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2026 Christmas Holy Land Tour with Brad Wilcox – WAITLIST ONLY

11 Days

December 26, 2026 - January 5, 2027 - Israel means much to many different things to different people. Whether you are looking for answers to life's challenges or to solidify your testimony of Christ's life and the atonement, a visit to the Holy Land will change you forever. Walking in the footsteps of the Savior will bring you peace, hope, and understanding. You can bring your scripture study to life as you visit sites such as the Garden of Gethsemane, Bethlehem, Qumran & Masada, Caesarea, the Mt of Beatitudes & many important sites on the Sea of Galilee, to name a few. Now is the time to visit Israel and have the experience of a lifetime.

Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Israel!

This is a unique opportunity not to be missed for those who want fuller teaching of the scriptures and Christ's life. 

To Book This Tour, please contact the tour manager listed below:

Dani Edmunds, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6114

Highlights

  • 1 tour-bus experience for the whole tour!
  • Morris Murdock LDS tour Director for the whole trip along with local guides
  • We include all tipping for hotels and restaurants where meals are provided, an Israeli guide, and a driver!!
  • Licensed, insured, and bonded travel agency with +65 years of experience!! IT MATTERS!

Itinerary

  • Saturday,
    December
    26,
    2026

    U.S.A. - Transatlantic Flight

    We take a morning flight from our various U.S.A. homes and arrive the next afternoon at the Ben Gurion International Airport. 

    Meals: In-flight

  • Sunday,
    December
    27,
    2026

    Tel Aviv, Israel

    Welcome to Israel! As you begin your journey in this ancient land, you will notice that the mountains have hidden secrets and the old ruins have legends. For 3,000 years on this small patch of land, men have toiled and battled; prayed and worshiped; and added their own small humanity to the history of this country. Listen and let the land of Israel tell you the stories of its past. Tonight, we rest from our journey at a seaside hotel in Netanya.  After our welcome dinner, we will gather to get to know our group members better. 

  • Monday,
    December
    28,
    2026

    Caesarea - Mt Carmel - Megiddo

    And on the morrow, they entered Caesarea, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard. Enter Caesarea, remains of a city founded by Herod, residence of Pontius Pilate, and a prison for Paul. Sit in the well-preserved amphitheater overlooking the blue sea and hear the story of Paul's conversion of the Centurion. The scenery begins to change to the beautiful green pastures and high rolling hills of the Jezreel Valley as we approach Mt Carmel, where the prophet Elijah and the priests of Baal contested their faith. Not far away is Megiddo, the tragic site of ancient bloody battles where nations were won and lost. Upon these same tragic fields, the great and terrible last battle of Armageddon will be fought. We end our day at the beautiful Sea of Galilee, where we will stay for the next 3 nights

  • Tuesday,
    December
    29,
    2026

    Valley of the Doves - Magdala - Sea of Galilee - Mount of Beatitudes - Tabgha - Capernaum

    Today we have a great day planned as this morning we walk a short distance in the Valley of the Doves to experience the route Jesus would have taken from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee. We then visit the Magdala Center where we explore a 1st century synagogue. On the Sea of Galilee, we board a replica of an ancient fishing boat and then enjoy a delicious lunch of St. Peter’s Fish.  Following lunch, we visit the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount.  This is always a highlight for visitors. While here we can see how it was possible for Jesus to teach the multitude all at the same time as we learn more about his teachings. From here we will visit Tabgha, site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. There is a beautiful Byzantine mosaic on the floor you will not want to miss. We will then venture over to Capernaum, where Jesus lived and recruited his first followers among the fishermen. The well-preserved city will amaze you as you sit in the synagogue and imagine Jesus' teaching and performing miracles for the masses. 

