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Never Read your Bible the Same!

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Have you always wanted to see the Holy Land?

Would you like to walk where Jesus walked?

Do you have a thirst to learn more about the Bible?

March 8-24, 2026

Optional Pre-extension!

To see the optional insurance policy, click Travel Insurance Info

Join Eric Johnson as you will never read your Bible the same again. JOEL KRAMER joins us for one day!

Trip is limited to just 45 travelers only!

Scheduled events include:

Sea of Galilee boat ride
Behind-the-scenes tour of the Western Wall
Going back 2,000 years and visiting the town of Nazareth
Walking on archaeological sites such as Bet Shean, Gezer, and Jericho
Nature hike at Ein Gedi
Exploring Herod the Great's Herodium, Caesarea, and Masada
Making your way through 1750 feet of 2700-year-old Hezekiah’s Tunnel
Swimming (rather, floating) in the Dead Sea
Riding a camel in the desert
Touching the Western Wall and climbing on top of Temple Mount
Daily devotional messages
And so much more!

Itinerary

(Click on boldfaced words for videos)

Preextension Day 1: Sunday, March 8, 2026: Departing from your airport

The majority of the group is going on a preextension starting in Newark, NJ on United Airlines. Meals served onboard.

Preextension Day 2: Monday, March 9, 2026: Arriving in Tel-Aviv

We arrive in Tel Aviv at 8:20 a.m. and catch a group bus to Jerusalem, about an hour away. We will drop off our bags at the hotel and then take the bus to the Jaffa Gate so Eric can give you your first look at the old city of Jerusalem. We will return by taxi (extra cost) and have dinner/overnight in Jerusalem.

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel 1 of 2

Preextension Day 3: Tuesday, March 10, 2026: Beit-Jibrin/ Arad / Beersheba

We give you time to rest in the morning with a leisurely breakfast. At 10 a.m., we meet our guide Andre and head south to get a good layout of the land. First, we stop at Beit-Gurvin, which was the administrative city for Idumeia, where Herod the Great's father came from. After the second Jewish revolt, this became a Roman city in AD 200. What is awesome about this place is exploring burial caves and underground dwellings, workshops and quarries, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we head to Ara, located on the border of the Negev and Judean deserts. What makes this site so important is a Jewish temple was built here during the Divided Kingdom. It was meant to compete with the temple in Jerusalem, although God was clear through his prophets that there was only supposed to be one temple. Finally, we end up in Beersheba where Abraham built a well, Isaac built an altar, and Jacob had a dream about a stairway to heaven. Lunch is provided today and we will be back at the hotel before 6 p.m.

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel 2 of 2

Preextension Day 4: Wednesday, March 11, 2026: Gan HaShlosha / Sepphoris / Nazareth / Netanya

On our final preextension day, we head north with our guide Andre to see several sites in the Galilee region. We begin at Gan HaShosha (Sahne) National Park, which has a museum of regional and Mediterranean archaeology. There are also 84-degree natural swimming pools that we might want to try out. From here, we head to Sepphoris, also known as Zippori or Tzippori, which was the regional capital of Galilee. This city goes back to the 4th century BC and, by tradition, is the birthplace of Mary, a place where she may have grown up. It is also a city where Jesus very likely visited. Finally, we head to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, to visit the Church of the Annunciation. It was here where Mary met the angel and was told not to fear. We will also visit Mount Precipice where it is believed that Jesus was rejected and the people of Nazareth tried to push him from the mountain but "he passed through the midst of them and went away." We will return to Nazareth in two days to visit Nazareth Village. Finally, we make our way to the coast and Netanya on the Mediterranean Sea where we will spend the next two nights and await the arrival of the other travelers. Lunch is not included today.

HOTEL: Leonardo Plaza in Netanya 1 of 2

Day 1: Tuesday, March 10, 2026: Departing from your local airport
For the two couples not on the optional tour, you will make your way to Tel Aviv on this day.

