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Click HERE to learn how you can get a FREE trip!

 

 

“I want to go on a Passages trip, but I’m not a college student. How can I go to Israel?”

 

Over the years, many people—families and communities of our alumni—have asked us that question. 

The Passages team is excited to announce that we are officially offering trips for non-students! If that’s you, keep reading…

We believe that a trip to Israel is a rite of passage for every Christian, regardless of age or season of life. There is no substitute for walking the land where Jesus walked and traversing the paths of the patriarchs, kings, prophets, and the first disciples. 

The origins of both ancient Biblical faith and of a present-day nation that isrich with culture, diversity, beauty, and challengesare in Israel. The land and the people of Israel have a story to tell. By coming to Israel, you make Israel’s story part of your own.

On the Friends of Passages trip, we’ll watch the redemptive narrative of the Bible unfold each day. We’ll see the roots of Christianity in living color. And we’ll see how it all points to Jesus! We’re actually going to  TASTE and SEE—and touch, and smell, and hear—the land of the Bible. 

We’ll also explore modern Israel, the history of the Jewish people, and the story of how this miraculous State of Israel came to be. We’ll learn about its present-day challenges, hear from insightful speakers who live in the land, and experience Israel’s vibrant culture—food, art, music, and more!

 

Register Today

 

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Israel

Land at the Ben Gurion Airport. Meet your guide. Attend the Passages opening dinner and orientation, where travelers will meet one another and hear about what they will experience over the next nine days.

Day 2

Hometown of Jesus

Head north to Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus, where you’ll stop at Mt. Precipice, a breathtaking overlook of the Jezreel Valley. You’ll also explore the mystery of the incarnation at Mary’s Well and the Basilica of Annunciation, once the largest church in the Middle East, as well as visit either Tel Megiddo or Alfei Menashe.

Day 3

Neighbors North

Travel to the Golan Heights and ascend Mt. Bental, a former IDF outpost, for a briefing and an overview of Israel’s border. From this point, it is less than 40 miles to Damascus and the road where Saul encountered Jesus in Acts 9. Continue to Caesarea Philippi and Tel Dan to walk through two of Israel’s beautiful, biblical nature reserves.

Day 4

Ministry of Jesus

Visit the excavations of the synagogue of Magdala, Mary Magdalene’s hometown. Continue to Tabgha and the Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter (John 21), the Mt. of Beatitudes, and Capernaum—the headquarters of Jesus’s movement and his home during his Galilean ministry. Enjoy a cruise on the Sea of Galilee.

Day 5

New Covenant

Walk down the Palm Sunday Road on the Mt. of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Christian Quarter and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, before ending with a devotional at the Garden Tomb.

Day 6

The Desert

Take the cable car to the top of Masada, an ancient fortress in the Judean Desert, before swimming in the Dead Sea. Explore the Ein Gedi nature preserve, the sight where David and his men took shelter when fleeing from King Saul (1 Samuel 23-24).

Day 7

Borders, Bethlehem & Gaza

Travel to Bethlehem to hear from Palestinian speakers and tour the church built in the location where many believe Jesus was born. Head south to a town near Israel’s border with Gaza. Visit an overlook of the Gaza region and listen to a briefing on the geopolitics of the area.

Day 8

Patriarchs, Kings & Prophets

Visit the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount and the site where Jesus overturned the money changers’ tables (Matthew 21). See the ancient City of David before touring Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem. Welcome the Sabbath at the Western Wall before enjoying a traditional Shabbat dinner with a Jewish family.

Day 9

A Modern State

Enjoy your last day near the Mediterranean coast by exploring Jaffa and Caesarea. Spend some time in Tel Aviv, where you’ll shop in the Carmel Market. Enjoy a Passages closing dinner and reflect with new friends on your time in Israel.

*This itinerary is a sample overview of what you’ll likely experience on the Friends of Passages trip. The specifics are subject to change.

“It was incredible to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and to see the rich history that is interwoven throughout this land. So grateful to have had the opportunity to share this experience with such a solid group of people as well!” —Lewis, Passages Alumnus

Registration closes January 30

Claim Your Spot

Pricing

2 Guests

Included:

  • 4+ star hotel (double room, traveling with someone else)
  • All breakfasts and dinners
  • Transportation in Israel
  • Activities and entry fees to sites
  • Guest speakers and lectures
  • Tip for tour guide & bus driver
  • Limited health insurance

Not Included:

  • International Flights
  • Domestic flights to a gateway airport
  • Meals and transportation during free time
  • All lunches
  • Souvenirs

PRICE: $3,699 per person

Registration closes January 30
Register Today

 

Get Your Trip for FREE!

