Holy Land Volun-Tour Program in Israel
Volun-Touring is impactful travel in Israel that combines the joy of exploring new places and immersion in new cultures while volunteering “hands-on” work.
Volun-Touring in Israel
Volun-Touring is impactful travel in Israel that combines the joy of exploring new places and immersion in new cultures while volunteering your services with “hands-on” work to make a positive impact.
Program Overview
•Merge faith with action; embark on an unforgettable 9-day adventure, walk in the footsteps of our prophets and feel their calling, and experience Israel in a meaningful way.
•Whether you’re drawn by history, service, or cultural immersion, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
• 4 Part-Time Volunteer Days of Meaningful Service
Give back through hands-on volunteer work that connects us to our history. Whether you’re assisting families, working on environmental projects, or supporting archaeological efforts, these days offer deep personal impact and contribution to our future.
• 5 Days of Sacred Exploration
Walk the ancient paths of Israel’s most treasured biblical sites—from the Sea of Galilee and Nazareth to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Stand where prophets preached, kings ruled, and miracles unfolded. With each step, you’ll witness Scripture coming to life in vivid, soul-stirring detail.
• Rest Easy, Travel Smoothly
You will stay in comfortable hotels. Each morning, enjoy breakfast before being conveniently transported to the day’s volunteer projects or sacred sites, with all logistics, planning and navigating handled for you.
• A Journey That Isn’t just About Travel
It’s about transformation, connection, and spiritual discovery.
Ready to make a difference? Complete our email form to learn more about this program.
Dates and Fees
Program Dates
The Jerusalem (Holy Land) Volun-Tour Program begins on a Friday and ends on a Saturday. There is a medium level of physical activities in this program. The upcoming dates for trips in the VFI Holy Land Program are:
Oct 9 to 17, 2026
Dec 4 to 12, 2026
Program Fees
The All-Inclusive program fee for this 9-day program bundles major costs including 9 nights in big-city hotels, all transportation in an air-conditioned bus, most meals, all-day touring, entrance fees, private tour guide, archaeology support and tours, volunteer supervision, lectures, and gratuities.
For double occupancy at all hotels throughout the program, the fee is $3,009. A supplement for single occupancy is $685. Each fee is subject to hotel room availability. It is based on a minimum of 7 participants and is subject to adjustment for fewer participants.
As a non-profit organization, VFI is committed to offering premium volun-touring experiences at the lowest possible price. Due to fluctuations in the dollar-shekel exchange rate and other economic factors, it may be necessary to occasionally increase trip fees above those published at the time of your deposit. We will make every attempt to ensure that fee increases are minimal and infrequent.
How to Register for the VFI Holy Land Program
Complete VFI Application and Submit Deposit
To reserve your space in a program, submit a completed application which includes making a $500 refundable deposit. This deposit will be applied toward the final cost. VFI is a 501(c)3 non-profit so part of your payment may be tax-deductible. Please consult your financial advisor.
Travel Documents
- Passport: Traveling in Israel requires a passport that must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your arrival date
- NEW VISA Requirement: All non-Israeli visitors to Israel must have a valid visa or ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before they start their trip. The ETA-IL is valid for two years and multiple trips of 90 days or less. The cost is 25 NIS (about $7.00) per person and obtained by online application at: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/
Insurance
VFI requires individual medical coverage while in Israel. Medicare generally does not cover medical care outside the U.S., so you should confirm with your insurer whether your policy includes coverage for treatment in Israel. VFI strongly recommends obtaining trip cancellation insurance which may also include medical coverage*.
*For more information, see the Q&A on our Resources webpage.
Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Group size is limited, and a tained for fully subscribed programs.
Detailed Itinerary
Click on each day below to expand and view details. Note that changes in conditions on the ground may necessitate last-minute modifications in the itinerary.
Day 1 – Friday – Welcome to the Holy Land – the Land of Israel
Arrive in Israel when it works for you. Check into the Maxim hotel, Tel Aviv. Settle in and take the rest of the day at leisure. Optional activities on your own: Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts market; or the nearby Carmel Market.