DAY 2 – Wednesday, March 11, 2026: Arrival in Israel

You will arrive arrive in Ben Gurion airport and a transfer from the airport to our hotel an hour away. You will have dinner at the hotel in

HOTEL: Leonardo Plaza in Netanya 1 of 2

DAY 3 – Thursday, March 12, 2026: Netanya Free Day

Today is a rest day in the city of Netanya on the Mediterranean Sea. For those who would like an optional tour to Haifa and the seaport town of Akko, we will leave at 10 a.m. and return in the afternoon. The extra per person cost is $56, lunch is not included.

HOTEL: Leonardo Plaza in Netanya 2 of 2

DAY 4 – Friday, March 13, 2026: CAESAREA / Mt. CARMEL / MEGIDDO / NAZARETH / TIBERIAS

The group begins its first full day together. We begin with Caesarea, a port on the Mediterranean Sea that was built by Herod the Great and dedicated to Augustus Caesar, the Roman emperor. Here you will have a chance to sit in the Roman theater, walk along the hippodrome, and check out a Crusader fort. You can also see where Herod’s palace once stood, as 2,000-year-old floor mosaics can still be seen on the shore. Paul was under arrest and certainly was here! This is considered one of Israel’s major archaeological sites, and the sea makes it one of the most beautiful places in the country. From here, we head to Mt. Carmel where Elijah took on the priests of Baal. The lookout from this site is simply amazing. Next we head to Megiddo to see the excavations that unearthed 20 different civilizations. It is better known as “Armageddon” according to the book of Revelation. Finally, we head to Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus, and visit Nazareth Village. This has been constructed to look like a 1st century village just like Jesus would have known. You will have a chance to talk to a shepherd, carpenter, and others who will converse in their first century way. It is quite an experience! Our final stop is our hotel on the Sea of Galilee for the first night of our three-night stay.

Hotel: Ron Beach Hotel 1 of 3

DAY 5 – Saturday, March 14, 2026: HAZOR / DAN / CAESAREA PHILIPPI / GOLAN HEIGHTS / MAGDALA / TIBERIAS

Today we go to the northern part of Israel (Galilee), driving through the Hula Valley to Hazor, where we will see ruins of the powerful Canaanite city destroyed by Joshua and rebuilt by King Jabin and then by Solomon as a chariot city to command upper Galilee. We continue to the northern limits to Dan where we combine a nature walk beside the Upper Jordan with views of the ancient ruins, topped by the Israelite high place that supported a golden calf (I Kings 12). Next we’ll take a short drive to Banias (Caesarea Philippi), dedicated to Pan the Greek god of pastures, flocks and shepherds, where Peter made his great profession of faith. Driving along the base of Mount Hermon, we ascend onto the Golan Plateau for a magnificent view of upper Galilee and have lunch. On our way back, let’s stop by Magdala along the Sea of Galilee and visit Mary Magdalene’s hometown. There is a first century synagogue here, the first to be found in the Galilee region. Return to the hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

See a video on Magdala

Hotel: Ron Beach Hotel 2 of 3

DAY 6 –Sunday, March 15, 2026: BAPTISMS / BET SHE'AN / CAPERNAUM / INCLUDED ST. PETER’S FISH LUNCH / MOUNT OF BEATITUDES / TIBERIAS

We begin the day at the Jordan River. Anyone who has never been baptized will have a chance to be immersed by Eric or a pastor on the trip. Next, we travel west to the ancient city of Bet She 'an, a site where Saul’s body was hung from the city wall after he was killed. It is a wonderful archaeological site that gives us an idea of what an ancient city looked like, with a theater, baths, and a large “tell” which we can climb up. This site comprises more than a dozen civilizations and is an awesome place to explore! We head back the way we came and go to Capernaum where the home of Peter and the town’s synagogue are located. After this, let’s have lunch at a restaurant for a St. Peter’s fish (or, if you wish, chicken) meal. We will get a chance to visit the Mount of Beatitudes—a place where we can read from the Sermon on the Mount. You will have never heard these words as personally as you will today.

