Jordan / Israel
GTI SIGNATURE TOUR

Sep 6-18, 2025

Jordan / Israel
GTI SIGNATURE TOUR

Sep 6-18, 2025

Experience Jordan & Israel on a GTI Signature Study Tour and you'll see Scripture in a new light.

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What to Expect

A GTI Signature Tour creates a unique context in which you can see Scripture in a new light while enjoying the rich joys of international travel with like-minded community.

Aside from going with your own church, a GTI Signature Tour is the best way to experience the land and lessons of the Bible!

Done right, a study tour can be relaxing and fun! Together, we'll explore the past and present of Israel. Each day we'll unpack what we've learned in the context of biblical history as well as our daily faith.

In addition to visiting the ancient sites where Jesus lived and taught, we'll have the opportunity to dip our toes into the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea and the Jordan River, not to mention the unique cultural experiences and conversation and fellowship over delicious meals.

Your Leader

Jerrell Jobe

Director of Development, GTI Tours

Jerrell has been involved in full-time ministry for the past 25 years. His primary areas of focus have been spiritual formation and teaching. Jerrell has a BS in American Sign Language Interpreting, a MA in Spiritual Formation and Leadership, and is finishing a MA in Archaeology & Biblical History. Throughout his ministry, he has led over 100 trips, to more than 25 countries. For the past twelve years, Jerrell has been leading study tours to Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, and Greece. His passion is seeing life-changing spiritual formation transpire as travelers gain a greater understanding of the Story of Scripture in its original context, while engaging the ancient practice of pilgrimage. His on-site teaching is a rich mixture of archaeological discoveries, biblical history, practical application, story-telling and drama. In his free time, he enjoys reading, running, cycling, swimming, as well as helping to coach local high school wrestling teams. Jerrell and his wife Charissa have three children.

The Details

Itinerary

Sat Sep 6

O'Hare to Istanbul on Turkish Flight #6 departing 8:30pm

Geneva Hotel
Sun Sep 7

Welcome to Jordan

Welcome to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. After we arrive at the Amman airport and our luggage is collected we will be met by our Jordanian hosts who will take us directly to our hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Istanbul to Queen Alia, Amman on Turkish Flight #812 departing 9:15pm
Mon Sep 8

Plains of Moab

The enchanting rose-red façades of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, beckon, but not before we visit Mount Nebo, the place where God brought Moses to look into the Promised Land. You'll see the Madaba Mosaic Map that covers the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George and have the opportunity to watch local artists create beautiful mosaics. We arrive in Petra later that evening for a fantastic dinner at our hotel where we'll spend the night before exploring this amazing site in the morning.

Mount Nebo, Madaba, Mosaic Shop
Tue Sep 9

Into the Wilderness

Today we venture into the amazing Nabataean city of Petra with breathtaking canyons and rock-cut architecture. Enjoy a memorable donkey ride as we finish up our time in this picturesque landscape.  After lunch we will head south to the spectacular Wadi Rum. Once we check into our tents we will head out for a jeep ride as we explore the sites and watch an amazing sunset. Our Bedouin friends will have a traditional supper for us called Zarb, (a roasted lamb and/or chicken feast) waiting for us when we return. We’ll say goodnight and make our way to our personal tents where we’ll spend the evening “glamping” at Sun City Camp.

Petra, Wadi Rum
Wed Sep 10

God Among Us

After a great night of star gazing and enjoying the amazing sunrise we’ll make our way by motor coach from Jordan into Israel via the Arava border crossing. Once in Israel we will be greeted by our Israeli hosts and make a stop to see the Tabernacle replica in the Negev Wilderness before heading to our hotel for a float in the Dead Sea. **This morning will have an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride in Wadi Rum. You must register ahead of the trip with GTI**

Arava border crossing, Tabernacle replica, Dead Sea Swim
Thu Sep 11

Lessons from the Desert

Today is spent in the Negev where we’ll take a cable car to the top of Masada, the fortress where Jewish defenders made their last stand against the Romans in 73 AD. Next we’ll visit Ein Gedi where David hid from Saul and penned many of the Psalms. Continuing on to Qumran we’ll explore the area where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found and then finish our day by arriving at Ein Gev Hotel, which will be our home for the next three days. Fellowship, reflection and relaxation will come easy over dinner and a beautiful sunset next to the Sea of Galilee.

Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran
Fri Sep 12

Jesus the Master Teacher

Start the morning with breakfast overlooking Sea of Galilee as we continue our Journey. Today we’ll explore the region where Jesus did over 90% of his miracles and teaching. Visit Capernaum (Jesus’ hometown) as well as the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the famous Sermon on the Mount. Finish the day enjoying an evening boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

Chorazin, Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Tabgha, Mount Arbel, Ancient Boat (Ginosar), Galilee Boat Ride
Sat Sep 13

Gods Plan at Work

Today we begin in the ancient Roman Decapolis city of Beth Sean as we learn about first century Roman culture. This is also the region where Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle and Gideon picked his men to fight the Midianites. From here we visit Megiddo (the Biblical location of the battle of Armageddon) and Mount Carmel where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal. We will journey to Caesarea Maritima, former Roman capital of Judea, where the centurion Cornelius heard the Gospel preaching of Peter (Acts 10) and later Paul was imprisoned (Acts 25.26). Our day concludes as we check into our hotel in Jerusalem.

