Pastors and ministry leaders are invited to experience the land of the Bible through a specially designed Familiarization Trip (FAM Trip)—a high-impact opportunity to walk where Jesus walked and consider leading others to do the same.

This trip is made possible by True Hope Travel, Theodorie Travel and an Israeli government grant.

A $500 or $750 deposit toward a possible future trip for your church or ministry would be refunded when you lead trip with THT and TTS.

The deposit for a double occupancy room is $500 or $750 for a single room secures your spot and is fully refundable when you lead a future group trip to the Holy Land.

This journey isn’t simply about planning a future trip—it’s a chance to step away from the demands of ministry and be personally refreshed in the presence of Jesus. In the very places you’ve preached about for decades, you’ll have space to breathe, reflect, and let the Word come alive in your own heart. Our prayer—and the heart behind this intentionally designed seven-day journey—is that you return home renewed in spirit, encouraged in your walk with God, and ready to lead from a place of deep overflow.

From November 11–17, 2025, we invite you to join other pastors and ministry leaders in personally encountering the land of Scripture while envisioning how you might lead your own church on a journey of deeper discipleship.

Today, your pilgrimage begins.

Board your overnight flight to Tel Aviv with a sense of quiet anticipation—this is more than a journey; it’s an unfolding encounter with the living Word in the land where it first took root.

Yes, you’re traveling to see if this might be the place to grow deeper discipleship in the people you lead—but today, you are stepping into the land where world-changing events took place for yourself. The very places you preach and teach about week after week.

As the plane rises above the clouds and the pace of ministry life begins to slow, allow your heart to do the same. Reflect. Pray. Breathe. Today, you are not only a pastor or ministry leader—you are a follower of Jesus heading to the Holy Land.

The days ahead will be rich with meaning, marked by memory, and filled with moments that will stay with you long after you return home.

Welcome to the Holy Land

Arrive this afternoon at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, where you’ll be greeted by Pastor Harvey Friesen and Jiries Theodorie—your ministry hosts and fellow travelers on this journey of faith and discovery.

From the airport, travel north along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea Maritima, the once thriving and impressive Roman port city. Walk among the ruins of Herod’s palace and the ancient theater, and stand at the harbor where the Apostle Paul set sail for Rome. Here, we’ll pause for a teaching on Peter's courage to share Jesus with Cornelius, Paul’s calling and the gospel’s expansion to the Gentiles—a powerful reminder that the message of the resurrection of Jesus began moving outward from this very place.

From the coast, we’ll continue inland to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, and check in at the Ramada Nazareth—a welcoming, Christian, family-owned hotel.

Enjoy a light dinner and time to walk, exercise, and rest. The journey has begun—gently, purposefully—and already, the land is beginning to speak.

Overnight: Ramada Nazareth

Galilee – Jesus’ Ministry Along the Sea

Wake up in Nazareth and begin your day with a breathtaking view from Mount Precipice, overlooking the Jezreel Valley—the very landscape Jesus would have known. Here, we’ll reflect on the bold beginning of His public ministry in Luke 4, when He declared the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy and was nearly driven out by those who knew Him best.

From there, we’ll descend to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where we’ll board a boat and worship on the water. As the hills of Galilee rise around you, imagine the voice of Jesus calming the storm or teaching the crowds from a boat much like this one.

We’ll dock and continue to Capernaum, the base of Jesus’ Galilean ministry. Walk through the ruins of the synagogue where He taught and stand near the remains believed to be Peter’s home. On the Mount of Beatitudes, we’ll pause to reflect on the Sermon on the Mount and the upside-down Kingdom Jesus proclaimed.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene, where a beautifully preserved first-century synagogue reminds us of Jesus’ teaching presence in every village and town. If time and interest allow, we may also visit Tabgha, the traditional site of the feeding of the five thousand.

We’ll conclude the day at the Jordan River, where you’ll have the opportunity for a time of prayer or baptismal renewal—marking this moment in your own journey of following Jesus.

Back in Nazareth, we’ll gather for a social evening, sharing reflections, laughter, and connection as fellow pilgrims.

Overnight: Ramada Nazareth

Galilee to Desert to Jerusalem – Formation & the Cross

Today you’ll journey south, descending through the Jordan Valley, following the ancient route pilgrims once traveled to Jerusalem. Along the way, we’ll stop at Jericho, the oldest city in the world, where you’ll walk among ruins that whisper of conquests and encounters—and recall the unexpected grace extended to Zacchaeus, a man transformed by a moment with Jesus.