Hotel: Ron Beach Hotel 1 of 3

DAY 7 – Monday, March 16, 2026: QUMRAN / MASADA / CAMEL RIDE / DEAD SEA

We start the day by taking an extended bus ride down to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on the earth (1300 feet below sea level). After a couple of hours of driving (our longest drive of the trip), we will stop by Qumran, the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were first discovered in 1947. Ancient Jews called the Essenes copied several hundred manuscripts, including the earliest copies we have of the Old Testament and the whole book of Isaiah. We can look around the village where these Jews lived 2,000 years ago. From the village we can see Cave 4, where more than half of the 900+ scrolls were discovered in the 1950s. Next we travel to Masada and ascend by cable car to the magnificent ruins of the fortress where, from AD 70-73, Jewish defenders made their historic stand in the Judean revolt against Rome. We will have a chance to explore as we walk through the storehouses, cisterns, and palaces built by Herod the Great. We climb down Masada on the ramp and head over to a Bedouin camp to ride camels in the desert—how many of your friends have done that? Finally, let's go the Dead Sea where we have planned a special retreat at a resort hotel. This is a place where you can enter the waters of the Dead Sea for a swim and mud yourself. Or, if you’d like, utilize the basement spa area of the hotel—just sit back and let the bubbles relax you.

Hotel: Leonardo Plaza Dead Sea

DAY 8 –Tuesday, March 17, 2026: EIN GEDI / HERODIUM / INCLUDED LUNCH / BETHLEHEM / JERUSALEM

Let’s start the day right by heading 20 minutes north to Ein Gedi, the place where David found King Saul in a cave. This place is a nature preserve today, giving us a chance to take a hike to the Lower Falls. For those with balance and stamina, we can hike up to the Upper Falls and enjoy God's beauty. Next we'll continue north to the Herodium, the palace set in a conical mountain that was built by Herod the Great and where his tomb was uncovered in 2007. Remember, it was Herod who was visited by the Wise Men. He did what he could to prevent the “King of Kings” from being born, including the “Massacre of the Innocents.” From here, we head to Bethlehem for lunch and stop in the Shepherd's Fields overlooking the city of Bethlehem. Perhaps we could celebrate Christmas a bit early by singing “Silent Night” and hearing a devotional about the importance of Bethlehem, the place where Jesus was born, a direct fulfillment of Micah 5:2. We will also go to Manger Square and visit the Church of the Nativity where Jesus was born in a cave. Finally, we will stop at an Olive Wood shop run by Christians who live in Bethlehem. At last, we head to Jerusalem, the center place for so much that took place in the Bible. This will be our final hotel of the trip, so stretch out and make yourself feel comfortable.

See a video on the Herodium

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel 1 of 7

DAY 9 –Wednesday, March 18, 2026: Jerusalem Day

WESTERN WALL / RABBI TUNNEL / TEMPLE MOUNT / POOL OF BETHESDA / SOUTHERN STEPS /CITY OF DAVID / HEZEKIAH'S TUNNEL / POOL OF SILOAM / DAVID'S TOMB

We begin in the heart of Jerusalem in the Jewish Quarter as we visit the Western Wall, the holiest place for Jews today. You'll have a chance to touch the wall and see the activity in this special place, We will have a special tour of the "Rabbi's" tunnel that gets as close to the Holy of Holies as anywhere we're permitted to go. Next, we will go up to see Temple Mount, which is where the Dome of the Rock is located and where the temple once stood. From here, we will stop by the Pool of Bethesda (John 5). Our next site is the Southern (Teaching) Steps—Jesus was certainly here, right outside the temple itself. After a bite to eat in the Jewish Quarter, we're heaving to the City of David as we have a chance to see David's palace. We will then venture down below the ground to see Warren's Shaft, with the chance to hike through Hezekiah's Tunnel that goes back some 2700 years! The water goes up to your knees and is NOT scary...everyone needs to try this as we slosh through 1750 feet from one end to the other. Near the exit of the tunnel is the Pool of Siloam, part of which has been excavated in the last couple of decades--it is currently being excavated and we should see what they have uncovered in the past year. Finally, we will walk up the hill to where King David was actually buried in a rock-cut tomb just up the street from the Pool of Siloam.

