
Join Transformation Ministries Int’l, with Pastor DeWayne & Sheryl Howard, for a life-changing Israel Encounter. Experience the God of the Bible as you walk where Jesus walked, and connect with both the land and the people of God. On this amazing 11 day journey in the land of Israel you will watch the Bible come alive before your eyes.
Your tour hosts, Pastor DeWayne & Sheryl Howard, took their first trip to Israel in 2023, and were changed forever through that experience. Ever since, they have felt the call of God to help others Encounter Israel just like they did. In 2024 they returned on another 10 day trip, experiencing new locations, visiting several of the Kibbutz that were attacked on Oct 7, 2023, helping to harvest the first of the avocado crop since the attack, and spending time in the Knesset & meeting with members of the legislative body.
With each visit, their hearts expand more and more for the people, the land, and God’s Word coming to life. They are joined by an amazing tour guide, Andrey Gelbet, who is a Messianic Jew. He is part of the Israel Archeological Society, Former Student Pastor, and more importantly a follower of Jesus Christ. He shares his wealth of wisdom, expansive knowledge, and abundant love for Israel throughout the tour as he teaches and connects the land and sites with Scripture.
You don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to Encounter Israel together with Transformation Ministries Int’l!
2nd February 2026 to 12th February 2026
Day 1 – Welcome to Israel
Tue, 3rd February 2026
Welcome to Israel! Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport. After border formalities, we meet our Immanuel Tours representative as well as our tour guide and driver. Depending on time of arrival, we start our visit in Israel at Old Jaffa (New Testament Joppa) where Jonah boarded a ship for Tarshish (Jonah 1) and the Apostle Peter (Acts 9-10) received God’s command to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. It was here that Peter stayed in the home of Simon the Tanner. Drive via the Mediterranean Coastal Road to our hotel in Hadera, Jacob Hadera Resort Hotel, for check in, dinner and overnight.
Day 2 – Caesarea – Mt . Carmel – Megiddo – Nazareth – Sea of Galilee
Wed, 4th February 2026
We begin our day with a visit to Caesarea Maritima, which was built by King Herod and later became the seat of government of the Roman governors, including Pontius Pilate who sat in judgment of Jesus Christ and sentenced him to be crucified. This was the same journey that Peter took to visit Cornelius (Acts 10). We continue to Mt. Carmel, where the Prophet Elijah challenged the Priest of Baal (1 Kings 18:17-40). We drive along the Jezreel Valley, visit Tel Megiddo. Continue to Nazareth, visit Nazareth Village – an authentic first-century farm and archaeologically accurate re-creation of the hometown of Jesus with real ties to the life and time of His friends, family and fellow Nazarenes. Drive to Tiberias by the Sea of Galilee. Check in to our hotel Leonardo Club for dinner & overnight.
Day 3 – Sea of Galilee
Thu, 5th February 2026
The Sea of Galilee is rich in memories of the 3 years of Jesus’ Ministry around its shores. We begin the day seeing the 2000 years old fishing boat known as the “Jesus Boat”, followed by a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, as well as a “Peter’s Fish Lunch”. Visit Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum, the home of Jesus (Matthew 4:13) and several of his disciples. We will visit the House of Peter, as well as the ancient synagogue where Jesus likely taught. We drive to the Eastern shores of Sea of Galilee to visit Kursi (Matthew 8:28-34). We end the day at the visitor’s center at Magdala, the birthplace of Mary Magdalene. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4 – Golan Heights
Fri, 6th February 2026
Today we drive up to the Golan Heights. Visit Tel Dan, which was the northernmost town in biblical Israel, hence the saying “from Dan to Beer Sheba”. This area played an important role in the Old Testament, including where Abraham went to rescue his nephew, Lot (Genesis 14:14). Then we go to Banias, the location of Caesarea Philippi, where the Apostle Peter made his great confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:13). Drive to the top of Mt. Bental where there is an observation point of the Syrian border with the ghost town of Kuneitra and the “Road to Damascus”. You can see the Golan Heights spanning from the Northern border to the Sea of Galilee and learn about the strategic importance this region has played and will continue to play to the nation of Israel. Return to our hotel by the Sea of Galilee for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 – Beit Shean – Jordan Valley – Jerusalem
Sat, 7th February 2026
After breakfast we check out of our hotel. Before leaving the Galilee, drive to Yardenit Baptismal Site by the Jordan River, where you will have the option to be Baptized. Drive for a short visit of Herod’s Spring. You will see where Judge Gideon tested his men before the battle with the Midianites in the valley between Gilboa and Mt. Moreh. Continue our drive to visit the impressive Roman excavations at Beit Shean (biblical Scythopolis). Drive through the Jordan Valley via Jericho, the most ancient city in the world, up through the Judean Wilderness to Jerusalem, the city of God, the capital city of Israel. Take a first glimpse of the city from the heights of Mt. Scopus before checking into our hotel, Dan Jerusalem Hotel, for dinner & overnight.