Next, we head into the wilderness of Ein Gedi, a lush desert oasis where David once hid from Saul. As you hike among its hidden springs and caves, we’ll pause for a teaching on the wilderness as a place of formation—a sacred backdrop where leaders are often shaped in secret before they are revealed in strength.

By late afternoon, we’ll ascend to Jerusalem, stopping first at the Mount of Olives for a sweeping panoramic view of the city. From there, we’ll walk the Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane, where you’ll find a quiet moment of prayer among olive trees that still bear silent witness to Jesus’ agony and surrender.

From Gethsemane, we’ll walk up into the Old City, beginning our journey along the Via Dolorosa, the path of Jesus’ suffering. We’ll reflect at the first three stations of the cross, letting the weight and wonder of this city begin to settle in your spirit.

After checking in at the Grand Court Hotel, we’ll gather for an evening Vision Session: “The Blessings for Your Church When You Lead Them to Israel.” This time of conversation will explore how walking the land with your people can deepen discipleship, awaken faith, strengthen leadership, and unite your church in the unfolding story of Jesus. Hear firsthand how a trip to Israel can ignite lasting transformation—in your congregation, and in you as their shepherd.

Overnight: Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem

This morning, we enter more deeply into the heart of Jerusalem. Our day begins at the Western Wall, a sacred place of prayer and remembrance. Here, you’ll have time to observe, reflect, and enter into the living rhythm of Jewish devotion at the holiest accessible site in Judaism.

From there, we’ll make our way to the Southern Steps—the very stones where Jesus likely taught, and where early believers gathered after Pentecost. As you sit on these ancient steps, you’ll sense the weight of the gospel’s earliest public moments echoing in the present.

Next, we’ll visit the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the man who had been waiting for restoration for 38 years. Nearby, we’ll enter St. Anne’s Church, renowned for its acoustics and reverence. We’ll pause for worship here—letting song and stillness rise in a space filled with centuries of prayer.

From there, we continue along the Via Dolorosa, retracing Jesus’ path to the cross. Our journey will culminate at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a place long revered as the site of His crucifixion and burial. Later, we’ll gather at the Garden Tomb for a time of communion, worship, and joyful reflection on the resurrection—celebrating the living hope we carry back into our lives and ministries.

In the afternoon or evening, we’ll come together for a final equipping session: “Turning a Trip into a Pilgrimage: Guiding Your Church into the Story of God.” This practical and pastoral conversation will offer tools to help your church experience Israel not just as a destination, but as a place of encounter—where hearts are formed, faith is awakened, and lives are renewed.

Overnight: Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem

Today offers a change of pace and posture—a space for worship, reflection, and rest as the journey begins to settle in your soul. In the morning, we’ll attend a church service at King of Kings Community in Jerusalem, joining with local believers in lifting up the name of Jesus in the very city where the church was born.

The rest of the day is intentionally open—an opportunity for you to follow the Spirit’s lead. You may choose to remain in Jerusalem for quiet reflection, or venture out for personal exploration. Options could include a coastal visit to Joppa or Tel Aviv, time on the Mediterranean beach, a hike in the Judean Hills, a visit to Tel Azekah where David faced Goliath, or even an afternoon in Israel’s wine country. Whether you seek rest, solitude, fellowship, or one last adventure, this day is yours.

For those departing late tonight, transfer to the airport will be arranged for your overnight flight back to the U.S. Others will return to the hotel for one final evening of rest in Jerusalem.

Overnight: Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem (or en route for those on late-night flights to the USA)

With hearts full and minds refreshed, you’ll board your flight home carrying more than just memories—you’ll carry the story.

You have walked where Jesus walked, heard the Scriptures echo in the very places they were first spoken, and encountered the living God in the land of His promise.

The tomb is empty. The story lives on—in you. Now a new chapter begins, as you invite others into this journey.

Prayerfully consider how you might lead your church or ministry to experience the Holy Land, drawing them into deeper discipleship, wonder, and encounter with Jesus.

Until then, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Land Trip Cost and Payment Schedule (per person)

• $500 (Double Occupancy)

• $750 (Single Occupancy)

• $1,400 (Pastor/Ministry Leader Spouse)

• Trip deposit due at Registration

• Payment Methods Accepted - Bank ACH, All Major Credit and Debit Cards

Terms and Conditions - See below for Terms and Conditions of the Trip

Airfare - Roundtrip Economy Airfare from your home city*

Hotels - Five (5) Nights

Airport Assistance - Meeting, welcome and assistance on arrival and departure in Tel Aviv airport.

