April 18–29, 2028
Come to Israel with Insight for Living
Hosted by Dr. Stephen and Sharon Bramer
– Overview
For years, Insight for Living has invited friends of the ministry on trips to Israel and watched the Bible come alive as fellow believers walk where the events of Scripture took place. We invite you to join us April 18–29, 2028, as we once again experience the wonder of Israel, taking in its sights, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Our prayer is that this trip will be a time to build lasting friendships and renew a deep love for God’s Word.
Imagine being baptized in the Jordan River, worshiping on the Sea of Galilee, praying at the Western Wall, and taking Communion at the Garden Tomb. We can’t wait to share moments like these with you!
– Your Hosts
Dr. Stephen and Sharon Bramer
Dr. Stephen Bramer knows the Holy Land well: He has been to Israel more than 30 times and has helped lead all ten previous IFL Israel tours.
He serves as department chair and senior professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is also a teaching pastor at Waterbrook Bible Fellowship in Wylie, Texas, and a member of the IFL board.
Over the years, Stephen has served in a variety of ministry roles, including teaching elder, youth pastor, and conference and family camp speaker. He has also filled pulpits throughout the United States and Canada. He serves as an adjunct professor for Word of Life Bible Institute, which has campuses in New York and Hungary, as well as for Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS) in Jordan.
Stephen and his wife, Sharon, have three adult children and ten grandchildren. Sharon will join him in serving on the tour.
– Itinerary
Twelve Days in the Land
Depart the U.S.
- Depart the U.S. Our spiritual adventure begins as we depart from the U.S. for our long-awaited destination!
Arrive Tel Aviv (TLV)
- Arrive Tel Aviv (TLV) You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel
Caesarea · Caesarea Aqueducts · Mount Carmel …
- Caesarea The place where Peter first took the gospel to the Gentiles, and where Paul was imprisoned and evangelized to his captors
- Caesarea Aqueducts The ruins of a Roman aqueduct built to supply the ancient city of Caesarea with fresh water
- Mount Carmel The mountain on which Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal
- Megiddo A strategic city overlooking the gathering place for the world’s end-time armies (Armageddon)
- Nazareth Village A reenacted first-century Galilean village
Sea of Galilee Beach · Capernaum · Mount of Beatitudes …
- Sea of Galilee Beach
- Capernaum The town and synagogue where Jesus preached during His Galilean ministry
- Mount of Beatitudes The traditional place where Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount, including the Beatitudes
- Magdala The hometown of Mary Magdalene and a newly discovered archaeological site. Visit the only first-century synagogue to have been found around the Sea of Galilee.
- Baptism—Sea of Galilee A unique opportunity to be baptized or re-dedicated in the Sea of Galilee
Boat Ride—Sea of Galilee · Tel Dan · Caesarea Philippi …
- Boat Ride—Sea of Galilee Sail the Sea of Galilee in a replica of a boat from Jesus’ time
- Tel Dan The northernmost city of Israel and the location of one of King Jeroboam’s golden calves
- Caesarea Philippi Where Peter professed, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
- Golan Heights A view of Paul’s route to Damascus and the site of recent conflicts between Israel and Syria
Beth She’an / Scythopolis · Spring of Harod · Up to Jerusalem …
- Beth She’an / Scythopolis The ruins of a Roman city, and the site where the Philistines displayed the bodies of King Saul and his sons
- Spring of Harod The place where Gideon chose his 300 men for battle
- Up to Jerusalem
- Mount of Olives A hill overlooking Jerusalem from the east where Jesus ascended to heaven
- Southern Temple Steps Part of extensive excavations that have unearthed steps from the time of Jesus leading up to the Temple Mount
City of David—Movie / Overlook · Warren’s Shaft · Hezekiah’s Tunnel (wet) …
- City of David—Movie / Overlook The original site of King David’s capital of Israel
- Warren’s Shaft Part of the water system connected to the Gihon Spring
- Hezekiah’s Tunnel (wet) Historic and amazing tunnel dug by Hezekiah to survive the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem
- Canaanite Tunnel (dry) Tunnel through which David’s forces gained entrance to the city of Jebus
- Pool of Siloam The pool built by King Hezekiah where Jesus sent the man born blind to be healed
- Pilgrimage Road This first-century road travelled by Jewish worshipers as they would come to Jerusalem for the feasts leads from the Pool of Siloam up to the site of the Second Temple
