ISRAEL: February 28 - March 11, 2026

“The Life and Land of Jesus”

with Mill Creek Foursquare Church

(Program #260203, Taught by Dr. Smith)

Day One: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Depart Seattle for Tel Aviv, Israel. Overnight: In flight.

Day Two: Sunday, March 1, 2026 Arrive Ben Gurion Airport.

Transfer to the hotel, check in time for a walk on the Mediterranean beach, dinner, and a good night’s rest! Overnight: Tel Aviv area (1).

Day Three: Monday, March 2, 2026 Four Conflicts in the Background of the Gospels:

Highlighting four example sites, this study focuses on four key conflicts in the background of Jesus’ public ministry. Sites: Caesarea Maritima, Mt. Carmel, Nazareth (cave homes), Sepphoris. Overnight: By the Sea of Galilee (1 of 3).

Day Four: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Characteristics of the Disciples:

Using the four gospel accounts, we will investigate the hints on the background, education, and theology of the disciples. Sites: Mt. Beatitudes, Capernaum, Ancient Boat exhibit, boat ride, Magdala, Mt. Arbel. Overnight: By the Sea of Galilee (2 of 3).

Day Five: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Private Teachings for the Disciples:

Based on the five sermons in the Gospel according to Matthew, our focus will be on the common teaching style of the ancient rabbis. Sites: Tel Dan, Banias (Caesarea Philippi), overlook into Syria, Qatzrin (Talmudic Village with video). Overnight: By the Sea of Galilee (3 of 3).

Day Six: Thursday, March 5, 2026 The Perean Ministry of Jesus:

We will address the issues of the Perean Ministry, with particular examination of Luke 10-19, the “special section” of his account. Sites: Beth Shean, Jordan Valley, Qumran, Dead Sea. Overnight: Dead Sea spa hotel (1).

Day Seven: Friday, March 6, 2026 Hebrew Themes of the Wilderness:

From the desert storm of Habakkuk to the salt covenant of David, various Biblical wilderness themes will be highlighted, and then “Up to Jerusalem.” Sites: Masada, Ein Gedi, Jericho. Overnight: Jerusalem.

Day Eight: Saturday, March 7, 2026 A.M.:

Messianic Expectations and Disappointments: With a specific view of the history of “other Messiahs” we will discuss the expectations for the Messiah and their relationship to the record of the preaching of Jesus. Sites: Mt. of Olives, Gethsemane, Gallicantu.

P.M.: Setting of the Birth Narrative: We will investigate what the Biblical accounts tell us of Jesus’ birth, based on both the Matthew and Luke accounts. Sites: Herodion (time and conditions permitting), Bethlehem, Shepherd’s Field. Overnight: Jerusalem (1 of 4).

Day Nine: Sunday, March 8, 2026 Jewish Questionings and Roman Trials of Jesus:

The arrest, trial, and conviction of Jesus will be our subject as we journey through the “salvation geography” of Jerusalem in the Gospel According to John. Sites: Temple Mount, Pools of Bethesda, Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulchre, Garden Tomb (with communion). Overnight: Jerusalem (2 of 4).

Day Ten: Monday, March 9, 2026 How One Became Two:

We will visit either Yad Vashem or Gush Etzion (TBD), the Old City Jewish Quarter, Western Wall plaza, South Wall excavations (Davidson Center). Overnight: Jerusalem (3 of 4).

Day Eleven: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Free Day.

Our free day allows time to shop, or just relax and take in the local culture. Our study program concludes with a final dinner and preparation for our late-night flight (4 of 4).

Day Twelve: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Return to US or Jordan Extension:

For those not going to Jordan for the adventure extension, you will have your return flight from Tel Aviv to USA, arriving later the same day. Heading for the Jordan extension? Click here for your itinerary!

Every reasonable effort will be taken to visit all that is on the itinerary, but CTSP reserves the right to make changes based on local conditions and the needs of the group. It seldom happens that we vary from the itinerary as written, but it can happen.

TOUR CONDITIONS

February 28-March 11, 2026 ISRAEL PROGRAM PRICE includes hotels, buffet breakfast and dinner as listed on program, tips for group services, full sightseeing, the services of English-speaking lecturers, digital resource notebook, local guide (where required) and all entrance fees to sites as listed in the program. All taxes and surcharges in effect as of March 1, 2025 are included. If additional surcharges or taxes are imposed by the airlines or governments, any additional amounts will be the responsibility of the passenger. This program will operate with a minimum of 15 participants.

NOT INCLUDED are any expenses required for visas, ETA requirements for Israel entry, COVID compliance (there are none at the time of this publication); personal items such as laundry; meals not specified as included in program, drinks and coffee during or after meals; lunches, tips for personal favors; excess baggage and forwarding of baggage; transfers other than with the group; optional travel insurance.