  • Wednesday,
    December
    30,
    2026

    Mt Tabor - Nazareth - Beit She’an - Gideon’s Spring

    And he lifted up his hands and blessed them while he blessed them; he was carried up into heaven. Mount Tabor is one of the mountains traditionally claimed to be the site of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. You will thrill to the almost hair-raising taxi ride up the mountain, but once at the summit, you will feel the peace and calm of the surrounding valley. Our next visit will be Nazareth Village, the quaint town where Jesus Christ spent his childhood, learned his earthly vocation as a carpenter and grew and waxed strong in spirit. We will visit a recreated town from Christ's time and visit with the villagers to learn what life was like for Jesus as a boy. This afternoon we will travel to the ancient tel of Bet She'an, where 6,000 years of civilization seem to unfold among the ruins. It is believed to be the very Bet She'an of the Old Testament where the former King of Israel, Saul, was fastened to the city wall without his head by the conquering Philistines. Our last stop will be Gideon's Spring, also known as Harod Spring.

  • Thursday,
    December
    31,
    2026

    Bethbora - Qumran - Masada - Dead Sea/Jerusalem

    As we leave the fertile valleys of the Galilee, we enter the strange and barren desert of the Dead Sea. Once the Biblical Lands of Moab and Edom, the Dead Sea basin has been a refuge to prophets, zealots, and outcasts throughout time. We will follow the Jordan River Valley south to near Jericho where we will visit Bethabara the site where the Savior was baptized by John the Baptist. Buried in the beige limestone bluffs, the ruins of Qumran still tell the story of the essences, a reclusive Jewish sect that buried the now famous Dead Sea Scrolls. Further south lays Ein Gedi, the oasis where David hid from King Saul.

    From the desert floor, ascend by cable car to the spectacular cliff-top fortress of Masada, where a community of 960 Jews preferred death at their own hands to the indignity of surrender to the overwhelming Roman forces. While at the Dead Sea, you cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy a dip in the buoyant waters and bathe in the wonderful medicinal mud! Even Cleopatra sent her slaves to retrieve this magical mud to preserve her legendary beauty. This evening we will journey to the beloved city of Jerusalem for the next four nights.

  • Friday,
    January
    1,
    2027

    Mount of Olives - Garden of Gethsemane - Garden Tomb

    Happy New Year!  We begin our day at the Mount of Olives overlook, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Jerusalem—an unforgettable sight of this incredible, historic city. Next, we visit the Garden of Gethsemane (and, for those who wish, Orson Hyde Park, a short walk up the hill) along with the Church of All Nations. Here, among the ancient olive trees, we’ll pause to reflect and feel the sacred spirit of this revered place.

    Afterward, we visit the Grotto of Gethsemane, and our final stop will be the beautiful Garden Tomb, believed by some to be the burial site of Jesus. Adjacent to the garden is a limestone hill that many revere as Golgotha, the site of the crucifixion—a deeply moving and meaningful place to conclude our tour.

  • Saturday,
    January
    2,
    2027

    Sacrament Services at the BYU Jerusalem Center - Bethlehem

    Shabbat Shalom - This is the official Jewish greeting on the Sabbath, and we have a great day planned. This morning begins with Sacrament services at the BYU Jerusalem Center.  Next, we drive to the little town of Bethlehem. We enjoy a unique lunch in a Bedouin Tent restaurant overlooking the shepherds’ field, then we spend some time in the shepherds’ field as we contemplate the events that took place near there so many years ago. Next, we visit the Church of the Nativity to remember the birth of Christ. 

  • Sunday,
    January
    3,
    2027

    Sifting Project - Davidson Center Archeological Park Western Wall - Hezekiah's Tunnel

    This morning we get our hands in the dirt as we have a special opportunity to participate in a sifting project of dirt taken from under the Dome of the Rock or the City of David. Here we can find a bone, pottery, and possibly an ancient coin!  Next, we visit the amazing Jerusalem Archaeological Park, where we see the ancient southern steps leading to the temple mount that Christ must have tread. From here, we visit the Western Wall.  The Western Wall, also known as the “Wailing Wall” or the “Kotel,” is the most sacred site in the world for Jewish people. Our last stop will be at the City of David to explore the ancient waterway of Hezekiah’s Tunnel! When Jerusalem was preparing defenses against the approaching Assyrian army in the 8th century B.C.E., King Hezekiah decided to protect the water source by diverting its flow deep into the city with an impressive tunnel system. This engineering feat was accomplished by digging a 1,750-foot tunnel into the mountain we can explore today. 