- Herodium A fortress built by Herod the Great, which later became his burial site
- Shepherds’ Field A serene hillside overlooking Bethlehem where shepherds tended their flock
Ein Gedi Oasis with Hike · Masada · Swim in the Dead Sea
- Ein Gedi Oasis with Hike Hike across streams and rocks to the caves at Ein Gedi where David, in his exile, encountered King Saul
- Masada The impenetrable fortress where Jewish zealots made a final stand in their revolt against Rome
- Swim in the Dead Sea Experience the most buoyant body of water in the world
Temple Mount · Dominus Flevit on Palm Sunday Road · Garden of Gethsemane / Private Garden …
- Temple Mount Where the Second Jewish Temple once stood, now home of the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque
- Dominus Flevit on Palm Sunday Road Walk in the footsteps of Jesus down Palm Sunday Road and visit a church commemorating Christ’s weeping over Jerusalem
- Garden of Gethsemane / Private Garden The traditional location where Jesus prayed the night he was betrayed
- Zion Gate A bullet-riddled gate to the Old City that stands as a testament to the modern struggle of the Israeli people
- Saint Peter in Gallicantu The traditional location of Caiaphas’ House where Jesus was taken after His arrest (from here you will also capture a panoramic view of the City of David)
- Upper Room The traditional location of the Last Supper
- Hezekiah’s City Wall Wall built by King Hezekiah to prepare for the Assyrian invasion
- Roman Cardo The ancient Roman main street through the Old City
- Model of Herodian Jerusalem A model of Herodian Jerusalem as it looked at the time of Christ
- Shrine of the Book A section of the Israel Museum housing the Dead Sea Scrolls
- Israel Museum The home of Israel’s greatest archaeological treasures
- Yad Vashem Israel’s memorial to the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust
Western “Wailing” Wall · Western Wall Tunnel · Pool of Bethesda / St. Anne’s Church …
- Western “Wailing” Wall A section of the Temple Mount foundation dating back to the Second Temple Period and the most sacred Jewish site in Jerusalem
- Western Wall Tunnel An underground excavation project that has exposed the full length of the Western Wall
- Pool of Bethesda / St. Anne’s Church The pool where Jesus healed an infirm man
- Antonia Fortress / Ecce Homo The traditional location where Jesus was beaten and mocked with a crown of thorns
- Via Dolorosa The “way of the cross” leading to the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre The traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion
- Garden Tomb A memorable communion service and an ancient tomb similar to the one in which Christ was buried
- Farewell Dinner A special dinner to rejoice and reminisce over the extraordinary days spent together
Free Time—Old City of Jerusalem · Optional: Bethlehem—Church of the Nativity
- Free Time—Old City of Jerusalem Walk through the winding streets and colorful markets within the city walls of old Jerusalem
- Optional: Bethlehem—Church of the Nativity Traditional site of the birth of Jesus
– Cost
Tour Cost
$7,450 per person
Double occupancy. Single occupancy: $2,200 additional.
Cancellation Policy
To view the cancellation policy and other important information, please see the Terms and Conditions.
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $750 per person, due with registration
- 2nd Payment: $1,500 per person, due by December 5, 2027
- Balance: due by February 3, 2028
Your payment will be automatically processed following the payment schedule above. If your payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, your payment will be processed on the following business day.
– What’s Included
Inclusions
Airport/Hotel Transfers
Transportation between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and the tour’s first and final hotels is included in the tour cost and will be arranged by Morning Star Tours.
Hotels
Deluxe accommodations included.
Meals
All breakfasts and all dinners included.
Gratuities
All necessary tips included.
Entrance Fees
All required fees included.
Headsets
You will be able to hear the guide and leader speak clearly from a distance and in noisy areas through the high-quality headsets provided to each guest.
Personal Pre-Trip Preparation Materials
Special materials provided to prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually for your adventure ahead.
24-Hour Concierge
Our in-country representative will be available to assist you and your group with any needs while on the ground.
– FAQs
Frequently asked questions
When should I purchase airline tickets?
