Upcoming Tours
Overview
March 1-10, 2023 ~ 10-Day “In the Footsteps of Jesus” Tour of Israel and OPTIONAL 4-Day Egypt Exstension. Hosted by Dennis & Linda Gingerich and Co-Hosted by Cory and Rebecca Demmel. (FULL!! Registration is Closed but Trip details are below).
September 25-October 5, 2023 ~ 10-Day “In the Footsteps of Paul” Tour of Greece including a 3-Night Greek Isles Cruise. Hosted by Dennis & Linda Gingerich. (OPEN – Details and Registration below).
March 7-17, 2024 ~ 11-Day “In the Footsteps of Jesus” Tour of Israel and OPTIONAL 3-Day Jordan Extension. Hosted by Dennis & Linda Gingerich. (OPEN – Details and Registration Link below).
Fall 2025 ~ 10-Day “In the Footsteps of Paul” Tour of Greece including a 3-Night Greek Isles Cruise.
Spring 2026 ~ 11-Day “In the Footsteps of Jesus” Tour of Israel
Fall 2027 ~ 12-Day “In the Footsteps of Early Revivalist” Tour of Scotland and Ireland
Spring 2028 ~ 11-Day “In the Footsteps of Jesus” Tour of Israel
Spring 2029 ~ 11-Day “In the Footsteps of Jesus” Tour of Israel
June 2030 ~ 12-Day “In the Footsteps of Radical Church Leaders” Tour of Germany, Switzerland including the Oberammergau Passion Play.
More Details and Registration Links
March 1-10, 2023 — 10-Day “In the Footsteps of Jesus” Tour of Israel and OPTIONAL 4-Day Egypt Extension.
Tour Investment is $4992 per person from Fort Myers, FL. Price includes all flights, land transportation, professional guides, departure taxes, port fees, hotels, dinner & breakfast each day during land tour, all tips and gratuities, free professional digital photos of the tour, all entry fees as outlined below.
ATTENTION – Maximum Capacity Has Been Reached. Registration is now Closed. (A similar tour is scheduled for 2024. See below.)
DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1: Depart USA. Tour members meet for our flight to Israel, the incomparable Land of the Bible. After dinner is served, sit back and relax, enjoying the on-board entertainment as you prepare for this exciting adventure of a lifetime, walking where Jesus walked.
DAY 2 – THURSDAY, MARCH 2: Arrive Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Caesarea Maritima We arrive in Tel Aviv where we are met by our agent who assists us through customs and security. We are then transferred to our motor coach and visit Jaffa and Caesarea Maritima, where Peter proclaimed the Good News to the Roman Centurion (Acts 10). Next, we drive to our hotel in Netanya for dinner and overnight by the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
DAY 3 – FRIDAY, MARCH 3: Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Druze Village, Nazareth, Cana Today we depart for the Galilee, visiting Megiddo and Mt. Carmel where Elijah prayed and God defeated 450 prophets of Baal with fire from heaven (1 Kings 18). Time permitting, we’ll stop at the Druze Village for a short lunch break (not included). From here we continue to Zippori and Nazareth (Luke 1 & 2), including a visit to “Nazareth Village” with detailed explanation of what it might have been like during the time of Jesus. We continue to Cana (John 2) where Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding reception. Next, we arrive in Tiberias for dinner and overnight on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
DAY 4 – SATURDAY, MARCH 4: Galilee, Magdala, Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Jesus Boat, Boat Ride on Sea of Galilee, Jordan River There is nothing quite like watching a sunrise from our hotel on the Sea of Galilee in the morning. We begin our sightseeing with our first stop at Magdala to see this new archeological site with the ancient synagogue, and then we drive to the Mt. of Beatitudes (Matthew. 5-7), with time for reflection and worship. From here, we make our way to Capernaum, Jesus’ base for His early ministry. We will visit the recently excavated “Jesus Boat” which is believed to have been built during the time of Jesus. We then board a present time replica wooden “Jesus Boat” for our Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee. Next, we stop for lunch, with the option of the special, traditional St. Peter’s Fish (not included). Afterwards, we see Gadara and then make our way to the Jordan River with the opportunity to step into that special river. Optional Baptism in the Jordan River will be available for those interested. We will have dinner and overnight in Tiberias.
