteps of Jesus as you walk the Via Dolorosa where Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha, the place of the skull. Rejoice and celebrate at the Garden Tomb that He has risen! Enjoy a special farewell dinner before departing for home.

DAY 10

Travel Home

January 5, 2024

Return home amazed at your experience and forever changed as you walked where Jesus walked.

10 Life-Changing Days!

Deepen, affirm, or discover your faith in the land of the Bible. You can download the planned itinerary here.

Download The Itinerary Here

GRAND HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Outstanding accommodations have been selected for your enjoyment and comfort. At each hotel, you will delight in a full buffet for breakfast and dinner. As part of your all-inclusive Western Christian Schools package, lunches are included in your tour cost and will be at restaurants during our daily tours. Water and tea/coffee is included at meals. Soft drinks or other beverages can be ordered at an additional cost. View the hotels below.

Yes! I'm Ready To Register!

You will need to complete this page for EACH person that you are registering.

Registration with deposit is due by September 17th, 2023 (as space permits).

You may pay with either your credit card or with an ACH bank transfer.

These payment options are to pay with your credit card. If you prefer to pay with a direct bank deposit, please access this ACH FORM for your bank transfer and use the coupon code ACHTRANSFER at checkout. After you have submitted the ACH FORM, you still need to select one of the payment options to complete your registration form. You will have a $0 balance at checkout and your ACH bank transfer will submit your funds to Inspire Travel Group (it will show as Toney Co. LLC on your statement).

REGISTRATION

Available Through September 17th, 2023

There are three registration options:

1. The first is the $500 deposit to secure your spot.

2. The second option is four equal monthly installments. The first installment includes your $500 deposit. The next three payments will be one each month for the following three months after today (this plan is only available until the four-month mark from the final payment due date).

3. A third plan is a pay-in-full option that secures your spot and completes your full payment.

All final payments are due by October 17th, 2024. Click below on the plan for which you would like to register.

Pay Deposit

Payment Plan

Pay In Full

INFORMATION | RESERVATIONS:

Lisa Toney

(909) 667-2034

[email protected]

Watch the video of last year's WCS trip to Israel!

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is available to all travelers and is highly recommended. Inspire Travel Group has partnered with Allianz Travel to provide you with excellent coverage. You may purchase the amount of coverage you desire.

AllianzTravelInsurance.com

Type In ACCAM #F212363

Group Reference #45491

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Packing List

Weather In Israel

Featured Sites

JERUSALEM

The city of Jerusalem offers a unique convergence of Judaism, Christianity and the Muslim faith. For Christians who visit Jerusalem, you will learn about many stories of the Bible while walking her streets. Many actors in the Bible such as Abraham, King David, King Solomon, the twelve disciples and Jesus all lived, visited, or spent time there. The Passion week of Christ will be highlighted during our stay as we visit the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Western Wall, the Way of Suffering and the Garden Tomb.

SEA OF GALILEE

Nowhere in Israel does the Bible come to life more than along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Pilgrims who visit the Galilee region will have opportunity to imagine what life was like 2,000 years ago and what Jesus and the twelve disciples experienced while fishing on the Sea of Galilee. The peaceful setting and the natural wonders of the Golan Heights to the east and Mt. Arbel to the west make for a great way to start your morning in quiet reflection. During our tour, we will explore the Biblical towns of Capernaum, Magdala, Nazareth and take a meaningful cruise on the Sea of Galilee.

DEAD SEA

The Dead Sea is not only the lowest & most lifeless lake in the world, but also nearly 10% saltier than the ocean. Travelers will enjoy the beautiful colors of the blue water and the red mountains of Jordan to the east. Take time to enjoy a once in a lifetime Dead Sea “float” either in the sea itself or at one of the warm salt water pools at our hotel. The Dead Sea experience is truly a bucket list visit you won’t want to miss!

GARDEN TOMB

Our visit to the Garden Tomb and its surrounding gardens is normally one of the highlights of our tour to Israel. The Garden Tomb is a rock-cut tomb in Jerusalem that was unearthed in 1867 and is considered, by some Protestants, to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. Our visit offers a unique time of prayer, reflection, communion, and praise which will be a special life-long memory for many travelers.

JORDAN RIVER BAPTISM SITE

The Jordan River Baptist Site or “Yardenit” is a baptism site located along the Jordan River just south of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. This site is frequented by Christian Pilgrims who enjoy imagining the setting of the baptism of Jesus. For anyone who would like to be baptized in the Jordan River, Yardenit has been developed to be a peaceful setting with beautiful gardens, clean colored water, changing facilities, showers and a nice souvenir shop.

CAESAREA PHILIPPI

To many Pilgrim travelers, Caesarea Philippi is a special surprise while on their tour. Located along the rushing springs of Mt. Hermon, the beautiful and natural setting is where Jesus asked his disciples “Who do men say that I am?” He asked this question while observing the pagan worship of the god Pan as worshipers offered their sacrifice at the “Gates of Hell”. Our time at Caesarea Philippi is one of many opportunities throughout our tour to see the lessons and message of the Bible come to light in a special way.

FAQ

What passport & visa information do I need for your Israel tours?

US citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond intended stay, to enter Israel. Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original.
Israel: U.S. and Canadian Citizens do not need a Visa when entering Israel.
Non U. S. /Canadian Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of destination. Contact your Consulate office for requirements.

What common languages will be spoken during your Israel tours?

Hebrew, Arabic and English.

What currency can I use on your Israel tours?

The US Dollar is widely accepted across Israel and we suggest bringing about $25 for each day you’ll be on tour. U.S. dollars are recommended for use for small purchases and lunches. Lunches typically cost $10-15. It is important to bring about 20 - $1 bills as some bathrooms charge a small fee for use. Credit cards may also be used for larger purchases. ATMs in Israel are all connected to European and American banking systems. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in SHEKELS – NOT US DOLLARS. Please notify your bank before traveling overseas.

What voltage will the electricity be during during your Israel tours?

Electricity in Israel is 220 volts 50 Hz and uses the European plug with two round pins. You will need to bring along the necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volt appliances such as hair dryers and electric razors as well as camera and cell phone chargers.

What is the time zone for your Israel tours?

The time zone for Israel is seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT.

What climate should I expect during your Israel tours?

In Israel the climate is temperate, and temperatures all year round are reasonable. Israel has two main seasons: Winter (from November to March) is cold and rainy in most parts of the country; summer (from April to October) is hot and dry with little or no rainfall. The desert areas can be extremely hot in summer time. The best time to visit is March-June or October-November, although climate shouldn't be a major consideration in choosing a time to visit.

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