Morning Star Tours recommends waiting to purchase your airfare until the minimum number of guests have registered for this tour. This is in order to avoid penalties and fees imposed by the airlines should changes occur. Morning Star Tours will notify you once this number has been reached and is happy to answer any questions you may have regarding airfare.
What is the baggage allowance?
For international flights, you are generally allowed one checked bag and one carry-on at no additional cost, with the following parameters: up to 50 pounds and 62 inches (L+W+D) for checked bag and up to 40 pounds and 45 inches (L+W+D) for carry-on. Baggage restrictions often vary by airline. It is important to refer to the airline’s international baggage regulations prior to packing, as these can change without notice.
When should I arrive into Tel Aviv?
Please plan to depart the U.S. on Tuesday, April 18, 2028, and arrive into Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 19, 2028.
When should I depart from Tel Aviv?
Please plan to depart from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on Friday, April 28, 2028 (after 10 PM), or the morning of Saturday, April 29, 2028. (Hotel overnight on April 28 is included in tour cost.)
Can Morning Star Tours help me with my flights?
We are pleased to provide guidance in determining flight schedules and assistance with other questions related to flights. Please feel free to reach out to Kelly Stanley (kelly@morningstartours.com) or Abby Spencer (abby@morningstartours.com) with any questions you may have!
Note: Morning Star does not book flights, as it is in the best interest of the guest to book directly with the airline.
What is the cancellation policy for this tour?
To review the Cancellation Policy for this tour, please see the Terms and Conditions.
Are there pre-travel forms I need to complete for this tour?
Guests traveling with Morning Star Tours are responsible for ensuring they meet the travel entry requirements for each country they plan to visit before, during, or after their scheduled group tour. These requirements, as mandated by airlines and individual countries or regions, may change without notice. We recommend checking the official government sources of your destination country(ies). We are happy to assist with questions you may have—cancellation fees will apply should guests no longer meet the country entry requirements for their travel program.
Should I purchase travel insurance?
Much more than trip cancellation, travel insurance is financial protection with emergency assistance to keep you safe as you travel the world. Travel insurance is not required but highly recommended. You are welcome to use any travel insurance company you prefer, but one company that many of our guests use is IMGlobal.
Are all gratuities included?
Yes! A generous tip to guides, drivers, hotel staff, and those serving you at applicable sites is included in your tour cost. We pray that this provision is a blessing and a testimony to those who serve you in The Land.
What out-of-pocket expenses should I expect?
Please plan to bring spending money for lunches (about $20–$30 per day), sodas, bottled water, and personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, or room service.
Should I bring my young children on the tour?
Young children may find the pace of the tour to be too rigorous, and may find the time on the tour bus and quiet times of teaching challenging. We recommend that guests be age 13 or above.
How much walking will we be doing?
You will average three to five miles of walking per day on your tour. This walking is done in small increments throughout the day and you will have frequent opportunities to rest if needed. To prepare yourself, start walking a little each day. We recommend properly “breaking in” any shoes you plan to wear while touring.
– Morning Star Tours
Terms & Conditions
Tour Prices
These Terms and Conditions (these “Terms”) govern the relationship between Morning Star Tours, Inc., a Texas corporation (“We,” “Us,” or “Our”), and you (“You” or “Your”), the purchaser of and/or participant in a tour (a “Tour”). By purchasing a Tour from Us or participating in a Tour, You accept and agree to these Terms.
Tour prices are based on the Itinerary and costs, charges, taxes, and U.S. dollar exchange rates in effect on the date You agree to these Terms and are based on a minimum number of guests. These costs are subject to increase in the event of unforeseen cost increases, including, without limitation, fuel surcharges, tax changes, and currency fluctuations.
Insurance
We do not offer any trip cancellation insurance policy, but travel insurance is strongly recommended for all guests to protect against unforeseen circumstances that may affect travel plans. Information and suggestions regarding travel insurance options will be provided to guests upon registration. However, the selection and purchase of any travel insurance policy remain the sole responsibility of the guest. Guests who choose not to purchase travel insurance acknowledge and accept full responsibility for any financial loss or additional expenses incurred due to trip interruption, cancellation, delay, medical emergencies, or other covered events, and release Us from any liability arising from such situations.