DAY 5 – SUNDAY, MARCH 5: Golan Heights, Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Tabgha, Beit Shean, Galilee After breakfast, we travel north for the Golan Heights to lookout over the area at an incredible sight. Then we visit Tel Dan and have a short hike/walk where we will see the gate of Jeroboam. Then we drive to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter made the good confession of Christ as “the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13-16). Afterwards, we stop at Tabgha, the Church of Peter Primacy. Next, we visit Beit Shean, one of the best-preserved Decapolis Roman cities. In Beit Shean, the bodies of King Saul and his sons were hung from the city walls (1 Samuel 31:10-12) after they were defeated by the Philistines. We return to Tiberias for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6 – MONDAY, MARCH 6: Jericho, Ein Gedi, Qumran, Masada, Dead Sea – Swim/Float, Jerusalem After our breakfast, we begin our day of sightseeing traveling south toward the the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. En-route we will make our first stop in Jericho (conditions permitting). Afterwards, we continue southward for a visit to Ein Gedi where David hid from King Saul. From here we make our way to Qumran and the settlement of the first century sect known as the Essenes, authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Following the road south along the western shore of the Dead Sea, we will visit Masada. Here we will ascend the wilderness mountain by way of the cable car to the fortress built by King Herod. Next, we survey the ruins of the fortifications, waterworks, synagogue, temples and palaces. Time permitting, we will make a special stop at the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on the earth) for a short swim/float. Please be sure you bring with you good water shoes, as the bottom surface can be rough on your feet. We leave the Dead Sea area for Jerusalem, an ascent of 4,000 feet in 13 miles. “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” “Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.” (Psalm 122:1-2 NASB). Dinner and overnight are in Jerusalem.
DAY 7 – TUESDAY, MARCH 7: Mt. of Olives, Palm Sunday Road, Garden of Gethsemane, Jewish Quarter, Temple Mount, Southern Steps, Bethlehem After breakfast, we begin explorations with a drive to the beautiful Mt. of Olives to behold the breathtaking panorama of the Holy City. Our pilgrimage will proceed down the Old Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane with its ancient olive grove. There we will visit the Church of Agony, where tradition holds that Jesus prayed. We will enter Jerusalem through the Zion Gate, and walk to the holiest site in the whole Jewish world, the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) of Herod’s temple. Beyond the wall lies the 35-acre temple area purchased by King David (2 Samuel. 24:18-25). On this site now stands the El-Aksa Mosque, and the magnificent Dome of the Rock (the third holiest shrine in Islam). From the temple area, we make our way to St. Stephen’s Gate, to walk the Via Dolorosa, including St. Anne’s Crusader Church, Pools of Bethesda, the Sister of Zion Convent (to see the Pavement where Jesus stood as he was being tried by Pilate), Ecce Homo Arch, and the ancient Cardo. We continue to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Afterwards, a short walk
takes us to the Southern Steps to stand on the original steps that Jesus walked on as he entered the Temple area. We conclude our sightseeing with a short drive and visit to Bethlehem. We will pass by Rachel’s tomb on the outskirts of Bethlehem, and visit the Church of the Nativity and view the Shepherd’s Field. We will have dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. After dinner, we make our way back to the Western Wall for a visit to the Rabbi’s Tunnel.
DAY 8 – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8: Shrine of the Book, Model City, Had Vashem Memorial, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, St. Peter Gallicantu, Garden Tomb After breakfast we visit the Shrine of the Book Museum, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed. You will be fascinated by the 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem as it would have appeared in Jesus’ time. From here we have a short drive to Yad Vashem Children’s Holocaust Memorial for a visit. Next, we drive to Hezekiah’s Tunnel (conditions permitting) for a visit. Be sure to bring good water shoes with you, as you will get wet walking through the tunnel. Also bring a flashlight if possible. From here we make our way to the Church of Agony at St. Peter Gallicantu. Afterwards, we visit Golgotha and the Garden Tomb for time of worship and communion. We overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 9 – THURSDAY, MARCH 9: Jerusalem After breakfast, we have time at leisure then gather together for our last day of sightseeing in Israel with stops at additional sites of interest in Jerusalem to be determined by our tour leader. Later in the day, we will have our Farewell Dinner together at a restaurant before returning to our hotel.
DAY 10 – FRIDAY, MARCH 10: Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport, Return Flight to USA, Arrive in USA. This morning, we transfer to the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv for our return flight. We arrive back in the USA the same day. At the close of an unforgettable tour, we bring with us lasting memories of the Old and New Testament, a renewal of our faith, and a greater understanding of the life and ministry of Jesus.