WE KINDLY REQUEST THAT ALL PASSENGERS purchase their own travel insurance policy to care for any disruptions or cancellations because of health issues, possible local conditions, etc. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) is available through some companies, but can be quite pricey. Do some research and get the plan that will best cover you. CTSP does not sell or recommend insurance companies.

YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS are based on double occupancy in a four-star (where available) rooms with private bath. There is a supplemental charge of $1,150.00 for the land portion if you prefer a single room. Individuals enrolling without a roommate may request to be matched with a roommate. In the event that a roommate is not available, individuals will be subject to the single supplement charge. All single rooms are subject to availability and may be smaller than normal twin rooms.

PAYMENT: A nonrefundable deposit of $400 per person, is required to secure your place on the program. A second payment of 50% per person is due August 28, 2025. Final payment is due by November 28, 2025. Deposits received within six (6) months of departure require a total initial payment of the deposit and second payment amount. Thereafter, a late payment fee of $100 per person per month will be assessed. FINAL PAYMENTS ARE DUE IN CTSP OFFICE BY NOVEMBER 28, 2025.

CANCELLATION FEES:

90+ days prior….. non-refundable deposit

66-90 days prior….. 50% plus non-refundable deposit

0-65 days prior….. No refund

*If your cancellation results in a roommate needing a single supplement, that amount will be charged to you in addition to the above fees.

*All refund claims must be in writing to CTSP. There is no refund for any services not used.

*If your cancellation results in a roommate needing a single supplement, that amount will be

charged to you in addition to the above fees.

*All refund claims must be in writing to CTSP. There is no refund for any services not used.

TRIP INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Insurance is recommended on all international journeys. Insurance policies purchased within two weeks of CTSP receiving original deposit provide the best value, and may cover pre-existing conditions (read the inclusion statements from your provider very carefully). See www.SquareMouth.com to help you compare various companies to make an informed purchase of insurance. We are a travel service, not an insurer, and we don’t want you to lose your investment should something keep you from joining us!

ITINERARY LENGTH: Participant’s flight times are subject to change without advance notice. CTSP is not responsible for changes and delays in airline schedules and does not reimburse passengers for expenses resulting from delays. Because airlines often change flight times and dates at the last minute, if you purchase connecting tickets, CTSP strongly recommends they be ones which can be changed without heavy fees and penalties. If airline(s) change flight schedules, CTSP reserves the right to lengthen or shorten the itinerary accordingly, and whenever possible, you will be notified in writing. If changes necessitate extra overnights, you will be charged (per person, per night) US$180 double occupancy, or US$290 for single rooms (includes single supplement).

AIRLINE ARRANGEMENTS are the responsibility of each participant. Please contact our customer service line should you need assistance at (800) 371-4485 Extension 1.

AIRLINE ARRANGEMENTS from the USA will be included in the Full Tour price. Air Transportation will be economy class aboard regularly scheduled carriers utilizing non-refundable, non-transferable, non-amendable tickets. Once your ticket has been written, it cannot be transferred, rewritten, or refunded.

YOUR LUGGAGE is restricted in size and shape by the airline, and is limited to one checked piece, plus one carry-on. You should check with the airline for their specific restrictions.

STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

CTSP agrees to provide the itinerary described for this trip, and it represents the entire agreement between the passenger and CTSP. No changes or deviations are effective unless approved in writing and signed by an authorized officer of CTSP. Except as stated herein, no person is authorized to cancel, modify, or vary the study program arrangements (during the course) or to make any representation of warranty concerning the program.

All prices, itineraries, and schedules are subject to regulations and changes thereof by acts of Government, International Agreement and Airline tariff adjustments, rules and regulations.

CTSP reserves the right to change or withdraw the program, in whole or in part, at any time. In the event of a change, the sole exclusive obligation of CTSP will be to refund pro rata any recoverable payment received, based on recovered funds. In the event of rescheduling of the program due to unforeseen circumstances, the cancellation and refund clause will apply. CTSP reserves the right to refuse or to revoke travel to anyone who is, in the sole judgment of CTSP, incapable of or detrimental to group travel.

Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees, CTSP assumes no liability or responsibility for any injuries, inconveniences, illness, irregularity or incidental damages occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of CTSP, or by any person or reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to events such as strikes, revolts, wars, natural disaster, closures of airports or hotels, default or omission of any common or private carrier or the default, negligence, or omission of any by any third party providing services or facilities related to or included in this program. 

The commercial carriers are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board commercial carriers. The passenger contracts, in use by all commercial carriers involved, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the commercial carriers and the passenger or purchaser of this program and/or passage and program operator assumes no liability or responsibility in connection therewith.

ENROLLMENT  in and payment of the deposit for the tour constitutes your acceptance of the Program Conditions and Statement of Responsibility.