See a video on the Western Wall

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel 2 of 7

Day 10: Thursday, March 19, 2026: JOEL KRAMER DAY!

JACOB'S WELL / SHECHEM / SAMARIA / BETHEL / AI / JERICHO

We have added a special day with biblical archaeologist Joel Kramer! We start today by traveling north to Jacob's Well, which is where Jesus conversed with the Samaritan woman in John chapter 4. From here, we go to nearby Shechem, a biblical city which is the location for many Old Testament stories including Abraham, Jacob, Joshua, Rehoboam, and more. After this we move over to Samaria, the final capital of the northern kingdom of Israel before it was destroyed by the Assyrians and later built up by Herod the Great. Then, a special treat as we head to Bethel, the second most mentioned city in Israel after Jerusalem and associated with Jacob's staircase/ladder dream. Then, a special treat as we head to Bethel, the second most mentioned city in Israel after Jerusalem and associated with Jacob's staircase/ladder dream and the place where Abraham pitched his ten and worshiped God. And we go visit the tell of Ai, the second city that the Israelites attacked after Jericho. Our last stop of the day is Jericho where the walls came tumbling down with Joshua. Joel will take us on this tell as we inspect the burn layers and show us why the archaeology fits the biblical timeframe. These are sites most people don’t get to experience on their trip to the Holy Land.

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel 3 of 7

Day 11: Friday, March 20, 2026: A Day of Suffering and Joy Walking Day

YAD VASHEM / Mt. of OLIVES / DOMINUS FLEVIT / GETHSEMANE / PRAETORIUM / CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHER / JERUSALEM

We begin the day by heading to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial. Yes, even today, people still hate the Jews, and let this morning be a remembrance. Next we will take the bus to the top of the Mt. of Olives where we can see where we had been walking in the Old City. What a view! For those in hiking condition, we will descend the mount, stopping by the Church of Dominus Flevit. It has a great view of Temple Mount from inside the church and also has a real burial site that was uncovered years ago. We continue down the hill and end at the Garden of Gethsemane. There are olive trees in this garden with root systems going back to the time of Jesus where we can have a devotional! This is where Jesus prayed before getting betrayed and arrested. For those who can walk, we will then head up the hill and walk past the Jaffa Gate to the place where Pilate judged Jesus (praetorium) before taking a more likely route of Jesus's procession to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This is where Jesus was crucified and buried. If we have some time, we can also use this afternoon to do some shopping in the Christian quarter.

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel 4 of 7

Day 12: Saturday, March 21, 2026: ISRAEL MUSEUM / AZEKAH (VALLEY OF ELAH) / LACHISH / JERUSALEM

We begin this morning at the Israel Museum to see three things: 1) The Holy Land scale model map from 2,000 years ago; 2) The Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept; and 3) the archaeological museum where biblical artifacts, such as the Pontius Pilate stone, Caiaphas's ossuary, and the Tel Dan stone (first archaeological evidence of David), among many others. can be seen. Those of us who are nerds will love this museum! We then head to Azekah, a tell overlooking the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath. The story will make so much sense as we will be able to overlook where the events described by Samuel actually took place. We'll end our day at Lachish, a place where the Assyrians built a ramp in the early 8th century BC to overtake the last remaining stronghold of Judah--Jerusalem was supposed to be next but God prevented the holy city from ruin.

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel 5 of 7

DAY 13: Sunday, March 22, 2026: JERICHO / BETHANY / WADI QELT / JERUSALEM

The first stop today is Bethany, the place where Lazarus was raised from the dead. This is the real place and you'll have a chance to climb into the tomb. Next, we move over to OT Jericho, the walls came tumbling down with Joshua. After a nice lunch, we will have a chance to see the burn layers and get an understanding of what actually took place in 1406 BC. On our way back to Jerusalem, we will stop by Wadi Qelt, an incredible ravine with a Greek Orthodox monastery in the valley. This road went from Jerusalem to Jericho and where the parable of the Good Samaritan took place. What an incredible view!