OPTIONAL EGYPT EXTENSION
Extension cost is $2490.00 per person (Price is based on minimum of 4-16 travelers)
Cairo, Cairo to USA, Visa & Border taxes of $25 & Gratuities of $120)



Day 11 – Saturday, March 11: Luxor/Valley of Kings & Queens, Temples
of Medinet Habu, Hatshepsut, Felucca Boat Ride on Nile River, Temple of Karnak After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing of the West Bank to see the Valley of the Kings and Queens, Medinet Habu Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon. We will then cross back to the east side of the Nile River on a felucca boat and enjoy a late lunch (included) at Sonesta Luxor Hotel. We then end the day with a visit to the massive Karnak Temple. Dinner and overnight in Luxor.

Day 12 – Sunday, March 12: Cairo, Egyptian Museum Pyramids & Sphinx, Memphis & Sakkara Following breakfast, we drive to the Luxor Airport for our flight back to Cairo. Our sightseeing tour of Cairo includes a wonderful visit to the world famous Egyptian Museum. This new museum contains unbelievable artifacts from the past, including the treasures of King Tutankhamen. If you wish, you will have time to also visit the mummy room (for an extra fee). We drive to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Day 13 – Monday, March 13: Memphis, Sakkara, the Pyramids, Sphinx

Day 14 – Tuesday, March 14: Depart Cairo / Arrive Back in the U.S.A.
We transfer early morning to Cairo International airport for our flight home.
September 25 – October 4, 2023 — 10-Day “In the Footsteps of Paul” Tour including Greece, Turkey, and a 3-Night Greek Isles Cruise
Tour Investment is $4899 per person from Ft. Myers, FL. Price includes all flights, Greek Cruise with 3 meals/day and drink package included, land transportation, professional guides, departure taxes, port fees, hotels, dinner & breakfast each day during land tour, all tips and gratuities, free professional digital photos of the tour, all entry fees and excursions as outlined below.
Invite your friends! Departure from other cities are available, usually with a small price adjustment.
Online Registration is OPEN at RegisterNow.ittworld.com using the Tour Code: TransformG23
DAY 1 – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25: DEPART USA FOR GREECE Embark upon your journey to the land of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Thessaloniki. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight because tomorrow you will be walking where the apostle Paul walked!
DAY 2 – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26: THESSALONIKI, KAVALA Arrive in Thessaloniki, the city where Paul was received by Jason. Paul was preaching the Word of God here until he was rushed out of the city. We will transfer to our hotel in Kavala for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3 -WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27: PHILIPPI, KAVALA, KALAMBAKA, THESSALONIKI This morning we travel on to Philippi and visit the Baptistery of Lydia, near the river where Paul baptized her. Lydia was the first convert of Paul on European soil and the conversion of the jailer followed. Also, we will visit the ruins of the Forum of Philippi, the Christian Basilicas, the “Prison of Paul” and the Theater. Next, we drive to Kavala (Neapolis), Paul’s first step in bringing the Gospel to present day Europe. It is a picturesque port! View the Byzantine Castle and the Ro-man Aqueduct. Then continue to Thessaloniki for a panoramic city tour before continuing on to Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4 – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28: KALAMBAKA, ATHENS This morning we will see the world-famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched precariously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliff-side caves. Then they fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, which were later transformed into monasteries. We continue on our way back to Athens for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5 – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29: THREE DAY MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE
We sail this morning from Athens to the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. Experience the water-front area lined with shops and cafes and then stroll the charming walkways through a maze of white-washed buildings. No shore excursions included this day, as we will dis-embark and walk around this marvelous island at our leisure before returning to ship for dinner and evening activities.
DAY 6 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: KUSADASI, EPHESUS, PATMOS In the morning, we will arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey, and drive to Ephesus, where Paul spent three years during his ministry. The impressive remains of Ephesus include the Agora, the Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsius, the ruins of the Temple of Diana (one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”), and many more. Later we will sail for the island of Patmos, where we visit the Monastery of St. John on one of the island’s highest points. From there, we will walk down to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St. John the Divine. Shore excursions to Patmos & Ephesus are included today.
DAY 7 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1: CRETE, SANTORINI In the morning, we arrive at Heraklion, Crete and at the traditional village of Stironas. Here we’ll show you how traditional Cretans lived centuries ago. We’ll also visit a botanical parterre which is home to various aromatic and medicinal herbs from the mountains of Crete. We’ll have a chance to literally put our lips to the deep cup of traditional Cretan winemaking when we visit a raki distiller and sample traditional raki directly from the barrels in his cellar (included). Time permitting, we will stop in Heraklion on the way back to the ship. Then we sail north to the isle of Santorini, the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands to explore the exquisite whitewashed villages. We can also visit Fira (or Thira, the ancient name of island), which clings to volcanic cliffs and are accessible by cable-car or mule. No Shore excursions are included on Santorini.