Day 6 – Massada – Ein Gedi – Qumran – Dead Sea
Sun, 8th February 2026
After breakfast we depart for a full day touring of the Dead Sea area, the lowest spot on the face of the Earth. We drive along the Judean Desert passing by the Inn of the Good Samaritan. Arrive at Qasr El-Yahud Baptismal Site – the place of the crossing and the baptism of Jesus. We drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada, mountain fortress built by King Herod and the site of the last Jewish resistance against the Romans in 73 AC. From here we will continue to Ein Gedi National Park, where young King David hid in a cave when running from Saul and he composed several of his Psalms. This is a beautiful nature reserve where you can casually stroll to see the Oasis of King David and watch for the ibex and hyrax. Afterwards, we will continue to Qumran – the center of the Essenes. Qumran is the home of the ancient caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing float in the healthy waters of the Dead Sea. Return to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner & overnight.
Day 7 – Jerusalem
Mon, 9th February 2026
After breakfast we drive to the Mount of Olives overlooking the ancient and modern city of Jerusalem, the center of the Biblical world. We walk down the “Palm Sunday Road“, via the Chapel of Dominus Flevit where Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37), to the Garden of Gethsemane where He prayed on the night of His betrayal (Luke 22:40-46). Next we enter within the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem through the Lion’s Gate, walking from the Pools of Bethesda (John 5:2-9) and along the via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Continue to the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, the House of Caiaphas (John 18:19-27), where Jesus was interrogated by the High Priest. Visit the Temple Institute Museum. Return to our hotel for dinner & overnight.
Day 8 – Temple Mount – Western Wall – City of David
Tue, 10th February 2026
After an Early Breakfast we begin our day with a visit to the Temple Mount followed by a visit to the Western Wall, where Jews from around the world come to pray, to be as close to the Holy of Holies as they can be. Tour the incredible Rabbinical Tunnels. We will then visit the “Southern Steps” or “Hulda Steps”, where ancient Jews, including Jesus, ascended to the Temple. We visit the Jewish Quarter and Wohl Archeological Museum which was an opulent residential neighborhood dating back to the days of the Herod the Great dynasty. From there we will go to the City of David, which is the Jerusalem of King David’s time and includes Hezekiah’s Tunnel. Afternoon visit the Shepherds Fields. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 9 – Israel Museum – Yad Vashem – Friends of Zion Museum – Garden Tomb
Wed, 11th February 2026
Af ter breakfast drive to the Israel Museum to view the Dead Sea Scrolls which are preserved at the Shrine of the Book. Visit the incredible model of the city of Jerusalem during the 2nd Temple days. We drive through the New City of Jerusalem via Mt. Herzl, the final resting place of Dr. Theodor Benjamin Herzl, the modern Prophet of the State of Israel, and the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament building ) to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust History Museum and Children’s Memorial, the memorials to the victims of the Holocaust during World War II. Following your visit to Yad Vashem, a visit to the Friends of Zion Museum of offers a meaningful continuation of the journey. It highlights the deep historical connection between the Christian world and the Jewish people, honoring those who stood with Israel throughout history. This visit completes the circle by reinforcing the shared values of faith, courage, and solidarity. You will complete this memorable tour at Calvary and the Garden Tomb, with some time for praise and communion service. Return to our hotel for a farewell meeting which will be followed by dinner and overnight.
Day 10 – Departure
Thu, 12th February 2026
We will check out from our hotel after breakfast. Drive to Ben Gurion Airport to catch our flight back to the home with great
memories or a wonderful journey and prayers for NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM.