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Enjoy faith-based experiences, while making life new friendships - traveling the world with other Christians. Whether you’re looking for a Holy Land experience, or just a holiday with like-minded people, you can browse our website and find tours that will enrich your life.

Featured Tours

In the steps of st. paul: sailing the aegean, october 2024.

Join us for the faith adventure of a lifetime this October! Departing October 13, 2024. We will be calling into some beautiful, historical and biblically relevant ports such...

“A Journey to the Seven Churches of Revelation!”

“A Journey to the Seven Churches of Revelation!” We want to invite you on an unforgettable journey in the footsteps of Paul which is filled with ancient biblical history,...

Faith & Family Retreat, July 2024

Join hundreds of other Christian families sure to be the only vacation of its kind in 2024. Popular Christian music artist, Big Daddy Weave, is inviting their friends and setting...

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Each tour is headed by hand-selected leaders who give you additional insight behind each destination.

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Flights are generally included with tours. Many tours also let you fly from different countries to meet the tour operator.

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Tours include 3.5 to 5 star accommodation to ensure you travel in comfort, plus proximity to tour highlights.

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We not only make time for your own personal devotions, but also organize group daily devotions throughout each journey.

Christian Homeswap

ChristianHomeSwap.com provides an alternative form of travel where friendly local and international travelers swap homes to enjoy free accommodation virtually anywhere. By cutting out the cost of holiday accommodation, it provides an effective way for people to save thousands of dollars on hotel accommodation.

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Featured Tours

Path of the Apostles Greece & Italy Special - November 2024

Traveling through the bible special.

Walk with Jesus Israel Direct from New York - October 2024

Walk with Jesus Israel Direct from New York - November 2024

The Reformation Germany & Switzerland Special - November 2024

Faith of Our Fathers England & Scotland Special - September 2024

Seven Churches of Revelation Turkey Special - November 2024

Best of Israel & Egypt Slower Paced Special - September 2024

Path of Paul Greece Tour & Cruise Special - November 2024

What's included, our tours are all-inclusive. always., all-inclusive tours, testimonials, what our passengers are saying....

Dear Maranatha Tours, Your company has put together one the best things I have ever experienced. I am very thankful for the trip of a life you made possible for me to enjoy and to be educated at the same time. I always dreamed about going to Israel and confirming my dreams, was more than I expected.

It was well organized and every day activity was outlined in the booklet or by the tour guide personnel. Malcolm and his staff were awesome. Malcolm is well educated about the place and most of all he was informative and patient. Thank God for people like him. His bus driver was humble and friendly. The hotel personnel was helpful in every way possible in the dining room and made sure I was please and comfortable.

I appreciated all that they and I want to thank each and every one in your staff for they all came together to make this possible for me. Thank you again and again.

I am yours truly,

Norma Summer

I just watched the Gethsemane video clip and relived my March 2013 experience.  I remember the old gnarled olive trees.  If they could only speak!  My trip to Israel was a life-changing experience.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and I learned so much.  I’d do it again as soon as it becomes possible.  As I continue to read my Bible I feel the need to revisit and heighten my appreciation for the land where my Lord lived while on earth.  The Bible really comes alive after visiting Israel.  Just one simple way is to recollect the large shrub covered with yellow flowers produced from the tiny mustard seed.  When we crossed the Adam bridge, our host mentioned the Jericho crossing.  I had never before noticed the name Adam in the book of Joshua!  Now I never miss it!  Sailing on the Sea of Galilee was unforgettable.  Walking on the Via Dolorosa was a pensive journey and the Empty Tomb brought a feeling of exhilaration.  There were so many places that brought my Bible alive – too many to mention. Even as I write memories are flooding my mind.  As I said, I would go again.

This was a trip of a lifetime. More than I even had hoped. Our guide Malcolm was terrific and one of the most educated and informational people I have ever run across. The food was spectacular. The accommodations were great. Each day was filled with wonderful sites and a look back in history. Some of my favorite moments were the times we were singing in churches or the Shepherd's cave, the Sea of Galilee boat ride, communion at the garden tomb and the Holocaust museum. Having a rededication of my baptism in the Jordan River was a memorable experience. If I would have changed anything it would have been had to have more time at the museum as there was so much to see there. I also loved going to the marketplace and experiencing what life is like for people who live there. Thank you for the wonderful experience and I have been sharing it with all I am coming in contact with. Everything was well planned and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Jean Marie Stockton (Pastor Steve Engram Group)

About Maranatha Tours

The holy land's most trusted christian tour operator.

The most important decision you will make regarding a Spiritual tour is choosing the company that will arrange the tour for you, and must be sure you receive the best tour for their dollars spent. We present to you Maranatha Tours, Inc., family owned and operated for over 47 years.

Maranatha Tours was founded by Richard S. Reilly and Michael S. Reilly to promote Christian group travel. Dick Reilly’s unique background as a missionary in India, director of a mission society for 16 years, pastor, evangelist, and a Youth for Christ leader, brought unusual insight into the ways and means of successful group travel. Though Dick Reilly has passed on, his Christian philosophy used in establishing Maranatha Tours lives on. Dick’s son, Michael, as President of Fellowship Tours for 16 years, managed one of the largest tour operations for Christian group travel in the United States and has been President of Maranatha since its opening. We are family owned and have his son, Greg in sales, and daughter Jennifer handling all our operations. You will be very pleased with our staff’s professionalism and our concern for each detail.

Maranatha Tours specializes in Christian tours that visit places of the Bible or history in Israel, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Europe and more.

Romans 10 : 9 "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

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INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN TOURS

Travel on a Christian trip to Israel, the Mediterranean, Europe, Egypt, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and more!

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Sign up for new christian tour announcements and priority registration access, available christian tours:, south africa 2024 | safari & creation tour | gary bates.

Israel, Saudi Arabia & Jordan 2024 | Archaeological & Bible Study | Tim Remington & Eli Shukron

Saudi Arabia 2024 | Mount Sinai in Arabia Expedition | Joel Richardson

Saudi Arabia 2024 | Archaeological Evidence Discovery Tour of Saudi Arabia’s Exodus Route | Dr. Tommy Colie & Pam Laurion

Egypt & Saudi Arabia 2024 | Biblical Egypt Study Expedition with Saudi Arabia and Mount Sinai | Dr. Frank Turek

Ethiopia 2025 | Ark of the Covenant Expedition & Timket Festival | Dr. Yohannes Zeleke & Rhonda Sand

Saudi Arabia & Jordan 2025 | Carried on Eagle’s Wing 10 Day Prophecy Tour | Pastor Joe Heard, Cathy Bentley & Ryan Mauro

Exodus 2025 | Red Sea Biblical Yacht Cruise | Joel Richardson & Eli Shukron

Saudi arabia 2025 | exodus route | dr. miles jones & monte judah.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, & Jordan 2025 | Biblical Exodus Route Red Sea Cruise & Tour | Dr. Miles Jones & Monte Judah

Jordan and israel 2025 | exodus route | dr. miles jones & monte judah, greece, italy & turkey 2025 | biblical mediterranean christian cruise | randy mantel.

Greece, Turkey & Italy 2025 | Footsteps of Paul Christian Cruise | Bryan Hughes

South Africa 2025 | Safari & Creation Tour | Gary Bates

Our Adventure Tours Explore Inspiring International Destinations

Travel on our unique Christian tours to breath-taking Biblical sites & authentic destinations in Israel, the Mediterranean, Europe, Egypt, & South Africa!

Our unique tours allow you to walk in the footsteps of Biblical heroes while still enjoying the luxuries of a relaxing vacation. Take your pick of our Israel and Holy Land tours , European Reformation tours , South Africa safaris , and Christian cruises all led by renowned Biblical scholars, leading archaeologists, and exemplary pastors, teachers, and apologists who will provide in-depth teaching at exclusive sites not typically offered on mainstream Christian tour itineraries.

Each trip includes luxury accommodations, cultural experiences, fellowship with like-minded Christians and the opportunity to delve into Biblical truths that will deepen your faith. All you have to do is get on the plane, and we take care of the rest for you!

For more information about these Christian tours, call us today at 1-888-771-8717 or email us at  [email protected] .

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Inspirational Tours, Inc

Religious group tours, upcoming tours.

Guided All Inclusive

Christian tours.

For over 50 years, Inspirational Tours has offered Christian travelers safe and affordable travel packages to the world’s most revered Christian pilgrimage sites. Experience the scriptures as you journey through the lands of the Bible in Israel and the Holy Land, or tour the shrines of Europe including, Fatima, Avila, Lourdes, and more. Most Inspirational Tours packages are all inclusive with air from most major US cities, two meals each day, first class hotels, ground transportation, English speaking guides, entrance fees, tour escort, tips, and taxes.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan

Events for may.

We offer a variety of tours all over the world, and can customize your tour to include one country or multiple countries, and can be tailored for major celebrations, events and ceremonies overseas. Our tours are typically  9 to 16 days or longer. Planning personalized itineraries is our specialty.

The geographical center of the Christian faith, and the home of the Vatican, tours to Europe can include France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, Greece, Turkey.

EASTERN EUROPE

Tours to Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina encompass visits to wondrous castles, magnificent cities, and UNESCO heritage sites.

Experience the life of Christ and his many apostles as you traverse through the footsteps of Christ, visit the sites of His miracles, and the sites of biblical events. Our tours will instill a refreshment of your spirituality, and provide precious memories to last a lifetime.

important notice

Behold Travel is a Christian travel company dedicated to offering you exceptional travel experiences. Your travels are special and should be worry-free experiences. That’s why we handle every detail from planning to that moment you’re safely home. As a Christian-owned and led company, it is our mission to help you turn vacations into life-changing encounters. Don’t hesitate to contact me so I can start planning your next travel experience! I'm Mandy and I absolutely love to travel. I love to explore God's great creation and experience fantastic adventures. I also find it a true blessing to help others see the world as well! As your personal Travel Advisor, I’ll devote time and effort to making sure you’re happy with your travel options. If you need any assistance, I’m just a phone call, text or e-mail away, so you’ll receive the immediate attention you not only need, but also deserve.

- Mandy Bankston, Owner of Behold Travel

SPECIALTIES Group Travel All-inclusive Resorts Christian Travel Destinations Cruises

Come Travel With Me

Few things invoke the feel of old-world holiday traditions more than the spectacular European Christmas Markets. Be transported back in time to a winter wonderland of open-air market stalls brimming with ornaments, handmade crafts, specialty food and warming beverages. Come enjoy this very special European Christmas Markets tour with me from Prague to Vienna.

Don Your Flip-flops and Find Your Chill

Embark on a dreamy beach vacation with everything included. Or, perhaps, you prefer an isolated beach escape on a small island. Either way, grab the sunscreen and pack your nice shades, because we will find a fabulous destination for you on a sunny beach! Maximize your relaxation and minimize your stress when I connect you with your dream destination that is perfectly matched to you.

Plan the Cruise Vacation of a Lifetime

Relax and be entertained as you visit dreamy destinations.

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Experience the Reformation

Experience Bohemian Europe

The Irish Wonders

Experience Ireland

Experience the Lands of the Bible

Exploring Christian Heritage

Exploring Christian Heritage in England and Scotland

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10-Day “Walk in the Footsteps of Paul” Tour including a 3-Night Greek Isles Cruise

Entrance Fees to Sites Visited

Breakfast and dinner daily*, guided sightseeing, first class hotels, deluxe motorcoaches, round trip airfare*.

*Airfare and meals provided per brochure

Cover your trip with a Travel Guard travel insurance plan today!

JOIN A TOUR

Choose from a wide variety of pre-scheduled group trips from churches and organizations all over North America! These trips are ideal for those looking to join an existing trip without any unnecessary hassle.

LEAD A TOUR

Customize the perfect group trip for your church or organization! Each trip is fully customized for your individual trip. Pick and choose your ideal time of year, departure city and more when booking your next trip.

Just wanted to write an official letter thanking you and Imagine for going the extra mile in making our Tour to Israel for Shepherd of the Hills Church a huge success. It was the first time that I had hosted 4 buses in one tour group with over 160 people all together.  From the schedule and itinerary to the food and accommodations, to the guides and the drivers, it was ALL run professionally and efficiently.  This was my 14th trip to Israel as a host and without question, this was the best of the 14. There was extra care to detail during this trip that I credit to you, to those who work in your office at Imagine as well as to those who worked in the office in Israel.  We literally in every way received the V.I.P. treatment.  As you know, when traveling with such a large group it is imperative to know that those working behind the scenes are there in support of your plans and ideas for a blessed trip.  I want to thank you personally for your attention to detail.  For you going the extra mile in every phase of this trip.  I wish to also thank, specifically, all the folks in your Israel office who worked tirelessly to insure all the logistics happened on time and without missing a beat. I can honestly tell you that without them, this would have been an impossible task, but with them, it was seamless and worry free. Looking forward to future trips with Imagine Tours.

Pastor Dudley R.

I want you to know that the journey we just went on was life changing.  Thanks so much for being a facilitator for this.  The guide “Ikey” and driver “Akram” were excellent.  They went way beyond the call of duty and met every need we had and so much more.  It was one of the best journeys I have ever taken, and I have been all over the World.  This was by far the most impacting of all the countries I have been to.  Thanks again.

I would like to take a few moments of your time to express my profound gratitude for all you and your company did to make our recent pilgrimage to Israel a resounding success. Our team of 29 travelers spent eight days in Israel.  imagine Tours did a fantastic job in helping me plan, organize, recruit travelers and ultimately lead this group.  When we initially began our dialogue in February of 2013, less than 12 persons had expressed an interest in going.  You said to expect 30.  I thought you were crazy.  Over the following months your projection was spot on and 30 persons did sign up to go.  You made each step of the journey enjoyable.  No question was ignored and your prompt responses to a myriad of ideas was greatly appreciated.  The accommodations while in Israel were also superb.  Each hotel was clean, neat, accommodating, comfortable and relaxing.  They provided delicious meals for both breakfast and dinner.  I loved the food.  From the personnel in your office in Florida, to the folks who met us at Ben Gurion, we were in capable hands.  Thank you.  I certainly look forward to traveling with you again.

The Faith Lutheran travelers have safely returned from our tour through Greece and Turkey.  Our walk in the Footsteps of Paul was wonderful!  I cannot say enough good things about our superb guides in Greece, Aliki and Yanni.  They were a joy to be with!  Helpful, knowledgeable, fun, and capable, they made our days in Greece memorable.  Everyone’s favorite hotel was the Lucy in Kavala.  It received universal rave reviews, and we all agreed that we would like to spend more time there.  Thank you for such a great experience in Christian travel. 

Having helped plan itineraries for marvelous “heritage tours”of England, Scotland, Ireland and Scandinavia, I know the personal attention imagine Tours & Travel gives to every host pastor, and the unique destinations he works into almost every tour’s travel plan. Their imagination and flexibility are phenomenal, and guarantee an outstanding spiritual experience for every tour they organize.

Rev. Dr. William R.

I’ve used imagine Tours for two trips and plan to used them again and again. I have highly recommended them to many of my friends. Rick and his team responded quickly to my questions and concerns. They stayed in touch with us while on our trip. They treated me like I was their only client! Our team felt completely safe on our trip. The tour guide and driver were professional, knowledgeable and personable. They were always attentive to our needs and were flexible to our personal preferences. They cared about us. Their goal was to assure a fantastic experience for our team. For most people a trip to the Holy Land is a once in a lifetime trip. I have taken people all over the world and have used many tour companies. Switching to Imagine Tours was the smartest move I’ve made in a long time. On my last trip to Israel, I met another imagine tour group. The tour leader has made 65 trips to Israel and he switched to imagine Tours. Enough said.

Pastor Don B.

I recently returned from my first trip to Israel as a tour group leader. Wow! Everything about our tour exceeded my expectations. The meals were delicious with a buffet variety which pleased everyone. Our guide from imagine Tours and Travel, did an excellent job of discovering the interests of our group and applying his knowledge and communication skills to give us a wonderful experience. Several in my group mentioned that they were pleased with every aspect of our trip and pleasantly surprised that they never felt unsafe during our entire trip. Even my wife, who is apprehensive of travel to a foreign country, was comfortable the whole time in Israel and definitely wants to join me on the next tour to Israel. No one in our group will ever be the same after our life changing trip!

Pastor Steve D.

Dear Prospective Program Leader, I have been leading numerous study tours in various parts of the world with several travel agencies over the years of my long academic carrier. However, in the past ten plus years, I have conducted such programs exclusively with imagine Tours & Travel. I have found their services to be reliable and efficient, their prices competitive, and their client relationships to be courteous. As program leader, I feel confident in placing my groups in their competent, secure care and in being spared the concerns and vexations that often plague group travels abroad. I recommend Imagine without reservation.

Dr. Gilbert B.

I regret that I didn’t take this trip earlier in my ministry, ten or twenty years ago.  It has enlivened sermons and Bible studies and brought great joy to many aspects of ministry.  This is a trip that will always be treasured.

Pastor Nathan B.

Our group had a fabulous trip to Greece and Italy at the end of April. We strongly urge anyone and everyone to take this trip. Working with Rick and his team was so worth it — they take care of everything and are so accomodating.  Top notch guides … fabulous Biblical and Christian sites … great accomodations … can’t say enough about how enjoyable it was.  Find out for yourself by booking with imagine.

Adventure Bible Tours

TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE!

INTERESTED IN ORGANIZING A TOUR?

Custom tours.

All our tours are individually customized to meet your specific needs and budget.   No matter if this is your first time organizing a group tour or you have led multiple tours, Adventure Bible Tours will walk with you each step of the way in planning the trip of a lifetime.

​ We arrange all your air, land, or sea transportation, book your hotels, work with you in the planning of your biblical itinerary, and make sure you have the best available English-speaking licensed guides on your tour.   We also help you with ideas for marketing your tour.  Just click on the buttons below to see samples of itineraries Adventure Bible Tours can help you put together.

Walk in the footsteps of Jesus, from His birthplace in Bethlehem to His resurrection at the Garden Tomb.  Experience the stories of the Bible in the very places they happened, and you will come home with a renewed passion in your walk with Jesus!

steps of paul

Travel in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul to Turkey, Greece, and Italy. See the Acropolis in Athens, visit Thessaloniki and Philippi where Paul preached the Gospel. View the ruins of Corinth where he lived and worked with Priscilla and Aquila, walk the streets of ancient Ephesus, explore Paul’s final days in Rome, and so much more!

Reformation

Follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther and other reformers of  the Reformation as you travel through Germany, France, and Switzerland.  This tour offers the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the grace of God, reflecting on both the history  of the church and the history of our theology.

Egypt Jordan

Egypt is the land of the Pharaohs, Joseph, Jacob, and Moses.  Explore the monuments of ancient Egypt; the Nile River, the Sphinx, Pyramids of Giza, Sinai Desert, the Red Sea, and more.

Traveling to Jordan will take you from the top of Mt. Nebo to the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, with a highlight visit to the ruins of Petra.  Visiting Jordan is an exploration of ancient biblical wonders that is a must-see!

Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

Religious Travel

Christian Tours

Pennsylvania - Amish Country, including “Daniel”

5 Days • 7 Meals

Starting from $1179 per person double occupancy

Amelia Island Getaway

4 Days • 5 Meals

Starting from $865 per person double occupancy

Baseball Across America

13 Days • 17 Meals

Starting from $4039 per person double occupancy

Biltmore Estate & The Chihuly Exhibition

1 Day • 1 Meal

Starting from $249 per person

Best of Niagara Falls, Canada and the Amish Country

6 Days • 8 Meals

Starting from $1289 per person double occupancy

Wizard of Oz at Barter Theatre

Starting from $179 per person

Creation and The Ark Encounter

3 Days • 3 Meals

Starting from $659 per person double occupancy

The Creation, The Ark and The Amish

Starting from $1089 per person double occupancy

North Carolina’s Coast

Starting from $1215 per person double occupancy

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Christian Tours has been operating escorted motorcoach tours for over 40 years. We are conveniently located in North Carolina near major cities such as Charlotte, Winston Salem, and Greensboro and just a short distance to South Carolina. Our escorted tours are fun-filled, family friendly vacations. It is easy to join us. We travel to sights all across the United States and Canada. We also offer International & Domestic Fly tours including scenic and exciting destinations.

At Christian Tours, the safety and comfort of our passengers is priority! Our modern deluxe fleet of Prevost motorcoaches goes through a rigorous maintenance program at our top-notch facilities. When your group needs to charter a motorcoach or mini-bus we will provide a competitive quote.

You may ask “What is Christian Tours?” First we are Christian people providing opportunities for people to travel with other Christians. We provide a devotion on the coach each morning as we travel and operate our tours in a manner that you would feel comfortable traveling with your parents or children. Our Christian faith is important to us and we consider it an honor to offer group travel to people with like minded values.

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Testimonials

“Just a note to report that the trip to Jordan went very well. We all arrived home safely yesterday morning. The group gelled together well and we all thoroughly enjoyed the itinerary and magnificent scenery. Everyone was surprised to realise how much Bible history had taken place there.”

David Ronco

Extra services

Next 5 departures.

• Greece 17/09/2024 - 25/09/2024
• Turkey 2/10/2024 - 10/10/2024
• Turkey 26/10/2024 - 2/11/2024
• Holy Land 18/02/2025 - 28/02/2025
• Israel 4/03/2025 - 13/03/2025

Bringing the Bible to life.

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TRAVELER SUPPORT

Ancient Wonders Amid Desert Beauty

Step back into Old Testament history in Jordan, whose ancient landscapes were once traversed by Moses and Joshua on their way to the Promised Land. You’ll experience inspiring hospitality and stark desert beauty with fellow Christian travelers. Gaze in awe at the rock city of Petra, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Christian travel to Jordan transforms and deepens your faith in an unforgettable place.

Arnon Valley

Walk where Moses walked through breathtaking canyons and flowing rivers. Hike through water trails, scale sandstone cliffs or simply marvel at nature’s beauty.

Look out from this biblical panorama for views of Jericho, Jerusalem and the River Jordan. This is where God allowed Moses to glimpse the Promised Land.

Walk through this world-renowned location mentioned throughout the Old Testament. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world's seven wonders.

The red mountains and rock formations of this desert feel otherworldly. On their way to the Promised Land, the Israelites saw these same views for 40 years.

Remarkable Places

Explore the land of the Olt Testament while traversing awe-inspiring landscapes from the Dead Sea to the Wadi Rum desert and a vast expanse of red sand and towering cliffs. Imagine all the unforgettable moments waiting for you.

Featured Events

Experience Israel Tour with Kristi McLelland

Experience Israel with Alistair Begg

Journey Through the Land with Angie Tuffnell

Daniel & Revelation Mediterranean Cruise with Amir Tsarfati

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INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES

Jordan's “Grand Canyon”

Moses and the Israelites wandered through this wilderness after the Exodus. Hike the water trails, scale sandstone cliffs or simply marvel at nature's beauty.

Gain a new perspective atop Mount Nebo

One of the Seven Wonders of the World

Walk through Petra, mentioned throughout the Old Testament, and behold the towering city carved out of rock. This location is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stand in awe of the “Valley of the Moon”

Gaze upon the Israelites’ view on their way to the Promised Land. The beauty of the red sandstone mountains and rock formations of Wadi Rum feel otherworldly.

YOUR TRAVEL DREAMS FULFILLED

Call us to book your trip of a lifetime, 800 247 1899, traveler experiences.

“Scripture comes alive more than ever. Thank you, Inspiration.”

Bakersfield, CA

“I cannot stop thinking about it! Everything was perfect: hotels, food, teachings, worship, fellowship! Not one detail was overlooked. The Lord really ministered to me in so many areas of my life!”

Paradise, NV

“Never have I been so deeply impacted by a trip as I have with my trip to Israel and Jordan. A life-changing experience and I loved every moment of it.”

Redding, CA

“Inspiration took care of us: transportation, accommodations, support, and site access. My spiritual life has been at a whole new level. The Bible feels alive; I have a stronger connection with God.”

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“The best trip ever!!! The accommodations and staff were over the top excellent!”

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Life-changing Tours Since 1987 - Call Us Toll Free: 800.322.0788

Tours to the Holy Land: Trips & Israel Tour Packages 2024, 2025

"Every place we visited was breathtakingly beautiful, with stunning landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. We highly recommend visiting Israel to anyone who wants to experience an unforgettable journey. We had a life-changing time there and are already planning to return." Simon L. and Beatriz G. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024 "I had a wonderful time in Israel. I felt while I was there the precautions that were taken for our safety were well in hand. I still got to experience many holy sites and be blessed by walking the path that Jesus walked. Every day was started in prayer, singing, or scripture reading which also extended the blessing of the trip." Quincie L. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024

Our Israel tours & Holy Land tours of 9-24 days for the Evangelical Protestant Bible believer are what Pilgrim Tours does best. Prepare yourself for a life-changing journey to walk where Jesus walked and visit Jerusalem, Galilee, & Samaria. Each of our Israel tours is led by a local guide who is an experienced expert on the historical, cultural, scenic, and spiritual history of the Holy Land. If you travel with 10 or more people, a private group tour can easily be arranged. Pilgrim Tours can customize an itinerary to fit your group needs with many options to choose from.

Concerned about safety? As a Christian tour operator, the staff at Pilgrim Tours takes a Biblical perspective regarding the current situation in the Middle East. We do not believe that peace in Israel is something that will occur until the Prince of Peace comes to restore His kingdom. Please do not make a reservation with us based on the hopes of a calm future. If you long for the special blessings only available in Israel, we will take you there. An expert driver and guide will carefully keep you from any areas that could present a problem and treat you to the riches of Israel as our special guest.