DAY 8 – MONDAY, OCTOBER 2: PIREAUS, CORINTH, ATHENS
We disembark the cruise this morning in Piraeus. After disembarkation, we will continue our sightseeing with a visit to Ancient Corinth. This is the once-glorious city near the Isthmus, where Paul met Aquilla and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the Word of God. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples and the famous Bema, where Paul stood before Gallio, accused by the Jews of Corinth. Then we drive to Cenchreae, the little harbor from which Paul sailed back to Asia, thus ending his second missionary journey. Here we admire the architectural wonders of ancient Athens, as we follow our guide to the world- renowned Acropolis, to see the Propylea, the Erechtheum and the Parthenon. We visit Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his speech on the “Unknown God.” Then we see the Agora, the ancient center of the economic and public life of the city, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians. During the bus tour, we also see Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium and the Neoclassical Buildings of Athens. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Athens on your own. Dinner and overnight are in Athens.
DAY 9 – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3: DELPHI, ATHENS We will include a special visit to Delphi, this mountainous city which today is both an archaeological site and a modern town. For the ancient Greeks, Delphi was labeled the “omphalos” (navel) of the earth and it is here that the eternal flame burned in the Temple of Apollo. Delphi was the site of the Delphic oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world. It was also here beginning in 586 B.C. that athletes from all over the Greek world competed in the Pythian Games, one of the precursors to the modern Olympics. On our way up to Delphi, we’ll have time to stop and enjoy the small scenic villages that cling to the mountainsides. Dinner and overnight are in Athens.
DAY 10 – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4: RETURN FLIGHT HOME Today, we return home to USA with a new insight into Paul’s life and teachings.
March 7-17, 2024 — 11-Day “In the Footsteps of Jesus” Tour of Israel with 3-Day OPTIONAL Tour of Jordan
Tour Investment is $5,177 per person from Fort Myers, FL. Price includes all flights, land transportation, professional guides, departure taxes, port fees, hotels, dinner & breakfast each day during land tour, all tips and gratuities, free professional digital photos of the tour, all entry fees as outlined below.
Invite your friends! Departure from other cities are available, usually with a small +/- price adjustment.
Online Registration link HERE. Use Code Transform24
Day 1 – Thursday, March 7: Depart U.S.A.
Tour members meet for our flight to Israel, the incomparable Land of the Bible. After dinner is served, sit back and relax, enjoying the on-board entertainment as you prepare for this exciting adventure of a lifetime, walking where Jesus walked.
Day 2 – Friday, March 8: Arrive Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Caesarea Maritima
We arrive in Tel Aviv, where we are met by our agent who assists us through customs and security. (Time permitting) We transfer to our motor coach and visit Jaffa and Caesarea Maritima, where Peter proclaimed the Good News to the Roman Centurion (Acts 10). Next, we drive to our hotel on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 – Saturday, March 9: Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Druze Village, Nazareth, Cana, Galilee
Today, we depart for the Galilee, visiting Megiddo and Mt. Carmel, where Elijah prayed and God defeated 450 prophets of Baal with fire from heaven (1 Kings 18). Time permitting, we’ll stop at the Druze Village for a short lunch break (not included). From here, we continue to Zippori . Then, we continue to Nazareth (Jesus’ childhood home), and the Mt. of Precipice. Time permitting, we continue to Cana (John 2), where Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding reception. Next, we arrive in Tiberias for dinner and overnight on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Day 4 – Sunday, March 10: Galilee, Magdala, Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Jesus Boat, Boat Ride on Sea of Galilee, Jordan River
There is nothing quite like watching a sunrise from our hotel on the Sea of Galilee in the morning. We begin our sightseeing with our first stop at Magdala to see this new archeological site with the ancient synagogue, and then we drive to the Mt. of Beatitudes (Matthew 5-7), with time for reflection and worship. From here, we make our way to Capernaum, Jesus’ base for His early ministry. We will visit the recently excavated “Jesus Boat” which is believed to have been built during the time of Jesus. We then board a present time replica wooden “Jesus Boat” for our Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee. Next, we stop for lunch, with the option of the special, traditional St. Peter’s Fish (not included). Afterwards, we see Gadara and then make our way to the Jordan River with the opportunity to step into that special river. Optional Baptism in the Jordan River will be available for those interested. We will have dinner and overnight in Tiberias.