  • Monday,
    January
    4,
    2027

    Jerusalem Temple Mount - Old Jerusalem City Highlights

    Our first stop of the day is the Temple Mount to see the Muslim Mosque and Muslim shrine—the Dome of the Rock. Next, we experience the incredible acoustics of the St. Ann Church. At the Pool of Bethesda, we marvel once again at Christ’s miracles. In the Old City, we will see the area where the Antonia Fortress once stood and where Christ was scourged. We then walk the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. After a break for lunch, we visit the House of Caiaphas, where Jesus was imprisoned before His final day in mortality. 

    After our farewell dinner, we transfer to the airport for our late evening overnight return flights to the USA.

  • Tuesday,
    January
    5,
    2027

    Tel Aviv • U.S.A.

    Arrive home in the USA! Welcome Home

Cost Includes

  • Hotel accommodations in moderate-class hotels
  • All breakfasts and dinners in country
  • Deluxe motor coach transportation with air conditioning
  • Sightseeing tours as outlined on the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and gratuities
  • Tour headsets for an easier hearing of tour leaders
  • Travel Document Package

Cost Excludes

  • Round-trip air to/from Tel Aviv. Group air TBD (It is cheaper if paid by cash or by check)
  • Additional possible airfare from cities other than Salt Lake City
  • Sightseeing not included on the itinerary
  • Additional hotel accommodations
  • Items of a personal nature (i.e., phone calls, rooms service, laundry, etc.)
  • Travel insurance and cancellation waiver (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
  • Lunches

About Brad Wilcox

Brad Wilcox is a professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Brigham Young University where he also enjoys working with such programs as Especially for Youth, Women's Conference, Campus Education Week and Time Out for Woman. He is the author of the books, The Continuous Atonement and The Continuous Conversion, and the BYU devotional, "His Grace is Sufficient."

Brad grew up in Provo, Utah except for childhood years spent in Ethiopia, Africa. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile and later returned to that country to preside over the Chile Santiago East Mission from 2003-2006. He and his family have also lived for a time in New Zealand where he directed a Study Abroad Program for Brigham Young University. Brad has served as a member of the Sunday School General Board. He and his wife, Debi, have four children and three grandchildren. Reading, writing, teaching, and traveling are some of his favorite things. He loves Peanut M&M's and pepperoni pizza, but he realizes that doesn't sound too healthy so he is really trying hard to learn to love salads.

Pricing Information

Other Pricing:

  • Double Occupancy - $3,250.00
  • Single Occupancy - $4,150.00
  • Triple Occupancy - $3,250.00
  • CASH DISCOUNT OF $125.00 OFF PER PERSON AVAILABLE! Please inquire for more details!

Payment Information:

  • $500 per person deposit is due at the time of booking
  • The final payment is due September 25, 2026

Please see our cancellation policy:

If a participant needs to cancel their reservation, written notice must be provided. Cancellations within seven calendar days of booking (if not past the final payment date) will receive a full refund, excluding airfares, which follow the airline’s policy. Cancellations after the seven-day grace period incur a 50% penalty on the deposit until the final payment date, and cancellations after the final payment date are non-refundable, including for unused portions of the tour.

FAQs

Q. Are Flights Included in the Price?

Most tour and cruise packages are sold as “Land Only”. This allows you the freedom to purchase tickets on your preferred airline and from your home city. We may offer group flights depending on the tour.

Q. Can Frequent Flyer Miles be Used to Join a Tour?

Yes! Once the frequent flyer reservations have been confirmed and ticketed by the airline, please provide a copy of the itinerary to us to ensure that proper transfer arrangements are made. We regret that we cannot assist with making frequent flyer reservations.

Q. Is a Cash Discount Available?

Yes! If you want to save some money, this is the ideal option. All reservations paid for by check or cash will receive a discount. The amount varies by tour and will be listed on the web-site.