Below is a large variety of Israel tour packages departing in 2024 and 2025 year-round.

View Our New Israel Tour Highlights Video! Click Here

Reserve your tour at least 6 months in advance for an early booking discount, groups and parties of 6 or more click here for special rates, scheduled 2024 & 2025 israel tours.

View our Israel tours ranging from 9-24 days.

Take a tour of a lifetime and bring the Bible to life.

Featured Sites in Israel

Explore a vast selection of beautiful historical and Biblical locations throughout Israel with our Israel Holy Land tour. You can visit Jerusalem, Galilee, and parts of Samaria, getting the life-changing opportunity to see where Jesus and many other Biblical figures lived and walked. We even offer Holy Land tours that allow you to see the Dead Sea, the Garden Tomb, and the Jordan River Baptism Site. Like all of our Europe tours , our Israel Holy Land tours are led by local guides who have extensive knowledge of the area and its history. If you want to experience the history of Israel and see the Bible come to life, our Holy Land tours give you that opportunity.

The city of Jerusalem offers a unique convergence of Judaism, Christianity, and the Muslim faith. For Christians who visit Jerusalem, you will learn about many stories of the Bible while walking her streets. Many actors in the Bible such as Abraham, King David, King Solomon, the twelve disciples and Jesus all lived, visited, or spent time there. The Passion week of Christ will be highlighted during our stay as we visit the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Western Wall, the Way of Suffering, and the Garden Tomb.

Sea of Galilee

Nowhere in Israel does the Bible come to life more than along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Pilgrims who visit the Galilee region have the opportunity to imagine what life was like 2,000 years ago and what Jesus and the twelve disciples experienced while fishing on the Sea of Galilee. The peaceful setting and the natural wonders of the Golan Heights to the east and Mt. Arbel to the west make for a great way to start your morning in quiet reflection. During our tour, we explore the Biblical towns of Capernaum, Magdala, and Nazareth and take a meaningful cruise on the Sea of Galilee.

The Dead Sea is not only the lowest and most lifeless lake in the world, but also nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean. Travelers will enjoy the beautiful colors of the blue water and the red mountains of Jordan to the east. Take time to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Dead Sea “float” either in the sea itself or at one of the warm salt water pools at our hotel. The Dead Sea experience is truly a bucket list visit you won’t want to miss!

Garden Tomb

Our visit to the Garden Tomb and its surrounding gardens is normally one of the highlights of our tour to Israel. The Garden Tomb is a rock-cut tomb in Jerusalem that was unearthed in 1867 and is considered by some Protestants to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. Our visit offers a unique time of prayer, reflection, communion, and praise, which will be a special life-long memory for many travelers.

Jordan River Baptism Site

The Jordan River Baptist Site or “Yardenit” is a baptism site located along the Jordan River just south of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. This site is frequented by Christian Pilgrims who enjoy imagining the setting of the baptism of Jesus. For anyone who would like to be baptized in the Jordan River, Yardenit has been developed to be a peaceful setting with beautiful gardens, clean colored water, changing facilities, showers, and a nice souvenir shop.

Caesarea Philippi

To many Pilgrim travelers, Caesarea Philippi is a special surprise while on their tour. Located along the rushing springs of Mt. Hermon, the beautiful and natural setting is where Jesus asked his disciples “Who do men say that I am?” He asked this question while observing the pagan worship of the god Pan as worshipers offered their sacrifice at the “Gates of Hell.” Our time at Caesarea Philippi is one of many opportunities throughout our tour to see the lessons and message of the Bible come to light in a special way.

Israel Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month for the Holy Land tour?

Taking a trip to Israel during the spring or fall offers the most enjoyable weather of the year but normally has the largest crowds. If you want to enjoy a peaceful tour with fewer crowds, consider visiting between December and February or June and August. We offer Israel and Jordan tours throughout the year, so you can select a trip that works for your schedule.

How many days do you need for a Holy Land tour?

We offer several types of tours of the Holy Land, so the duration of your tour depends on the tour package you choose. The Best of Israel Tour is our most basic offering and includes a Sea of Galilee boat ride, a trip to the Jordan River Baptism Site, the Dead Sea, and many opportunities to walk on the same land Jesus walked on. This is our shortest trip at just 9 or 10 days. Our most involved trips allow you to experience a wide range of historical locations over the course of a few weeks. Egypt tours are included in some of these packages, as well as tours in Greece and other countries. These tours can take up to 24 days, giving you the chance to spend an extended period of time learning about and visiting different parts of the world. From our Turkey tours to all of our Israel Christian tours, all of our tours feature a first-class hotel rating for the country you visit. We do offer some upgraded tours that offer better lodging options. You can review our hotel categories at https://www.pilgrimtours.com/company/hotelcomparison.htm . Check out any of our tours to view a day-by-day itinerary and see what amenities are included with each tour.

What is the dress code in Israel?

The dress code in Israel is different from other parts of the world. There are a few dress code basics you should understand before booking Israel tours: When you’re in Israel, there is no strict dress code. You can wear what you feel comfortable wearing. However, both men and women should try to dress conservatively and cover their shoulders and knees when visiting any of the religious sites throughout Israel. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid tank tops and shorts. Men need to cover their heads when visiting the Western Wall. Pilgrim Tours provides a Pilgrim Tours ball cap upon arrival in Israel, but you might consider purchasing an affordable kippa that you can bring when you visit Jewish sites. Some places may offer a free kippa, but these are generally low quality. (Women are not required to cover their heads at any sight.) You can figure out what you need to pack and how to dress each day by looking at the itinerary for our Holy Land tours. Guides normally offer guidance on how to dress for the next day while on tour. We also suggest looking at the extended weather forecast as you prepare and pack for your trip.

Is there a lot of walking involved on an Israel Tour?

Our Israel tours do require a significant amount of walking each day and you should be able to walk unassisted 3-4 miles per day on average. Make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes that provide adequate support. While there are bus and boat rides during these tours, you have to walk quite a bit to explore some of the Biblical sites. Our tour guides normally give the group a few options at sites for those that have physical limitations. One thing to keep in mind is that there are many hills and valleys in Israel which can make walking even more taxing. The amount of walking you have to do may vary based on the tour you take, so look at the itinerary before choosing your tour. The good news is that Israel is a beautiful country to see on foot, and you’ll have several opportunities to sit down and give your feet a rest. As long as you have a good pair of shoes and comfortable clothes, it’s easy to forget about all the walking you’re doing and enjoy the tour.

What passport & visa information do I need for your Israel tours?

U.S. citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond their intended stay to enter Israel. Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original. Israel: U.S. and Canadian Citizens do not need a Visa when entering Israel. Non U. S. /Canadian Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of destination. Contact your Consulate office for requirements.

What common languages will be spoken during your Israel tours?

Hebrew, Arabic and English.

What currency can I use on your Israel tours?

The U.S. dollar is widely accepted across Israel, and we suggest bringing about $30 for each day you’ll be on tour. U.S. dollars are recommended for use for small purchases and lunches. Lunches typically cost $15-20. It is important to bring about 20 $1 bills as some bathrooms charge a small fee for use. Credit cards may also be used for larger purchases. ATMs in Israel are all connected to European and American banking systems. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in SHEKELS – NOT U.S. DOLLARS. Please notify your bank before traveling overseas.

Do I need to bring a converter for the Israel tour?

Israel uses the European plug with two round pins. You will need to bring along the necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volt appliances such as hair dryers and electric razors as well as camera and cell phone chargers. Electricity in Israel is 220 volts 50 Hz.

What is the time zone for your Israel tours?

The time zone for Israel is seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT.

What climate should I expect during your Israel tours?

In Israel the climate is temperate, and temperatures all year-round are reasonable. Israel has two main seasons: winter (from November to March) is cold and rainy in most parts of the country; summer (from April to October) is hot and dry with little or no rainfall. The desert areas can be extremely hot in summer time.

Recent Reviews on Trustpilot, BBB, & Google

View what others are saying about our Israel tours on Trustpilot , BBB , and Google !

"Pilgrim tours is who I'll be recommending people to travel with. We've been trying to get to Israel for two years and finally made it!! Great company from booking to on the ground with great guides. All details taken care of with great hotels, bus, and the best guides!! Wonderful experience!"

"We had a great experience in Israel with Pilgrim Tours. Everything went very well and there were no glitches or problems of any kind. The bus and driver were top notch as were the hotels and daily breakfast buffets. Our tour guide was great as his depth of knowledge of the people, history and languages Israel was quite amazing. We will very likely use Pilgrim again in the future."

"We have toured with Pilgrim Tours three times and what a blessing. Accommodations, excursions, information and food were all high quality. Post pandemic, we were so thankful to return to Israel."

"I couldn't have asked for more for a trip to the Holy Land than what Pilgrim Tours provided me. It was the perfect balance of spiritual reverence, history, geography, and social issues. I am so grateful for the experience that I had on this trip."

"Our church group just returned from taking a "Best of Israel" ten day tour. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I am so glad we chose Pilgrim tours. From our excellent hotel accommodations, to our wonderful tour guide, we enjoyed everything. Our trip exceeded our expectations. I would recommend Pilgrim Tours to anyone who is planning a trip to the Holy Land. We definitely plan to travel with them again."

View some of the sites from our Israel tours!

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HOLY LAND TOURS TO ISRAEL

Learning the Bible with a Christian Group Tour in the Land of the Bible

Galilee • Masada • Qumran • Bethlehem • Jerusalem

HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR ISRAEL GROUP TOUR

• Roundtrip airfare from New York or a city of your choice from the list below
• First Class Hotels, Full Israeli Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Daily
• Deluxe, air-conditioned Motor coaches
• Visits to Sites as mentioned below
• Comprehensive Sightseeing per the Itinerary
• Professional Tour Manager
• Gratuities to Guide, Driver and Restaurant staff
• Airport taxes & airline fuel surcharges

Watch the video below and hear what people are saying about Friendship Tours to Israel

Our past and present travelers know the quality of tours we deliver. Friendship Tours is America’s leading Christian tour company since 1981.  We believe every Christian must be given the opportunity to visit the land of our Lord and experience the Bible come alive! 

  We are offering this “high quality & all inclusive” Christian tour of Israel at extremely low rates. There are no additional expenses other than your lunches and any gifts you buy.   Rates include airfare, 8 nights hotels, gratuities and much more.   

We will print your custom brochures in color. With your name and your church name.

  Pick a date, any date from below, and plan your own group for your church. Get your own private bus with 30 or more paid passengers. Pastors & spouse always travel free. Please call us for more details.  

CHRISTIAN TOUR OF ISRAEL DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1 —  usa• tel aviv.

Depart from USA on our flight to Tel Aviv, Israel   Meals and overnight on board.  After dinner relax and enjoy the on-board entertainment.

DAY 2 —  TEL AVIV

Arrive at Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport and meet our guide who will welcome us to the Land of the Bible and escort us throughout our stay in Israel. Israeli guides are legendary for their knowledge and dedication. Ours will instruct us on the many sites we will visit and their relationship to the religion, history, archaeology, culture, and modern life in Israel. Time permitting, visit Old Jaffa , the traditional home of Simon the Tanner and the port from which Jonah sailed. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Tiberias.

DAY 3 —  TIBERIAS

Refreshed from a good night’s sleep you may wish to stroll the beach before a full Israeli Buffet Breakfast. Today we pass through the fast growing towns and farms of the Plain of  Sharon enroute to Caesarea , site of major events in the lives of Peter and Paul . It’s on to Megiddo , inspiration for James Michener’s “The Source”. Archaeological digs reveal 20 layers of civilization, including fortifications of King Solomon and the water tunnel of King Ahab . Megiddo provides a magnificent view of the fertile Jezreel Valley , prophesied site of Armageddon , at the crossroads of the ancient Via Maris .   Continue through the rolling hills of the Galilee to Nazareth , site of Mary’s Well, and Cana , site of His first miracle, before arriving in Tiberias . Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Tiberias .

“I LOVE LOVE LOVE Israel and Friendship Tours. As a Pastor I will bring my Church every year until everyone has experienced Gods Chosen Land and people. Deena Clayman is the BEST Guide in all of Israel!”

DAY 4 —  TIBERIAS

This day alone is worth the trip!  We are now literally walking in the footsteps of Jesus.  We will take a most memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee , in a replica of the ancient wooden boat used in Jesus’ day.  We will visit an ancient boat believed to be from Jesus’ time found in the Sea of Galilee in 1986.  We walk into old Capernaum with the ancient synagogue ; on to the site of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes (Tabgha), the Sermon on the Mount and the Mount of Beatitudes .  You will have an opportunity for a lunch of St. Peter’s fish (optional.)  In the afternoon we will journey north to Caesarea Phillipi (Banias Spring) where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16.)   Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Tiberias .

DAY 5 —  TIBERIAS • JERUSALEM

This morning we will visit the Jordan River and have the opportunity for a baptismal service .  Drive along the Jordan Valley to Beit She’an to see the expansive excavations taking place at this ancient Roman Decapolis city.  Stop at Gideon’s Spring where Gideon selected his soldiers to do battle against the Midianites.  It’s now time to “go up” to Jerusalem .  We will enter the city as pilgrims did since ancient times to fulfill the words of the prophet “I was glad when they said unto me: ‘Our feet shall stand within thy Gates, O Jerusalem’ ” (Psalms 122:1-2.)   Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem .

DAY 6 — JERUSALEM   

Start the day with a magnificent view of the Old City from the top of the Mt. of Olives .  Take the “Palm Sunday Walk” to the Garden of Gethsemane , the Church of All Nations and drive across the Kidron Valley .  Enter the Old City through St. Stephen’s Gate (Lions’ Gate) to the Muslim Quarter , visit the beautiful Church of St. Anne and the Pool of Bethesda , Pilate’s Judgment Hall , and the Ecce Homo Arch .  Walk along the Via Dolorosa, into the Christian Quarter , and see the Stations of the Cross .  Drive to Mt. Zion to see the House of Caiaphas and the Upper Room of the Last Supper .  We will visit Bethlehem and see Manger Square , the Church of the Nativity , and view Shepherds’ Fields and the Fields of Boaz and Ruth .  Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem .

DAY 7 — MASADA • DEAD  SEA • QUMRAN

Depart to Masada , overlooking the Dead Sea , the lowest spot on Earth, where we ascend by cable car to visit the remnants of Herod’s Palace and where in 73 A.D. the Zealots made their last stand against the might of Rome.  Visit Ein Gedi , fabled Spring of David , and proceed to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947.  Time permitting, we will go for a swim, rather a “float”, in the salted waters of the Dead Sea .  Return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.

DAY 8 — JERUSALEM

We will begin the day with a visit to the reconstructed Jewish Quarter , walk through the Cardo , the original Roman street and see the amazing remains of the massive wall built by King Hezekiah . See the important excavations taking place at the Western Wall and the Southern Temple Staircase . On to the Temple Mount , where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac.  See the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque that now stands there.   End the afternoon at Golgotha (Gordon’s Calvary) and the empty Garden Tomb .  Special time is planned for worship, communion, meditation and inspiration

DAY 9  —  JERUSALEM

Today is a day at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the Old city on your own. .  This evening we  will share in a Farewell Dinner and the presentation of a Certificate of Pilgrimage to each tour  participant. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem .

DAY 10   —  ISRAEL • USA

Today we transfer to the airport.  Our guide will assist us with check-in procedures.  Depart on our flight home.  We arrive home today with wonderful memories of a visit to the Land of the Bible!

“We always feel safe in Israel. Traveling with Friendship Tours is a great experience. They really know what they are doing”

Special Rates

Our rates below are all inclusive and include a 20% bundle savings. All passengers pay for are their lunches & souvenirs.  There are no hidden charges!

*Value Pricing With Limited Inventory

Egypt – Four day optional extension that can be combined with above tour dates. $1085 Add Egypt Extension

Jordan – Four day optional extension that can be combined with above tour dates. $1200 Add Jordan Extension

East Coast – New York, Boston, Washington Dulles, Newark Central Coast – Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta West Coast – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle

Note: All above rates are based in U.S Dollars

Our philosophy is very simple!

We offer an all-inclusive price with airfare, 4 star hotels, two meals a day and all the sightseeing outlined above. The only thing that is not included in our pricing is lunches.

Hotels we use:

Tiberias – Leonardo Club & Lake House, or similar

Jerusalem – Grand Court Hotel, Ramada Jerusalem Hotel or Leonardo Jerusalem Hotel, or similar

Important Note: All rates are subject to change without notice

Airfares and airline fuel surcharges are subject to change without notice!

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

Please fill out the form below and one of our travel experts will follow up with you with additional information about our travel packages and answer any questions you may have.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOUR FROM YOUR GATEWAY CITY

If you have a group of 20 or more we will create a custom tour for you with an itinerary of your choosing including your own private motor coach. We will price your tour from your gateway city. Then we will print a custom brochure personalized to your group. We will offer our suggestions to complement your ideas in order to achieve the best possible program for your group. We are happy to design any program you like. Flexibility is part of our service to you.

(800) 213-9155

Testimonials.

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Book your tour now

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Questions to consider when selecting your Tour Company

  research is key to selecting the right company, please read this carefully before you sign up with any tour company.

What is the Tour Company’s main focus?

Several vacation tour companies have attempted to make inroads into the Christian

Pilgrimage market. Friendship Tours only specializes in Christian pilgrimages. We do not sell vacation packages to other countries. Christian Pilgrimages is all we do and we do it well!

What knowledge does the company have about their guides?

The owners of Friendship Tours personally screen and select all of our guides.  We choose guides who are flexible and responsive to the needs of our group leaders.  Our guides are well informed with a broad base of knowledge in both the Old and New Testament. Our guides make us successful and this is why our group leaders re-book year after year with us.

How long has the company been around?

After 9/11 several companies avoided refunding churches the tour payments and closed shop only to re-open under a different name. Friendship Tours has been in business since 1982 and has refunded all travelers their money.  Every client was cared for after 9/11. This level of service and trust is important in the ever-changing world we live in.

Are the company owners Christian?

Friendship Tours is a Christian Company.  We consider our work to be the work of God on behalf of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We understand Christian Pilgrimage and we make every effort to help you in planning a meaningful, memorable and faithful experience.

What financial protection does the company offer?

Friendship Tours carries high limits of liability insurance that protects the churches that work with us. We adhere to all US government over sight with regard to Financial regulations. We have strict company policies prohibiting the commingling of client deposits. This is a critical component of our integrity. During difficult times some companies will use customer deposits to survive and run out of funds to service their group commitments.  Friendship Tours is a member of the Better Business Bureau with an “A” rating. Friendship Tours has the best buying power due to our long-standing professional relations with all international airlines offering us the lowest airfares with the best connections. Our buying power for ground services is reflected in the prices we are able to offer. Very few

Companies are able to do what we do. How do we do it? Very simple. As a wholesale Tour Operator, we work on large volume of passengers and pass the savings on to our clients.  This is our mission.  This is a ministry entrusted to us by God.  At every turn we will seek to be faithful to you and our mission.  Our

Tagline says it all. “We build lasting relations. One client at a time.”

Christian Group Tours to Israel

Israel is a land steeped in rich history, where Jesus was born, delivered his famous Sermon on the Mount, performed miracles, and was resurrected. There’s no way to describe the joy and wonder of walking the path followed by Jesus, his disciples, and other biblical luminaries with our Israel tour groups. You simply have to see it for yourself.

At Friendship Tours, our goal has always been to enrich the lives of our Christian friends by offering affordable travel to the Holy Land. We want you to experience the awe that can only come from standing in the birthplace of Jesus, following in the footsteps of his disciples, and entering the city of Jerusalem as pilgrims have done for generations.

When you choose Friendship Tours for your Christian tours of Israel, you become our friend. We treat our Isreal tour groups with the utmost care and consideration.

You’ll enjoy all-inclusive pricing, upscale hotel accommodations, and informative and entertaining tours delivered by carefully vetted local guides. Your safety and satisfaction are always our highest priorities.

If you’re ready for 10 days filled with unforgettable sights and experiences that you’ll cherish for the rest of your life, book to join a group tour to Israel today.

What to Expect with Our All-Inclusive Israel Group Tours

There’s no better way to travel to the Holy Land than with an all-inclusive itinerary from Friendship Tours. Planning a trip is not easy, between arranging for transportation, lodgings, and meals, and figuring out what your Israel tour group wants to see once you arrive.

With over four decades of experience, the team at Friendship Tours is more than qualified to do the heavy lifting for you. We’ve established long-term partnerships with vendors all across Israel and beyond in order to provide a worry-free travel experience, so you can enjoy every minute of your trip.

Whether you want to visit the Holy Land as a personal treat, travel with a partner, bring the whole family, or arrange a trip for a large church group, we make the process easy with pre-planned itineraries and affordable pricing.

Don’t forget, we offer one free trip for every five paying travelers, allowing you to bring ministry staff or parishioners that otherwise couldn’t afford to join.

Food, Lodgings, and Transportation

All-inclusive travel, first and foremost, must cover all the basic necessities, including food, lodgings, and transportation. Your final price per person includes airfare from a range of East Coast, Central, and West Coast cities with major airports. You’ll also enjoy two meals a day (lunch not included) and lodgings at safe and comfortable 4-star hotels.

We carefully choose hotels that we have visited and found to meet standards for cleanliness, friendliness, and expected amenities for our Israel tour groups.

These hotels include the Leonardo Club & Lake House (or similar) in Tiberias and the Grand Court Hotel, Ramada Jerusalem Hotel, or Leonardo Jerusalem Hotel (or similar) in Jerusalem. Gratuities and taxes are also covered.

Our philosophy of providing unmatched value at competitive pricing also includes tours and excursions. Travel by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach and tours led by expert guides are both part of the package with Friendship Tours.

Expert-Guided Tours

When it comes to planning tours to Israel, choosing the right guides is essential to ensuring a fun and fulfilling experience. This is why we take the time to personally interview every guide we employ and endeavor to build long-term relationships for the benefit of everyone involved.

Our guides offer impressive knowledge of history and religion in the area, not to mention a love and appreciation for their native land.

What’s Included in Your 10-Day Itinerary?

Your tour of Israel will take you from the U.S. to Tel Aviv, Tiberias, and Jerusalem, along with Masada, overlooking the Dead Sea, and Qumran, where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Our renowned Israel group tours include important sites in the lives of Jesus, Peter, Paul, and others connected with His life.

Make Your Dream a Reality Today

If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Cana, the Mount of Beatitudes, the Mt. of Olives, and the Stations of the Cross, among other holy sites, you’ll find what you seek and so much more with Friendship Tours.

You’ve been waiting your whole life to embark on a tour of the Holy Land, and our Christian tours of Israel offer experienced planners, tour managers, and guides who treat you as friends. If you’re ready to experience the power of His life on a 10-day tour of the land He called home, book your tour today!

The experts in the planning and delivery of high quality, worldwide, custom Christian group tours. ©2024 Friendship Tours   P.O.Box 1140, Moorpark, California 93021 All rights reserved Telephone: (800) 213-9155 | CST # 2069059-40 Privacy Policy Booking Terms & Conditions

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EVENT PARTNER SUPPORT

Your Partner for Exceptional Travels

As pioneers of faith-based travel and logistics experts, we are called to serve ministries and Christian leaders. From small-group tours focused on highly specialized subjects to full-ship charters, we extend our first-class service to every single event. With a reputation for going above and beyond, we’ve earned the trust of highly respected, internationally renowned leaders. We are uniquely poised to execute the kind of iconic events that keep our partners at the forefront of where they want to be.

Let us plan, organize, and produce an unforgettable experience for your Christian group, organization or ministry!

What Our Partners Love Most

Management of all travel logistics, details and contracts, on-site call center specialists and 24/7 online booking, we make all deposits and carry the financial risk, our in-house marketing agency can custom-build your promotional assets, inspire spiritual transformation.

Cultural experiences foster empathy that opens eyes and hearts to the needs of others. Exposure and challenges often bring out the best in people.

Make A Global Impact

Travel events give you a global footprint to increase your ministry impact. The connections you make often open doors you’d otherwise never traverse

Generate Ministry Income

Our partnership model has returned millions of dollars to our partnering ministries.

Cultivate Strong Relationships

Travel creates stronger bonds—with donors and key influencers—in your tribe, which returns newly invigorated to support your ongoing mission.

Grow Your Leadership Capacity

Stepping out from behind the pulpit allows you to engage and grow as a leader, helping you cultivate healthier congregations.

Your Leadership Win

Visionary leaders daily seek our expertise to access exceptional guidance for their Christian travel plans, showing their commitment to stewarding resources wisely. Here are the top wins your stakeholders/board will need before saying “yes”

Why Travel with Inspiration

As a family-owned Christian company, we believe in your values and consider it our mission to help you connect with God in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. We have been serving the Christian community since 1981, and more than 227,000 believers have encountered God on an Inspiration cruise or tour​​.

With transparent pricing and accounting, we ensure no surprises. Requiring no upfront investment from you, we work with you to cover the program costs for the event. Leveraging our extensive experience, we eliminate unnecessary steps and costly mistakes, delivering the highest quality with trip costs that align with our original estimates, as promised. Every ministry dollar matters to us.

We free you up to focus on your core mission—ministering to your community. Our services empower your ministry by handling all the administrative tasks related to travel, including expert research, contracts, logistics and on-location management. You can reclaim hours of valuable ministry time by partnering with us. We don't slow you down; we propel you forward, enabling you to maintain ministry continuity.

Our pre-designed travel itineraries remove your need for planning and give you quick, cost-effective options for a seamless beginning. We offer finely curated excursions and faith-based adventures that are thoughtfully crafted to cultivate lasting memories, freeing you to fully embrace the journey. If you’ve got a specific travel vision, we excel in customizing distinctive, tailored Christian group travel agendas, bringing the unique aspirations of our partners to life.