Day 5 – Monday, March 11: Golan Heights, Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Tabgha, Beit Shean, Galilee
After breakfast, we travel north for the Golan Heights to lookout over the area at an incredible sight. Then, we visit Tel Dan and have a short hike/walk where we will see the gate of Jeroboam. Then, we drive to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter made the good confession of Christ as “the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13- 16). Afterwards, we stop at Tabgha, the Church of Peter Primacy. Next, we visit Beit Shean, one of the best-preserved Decapolis Roman cities. In Beit Shean, the bodies of King Saul and his sons were hung from the city walls (1 Samuel 31:10-12) after they were defeated by the Philistines. We return to Tiberias for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 – Tuesday, March 12: Jericho, Qumran, Masada, Dead Sea
After our breakfast, we begin our day of sightseeing traveling south toward the Dead Sea. En route we will make our first stop in Jericho (conditions permitting). From here, we make our way to Qumran and the settlement of the first century sect known as the Essenes, authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Following the road south along the western shore of the Dead Sea, we will visit Masada. Here, we will ascend the wilderness mountain by way of the cable car to the fortress built by King Herod. Next, we survey the ruins of the fortifications, waterworks, synagogue, temples and palaces. We then proceed to our hotel at the Dead Sea for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 – Wednesday, March 13: Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, Bethlehem, Jerusalem
This morning we will have some free time to enjoy the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on the earth) for a short swim/float. Please be sure you bring with you good water shoes, as the bottom surface can be rough on your feet.
Afterwards, we continue north for a visit to Ein Gedi where David hid from King Saul. We leave the Dead Sea area for Jerusalem, an ascent of 4,000 feet in 13 miles. “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.” (Psalm 122:1-2 NASB). We conclude our sightseeing with a short drive and visit to Bethlehem. We will pass by Rachel’s tomb on the outskirts of Bethlehem, visit the Church of the Nativity and view the Shepherd’s Field. Dinner and overnight are in Jerusalem.
Day 8 – Thursday, March 14: Mt. of Olives, Palm Sunday Road, Garden of Gethsemane, Jewish Quarter, Temple Mount, Southern Steps
After breakfast, we begin explorations with a drive to the beautiful Mt. of Olives to behold the breathtaking panorama of the Holy City. Our pilgrimage will proceed down the Old Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane with its ancient olive grove. There we will visit the Church of Agony, where tradition holds that Jesus prayed. We will enter Jerusalem through the Zion Gate, and walk to the holiest site in the whole Jewish world, the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) of Herod’s temple. Beyond the wall lies the 35-acre temple area purchased by King David (2 Samuel. 24:18-25). On this site now stands the El-Aksa Mosque, and the magnificent Dome of the Rock (the third holiest shrine in Islam). From the temple area, we make our way to St. Stephen’s Gate, to walk the Via Dolorosa, including St. Anne’s Crusader Church, Pools of Bethesda, the Sister of Zion Convent (to see the Pavement where Jesus stood as he was being tried by Pilate), Ecce Homo Arch, and the ancient Cardo. We continue to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Afterwards, a short walk takes us to the Southern Steps to stand on the original steps that Jesus walked on as he entered the Temple area. We will have dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. After dinner, we make our way back to the Western Wall for a visit to the Rabbi’s Tunnel.
Day 9 – Friday, March 15: Shrine of the Book, Model City, Yad Vashem Memorial, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, St. Peter Gallicantu, Garden Tomb
After breakfast, we visit the Shrine of the Book Museum, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed. You will be fascinated by the 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem as it would have appeared in Jesus’ time. From here, we have a short drive to Yad Vashem Children’s Holocaust Memorial for a visit. Next, we drive to Hezekiah’s Tunnel (conditions permitting) for an optional walk through the tunnel. Be sure to bring good water shoes with you, as you will get wet walking through the tunnel. Also bring a flashlight if possible. From here, we make our way to the Church of Agony at St. Peter Gallicantu. Afterwards, we visit Golgotha and the Garden Tomb for time of worship and communion. We overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 10 – Saturday, March 16: Jerusalem
After breakfast, we have time at leisure then gather together for our last day of sightseeing in Israel with stops at additional sites of interest in Jerusalem to be determined by our tour leader. Later in the day, we will have our Farewell Dinner together at a restaurant, before returning to our hotel.
Day 11 – Sunday, March 17: Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport, Return Flight to U.S.A., Arrive in U.S.A.