Guided Pilgrimage - Five (5) Days

Meals - Five (5) days All Breakfasts, Lunches and Evening Meals

Entrances - All Sites Listed in Itinerary

*In some cases we will need to have you fly from a larger city near to you to coordinate flights that arrive in Tel Aviv.

Trip Travel Insurance - See below for explanation and information.

Anything not expressly stated in the “Inclusions” section should be considered excluded from the trip cost.

1. Eligibility

This trip is intended for pastors, ministry leaders, or decision-makers who are or would seriously consider leading a group pilgrimage with True Hope Travel and Theodorie Travel within the next 12–18 months. Each participant must complete a short application and be approved by the trip organizer.

2. Purpose of the Trip

The purpose of this Familiarization (FAM) Trip is to provide church leaders with firsthand experience of the destination in order to assess its suitability for a future group pilgrimage. Participants should be actively engaged in the exploration and planning of a group trip for their church or ministry.

3. Cost and Refund Policy

A $500 (Double Occupancy) or $750 (Sincle Occupancy) deposit is required to confirm participation. This deposit is fully refundable upon the successful completion of a group trip (minimum 20 paying participants) within 18 months of the FAM trip. If no group trip is organized within that time frame, the deposit becomes non-refundable.

4. What’s Included

• Round-trip economy airfare from your home city or in some cases a Gateway city near you.

• Hotel accommodations (double occupancy unless otherwise stated)

• Ground transportation

• Licensed guiding services

• Entrance fees to scheduled sites

• Group meals as noted in the itinerary

• Tips and taxes

5. Not Included

• Passport and visa fees

• Travel insurance (unless specified as included)

• Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional beverages, snacks, laundry, etc.)

6. Spouse or Staff Member Participation

One spouse or second staff member may join at a discounted rate of $1,400, which includes land package and international airfare. Their participation must also be approved and is subject to availability.

7. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is recommended. Travel Medical Insurance is recommended. It is the responsibility of the traveler to understand what is covered and to purchase additional insurance if desired.

8. Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made in writing. Deposits are non-refundable unless a group trip is successfully booked and completed as outlined herein. If a participant cancels within 30 days of departure, additional penalties apply for international airfare and hotel costs already incurred.

9. Trip Postponement

If the trip must be postponed due to factors beyond the control of the organizer (e.g., regional instability, airline cancellations, government restrictions, natural disasters), every reasonable effort will be made to reschedule the trip to a near-term future date with a full transfer of the participants deposit and participation to the rescheduled trip. If regional security conditions deteriorate to the point that travel becomes unsafe, the organizers reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or modify the trip. In such cases, every effort will be made to reschedule or provide credit toward a future trip.

10. Health and Mobility

Participants should be in reasonably good health and able to walk 2-4 miles per day on uneven terrain. The itinerary may include stairs, hills, and extended periods of standing.

11. Itinerary Adjustments

The itinerary—including hotels, sites visited, and the order of scheduled events—is subject to change due to local conditions, security updates, weather, or other circumstances beyond the control of the organizers. Every effort will be made to preserve the quality, purpose, and overall intent of the trip experience.

12. Acceptance of Terms

By submitting the application and deposit, the participant acknowledges and agrees to these terms and conditions.

True Hope Travel and Theodorie Tours & Services will coordinate with you to arrange the flights that best fit your schedule while ensuring you arrive in time for the start of the trip.

No one ever wants to use travel insurance—just like no one wants to use car or health insurance. It’s something you hope you’ll never need, but when unexpected situations arise—a missed flight, a family emergency, or a sudden illness—you’ll be thankful it’s in place. Travel insurance is your safety net for a rainy day, offering peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying the experience in front of you. Choosing the right travel insurance is a key part of thoughtful trip planning, and it ensures that you’re covered if things don’t go exactly as expected.

Travel insurance is not included in the cost of the trip but is strongly recommended by True Hope Travel for travelers to consider.

Medical Insurance (Travel Medical Coverage) - Covers medical expenses incurred while traveling abroad, including emergency care, hospital stays, and sometimes medical evacuation.

Trip Cancellation Insurance - Reimburses non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason (e.g. illness, injury, family emergency, or natural disaster).

Trip Interruption Insurance - Covers costs if your trip is unexpectedly cut short due to covered reasons, such as a medical emergency or a family situation back home.

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance - An optional upgrade that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason not covered under standard policies. To qualify, CFAR must usually be purchased within 1–2 weeks of your first trip payment and typically reimburses 50–75% of your trip cost.

Click HERE for a Trip Travel Insurance Quote

Text or Call: 720.253.2396
Email: [email protected]