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Some airline issues get you a refund, some don't. How it works | Cruising Altitude

John Schrier was traveling home to New York from Taipei last month and said the flight was interminably boring.

“As we boarded, you could see that about half of the screens had a black screen,” he told me. “Half of us were not able to watch an entertainment system.” 

Schrier said he reached out to the Taiwanese airline EVA Air on multiple platforms, including on social media during the flight, but said he initially had no luck hearing back or getting reimbursed for the inconvenience of a transpacific flight with no inflight entertainment.

Unfortunately for Schrier, it’s unlikely that compensation will be required. Airlines have conditions attached to every ticket, known as contracts of carriage, that outline their minimum obligations to passengers. Contracts of carriage, coupled with rules from regulators like the Department of Transportation, give passengers their basic rights when flying – but seatback screens are not usually considered mandatory equipment, even if they’re advertised as an available amenity.

Nevertheless, the DOT recently announced new rules that give consumers increased protections when other kinds of things go wrong, so here’s what you need to know about what is and isn’t a reimbursable offense by an airline these days.

What is an airline contract of carriage?

Airline contracts of carriage are the terms and conditions that passengers agree to when they fly. Travelers automatically sign on when they purchase their tickets, even if they don’t have to formally sign a document. The contracts typically outline an airline’s commitments for transportation, as well as what happens if your flight is delayed or canceled and other fine print related to your itinerary.

“Some airlines have a customer bill of rights to basically simplify the airline contract of carriage, but essentially it’s what’s allowed, what’s not allowed, but everybody has a little bit different verbiage,” Loulu Lima, founder of the Texas-based travel agency Book Here Give Here, told me. 

If you want to comb through the fine print, airlines make their contracts of carriage available on their websites. EVA’s contract , which covered Schrier’s trip, includes terms and conditions on how tickets can be used and (not) transferred, how stopovers work, what kinds of delays or cancellations make a passenger eligible for a refund and other assorted policies.

“It’s going to depend on the airline. An American airline is going to have a different set of rules than an Asian one,” Lima said. “The rules are really written based on the country of the corporate office.

Here are the contracts of carriage for each of the major U.S. airlines, if you want to take a look: 

• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines

Can passengers get a refund for broken inflight entertainment?

Usually not. 

“If you have status, you might get some loyalty points out of it, but other than maybe going on social media and making a big stink about it you’re probably not going to get anything,” Lima said.

Some airlines are also more accommodating than others and may voluntarily give passengers credits when something like that goes wrong. A few years ago, I was flying on Delta, and my seatback screen was broken, and they gave me about 2,500 SkyMiles as a goodwill gesture. 

Schrier said EVA eventually offered him about $100 in compensation.

Last week's Cruising Altitude: Another Boeing plane issue? Don't fall for the headlines.

New Department of Transportation rule increases traveler protections

While inflight entertainment isn’t typically considered critical equipment by an airline, which means it’s safe to travel even if those seatback screens aren’t working, the DOT recently announced new rules that help guarantee protections and refunds for other kinds of issues in the air. 

Part of the change mean: 

• Airlines will have to automatically issue refunds within 20 days if a passenger’s flight is canceled or significantly delayed (over three hours) and they choose not to travel on alternative flights offered.
• If a traveler pays a checked bag fee and their bag is significantly delayed, they’ll be entitled to a refund of the fee. 
• If a traveler pays in advance for an ancillary service like an extra legroom seat or Wi-Fi and then does not have access to that amenity on the flight, they will have to receive a refund for those charges.

The refund policies were also coupled with another new rule that requires more upfront, clear-cut disclosure of airline fees.

“A lot of what we hear from passengers involves refunds – or the lack thereof – for passengers who experience cancellations and disruptions.” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement announcing the new rules. “Infrequent fliers are especially vulnerable, since they may not know that we are here for them, and are often not told about their right to a refund, and too often instead offered compensation in form of a voucher or miles whose value amounts to pennies on the dollar of what they are actually owed. Or they enter the vortex of call centers and chatbots, sometimes giving up before they get their money back.”

Schrier, for example, said he had a lot of trouble getting through to EVA to file his complaint. 

It’s definitely frustrating for travelers who are on a long flight without functioning entertainment. I’m usually totally dependent on the seatback screen for my distractions while flying. But if the alternative is for a flight to get significantly delayed or canceled while technicians fix the operating system, I think I’d rather just get going. 

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Flight delayed? Air traffic control woes go beyond what FAA bill will fix.

• Deep Read ( 5 Min. )
• By Christa Case Bryant Staff writer
• Sophie Hills Staff writer

May 2, 2024 | Washington

Understaffing in air traffic control has been a challenge ever since President Ronald Reagan fired most of the United States’ controllers during a 1981 strike. Today the control towers are also handling more planes, drones, and rocket launches without the best technology. Most U.S. airports still track flights with paper strips, and overstretched controllers sometimes have to extend time between landings, creating delays.

Missed budget deadlines have also made it tough for the Federal Aviation Administration to plan ahead. Lawmakers have yet to pass a reauthorization bill that spells out funding priorities for fiscal years 2024-28, which was due Oct. 1, 2023. They now have until May 10 to pass the bipartisan measure, which includes increased investment in air traffic control personnel and technology.

Why We Wrote This

Flying has become frustrating for many Americans. Here we explain one systemic issue behind delays and threats to safety – and the steps Congress can take to speed progress.

“Reauthorization is extremely important in providing a level of stability,” says Michael Huerta, former head of the FAA and chair of a safety review team convened after a series of near misses last year. “But more needs to be done.” 

President Joe Biden’s 2025 proposed budget increases the FAA’s funding by 10% and includes $43 million for controller hiring and training. But first, Congress has to pass the 2024 FAA reauthorization – more than seven months late.

The 2.9 million airline passengers who take to the American skies every day are increasingly grumpy as they face delays, cancellations, and ever-higher fees for things that were once free. The reasons are complex, but when it comes to delays, a key issue is the growing strain on the air traffic control system responsible for preventing collisions among 45,000 daily flights.

Since President Ronald Reagan fired most of the controllers in the United States during a 1981 strike, understaffing has been a challenge. Today controllers are also handling a more complex airspace, including more drones and rocket launches. And they’re doing it without top technology. All but  seven U.S. airports, for example, track flights with paper strips rather than with an electronic system – a system Canada has used for more than two decades.

A series of near misses last year – including a FedEx plane nearly landing on top of a Southwest plane taking off in Austin, Texas, after both were cleared by the same controller – has prompted a deeper look. A federal safety review team devoted more than a third of its November  report to bolstering the strained air traffic control system. 

Officials insist that the skies are still safe overall. But maintaining safety can come at customers’ expense. For example, overburdened controllers may spread out planes further and extend the time between each landing on a given runway, resulting in delays.

The staffing and technology constraints are partly Congress’ fault. Missed budget deadlines and government shutdowns have made it tough for the Federal Aviation Administration to plan ahead. Now there’s a once-in-five-years opportunity to address air traffic control issues as Congress reviews FAA spending priorities for 2024-28. 

The House and Senate committees that oversee the agency both approved bipartisan FAA reauthorization bills that include measures to address the air traffic control shortages and technological hurdles. But neither fully addresses the chronic underfunding and its effects. After missing an Oct. 1, 2023, deadline, Congress must vote on both bills before the current temporary funding expires on May 10.

“Reauthorization is extremely important in providing a level of stability, so that’s a good thing,” says Michael Huerta, the former administrator of the FAA and chair of the safety review team behind last November’s report. “But more needs to be done, and we’re really encouraging the administration and the Congress to look more broadly at what the long-term needs of the agency are and how best to address them.” 

Struggle to recruit, retain controllers

When Jeffrey Thompson was 18 years old, an Air Force recruiter lent him a DVD of “Pushing Tin,” starring John Cusack as an air traffic controller, and convinced Mr. Thompson to be one himself. 

“ATC saved my life,” says Mr. Thompson. “It helped me create a life and destroy generational curses.”

After years with the military overseas, he was hired as an air traffic controller at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport just as all the controllers brought on after the Reagan-era purge were retiring. 

“People weren’t certifying in air traffic control fast enough,” he says, adding that the FAA fast-tracked people who weren’t necessarily ready. He also saw inexperienced controllers not getting critical mentoring.

Confronted by such understaffing and a “good old boy” culture that didn’t feel welcoming to him as a Black man, Mr. Thompson left to pursue a different career in 2018.

The November report called for a review of the culture and training atmosphere at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma to determine whether they were deterring candidates who could succeed.