This morning, we transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our return flight home. We arrive back in the U.S.A. same day. At the close of an unforgettable tour, we bring with us lasting memories of the Old and New Testament, a renewal of our faith, and a greater understanding of the life and ministry of our Lord.
OPTIONAL JORDAN EXTENSION
$1297.00 per person
Price is based on minimum of 20 travelers for price to be valid
(Includes: Visa & Border taxes of $77 & Gratuities of $45)
Day 11 – Sunday, March 17: Allenby Bridge, Jordan: Madaba, Machaerus, Petra
This morning we depart Israel for Jordan via the Allenby Bridge, where we meet our agent and are assisted through security and customs. We board our motor coach to Madaba, the Moabite town of the Bible to see the Ancient Holy Land Map. Next, we travel to Machaerus (Mukawir). Perched on a 700-meter- high hill southwest of Madaba are the ruins of the fortress of Herod the Great. Machaerus is where John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod Antipas. We continue south to Petra, “the Red Rose City.” Dinner and overnight are in Petra.
Day 12 – Monday, March 18: Petra, Amman
After breakfast, we visit Petra, a 2000-year-old Nabatean city. We’ll walk about a half-mile through the narrow passageway with cliffs on either side (called the “Siq”). At the end of the Siq appears Petra’s Treasury, a massive royal tomb carved out of the solid mountain rock. Time permitting, we will see Jabal Harun – the place where Aaron is buried. We then leave in the afternoon for Amman. Dinner and overnight are in Amman.
Day 13 – Tuesday, March 19: Amman, Mt. Nebo, Allenby Bridge, Israel: Jaffa, Tel Aviv Airport
This morning we travel to Mt. Nebo to view the Holy Land from where Moses stood (Deuteronomy 34:1), a breathtaking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the Mt. of Olives and the roof tops of Jerusalem. We then return to the Allenby Bridge for our return to Israel. After our border formalities, we arrive back in Israel and continue with a visit to Jaffa. Then we have dinner and an evening transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our return flight back to the U.S.A.
Day 14 – Wednesday, March 20: Arrive in USA
We arrive home in the U.S.A. At the close of an unforgettable tour, we take home wonderful memories of the Old and New Testament, a renewal of our faith, and a greater understanding of the life of our Lord.
MOST RECENT TRIP
June 7-18, 2022 — 12-Day “In the Footsteps of Radical Church Leaders” Tour of Germany and Switzerland plus Oberammergau Passion Play
(Video)
Tour Investment is $5942 per person from Ft. Myers, FL. Price includes all flights, deluxe motor coach land transportation, professional guides, departure taxes & fees, first class hotels, dinner & breakfast each day (and one lunch) during land tour, all tips and gratuities, free professional digital photos of the tour, all entry fees and excursions (including Passion Play, Rhine River Cruise, Swiss Alps Gondola Ride etc.) as outlined below.
DAY 1 – TUESDAY, JUNE 7: DEPART U.S.A. FOR GERMANY Tour members meet for the fight to Germany. We are served meals according to fight schedule, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the on – board entertainment and prepare for this exciting adventure of a lifetime.
DAY 2 – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8: ARRIVE BERLIN, WITTENBERG Upon arrival in Berlin, we are welcomed by our tour guide. We board our coach and have a short drive through the German countryside to Wittenberg, which was the main workplace of Martin Luther from 1508. We visit Luther Hall, the Augustinian monastery where Luther lived as a monk and again later in 1525 as owner with his wife and family. Luther Hall is the largest museum of Reformation history in the world. We pass the Market Square and Town Hall. Then we tour All Saints’ Church, the famous site where Luther posted his 95 Theses on the Castle Church door, sparking the beginning of the Reformation. It is here that Luther is buried alongside his fellow reformer, Philipp Melanchthon. We tour St. Mary’s Church, where Luther did the majority of his preaching. Dinner and overnight are in Wittenberg.
DAY 3 – THURSDAY, JUNE 9: EISLEBEN, ERFURT After breakfast, we drive to Eisleben where Luther was born in 1483 and died in 1546. We visit St. Andrew’s Church, where Luther held his last four sermons, and we pass Luther’s Death House. A walk across the Market Square through the old town takes us to Luther’s Birth House and to the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, where he was baptized. Afterwards, we continue to Erfurt where we visit the Augustinian Monastery with its famous dome and stained – glass window choir. Luther, student of law, entered here in 1505 and took his vows as a monk in 1507. The city tour leads us through the cobblestone streets to view the Fish Market, the Town Hall and Krämer Bridge. We also visit the historical section to learn about St. Severus and St. Mary’s Cathedral. Dinner and overnight are in Erfurt.