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel 6 of 7

DAY 14 - Monday, March 23, 2026: GARDEN TOMB / Free Day in Jerusalem

(NOTE: We do not have our guide or bus for this day to save money and allowing us to explore the Old City of Jerusalem as we choose. Taxis are not included in the price.)

We plan to go hiking (for those who would like to join us) or you can take a taxi. We'll head down the hill from our hotel and make our way to the Garden Tomb, leaving the hotel at 8:30 a.m. We'll have a communion service here with some singing and a message from the pastor. After this, we can walk over to the Old City through the Jaffa Gate and there are many things we can do, including:

* Walk the rampart walls

* Shop in the Christian Quarter

* Go to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

* Go revisit sites such as the Western Wall

* Go on a more extensive walk outside the city (Kidron Valley) to see tombs and Schindler's Grave

If we go to any place that requires payment, we are on our own, as today the admission fees are not covered.

Monday night, March 23: FLIGHT FROM TEL AVIV

On Monday evening we will catch a chartered bus to Ben Gurion airport (transfer cost included), remembering the wonders of this trip and ready to read the Bible in a whole new way. Note: Each traveler not spending Monday night at the Ambassador will receive $100 off the final invoice.

Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group.

15-day regular trip cost:

$5695 (all inclusive, air not included)

Pre-extension: $695 per person

Single room is $1750 more

Trip is sold out--you can still get on the wait list by contacting Eric (eric@mrm.org) in case someone drops out

What does the land only trip cost include?

15-day trip (2-day preextension is an additional at $695 per person)
Full-time guide / bus / driver (Andre Shama and Azam, my favorite guide and bus driver) except for day 14
All 4-star hotels
All admission fees
2 meals a day, breakfast and dinner buffets
A St. Peter’s fish lunch and a lunch in Bethlehem
Travel Diary of the Holy Land, specifically created for your trip (designed and produced by Eric Johnson)
Email correspondence throughout the months preceding the trip from Eric Johnson, including teaching, tips, video links, etc.
A 50-day Devotional Preparation Guide

Not included: Optional insurance policy, flights, most lunches, snacks/drinks, and souvenirs.

Questions you may have

Who is organizing this trip?

Eric Johnson (bio below) is the organizer. Our professional travel agency working on all the details is Pilgrim Tours, based in Pennsylvania.

Is there unlimited room for sign ups?

We are limiting this trip to one bus and 45 total passengers.

Who will be our guide?

Andre Shama will be our guide, Eric's favorite (and he's had a few). Devotionals throughout the trip will be delivered by Eric and qualified laypeople. Archaeologist Joel Kramer joins us on Thursday, March 19 for a special tour.

What if I am coming by myself? Could I get a roommate?

The cost of the trip is based on double occupancy. We have a number of single people considering this trip. You have 2 options:

You can request a single room, which will cost $1750 extra
You can tell us who your roommate (also signing up) will be
You can request a roommate. (We will do our best to pair you up with someone of the same gender who is close (as possible) to your age.)

Will there be a lot of walking?

If you go to Disneyland, you know that you will easily put in 5 miles the day you’re there. In Israel, it’s similar. To see the sites, the buses will drop us off and we will need to walk to get to the site(s). On the average day, we will cover between 3 to 6 miles, although not all at once. Generally we will get on and off the bus an average of 5-6 times each day. If you get tired, you are free to stay with the bus, as our driver stays with the bus when we are gone. Our day typically begins at 6 a.m. wake-up call, 6:30 breakfast, and 7:30 drive away from the hotel. We usually try to get back to the hotel by 5:30 p.m. Dinner is usually at 6:30 p.m.

Will there be education in the months before we go?

In the year before you go, Eric Johnson will send regular emails full of a variety of information to educate the passengers, provide video links, give announcements, travel tips, etc. This will be his 17th organized Israel trip since 2009 and he has a lot of experience getting people prepared–physically, mentally, and spiritually—to go on this trip of a lifetime.

Do we need passports and visas?

Passports, YES! Your passport (of your national country, including UK, Australia, etc.) is needed. For US passports, yours should not expire before September 2026 or you will need to renew it. You can apply for a passport at your local post office. Do yourself a favor and obtain this well in advance!