Beth Shean, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea Maritima
Sun Sep 14

A Holy City

Welcome to the Holy City of Jerusalem. For the next three days we will walk the ancient alleyways and visit its numerous Biblical sites. Be ready to step back into the first century as we explore our Bible and experience all that Jerusalem and Bethlehem has to offer.

Temple Mount, Western Wall, Rabbinic Tunnels, Herodium, Shepherds Field, Bethlehem, Johnny's Souvenir Shop
Mon Sep 15

City Of David

No trip to Israel would be complete without experiencing some of the famous archeological sites like the City of David and the Israeli Museum. Experience the tunnel that Hezekiah built to bring water into the city as well as the famous Pool of Siloam. We will conclude our day with some shopping and a visit to the Holocaust museum Yad Vashem.

City of David, Hezekiah's Tunnel, Pool of Siloam, Israel Museum, Yad Vashem
Tue Sep 16

God’s Plan Revealed

On our last day of touring in Israel, we will continue to enjoy the amazing sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Old City of Jerusalem and areas nearby as we walk from the Mount of Olives to the place of crucifixion. The evening will conclude with a farewell dinner as we recount our amazing journey and get to say goodbye to our Israeli friends before heading back to the hotel to pack for our journey home.

Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, Pool of Bethesda, Saint Anne's, Garden Tomb, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Southern Steps, Farewell Dinner
Wed Sep 17

Border crossing to Jordan

Today, we leave our friends in Israel and return to Jordan to prepare for our flight home. After crossing the border, we explore the ancient city of Jerash. This Decapolis city is considered one of the largest and most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture outside of Italy, and its history goes back more than 6,500 years. Concluding our visit, we head to our hotel to rest and prepare for our flight home the next day.

Allenby Bridge Border Crossing , Jerash
Thu Sep 18

Flight Home

Queen Alia, Amman to Istanbul on Turkish Flight #815 departing 7:00am
Istanbul to O'Hare on Turkish Flight #5 departing 2:20pm

Flight Details

Sat, Sep 6 2025
Depart O'Hare at 8:30pm
ORD to IST on tk6
Arrive Istanbul at 3:25pm
Duration: 10 hours 55 minutes
Sun, Sep 7 2025
Depart Istanbul at 9:15pm
IST to AMM on tk812
Arrive Queen Alia, Amman at 11:30pm
Duration: 02 hours 15 minutes
Thu, Sep 18 2025
Depart Queen Alia, Amman at 7:00am
AMM to IST on tk815
Arrive Istanbul at 9:35am
Duration: 02 hours 35 minutes
Thu, Sep 18 2025
Depart Istanbul at 2:20pm
IST to ORD on tk5
Arrive O'Hare at 5:45pm
Duration: 11 hours 25 minutes

Payment Details

Base Cost
  • $5590 base cost
Options:
  • Add $300 for Optional Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Wadi Rum
  • $1300.00 single-occupancy supplement available
  • Optional payment schedule available:
    • $500.00 per-person deposit upon registration
    • $2545.00 per-person due by April 18, 2025
    • Remaining balance due by July 18, 2025
    • Roundtrip air from Chicago
    • Hotel accommodations as indicated
    • Daily breakfast and dinner buffet
    • Lunches on site
    • GTI Osprey hydration backpack with bottled water on tour
    • Deluxe touring motor coach
    • All entrance fees
    • Guide/Driver Tips
    • Porterage fees and taxes
    • GTI Study Guide, journal
    • Pre and post-trip curriculum
    • GTI Blog
    • Jordanian visa
    • Drinks with meals
    • Insurance
    • Israel visa https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/
    • Business class upgrade $2950 (holding four seats)
    • Optional hot air balloon ride Wadi Rum $300

    Why GTI Tours?

    All Inclusive

    More than simply a statement about pricing, “All Inclusive” describes GTI’s holistic approach to facilitating purposeful travel and experiential learning in cooperation with our Ministry Partners.

    Biblically Focused

    Your tour leader, study materials, and even itinerary are biblically focused, creating a journey that will draw you more deeply into God’s Word with each step you take.

    Experiential Itinerary

    Each stop on your itinerary is selected because it provides an experience than brings meaning and emotional significance to the information you will be learning.

    All Expenses Covered

    There’s no need to worry about wasting time and money haggling or being surprised by hidden costs. Except for souvenirs and optional upgrades, every part of your trip is covered.

    Online Registration

    Our secure online payment and registration system allows for payment plans and reminders, easy passport and document uploads, and confidence that your money and information is safe.

    Online Tour Journal

    Friends and family can receive daily updates of text, photos, audio, and video from you and other participants to keep up with where you are and what you’re learning via the GTI Online Tour Journal.

    Backpacks and Gear

    We take care of everything so you can stay focused during your Study Tour, including providing you with a hydration backpack, study guide, plug adapter, and even a flashlight (when the trip calls for it).

    Local Guides & Drivers

    We have spent years developing relationships with experienced guides and drivers because they are an integral part of a study tour. And if you already have a trusted guide/driver you prefer that’s ok too!

    Any Questions?

    If you have questions, you're not alone! Use the following form to submit any questions you may have and we'll get back to you.

    And of course, you can always give us a call during business hours at 616-396-1234 or 800-829-8234.

    Verification

    What is the first book of the Bible?