DAY 4 – FRIDAY, JUNE 10: WARTBURG CASTLE, EISENACH After a tasty breakfast, we drive to Eisenach. As Luther said, “Almost all of my relatives live in Eisenach, and I’m known to them there and… well-respected; no other city knows me better.” The first stop takes us to the magnificent Wartburg Castle to tour the Palas (Great Hall), art exhibition, the Elisabeth
Hallway and the room where Luther, disguised as “Junker Jörg” (Knight George), translated the New Testament into German. afterwards, we explore the city on a walking tour, highlighting St. George’s Cathedral where J.S. Bach was baptized, the Luther House where Luther lived as a student with the Cota family from 1498-1501, and where the Luther exhibition documenting his life and theology is located. We continue with a visit of the Bach House. Housed at this museum is an extensive collection of instruments from the 16th to 19th century and a permanent exhibition on the life and work of J.S. Bach. Here we enjoy a musical performance on historical instruments. Dinner and overnight are in Eisenach.
DAY 5 – SATURDAY, JUNE 11: RHINE RIVER CRUISE, MAINZ This morning we depart early to Rudesheim where we take a sightseeing cruise along the Rhine River to see the picturesque stretches of this majestic waterway, the Rhine Valley and the well – known Loreley. So, settle back on the boat and enjoy. afterwards we are picked up by our bus and continue to Mainz, the birthplace of printing. We tour the city passing all site marks and we visit the Gutenberg Museum where the evolution on of printing is documented. Here Gutenberg’s first Bible and the world’s tiniest Bible are on display. Johannes Gutenberg is considered to be the most important individual – contributor of the Second Millennium. Dinner and overnight are in Mainz.
Luther was summoned here by Emperor Charles V to recant his teachings before the Diet of Worms. We also see where Luther made his famous “Here I Stand” declaraton. We visit the world’s largest memorial to the Reformation along with Europe’s oldest Jewish cemetery, the Holy Sands. Another Reformer named William Tyndale, finished his printing of the English Bible in Worms, escaping persecution in England. Next, we continue to Ulm, the birthplace of Albert Einstein. During our city tour, we see the astronomical clock at the city hall, the old Fisherman’s Quarters as well as the Ulm Minster, known as the church with the tallest steeple in the world. Dinner and overnight are in Ulm (or nearby).
DAY 7 – MONDAY, JUNE 13: AUGSBURG, DACHAU This morning we drive to Augsburg, one of Germany’s oldest towns, founded 15 B.C. It was here in 1518 at St. Anne’s Church that Luther met the papal legate, Cardinal Cajetan, who demanded that Luther submit to the pope. Augsburg was also the site of another Imperial Diet (in 1530) at which Protestants presented their confession, which up to that time was the foremost doctrinal statement of the Lutheran church. We pass the site where the Augsburg Confession was signed in 1530. In the town hall, the Peace of Augsburg was signed in 1555, ending for a time the religious wars in Germany between the Catholics and the Protestants. Then we continue our drive to the Dachau Concentration Camp. Here we visit the museum with its reconstructed barracks and crematorium where the Holocaust is documented. From here we make our way to Oberammergau for dinner and overnight. Have a look at the information about the Passion Play which you will find in your room.
DAY 8 – TUESDAY, JUNE 14: OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY Oberammergau is not only known for its Passion Play, but also for its woodcarving craft and for its colorful and attractive frescos known as Lüflmalereien. In the morning you can explore the lovely village, the museum, the parish church and visit a woodcarving workshop. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant (included). Then it is time to take your seat at the Passion Play Theater. The play starts at 2:30 pm. It is performed only by locals. All the actors, musicians, and singers as well as the backstage staff are inhabitants of Oberammergau. Between the different scenes of the life of Jesus Christ you can admire “living pictures” – scenes from the Bible are presented as still lifes by actual people. Afer 2.5 hours it is time for a break. Dinner is waiting for you in a restaurant. After dinner you have the opportunity to stroll around the village and to do some shopping. At 8:00 pm the second part of the play starts. It will last until approximately 11:00 pm. You return to your hotel by coach afer the play.