Welcome group dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in the Maxim hotel, Tel Aviv (86 Hayarkon, Tel Aviv)
Day 2 – Saturday – A Day of Faith, Miracles, and History: A Journey Through Jaffa and Tel Aviv
Breakfast at your hotel.
Begin your day at St. Peter’s Church in Jaffa, a beautiful Franciscan site where the Apostle Peter had a powerful vision from God. This vision, featuring unclean animals, symbolized that God’s love is for everyone. It’s a powerful place to reflect on grace and inclusion.
Nearby, one of the most extraordinary miracles of the Bible took place: where Peter raised Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead. Her resurrection reminds us of faith, renewal, and the living presence of Christ.
Visit Jaffa, one of the oldest ports in the world. This is where Jonah tried to escape God’s call, only to be redirected by a great storm and swallowed by a great fish before fulfilling his divine mission. The port also welcomed Jewish exiles from the Diaspora, returning to their homeland—fulfilling ancient prophecies of restoration.
Next is your journey to Rothschild Boulevard, a vibrant and historic street in Tel Aviv, where the very foundation of the modern State of Israel was laid. Walk in the footsteps of visionaries as you stand in front of the hall where the Declaration of the Independence of the State of Israel was proclaimed in 1948. The boulevard itself, lined with beautiful trees and Bauhaus architecture, represents resilience and rebirth.
Our day will end at the Hostages’ Square. This deeply moving site, now symbolic of the October 7th tragedy and the ongoing struggle to bring hostages home. A place of sorrow, remembrance, and unwavering hope.
Dinner and Overnight in the Maxim hotel, Tel Aviv (86 Hayarkon, Tel Aviv).
Day 3 – Sunday – A Journey Through the Stories of October 7 and Beyond: A Day of Remembrance, Resilience, Compassion, and Active Volunteering.
Breakfast at your hotel.
This day is more than a tour—it’s a powerful journey through sorrow, strength, and healing. It’s a chance to honor lives touched by tragedy and reflect on our shared humanity.
We’ll visit a community struck by the October 7 attacks, walking through streets that tell a story of resilience. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of courage and recovery, and witness how people continue to rebuild with strength and hope. This powerful visit honors the human spirit’s ability to endure and rise.
Next, we visit Sderot—a city shaped by years of missile attacks. Its streets are lined with bomb shelters and playgrounds built for protection, yet life goes on with incredible strength. Sderot stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. Here, you’ll meet people whose stories of courage and perseverance will move and inspire you.
Finally, we visit the Nova Festival site—once filled with music and joy, now a memorial to lives lost and the strength of survivors. Here, the land speaks of heartbreak and resilience. Take time to reflect, honor those we’ve lost, and witness the enduring spirit of those who continue forward.
Volunteering: Your day concludes with a visit and volunteering at “Hamal Ben Yehuda 86”, a distribution center dedicated to providing essential items for displaced families, soldiers, and others in need. Your work might involve packing supplies, organizing donations, etc. This act of service allows you to stand in solidarity with those affected.
Dinner & Overnight in the Maxim Hotel, Tel Aviv (86 Hayarkon)
Day 4 – Monday – A Day of Volunteering Service and Faith in Action Tour
Breakfast at your hotel.
Volunteering: Begin with a heartfelt act of volunteering service—preparing meals for IDF soldiers and local families in need. Inspired by Matthew 25:35, this moment turns faith into action, offering kindness to those in need.
Then, journey to Caesarea, a stunning coastal city rich with biblical history. Stand where the Apostle Paul once faced trial, explore ancient Roman ruins, and reflect at the site where Cornelius became the first Gentile baptized. Feel the power of Scripture coming to life at this historic crossroads.
More than a tour, this day is a spiritual experience—a blend of purpose, history, and Christian love that will leave a lasting imprint on your soul.
Dinner & Overnight in the Maxim Hotel, Tel Aviv (86 Hayarkon)
Day 5 – Tuesday – Walking with Christ: A Day of Service and Revelation
Breakfast at your hotel. Check out.