Substitution Policy
It is possible that the Itinerary may need to change. The Itinerary may be adjusted in any of the following circumstances: (1) at Our reasonable discretion in order to best serve the Tour group; (2) at the discretion of the Tour Leader(s); (3) in the event of changes made by a land operator or vendor; (4) changes in site hours or site closures; or (5) a Force Majeure Event.
A “Force Majeure Event” is an act or event beyond Our control that precludes Us from providing the Tour as described in the Itinerary. Examples include: cancellation by a third party, including, without limitation, a land operator or other vendor; acts of God; flood, fire, earthquake, or explosion; war, invasion, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), terrorist threats or acts, riot, or other civil unrest; government order, law, or actions; embargoes or blockades; pandemic, epidemic, or viral outbreaks; national or regional emergency; strikes, labor stoppages or slowdowns, or other industrial disturbances; or shortage of adequate power or transportation facilities.
Cancellation
Cancellation by Us
We may cancel a Tour: (1) if We terminate Our Agreement with the Tour’s sponsor (the “Sponsor”) because of the Sponsor’s uncured breach (a “Breach Cancellation”); or (2) if the Sponsor cancels the Tour (a “Sponsor Cancellation”); or (3) due to a Force Majeure event (a “Force Majeure Cancellation”; and, together with a Breach Cancellation and Sponsor Cancellation, the “Permitted Reasons”).
In the event that We cancel a Tour for Permitted Reasons, any possible refunds will be determined based on potential recoverable funds to Morning Star Tours. Morning Star Tours is not responsible and does not assume responsibility for any additional costs or any penalties or fees relating to the cancellation of air tickets or any other arrangements not made through Morning Star Tours.
Cancellation by You
All cancellation notices must be received in writing. Tours are non-transferable.
| Date of Cancellation | Refund Policy |
|---|---|
| Prior to Final Payment Date | If You cancel prior to the tour’s Final Payment Date, We will retain 50% of payments due at date of cancellation, and refund the remaining prepaid amounts, if any. |
| After Final Payment Date | Tour participant receives no refund. |
You may not cancel after departure.
In the event of travel interruption due to occurrences beyond the control of Morning Star Tours including, but not limited to, breakdown of equipment, strikes, theft, war, rebellion, riot, civil commotion, acts of terror, earthquake, fire, floods, accident, pandemic, epidemic, viral outbreaks, or any act of God (Force Majeure event), every effort will be made to either accommodate the guest on a future tour or recover funds paid by guest. Any possible refunds will be determined based on potential recoverable funds to Morning Star Tours. Morning Star Tours is not responsible and does not assume responsibility for any additional costs or any penalties or fees relating to the cancellation of air tickets or any other arrangements not made through Morning Star Tours. Cancellation by the guest for any reason is subject to the cancellation penalties described above.
Payment of deposit for this tour signifies full understanding and acceptance of the above-mentioned cancellation policy.
Passports
U.S. passport holders must have a valid passport with expiration not less than 6 months after such holder’s return to the US. It takes about eight to twelve weeks to secure a passport, so don’t delay. Non-US passport holders must contact Us to confirm the need for visas and the required length of required validity. Passport information along with applications can be obtained on the web by going to: US Passports at travel.state.gov.
Data Retention
In connection with Your Tour, We collect and retain certain personal information, including Your passport number, name, date of birth, and contact details, for travel coordination, booking management, and related administrative purposes.
Automatic Deletion. We will automatically delete the passport numbers We collect within forty-five (45) days after the completion of Your Tour.
Deletion Requests. After Your Tour is complete, You may request early deletion of Your passport number before the forty-five (45) day automatic deletion period expires by contacting Us at MST@morningstartours.com. During an active Tour, We must retain Your passport number to fulfill Our travel coordination obligations.
General Retention. Subject to Your passport number deletion rights described above, We may retain other personal information in compliance with applicable law to perform Our contractual obligations, operate Our business, comply with legal requirements, resolve disputes, and maintain safety and security.