The FAA also faces a class action lawsuit alleging that during the Obama administration it sidelined more than 2,000 qualified applicants, who had already passed an assessment test, in an overhaul of the hiring process designed to increase racial diversity among air traffic controllers.

This year the agency plans to hire 1,800 controllers – 300 more than last year – and is filling every seat at the academy. It began allowing qualified graduates from collegiate air traffic control programs to skip the academy and go straight to a facility. It is also accelerating hiring of military controllers, and using modernized simulators to train new hires more efficiently. 

But only about 70% of candidates pass the academy certification tests. And many people are leaving the field. According to the safety review report, the FAA hiring plan will yield a net increase of fewer than 200 controllers by 2032.

The Department of Transportation’s inspector general  found last summer that 3 in 4 critical airports are understaffed. At the bottom of the list was a New York facility (N90) that is staffed at only 54% and has only eight operational supervisors out of the 30 authorized.

Three-quarters of all delays in the U.S. occur because of delays around New York City, a particularly complex and congested airspace,  according to the FAA . In the summer of 2022,  Reuters reported , more than 40,000 flights were delayed due at least in part to air traffic control understaffing. As a result of such understaffing, last year airlines reduced by 10% the number of flights they were offering into New York – a cut that is still in effect.

Fewer controllers means more flights each controller has to track when others are on the required breaks. It also means more overtime shifts. While the additional pay is attractive, it can lead to mistakes – and burnout. “They’re wearing the controllers out,” says a recently retired controller and local union representative. “When you keep running the system at a bare minimum, something’s going to break.” 

Overworking controllers can increase the stress of an already intensely stressful job. And the controllers are acutely aware of the high stakes. “You can’t make mistakes,” says the retired controller.

Serious runway incursions or near misses remain rare. In the past fiscal year, there were only 23 out of 54.4 million flights, and only about a fifth of those were due to controllers’ actions or inaction. However, that marked a 44% increase over the previous year.

Aging technology

One way to minimize safety issues is improved technology that alerts controllers and gives them more situational awareness. But there’s a long way to go.

The switch from paper flight-tracking strips to electronic ones at 49 U.S. airports is  scheduled to take another five years. A hazard-alert system known as NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) failed last year, causing the first nationwide shutdown of U.S. airspace since 9/11. And most instrument landing systems, which guide airplanes on their final approach to the runway, are more than 25 years old. Air traffic control towers are 40 years old on average.

“It’s not functioning the way a major utility ought to function,” says Robert Poole, director of transportation policy at Reason Foundation, a libertarian think tank, noting that other countries are far ahead of the U.S.

The Senate’s new FAA reauthorization bill proposes  $18 billion to upgrade NOTAM and expand technology aimed at preventing runway collisions from 43 airports to all large and midsize airports. Another improvement under way is transitioning from radar to GPS so that air traffic controllers have a more precise picture of a plane’s whereabouts.

“It’s like going from an impressionist painting to HDTV,” says Mr. Huerta, the former FAA head.

Such technological investments have been hampered partly by the expense of maintaining legacy systems, many of which are too old for manufacturer support and replacement parts. That’s partly because the five-year funding cycle limits long-term planning and investments. 

“There is quite a lot of pressure on the FAA to do its mission with years of not funding it the proper way,” says Patricia Gilbert, a veteran air traffic controller who was the executive vice president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association from 2009 to 2021 and a co-author of the November 2023 safety review report. 

“And it’s not all Congress,” she adds, noting that administrations have limited needed investments at FAA in favor of other funding priorities.  

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By Megan McCrea

At last, you’ve arrived in Cuzco, Peru — you’re ready for your dream trek to Machu Picchu. There’s just one problem: You can barely catch your breath, your stomach is churning and, in the morning, your head is throbbing.

The culprit? Altitude sickness, or in medical terms, acute mountain sickness — the various symptoms tied to your body’s response to the higher altitude. As elevation increases, air pressure drops, meaning you get less oxygen from each full breath. It is temporarily uncomfortable for most people, but in extreme cases, severe altitude sickness can even be fatal.

It sounds scary, but as Paul Nicolazzo, the president of Wilderness Medicine Training Center said, “There’s really no reason to be afraid of going to altitude, as long as you understand what you’re up against, and you obey some very, very basic rules.”

Know the symptoms

A.M.S. has four general symptoms: headache, gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea and lack of appetite), fatigue/weakness, and dizziness/lightheadedness.

Many people experience the morning altitude headache, in which “your skull feels too small for the pulse that’s coming,” said Steve House, the founder of Uphill Athlete , a company that offers high-altitude endurance coaching.

It is also common to struggle with sleep at high altitudes. This occurs partly because the part of your nervous system responsible for keeping you awake has kicked in to increase your respiratory rate, Mr. Nicolazzo said.

Pay attention to elevation

The two main drivers of A.M.S. are how high you’re going and how fast you’re getting there. People with a higher altitude sensitivity might start experiencing challenges not far above 5,000 feet, say in places like Denver and Johannesburg. Anyone traveling above 8,000 feet may be at risk for altitude sickness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Serious adventure travelers — say, those trekking in the Himalayas, or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro — usually know they’re headed for high altitudes. But the elevation of destinations like Mexico City (about 8,000 feet), the summit of Haleakala on Maui (10,023 feet), Cuzco (about 11,150 feet), or even Santa Fe, N.M. (6,996 feet), might come as a surprise. To set expectations, check your destination’s altitude in advance on Google Earth or the U.S. Geological Survey national map viewer .

Listen to your body

If you have a condition like heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, lung disease, C.O.P.D., asthma or sleep apnea, you’ll want to start paying close attention to how you’re feeling at around 5,000 feet.

If you have a pre-existing condition or have had trouble with high altitudes before — or if you’ll be going above 10,000 feet — consider visiting a specialist, who can help you prepare and may be able to advise you about the main drugs used to prevent and treat altitude sickness, Diamox (acetazolamide) and dexamethasone.

Sleep your way up

Traveling to high altitudes is a little like running a marathon: It will go better if you build up to it.

Say you’re headed to a high-altitude ski resort. Consider working your way up from a lower sleeping elevation to a higher one, since the critical factor — for altitude purposes — is where you spend the night.

If you’re traveling from sea level to Breckenridge, a Colorado ski town that sits at about 9,600 feet, first spend a night in Denver, at 5,280 feet, advised Dr. Peter Hackett, the founder of the Denali Medical Research Project and a high-altitude specialist. By doing so, he explained, “you drop the incidence of headache by almost half. So that little bit of extra time that you take to get to 9,000 feet to sleep can make a big difference.”

Skip that fatty steak

When Mr. Nicolazzo worked as a ski patroller, there was a behavior so common — and certain to exacerbate altitude illness — he remembers that local lodges posted warnings about it. People would fly in from sea level, he recalled, drive to Taos, N.M. (6,969 feet), “have a big steak, baked potato with sour cream and a lot of butter,” along with several cocktails. Then, they would feel terrible the next day, he said.

To avoid that feeling, trade the steak and extra butter for something with more carbohydrates, as fats and proteins take more oxygen for your body to metabolize.

And if you’re having a cocktail, keep it to one: Alcohol and other depressants can decrease your oxygen level, particularly while you’re sleeping, Dr. Hackett said.

Above all, drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated will help your kidneys work better, Mr. Nicolazzo explained, which can help you adjust to the altitude and, hopefully, avoid the headache.

Watch for red flags

A mild case of A.M.S. can become moderate or severe if someone ascends too high or too fast. Most — but not all — people progress through the mild symptoms before reaching this level, which includes symptoms like dizziness, disorientation, severe nausea and extreme shortness of breath.

To guard against severe A.M.S., monitor how you feel, and if you’re experiencing a persistent headache, trouble sleeping or other A.M.S. symptoms, tell your companions and don’t ascend any higher.

At the severe end of the continuum, if not treated, A.M.S. could progress into high altitude pulmonary edema , in which fluid builds up in the lungs, or more rarely, high altitude cerebral edema , where fluid builds up in the brain. Both conditions can be fatal.

“There are three cures for altitude illness,” Mr. House said, “descent, descent and descent.” Anyone who appears confused, is coughing up fluid or seems to have trouble breathing or walking — symptoms of severe conditions like HAPE or HACE — needs to be taken down immediately, Dr. Hackett said. “Just a thousand feet is all they have to go. And that could save their life.”

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Air Canada reports wider-than-expected loss, shares drop

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U.S. regulators on Thursday gave the go-ahead to Exxon Mobil 's $60 billion purchase of Pioneer Natural Resources PXD.N, but barred Pioneer's former CEO from Exxon's board on allegations he attempted to collude with OPEC to raise oil prices.