What about safety?

Yes, it's been a tough year in Israel. But in normal times, I feel much more safe in Israel, even in the West Bank, than I do in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington DC! The entire time we are in Israel, safety will be our highest priority. If anything is ever happens in a particular area during our trip, we will avoid that place–the guide will be in constant communication with the authorities. Also understand that governmental security is all around us, especially in sensitive areas such as Temple Mount and the Western Wall. And security is tighter in the Ben Gurion Airport than anywhere in the world. You will be as safe as possible and much more secure than visiting London, Paris, or Rome. I usually hear people tell me, "I never felt in danger ever during my trip." So, in conclusion, I believe this is a very safe trip, or I would not have brought every member of my family. I have traveled to Israel since 1990. To see a video on the issue of safety, click here.

Videos from the 2022 Israel Tour (click)

Pastor Bryan Hurlbutt

Beryl Odowd

Kirk and Kristen Pagel

Dr. "Chip" Yates

Videos from the 2023 Israel Tours (click)

Andrew and Yim Rappaport, Striving for Eternity

Comments from Eric's latest trips

"The trip I took to Israel with Eric Johnson was an amazing experience! It makes the Bible come alive when you can see where Jesus and his disciples walked. I recommend anybody who is thinking about going on an Israel trip to do so, It is an experience you will never forget."

--Stacey (March 2022)

"This was far and away the best trip I’ve ever taken! We spent almost two weeks not only seeing most of the significant biblical locations in Israel but also being reminded of the biblical stories and history of why the locations are important by our amazing tour guide. It was like a semester of seminary was packed into ten days. To top it all off we stayed in great hotels and ate wonderful food the whole time."

--Pastor Jason Upchurch (February 2023)

Redeemer Bible Church, Deer Park, WA

"My trip with Eric Johnson was fantastic! As a leader on our trip, I was able to enjoy the sites and the activities without having to worry about overseeing the small details. Eric did a thorough and fantastic job of preparing our trip, organizing the details, and making sure everything went flawlessly. I could not be more pleased with his leadership and his attention to detail!“

--Pastor Jim Osman (February 2023)

Kootenai Community Church (Idaho)

"I would highly encourage anyone who is even remotely interested in visiting Israel to go on a trip with Eric . It was obvious from the get-go he goes over and above the basics of a normal trip. He is first rate at what he does, and because of that my experience in Israel was 1000% better than expected. They say you will never read the Bible the same way again, and it's totally true!"

--Niki Maxim (February 2023)

"Eric Johnson put together a state-of-the-art tour that was jam-packed with archeology, old and new testament survey, and current cultural events. Every day of the trip was full enough to make the entire trip worthwhile. If you are considering a trip to the Holy Land, I would highly recommend going with Eric Johnson. He partners with a great Israeli guide as well as bus driver, which has made all the difference."

--Scott Foster, Tucson, AZ (February 2023)

"As a life-long student of the Bible now in my 70's, my recent trip with Eric to Israel was one of the highlights of my life. Eric did a remarkable job of preparing us in every way, organizing an enthralling and freshly informative itinerary, arranging for safe and comfortable accommodations, and ensuring a well-informed, enthusiastic and skilled support staff. Many gaps in my own understanding of the land were filled in; I will never read the Bible the same way again. In short, I highly recommend Eric's tours; you won't be disappointed."

--Ray Warwick (February 2023)

"The trip itself exceeded all expectations. We saw an incredible amount of Biblical sites and Israel in 12 days. The tour went so smoothly, with great group dynamics. It is so true that the Bible comes to life after you have been to the Holy Land in person. I will never read the Bible the same again. Thank you so much for orchestrating this trip of a lifetime."
--Debby Donnelly (February 2023)

"Wow! Our trip to Israel with Eric Johnson was by far the best trip we have ever taken. Our expectations, which were very high, were greatly exceeded. We will never read our Bible the same again. Life changing!"

--Ron Maxwell (March 2023)

"Thank you so much for putting together a wonderful trip of Biblical history. We stood in many places where God came down as far back as Abraham’s time recorded in Genesis. Places I never dreamed of being able to see and experience. What a trip of a lifetime."

