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2026 Fall Holy Land Scripture Discovery Tour with Joel Judd

14 Days

This Holy Land experience is a longer, in-depth tour focused on tying the Scriptures and the land together for a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the Old and New Testament, with a focus on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. You will be immersed in a learning experience similar to what the students who spend a semester in Jerusalem get to have.  

Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime to Africa

Come and see the Bible come to life with Joel Judd, a former teacher at the BYU Jerusalem Center and a retired CES Institute instructor.

Have you ever wondered what the students at the BYU Jerusalem Center get to see and learn during their study-abroad experience in Israel? Now is your chance to find out for yourself! This Holy Land experience is a longer, in-depth tour focused on tying the Scriptures and the land together for a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the Old and New Testament, with a focus on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. You will be immersed in a learning experience similar to what the students who spend a semester in Jerusalem get to have.  

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, contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel Advisor or call:

Kim Meyer, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6315

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

  • Day
    1

    Thursday, October 8, 2026 - Transatlantic Flight

    We will take a flight from our various U.S.A. homes arriving in Israel the following afternoon or evening at the Ben Gurion Airport. 

  • Day
    2

    Friday, October 9, 2026 - Arrival Tel Aviv

    We will take a flight from our various U.S.A. homes, arriving in Israel the following afternoon or evening at the Ben Gurion Airport. If time allows, we will stop at Jaffa/Joppa, where several important Old and New Testament events took place. We will check in to the Metropolitan Hotel in Tel Aviv for the night.

  • Day
    3

    Saturday, October 10, 2026 - Tel Aviv - Caesarea - Haifa - Muhraka - Sea of Galilee

    We will drive through Tel Aviv, the largest Jewish metropolitan area in the world, and then north along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to the Roman New Testament seaside capital, Caesarea. Here in the ancient Roman Theater, we will study the biblical events that happened in this place. We will then drive to Haifa (modern port of Israel and center of the Baha’i faith), stop for a view, and recount some LDS Church history related to this area. We will drive along the top of Mount Carmel to Muhraka, the traditional site of Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal, to enjoy a view of the Jezreel Valley and talk about the importance of this valley both anciently and now. We will then travel toward the Sea of Galilee and stop at Magdala, the home of Mary Magdalene, to see a synagogue that was in use at the time of Christ. We will check in to Nof Ginosar on the shore of the Sea of Galilee for three nights.

  • Day
    4

    Sunday, October 11, 2026 - Sea of Galilee • Capernaum • Mount of Beatitudes • Tel Dan • Banias • Golan Heights

    Our day will begin with an exhilarating 8:00 a.m. boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry, where He performed many miracles and gave many teachings, including His “Bread of Life” sermon. We will pass St. Peter’s Primacy on our way to the Mount of Beatitudes, where the important Sermon on the Mount will be discussed. We will pass Hazor on our way to Tel Dan, the ancient northern limits of Israel (“from Dan to Beersheba”), to enjoy a beautiful nature walk and to see this historic tel. We’ll continue on to Banias at the foot of Mount Hermon, which is ancient Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s testimony of the Savior. This is where one of the sources of the Jordan River emerges from the foothills of Mount Hermon. We will then drive up on the Golan Heights—home of many Druze people as well as the scene of fierce fighting between Israel and Syria in 1967 and again in 1973—to enjoy a view of Mount Hermon near Har Bental. We will return to Nof Ginosar to enjoy dinner and an evening on the lakeshore.

  • Day
    5

    Monday, October 12, 2026 - Mount Tabor - Nazareth Village - Tel Megiddo

    Today begins at Mount Tabor (8:00 a.m.). From this high point we will discuss biblical events associated with Gideon, Deborah, King Saul, and the Savior’s transfiguration. Next, we will travel to the lovely city of Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, for an appointment with Nazareth Village (11;00 a.m.)., developed to show life as it existed at the time of Jesus and briefly reflect on His early life. After lunch in Nazareth, we will visit Tel Megiddo, with several of its 20 levels of occupation open to view, and talk of its importance—past, present, and future. We will make a brief stop at Nain to reflect on the Savior’s ministry there. We’ll enjoy dinner and restful evening at Nof Ginosar.

  • Day
    6

    Tuesday, October 13, 2026 - Beit Shean - Jordan Valley - Qasr El-Yehud - Old Testament - Jericho

    We first visit the impressive ruins of Beit Shean and experience in retrospect the splendor of Roman life and Hellenistic culture, which was Beit Shean, one of the cities of the Decapolis. Here the bodies of King Saul and his sons were hung by the Philistines. We will then travel on down through the Jordan Valley and view the meandering Jordan River and the Jordan Plateau to the east with its interesting biblical history. We will stop at Qasr El Yehud, a special place, the possible biblical site where John baptized Jesus; this stretch of the river is also where Joshua led the Israelites to cross the river Jordan into the Promised Land. The Prophet Elijah is said to have ascended to heaven from this location. Next we will visit the Old Testament site of Jericho. Then we will check in to the Oasis Hotel for the night.

  • Day
    7

    Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - Dead Sea - Masada - Ein Gedi - Qumran - Bethany - Jerusalem

    Our morning drive will take us south along the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth’s surface. Here we will take the cable car to the top of Masada to see the ruins of the palace-fortress built by King Herod and to recall the story of the Zealots’ last stand against the Romans. As we drive north, we will stop at Qumran, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, for a walk-through and discuss the importance of the finds there. On the way to Jerusalem, we will stop for a quick float in the Dead Sea. If there is time, we will stop in the historic Judean Wilderness, where we will discuss the Savior’s 40-day experience and temptations. We will make a brief stop in Bethany and talk of events related to Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead. As we approach Jerusalem, we will contemplate its long history before we check in to the Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem for the remainder of our nights in the Holy Land.