DAY 9 – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15: NEUSCHWANSTEIN, ZURICH After breakfast, we drive through picture book scenery of the Allgäu, moving on to Germany’s most visited castle: Neuschwanstein, perched high up on a mountain in the Alps. The shimmering white towers of the castle almost touching the clouds are instantly recognizable to many. Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was inspired by Neuschwanstein. To visit it is to step inside a fairy tale. “Mad” King Ludwig II realized this architectural dream and it became world-famous. The majestic facade conceals an unbelievable splendor inside: very exquisite furniture, luxurious decor and masterly artistry. In the early afternoon, we cross the mountains at the German Swiss border and drive to Zurich. Dinner and overnight are in Zurich.
DAY 10 – THURSDAY, JUNE 16: ZURICH, EMMENTAL VALLEY, TRACHSELWALD CASTLE, LUCERNE In the morning, we tour the city. Zurich is definitely a combination of the old and the new. It is divided (as are many European cities) into the modern cosmopolitan district and the Altstadt (old city). Most of the time will be spent seeing the sites connected with Ulrich Zwingli. It was in Zurich where the Reformed branch of the Reformation got its start under his leadership beginning in 1520. We see his monument, the church where he was pastor (the Grossmunster), and the Guild Hall and Museum where we find artifacts and works of art associated with the Reformation. Zurich is also the origin of the Swiss Brethren Anabaptist Movement. It had its start in the home of Felix Manz in 1525, only a few blocks from Zwingli ‘s church, when Manz and others were re-baptized as adults by Conrad Grebel. The Anabaptists (re-baptizers), then became a target of Protestants and the Catholics for persecution and martyrdom, with over 3,000 dying in a “mini-holocaust” over the next decades. The rest of the day
is dedicated to the beautiful nature of Switzerland. We start by touring the Emmental Valley, the homeland of the famous and oft-imitated “Swiss cheese” as Emmental is often called. The region and its famous cheese are named afer the Emme River. Next, we visit Trachselwald Castle which was built-in the 12th and 13 th century and used in the 16th and 17th centuries as a prison and torture chamber for many Anabaptists before their trial in Bern. In late afternoon, we continue to Lucerne for dinner and overnight.
DAY 11 – FRIDAY, JUNE 17: LUCERNE, TITLIS This morning, we explore Lucerne with its beautiful location on the shores of Lake Lucerne within sight of the mountains Pilatus and Rigi in the Swiss Alps. During our city tour, we visit the town’s landmark, the Chapel Bridge along with the water tower. The tower was built in 1300 as part of the city wall and used as an archive, treasury, prison and torture chamber. We see the Dying Lion of Lucerne – monument, which was carved out of natural rock in memory of the deaths of Swiss mercenaries at the Tuileries in 1792. Afterwards, we continue our tour to Engelberg where we start our Swiss Alps experience up to the Titlis mountain. Do not forget to bring warm clothes as temperatures will be around freezing temperatures. A gondola brings us all the way to the top and we are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama at more th an 3,000 meters with eternal snow and ice. We get the chance to visit a glacier cave and the brave ones can test their limits at the Titlis Cliff Walk– Europe’s highest suspension footbridge. Afer this exciting experience, we will make our way back to Lucerne for dinner and overnight.
DAY 12 – SATURDAY , JUNE 18: DEPART ZURICH, ARRIVE IN U.S.A.Time to say Goodbye… We transfer to Zurich airport for the return fight back to the U.S.A. We arrive back in the U.S.A. the same day.
ADDITIONAL NOTE
TransforMissional Travel is not a travel agency or a for-profit business. We only organize and host the tours listed on this website out of our passion for inspiring transformissional living through travel. We volunteer our time with no personal financial gain other than some collateral travel benefits. Our exclusive provider for the detailed travel arrangements and all of the behind-the-scenes work is done by our long-time trusted partner, Imagine Tours & Travel , based in Lakeland, FL.
We use Imagine for 3 reasons: Experience, Integrity & Relationships.
Imagine Tours & Travel is owned by our friends of 20 years, Rick & Amy Ricart. They are more than just a business in another city that we do transactions with. We know their stories, their hearts, their values, and we’ve watched how they’ve raised their children. We know some of their employees and several of them have travelled with us on our tours. We have met the people Imagine partners with in other countries and we have heard first-hand how they also value their relationship with the Ricart’s. We have consistently watched the Ricart’s live with integrity at every level and have heard their business partners and employees speak of the same. Imagine has performed with extraordinary excellence as they have arranged all of the travel details for TransforMissional Travel over the last decades! We are proud to partner with Imagine who brings many decades of the finest travel expertise and experience in planning every detail of our tours. We are confident you will not be disappointed! ~Dennis & Linda Gingerich