Volunteering: Begin your day joining local farmers in the fields to harvest and pack fresh produce, an act of service rooted in Jesus’ teachings (Luke 10:2). This hands-on ministry connects you directly to the land and its people through compassion and care.
Then, journey to Emmaus, where the risen Christ once walked with weary disciples. Stroll among olive trees and ancient stones, reflecting on the moment their hearts were opened (Luke 24:13–35). It’s a quiet, powerful reminder that faith often meets us along the road.
This day blends volunteering service and Scripture, offering a chance to give, receive, and deepen your spiritual connection in the land where the story began.
Dinner and Overnight in Prima Royale Hotel Jerusalem
Day 6– Wednesday – Unearthing the City of David
Breakfast at hotel.
Volunteering: Today’s volunteering is an unforgettable experience digging in the City of David—the cradle of King David’s ancient kingdom—and uncover actual archaeological artifacts hidden since Old Testament times.
After the dig, visit the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed the blind man (John 9), and walk ancient paths echoing with stories of prophets and kings. Stand near the area said to be David’s palace and feel history come alive beneath your feet. The Old Testament comes alive.
Dinner and Overnight in Prima Royale Hotel Jerusalem
Day 7– Thursday – From the Manger to the Cross
Breakfast at your hotel.
Begin your day in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. Enter the Church of the Nativity and kneel at the place of the Manger. In the afternoon, return to Jerusalem to follow His footsteps through the Old City. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, believed to be the site of His crucifixion and resurrection. Stand before the Western Wall, a place of prayer. Gaze from the Mount of Olives, and walk through the Garden Tomb—where the empty grave speaks of hope.
Every step draws you deeper into God’s living story.
Dinner and Overnight in Prima Royale Hotel Jerusalem
Day 8– Friday – The River of Life and Ruins of Glory
Breakfast at your hotel and check out.
This morning travel north, up the Jordan Valley, where prophets and pilgrims once walked. Stop at Qasr El Yahud—the Jordan River site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3)—and reflect on your own faith journey.
Then explore the ancient ruins of Scythopolis (Beit She’an), a grand city of the Decapolis, where Roman power met Christian beginnings. Walk in the colonnaded streets.
Finish the day at Israel’s first kibbutz, learning how communal life echoes the spirit of Acts 2:44, where early believers shared everything in common.
Overnight and dinner at Ohalo Maner, Kinneret (by the Sea of Galilee)
Hotel Information
(Changing conditions in Israel may require the substitution of hotels different than but equivalent to those in the Typical Itinerary shown above).
Maxim Hotel in Tel Aviv – 86 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 63903, Israel. (855) 213-5953 972 3-517-3721 https://www.telavivmaxim.com/ OR email Mr. Said at reservation@telavivmaxim.com
Golden Crown Hotel in Haifa – https://www.goldencrown-hotels.com/
Prima Royale Hotel in Jerusalem – https://www.prima-hotels-israel.com/prima-royal-jerusalem-hotel
Golan Hotel in Tiberias – https://www.golanhotel.com/
Ohalo Manor in Kinneret – https://www.ohalo-hotel.com/en/home-en/
** Important Notice **
Please note that all tours and volunteer activities are subject to change due to weather conditions (particularly in the Archaeology Dig Program) and the security situation in Israel. If adjustments become necessary, a suitable alternative activity or site will be arranged with the goal of keeping everyone engaged and satisfied.
In the event of rain in Jerusalem and a canceled dig, you’ll have access to a variety of museums and volunteer opportunities to ensure a meaningful experience continues.
Note that changing conditions in Israel may require the substitution of another equivalent hotel.
Your Program Contacts
For more information about the trips in this program, please consult the Question-And-Answer section and feel free to contact our knowledgeable program leaders.
Primary Contact : Stan Kessler
vfistan23@gmail.com
479.685.7034
Other Contact: Lisa Bell
vfi.lisa9@gmail.com
954.298.7495
Request More Information
Fill out the form below to request more information about all our Volun-Tour opportunities.
RESERVATIONS ON A FIRST-COME BASIS