  • Day
    8

    Thursday, October 15, 2026 - Jerusalem - Old City

    Our first full day in Jerusalem will begin as we enter the Old City through the Dung Gate. We will begin a walking tour of the Old City by visiting the Holy Mount to see the Dome of the Rock, built to honor Mohammed, Islam’s founder. Later we will stop at the Western Wall, where we will observe Jews as they participate in morning prayers and bar mitzvahs at Judaism’s holiest shrine. We will visit the Ophel to examine how it looked at the time of the Savior. In the afternoon we will visit the Jewish Quarter to see the Broad Wall and the Cardo. There will also be time spent in the Christian Quarter as we visit the major shrine of Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Leaving the Old City through the Damascus Gate, we will make our first visit to Golgotha and the Garden Tomb at 3:30 p.m.

  • Day
    9

    Friday, October 16, 2026 - Nebi Samwil - Shephelah - Valley of Elah - Tel Mareshah - Tel Lachish

    We will drive to Nebi Samwil, where we will view the Benjamin Plateau, the area where many important Old Testament events took place. We will then proceed down to the low hills west and south of Jerusalem called Shephelah. We will stop atop ancient Beth Shemesh, where Israel received the lost Ark of the Covenant back from the Philistines. We’ll continue on to the Valley of Elah, where David slew Goliath, and to the ancient Tel Mareshah and the interesting caves and structures in the area. Our next stop is at Tel Lachish, the ancient biblical fort city. In the early evening we will visit the Western Wall to watch the Jews usher in the Sabbath.

  • Day
    10

    Saturday, October 17, 2026 - Jerusalem - Bethlehem

    We will begin our Sabbath by going early to the BYU Jerusalem Center and having sacrament meeting with the Jerusalem Branch in the center’s beautiful auditorium, with its spectacular view of the Holy City. Following the meetings, we will travel to nearby Bethlehem, site of the Savior’s birth, and visit the Church of the Nativity. We will then visit Shepherds’ Field, overlooking Bethlehem, and review the biblical events connected with this area in a special late afternoon program before returning to the hotel for dinner.

  • Day
    11

    Sunday, October 18, 2026 - Jerusalem

    As the morning begins, we visit the Yad Vashem Memorial, the Holocaust museum, in West Jerusalem. We will drive by the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) on our way to visit the Israel Museum, including the famous Model City of Jerusalem and the Shrine of the Book (Dead Sea Scrolls display). The afternoon will be free for shopping. Following dinner at the hotel, we will have an evening lecture.

  • Day
    12

    Monday, October 19, 2026 - Jerusalem - Footsteps of Jesus

    Today we will walk from the Mount of Olives down to Bethphage as we focus on the events of the last week of the Savior’s life, beginning with His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We will proceed down the west side of the Mount of Olives and stop at a view point to discuss more of the Savior’s final week. We will continue down the Mount of Olives to the Orson Hyde Memorial Garden where we will discuss the Savior’s last hours of suffering. Next we will stop at today’s Gethsemane on the way to Mount Zion and the location of the Upper Room, a reminder of the Last Supper and the ordinance of the sacrament. At St. Peter’s in Gallicantu, the possible site of the palace of Caiaphas, we will discuss Peter and the trials of Jesus.

  • Day
    13

    Tuesday, October 20, 2026 - Footsteps of Jesus

    Our day will begin at the Garden Tomb (8:30 a.m.), where we will consider the final mortal events in Jesus’ life and His atonement. Then we will enter the Old City through Lion’s Gate and go to the site of the Pool of Bethesda and the Church of St. Anne to discuss John 5. We will then proceed to the City of David to see the Jerusalem of Nephi’s time and walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, a hydrological wonder of Isaiah’s time at noon. We will also visit the true Pool of Siloam mentioned in John 9. We will have our farewell meeting and dinner before departure for home.

  • Day
    14

    Wednesday, October 21, 2026 - Ben Gurion Airport • Transatlantic Flight • U.S.A.

    This day will be spent traveling to our homes in the U.S.A.

    Meals: In-flight

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 Joel Judd

Joel Judd was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and grew up in West Point, Utah before graduating from Davis High School. He served an LDS mission to New England under President Truman G. Madsen.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, Sociology and Psychology at Weber State College in 1970, and received a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from BYU in 1975. Since that time he has been a student of Biblical Hebrew, ancient Near East History, and Geography of the Holy Land.

Joel, now retired, taught in the L. D. S. Church Education System for 37 years, in Seminary in Ogden, Utah and in Institute in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and at the Orem Institute of Religion at Utah Valley State College. He has taught at the BYU Jerusalem Center in Israel on three different occasions as a religion instructor and field trip director and has directed many tours to Egypt and Israel.

Pricing Information

Pricing Options:

  • Double Occupancy - $4,054 per person
  • Triple Occupancy - $4,054 per person
  • Single Occupancy - $6,054 for private room

Payment Terms:

  • $500 per person deposit at the time of booking
  • The final payment is due 
  • ** $100 cash discount for all payments after deposit made by check or electronic bank transfer **

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-fall-holy-land-scripture-discovery-tour-with-joel-judd/