We know it can be expensive to travel to Israel, and we want as many people as possible to experience the Holy Land. That’s why we’re offering an ALL EXPENSE PAID trip to Israel ($6000 value!) if you bring 10 people with you.

You can also get a 50% discount on registration if you bring 5 people with you.

To claim this offer, make sure each of the people coming with you lists your full name in the how did you hear about us section of registration. We will take care of your final registration payment once the people you’ve referred complete their final registration payments. We hope this offer empowers you and many others to travel to Israel! Please reach out to trips@passagesisrael.org if you have any questions.

*This discount does not apply toward the $350 non-refundable deposit per person.

Our Story

Our mission at Passages is to connect Christian students to the roots of their faith and introduce them to the modern miracle of Israel. Almost 9,000 students have completed our program, and many say their lives were changed by it. 

We’ve seen our students tangibly encounter the roots of their faith and strengthen their faith as a result. They know Jesus more. They know the Bible more. They develop a foundation for their lives, their careers, their families, and their calling.

We’ve heard many times from people who aren’t students, from families and friends of our alumni, that they want to experience Passages trips too.

The reality is Passages itineraries don’t exist on the market. Our approach to introducing Christians to Israel is unique. We think our itinerary and program are one of the best ways to experience Israel’s biblical history, the modern State, its people, its challenges, and its beauty. 

In the words of many of our alumni: you’ll feel like you’ve come home for the first time.

We desire to extend this opportunity to families and communities of our alumni, so YOU can experience the same impact on your life…

So you can see the Bible in living color

So you can walk where Jesus himself walked…

So your faith can be refreshed as you reintroduce yourself to the story that changed everything, that has already changed you. 

Here’s what is extra special about going on a Passages trip…

Our mission will always be first and foremost to connect Christian students to the roots of their faith and introduce them to the modern miracle of Israel. 

To bring more and more students, all proceeds from the Friends of Passages trip will go directly toward scholarships for students who can’t afford a trip to Israel on their own.

By coming on the Friends of Passages trip, you are not only making Israel’s story part of your own but also of thousands of Christian students. You will partner with us in revitalizing the faith of the next generation.

Claim Your Spot

“Forever in awe of this land and what it has taught me. Experiencing the land I read about in the Bible will forever change how I read the Bible. Words cannot express how grateful I am for my time in Israel!” —Addie, Passages Alumna

 

FAQs

  • What is the price for registration and what does it cover?
    • The price of the trip is $3,699 per person for a double hotel room (if you are traveling with someone else)
    • Click HERE to see the itinerary. The following are included in the price of the trip: 4+ star accommodations, all breakfast and dinners, transportation in Israel, activities and entry fees, guest speakers, lectures, and limited health insurance.
    • The following are not included in the price of the trip: International flights, domestic flights to a gateway airport, all lunches and transportation during free time, and souvenirs.
  • How do I register and pay for the trip?
    • Click HERE to register for the trip. You will be directed to submit your information and given the option to submit either full payment or a $350 deposit per person to secure your spot. It’s first-come, first-serve. If you opt to pay only the deposit upon registration, the remaining balance will be due January 15th.
    • If the spots fill up or if the trip dates (April 30—May 10, 2022) don’t work for you, you can give us your email address HERE. You’ll be the first to get notified about upcoming trips.
  • How do flights work?
      International and domestic flights to the gateway airport are the traveler’s responsibility. Please arrive at least five hours before departure time to account for any travel delays. We do offer an optional group flight at an additional $1,600 per person.
  • What are the qualifications for attending a Friends of Passages trip?
    • Possession of a valid U.S. passport (expiration date must extend beyond 6 months of the trip dates in accordance with Israeli law).
    • Travelers must be 12 years and older. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
  • Can my spouse/family come too?
    Yes! Family members or friends (age 12+) are welcome to travel together. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Up to two guests can register under one account. If you’re traveling with more than three guests, please complete an additional registration for the remaining guests (up to three guests per registration).
  • Can I register for my spouse/family?
    Yes! You can register for up to three guests together under one account. Additional guests can submit a separate registration. There is a space where you can list everyone you will be traveling with that is not included in your registration. This will help us place your group together. If you have any questions, you are welcome to reach out at trips@passagesisrael.org. The Terms & Conditions is the only section that will need to be filled out by each traveler.
  • Who will I be traveling with?
    Many students who have experienced Israel with Passages will tell you that the friends they make during the trip are part of what makes the experience in the Holy Land so rich and unforgettable. Our hope is that the Friends of Passages trip will be no different. Each group will have an average of 40 people. These will be Christians from various traditions, backgrounds, professions, and locations across the U.S. We’ve seen that sharing an experience in the Holy Land with others can be a beautiful representation of diversity and unity in the body of Christ. You’ll make new friends, be exposed to new perspectives, and hopefully leave Israel with life-long connections with your fellow travelers.
  • How is this trip to Israel different from a Passages trip for students?
    Passages college student trips are packed from morning to night, with guest lecturers at night. This makes for a rich and thought-provoking experience. While the content of the Friends of Passages trip mirrors and seeks to have a similar impact as the college trips, your trip will have fewer guest lecturers and a more relaxed pace in the itinerary. We understand that those who aren’t in college and who are potentially experiencing Israel with their families may want more free time.
  • How is a Passages trip different from other Israel trips?
    • Similar to our student trips, our goal is to give an in-depth experience of Israel with a combination of the ancient roots of the Christian faith, while also encountering the miracle of modern-day Israel today. Some trips focus primarily on biblical roots, while others focus primarily on modern Israel and geopolitics. We focus on both.
    • Another distinction between our trip and other Israel trips is that we pay for 4+ star accommodations, which are included in the registration price.
    • To bring more and more students on life-changing trips to Israel, all proceeds from your Friends of Passages trip will go directly toward scholarships for students who can’t afford a trip to Israel on their own.
    • So, by coming on the Friends of Passages trip, you will not only experience Israel for yourself, but you will make a faith-defining trip to Israel more accessible for students.