Extended Retention. If You wish for Us to retain Your passport number beyond the standard forty-five (45) day deletion period to facilitate future travel arrangements, You may opt in to extended retention by completing the Passport Data Retention Opt-In Form provided at registration or by contacting Us at MST@morningstartours.com. If You opt in, We will retain Your passport number until the earliest of: (i) the date You request deletion in accordance with this Section, (ii) five (5) years from the date of Your opt-in request, or (iii) the expiration date of Your passport.
Photography
By registering for this tour, You give Us permission to use and publish photographs in which You may be included for the use of promotion, print, editorial, advertising, or other related purposes. You release Us from all claims and liability relating to said photographs.
Baggage Allowance
Due to bus size and included porterage, we can only allow one checked bag, not to exceed 62 inches (length plus width plus depth) and 50 lbs. You may also bring one small carry-on item. Please also consult your airline’s international baggage regulations as restrictions often vary by airline and can change without notice. For tours including inner-country flights, airlines may have differing restrictions with regard to dimension and weight; please refer to the tour website’s FAQs for specific details.
Not Included in Tour Cost
The Tour does not include round-trip transatlantic airfare; meals not specifically mentioned; beverages; personal expenses (such as passport fees, visas for non-U.S. citizens, travel insurance, laundry, phone calls, etc.); single room occupancy (unless registered and paid for); airport/hotel transportation not specifically mentioned; or other services not specifically mentioned.
Fitness to Travel
We are not able to provide additional assistance to passengers with physical or mobility limitations, and many tour sites are not accessible to individuals with physical challenges. A qualified and physically able companion(s) must accompany guests who need special assistance, and it is the guest’s responsibility to arrange for such assistance prior to registration. Be aware that our Tours are operated outside the U.S. where the Americans with Disabilities Act is not applicable and facilities for disabled individuals are limited.
Responsibility
We, the Tour Hosts, and the Bible Teachers, with Our and their officers and staff (collectively, “Released Parties”), act only as agents for the various companies whose accommodations are utilized. They assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the services of any train, carriage, automobile, airplane, or other conveyance which will be used either wholly or in part. Neither will they be responsible for any act, error, omission, or any injury, loss, accident, or any delay which may be occasioned by reason of defect in any vehicle or through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in the conveying of passengers. We accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delays or changes in motor coach, train, airplane services, or that of any other conveyance, sickness, accident, weather, strikes, war, quarantine, or other causes; and all such losses or expenses must be borne by the passenger.
The airlines and/or other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the passengers are not aboard their plane or conveyance. The passage contract, as issued by the airlines or other transportation companies involved with the Tour, shall constitute the sole contract between the purchaser and the airlines or transportation companies and limit the responsibilities of the Tour Sponsor concerning the related travel and accommodations. Prices and schedules that appear in any brochure or web site are based on current schedules and tariff rates and are subject to change without notice.
You further agree to discharge, hold harmless, release, and agree not to sue the Released Parties for any and all decisions to cancel, modify, or delay the Tour as a result of events that are beyond Our reasonable control, including, but not limited to, any Force Majeure Event or any other reason that makes it potentially impossible or illegal for Us to conduct the Tour as originally contracted.
Payment of deposit for this Tour signifies full understanding and acceptance of the above-mentioned conditions.
The Tour operator reserves the right to make necessary changes to the itinerary.
Miscellaneous
These Terms contain Our and Your entire agreement and understanding with respect to the Tour and supersede all prior agreements, understandings, representations, and warranties regarding the Tour.
If We incur any losses, costs, or expenses to third parties caused by Your actions, You will indemnify, defend, and hold us harmless from those losses, costs, and expenses, but not to the extent that they are caused by Our own negligence or willful misconduct.
To the extent permitted by law, Our total liability to You under these Terms is limited to the amount You actually pay us, and We will not be liable to You for indirect, consequential, punitive, or similar costs or damages, even if they are foreseeable.
You, along with Morning Star Tours and the Sponsor, agree that any communication or proceedings resulting from disputes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule that would cause the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Texas to apply.
– Questions?
We’re here to help
Morning Star Tours has a team of dedicated tour managers who are available to answer your questions, prepare you for the time ahead, and take care of the details for you. Please feel free to reach out to Kelly Stanley (kelly@morningstartours.com) or Abby Spencer (abby@morningstartours.com) with any questions you may have!