More Than 10 Good Reasons for a Pilgrimage Tour to Israel

January 8, 2018

We love Israel!! Our first pilgrimage tour to Israel was such a game changing experience that Cheryl and I decided to focus our time and energy encouraging people to experience the Holy Land. We are the co-owners and founders of World Travel Agency LLC, a luxury and group travel agency. We organize and arrange pilgrimage, lifestyle and study tours to Israel. Whether you are a group of 1 or 500, our mission is to share this incredible experience with those that Israel beckons.

Baptismal Site on the Jordan River - Yardenit

Israel Pilgrimage Tours, or Israel Holy Land tours as they are often called, are typically 7 to 14 day tours throughout the country of Israel. Being a focal point for the largest monotheistic religions in the world; Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Israel draws visitors for pilgrimages of every age and nationality. Israel is a country of 8.3 million inhabitants and is roughly the size of New Jersey, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. Being a small country, it is easy to get around. The country is currently drawing 3.5 million tourists each year, 600,000 of those from the United States. A visa is not required, just a valid passport. There is no passport stamp, instead you are provided a convenient card for entering and exiting the country. Israel is a first world country where English is spoken which makes it easy for those of us that don’t speak Hebrew and Arabic.

It’s a challenge to adequately describe the profound spiritual effect a pilgrimage to the land of the Bible imparts on each pilgrim. I’ve heard people say that they’ll never read the Bible the same way again and that God’s Word seems to come alive in a new way. Pastor Chuck Smith often said that "two weeks in Israel is worth a year in any seminary." Suffice it to say, it is personal and impactful.

Imagine yourself walking where Jesus walked and standing on the ground where New and Old Testament events took place. A pilgrimage offers the opportunity to learn about Biblical, historical and contemporary Israel. Knowledgeable and thoroughly trained tour guides provide the historical, political, geographical and cultural context of Israel. Throughout the tour you are immersed in a culture much different than our own; new sites, people, foods, customs, languages and much more. And if you are like me and love new tastes and great food, Israel is awesome surprise. The food is incredibly good!

Notwithstanding any of the considerations expressed above, perhaps the most relevant benefit to a pilgrimage to Israel is the spiritual growth one encounters on such a journey. While it is very personal with varied impact on each person, I’ve not met a person yet that was not changed by experiencing God in Israel, the “Land of Creation”.

One final and very important parting thought: the bonds you create with the people on your pilgrimage tour can last a lifetime. We remain close to many that we’ve shared this experience with, yet another reason to pack your bags and get ready for all that Israel offers.

Michael LaBaw
Michael LaBaw, co-founder of World Travel Agency LLC, is a travel agent, writer and photographer. Michael sold luxury vacations in Mexico for 15 years and his wife and cofounder, Cheryl is a 32 year veteran of the airline industry. The couple leveraged this background to share their passion for travel with others. Their affiliations with Andavo Travel and the Virtuoso worldwide network provide incredible resources that ensure their clients are presented attractive alternatives, options, and amenities appropriate for the budget allotted their travel. Michael and Cheryl specialize in group tours to Israel, Jordan, Africa and India. The couple blends their extensive global travel with ongoing education to provide their clients exceptional counsel, expertise and value. While particularly knowledgeable about travel in India, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North and Central America, the couple also specializes in cruises and land destinations around the world.