--Frank Edwards (March 2023)

"Traveling to Israel allowed me to see, touch and feel the land I had dreamed of my entire life. The Bible came more alive than I could ever imagine. Seeing living history, meeting the peoples, walking the areas, all cemented in my soul the wonders of the Bible. You will never read, hear or see the Bible the same."

--Ruth Knight Pagac (March 2023)

"Only a couple weeks after the trip, I am already reading my Bible like I never have before! I read through Amos this week and actually enjoyed it for the first time ever, since I could visualize what was happening at the time of the Assyrian captivity and now know the history and geography of many of the sites mentioned. I recommend this trip to the utmost--every Christian should experience this at least once. I guarantee that you will never be the same, nor will you ever read the Bible the same! My new saying after this trip is, "If I ever had a reason to doubt the Bible, now I have a million and one reasons to trust it." God's Word is so good, and it is without flaw. Thank you, Eric, for everything that you did to coordinate our trip and for the memories that we now have for the rest of our lives!"

--Rachel Miller (March 2023)

"What an amazing time seeing my Bible come to life with Real People, Real Places and Real Events! Eric planned a full educational tour that kept me wanting more time to soak it in and more details. My mind was stretched but my heart was softened concerning the future of this beautifully historic country. Worth every investment!"

-- Julie (March 2023)

Check out these videos

About trip organizer Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson taken more than 650 people, including more than two dozen pastors, to Israel and other biblical lands since 2009! This will be his 17th organized trip since 2009. Those who have come with him have had the chance to learn how the Bible speaks about real people and real places while describing historical events. Eric believes that everyone should come to the Holy Land and experience this incredible place for themselves in order to make the Bible come alive. Reading God’s Word will never be the same!

Eric is married to Terri (37 years) and has three daughters. He has two grandchildren. After teaching Bible classes in Southern California for 17 years (as well as more than a decade teaching English as an adjunct professor at Grossmont Community College), he and his wife moved to Utah in order to become a full-time Evangelical Christian missionary to the Mormon people. He received his Master’s of Divinity degree in 1991 and has written several books, including Answering Mormons Questions (with Bill McKeever, Kregel, 2013), Mormonism 101 (with Bill McKeever, Baker Books, 2015), Mormonism 101 for Teens (MRM, 2016) and Sharing the Good News with Mormons (Harvest House, 2018, co-edited with Sean McDowell). His newest book Introducing Christianity to Mormons was published by Harvest House Publishers in 2022.

Previous trips to Israel organized by Eric Johnson

1990 (passenger on a tour led by Dr. Ronald Youngblood, my professor at Bethel Seminary San Diego and a translator of the 1978 New International Version)
2009 (CHS): 47 students, teachers, parents, staff from Christian High School in El Cajon, CA in April
2011 38 students, teachers, parents, staff from three different Christian high schools in March
2012 (CHS): 43 students, teachers, parents, staff from CHS in March
2013 (Adult): 45 adult travelers, including several pastors in February
2015 (Adult): 18 adult travelers in February

2017 (Adult): 55 adult travelers in February, including five pastors (Feb-March 2017)
2018 (Adult): 27 adult travelers in February, including members from Clairemont Emmanuel Baptist Church in San Diego
2018 (CHS/CVCS) 57 students and parents from two different Christian schools in March
2019 (Covenant Retirement Communities): 41 adult travelers from the Western U.S. in February and March
2019 (Private group to Turkey, Greece, Italy): 15 adult travelers in March
2020 (Church group): 47 adult travelers from Southern California in February and March
2020 : 22 adult travelers mostly from Southern California and Utah in March
2022: 42 adult travelers mostly from Utah in February/March
2023: 51 adult travelers from the Pacific Northwest in February
2023: 53 adult travelers from all over the U.S in February/March
2023: 44 adult travelers to Jordan in October with Joel Kramer
2024: 47 adult travelers to Turkey, Greece and Italy) in October
2025: 44 adult traelers to Jordan in November with Joel Kramer