     

  • Is it safe to travel to Israel?
    The safety and security of all who participate in our program are paramount. We provide each bus with an armed medic/guard. In addition, our tour operator is in touch with the authorities on a continual basis should a situation arise within the country and the itinerary need to be changed.
  • What are Passages’ theological and political views?
    • Our community is ecumenical and non-partisan, uniting diverse religious and political perspectives through our common Christian faith. Passages does not promote a particular political party. We believe Israel is a modern-day miracle and a positive presence in the region and the world. We acknowledge and respect the dignity of all people from every political, religious, and ethnic background. Our program engages the perspectives of the diverse people that call the region home.
    • Passages does not require a specific Christian theological perspective. Our program intentionally works to create an ecumenical dialogue, uniting Christians through their experience in the Holy Land.

  • Is a Passages trip fair and balanced as it relates to the Israel-Palestinian conflict?
    We believe Israel is a modern-day miracle and a force for good both in the region and in the world. We also believe in the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, alongside the Jewish State. The ancient and modern history influencing the identity narratives of the many people groups living in the region are complex. Our approach to issues related to this complex reality is not to prescribe solutions that disregard that complexity or the people who are affected by it on a daily basis. Instead, we strive to elevate the perspectives of people who call the region home. 
  • Are you not focusing on college students anymore?
    Our mission will always be first and foremost to connect Christian students to the roots of their faith and introduce them to the modern miracle of Israel. To bring more and more students, all proceeds from the Friends of Passages trip will go directly toward scholarships for students who can’t afford a trip to Israel on their own. By coming on the Friends of Passages trip, you are not only making Israel’s story part of your own but also of thousands of Christian students. You will become a partner with us in revitalizing the faith of the next generation.
  • Does submitting my registration secure my spot?
    Submitting your registration and a $350 deposit will secure your spot. The final deposit deadline is December 1, 2022, but seats will likely sell out before then. Because the trip will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, we recommend registering as soon as possible. Any remaining balance will be due January 15, 2023.
  • What are the Covid-19 restrictions and policies like in Israel?
    For the health and safety of all participants, we ask that all take a COVID-19 test before departure. Israel no longer requires all tourists entering the country to be fully vaccinated, but if you test positive while in Israel you may be required to isolate. Non-US citizens must be vaccinated to return to the US. 
  • Is there a packing list?
    Yes, please click HERE to view our packing list. It is not exhaustive, so be sure to think through your needs and preferences while traveling.
  • What is the refund/cancellation policy?
    If you decide not to or are unable to join the trip, the $350 per person deposit is non-refundable, but the remaining balance is refundable up to 60 days before the trip departure. Any domestic airfare purchases are your responsibility to cancel with the airline. Our full cancellation policy is found within the registration.
  • Will there be other trips like this one in the future?
    Yes! If you find that the dates (April 30—May 10, 2022) don’t work for your schedule, you can sign up for our newsletter HERE, and we’ll let you know about other trips in the future.
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Contact trips@passagesisrael for further questions.

Register Today