Q. Are Other Discounts Available?

Yes! If you are a Deseret Book Platinum Club member an additional discount may be available. There may be Expo discounts or other promotional discounts offered from time to time. However, only one discount per person will apply with the exception of the cash discount. Please call for details.

Q. Should I Purchase Travel Insurance?

Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. This insurance will cover you in case you need to cancel a tour after final payment has been made. Certain restrictions apply.

Q. Is Tipping Included in the Price?

Some tours do include gratuities for the local guides and bus drivers and others do not. Please refer to the “What is Included” section for your specific trip to find out.

Q. What if I Have a Medical Condition or Physical Disability?

Please note that many of these tours require that participants be in good physical and mental health. You must be capable, without assistance, of walking a minimum of one mile over uneven terrain and of climbing stairs that may not have handrails. Participants should have sufficient stamina to keep pace with an active group of travelers on long days of touring. Anyone with disabilities should have a travel companion who is willing and capable of assisting. Please let us know if you fall into this category.

Please view our full Mobility Policy here.

Q. Can I Bring My Children on the Tour?

In order for the enjoyment of all tour participants, we generally request that children be a minimum of 8 years old to participate on the tour. Parents should be advised that they may be the only youth on the tour. Some tours may be designed with family travel in mind and will be advertised as such. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Q. What Documentation Will be Needed?

All U.S. citizens are required to have a current passport valid for six months beyond the return date if the trip is international. In some cases a visa may also be required. For tours wholly within the United States a valid Drivers License is acceptable documentation.

Please remember that your first and last name on your ticket must match your passport or drivers license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please call our office for assistance.

Q. When is Final Payment Due?

The final payment for an international tour is due 90 days prior to departure and for domestic tours it is due 60 days prior to departure. Full payment is required for new reservations received within the final payment period.

Q. What Happens if I Need to Cancel My Tour?

Per person cancellation fees are based on the date we receive notice from you.

For tours in the United States:

  • Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
  • Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $125 will be refunded (50% of tour deposit)
  • Cancellations from 90 to 61 days prior to departure: no refund of deposit
  • Full payment due: 60 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellations made 59 days or less prior to departure: no refund.
  • Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
  • Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
  • No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

For all other tours including international tours and cruises:

  • Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
  • Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $250 refund (50% of tour deposit)
  • Full payment due: 90 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellations made 89 days or less prior to departure: no refund
  • Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
  • Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
  • No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

Will I receive a refund?

The refund amount, if any, will be paid according to the cancellation schedule listed above. We highly recommend travel insurance.

Q. What Should I Pack?

Since each tour is different, please refer to the individual tour recommendations on the web-site. Generally speaking, you will want to pack comfortable walking shoes, slacks and shirts that can be easily layered should there be a change in temperature. Be sure pack an extra change of clothing, camera and prescription medicines in your carry on bag.

Q. How Much Luggage Can I Take?

Carry-on: Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag, total dimensions (22"+ 14"+ 9") of which must not exceed 45 inches and which cannot weigh more than 22 lbs., and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case; all carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

Checked: Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees. Most carriers charge a fee for any checked bags, with a discount if this is done ahead of time online.

Overweight: Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage. Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and important documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.

Q. What Items Can I Carry-On?

Due to recent security issues on flights coming into the United States, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For an up-to-date list of items banned from carry-on luggage and items you can carry on, please visit: www.tsa.gov.

**Please see our complete Terms and Conditions for more information

Morris Murdock Escorted Tours has been fulfilling travel dreams for our clients for over 65 years. Morris Murdock Escorted Tours, was the first tour operator to offer LDS faith-based and Church History escorted tours. Since then, we have expanded our offerings to include cruises, humanitarian, shopping and other types of tours with hand-picked tour guides and tour directors that are experts in their field or celebrities with an attachment to the destination or tour's theme.

(800) 809-9910
563 W 500 S, Suite #180, Bountiful, UT 84010

groups@morrismurdock.com

See it online https://mmetours.com/trip/2026-christmas-holy-land-tour-with-brad-wilcox-sold-out/