7-Day Private LDS Heritage Tour of the Holy Land

Begin in Jaffa, where Jonah sailed and Peter saw his vision declaring the Gospel open to all nations. Stroll through its ancient streets and learn how the Lord prepares His servants for worldwide ministry and change. Further north, in Caesarea reflect on Paul’s defense before Agrippa and the Gospel’s move from Jerusalem to the Gentile world. Walk through Roman ruins and see the harbor from which Paul sailed to testify in Rome. Continue to Nazareth and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, remembering Mary’s divine calling and her faithful acceptance. Consider the angelic visit as a witness of God’s plan working through humble individuals prepared for divine roles. Stop at Cana, site of the Savior’s first miracle, a testimony of His power and compassion at the start. Arrive in Tiberias by the Sea of Galilee, where many of Jesus’ miracles and teachings took place.

Start at the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus taught the higher law, a foundation for discipleship and covenant living today.
Reflect on the Beatitudes in this peaceful setting and how they align with principles taught in the Sermon at the Temple. At its foot, visit Capernaum, the Savior’s base during His Galilean ministry, and walk among ruins of homes and the ancient synagogue. Stop at Kibbutz Ginosar to see the "Boat of Galilee," a 2,000-year-old vessel from the time of Christ. Imagine the Savior calming the sea or teaching from a boat while standing beside this remarkable archaeological discovery. After a lunch break visit Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene, and explore its synagogue where Jesus may have taught.
Conclude at Yardenit, a popular baptism site on the Jordan River, reflecting on covenants made and renewed through sacred ordinances.

Begin at Tel Dan, where ancient Israel struggled with false worship, a reminder to keep true covenants in modern times. See the ancient city gate and Abraham’s Gate, possibly used by the patriarch on his journey into Canaan.
Continue to Caesarea-Philippi, where Peter declared Jesus as the Christ, a testimony that continues to anchor faith and apostleship today.
Consider the Savior’s promise to build His Church on revealed truth and priesthood keys, still vital in the Restoration. Ascending the Golan Heights, enjoy a Druze hospitality experience, learning about this religious community and sharing a home-cooked Middle Eastern meal. Next, visit Mount Bental, with views toward Syria and insights into the modern reality of ancient lands and covenant promises. To conclude the day you can opt visiting a working olive press to explore symbolic uses of oil in anointing, healing, and consecration throughout scripture.

Drive through the Plains of Armageddon, a place of prophecy linked with the Lord’s Second Coming and millennial promises. At its end, tour Megiddo, a fortified city mentioned in Judges and Revelation, where layers of civilizations point to enduring covenant cycles. Getting close to Jerusalem, stop at Emmaus, recalling the risen Lord walking with disciples, teaching from the scriptures, and revealing Himself in sacred moments. Reaching the holy city, arrive at the Mount of Olives, long associated with prophecy, the Ascension, and the Savior’s future return in glory. Gaze over Jerusalem as you consider the Lord’s love for this city and His final days before the Atonement. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus offered His intercessory prayer and began His great work of redemption. End the day at the traditional Room of the Last Supper, where ordinances and divine promises were first instituted. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, marking traditional sites of Calvary and the empty tomb, a pivotal site of faith and hope. Walk the Via Dolorosa, pausing at stations to reflect on the Savior’s suffering and the burden He bore willingly. Passing through local markets, reach the Western Wall, a sacred remnant of the Second Temple and symbol of faithfulness amid centuries of waiting. Nearby, explore the Herodian Quarter, possibly where Jesus stood before the chief priests in the final hours before His trial.
Visit also the Broad Wall's gate, where some believe Nephi used to re-enter the city and claim the brass plates. For lunch, advance to Mahane Yehuda Market, where modern Israeli life thrives with color, tradition, and hospitality. Conclude the day at the Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and a model of Jerusalem from the Second Temple period. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Begin the day at the Temple Mount, sacred in ancient Israel and significant in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Reflect on its central role in temple worship and prophecy, and its connection to future restoration themes in Latter-day Saint belief. Continue to the Southern Wall Archaeological Park, where pilgrims ascended to the Temple and where Jesus may have walked and taught. Explore the City of David, Jerusalem’s oldest section, revealing layers from the time of King David and the First Temple period. Walk down to the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed the blind man, an act of compassion and divine authority recorded in John 9. After a lunch break, visit the Garden Tomb, a tranquil place many Latter-day Saints find spiritually meaningful as a possible site of the resurrection. End the day with an optional visit to the BYU Jerusalem Center, offering inspiring views, peaceful gardens, and space for quiet reflection.

Travel through the Judean Desert, whose caves may have sheltered Nephi and his brothers while retrieving the brass plates. Reach the Baptism Site at Qasr el-Yahud, associated with John baptizing Jesus and the start of His public ministry. Look across to the caves of Qumran, where 2,000 years ago the Yahad sect hid the famous Dead Sea Scrolls. Next,
drive throught Ein Gedi nature reserve, where David fled from Saul, and fresh water flows in the heart of the Judean wilderness. Reaching Masada, ascend to its top by cable car and reflect on Jewish courage and faith, standing above the Dead Sea in ancient fortifications. Finish at a Dead Sea resort, floating in mineral-rich waters, before your journey home.