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    Which Tour Is Right for You? Biblical Footsteps or Footsteps of Jesus?

    July 15, 2026 by Lisa Tarzia

    Choosing your first tour to Israel is exciting—but with two exceptional itineraries departing in 2026 and 2027, you may be wondering which one is the best fit.

    The good news is that there isn’t a wrong choice. Both tours visit many of Israel and Palestines’s most significant biblical sites, are led by experienced Christian teachers, and are designed to deepen your understanding of Scripture. The difference lies in the emphasis.

    Biblical Footsteps – Understanding the Whole Story

    If you love biblical history, archaeology and seeing how the Old and New Testaments fit together, Biblical Footsteps may be the perfect choice.

    Led by Dr Brendan Roach, this journey explores the land of the Bible through its historical, geographical and archaeological context. You’ll visit iconic locations such as Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Masada, Caesarea, Megiddo, Dan, the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights while discovering how the events of Scripture unfolded across the landscape.

    This tour is ideal for travellers who enjoy asking “Why did this happen here?” and want to gain a richer understanding of the biblical world.

    Perfect for you if you:

    • Love archaeology and biblical history.
    • Want to understand the whole biblical narrative.
    • Enjoy connecting the Old and New Testaments.
    • Appreciate historical and cultural context.

    Footsteps of Jesus – Walking Through the Gospels

    If your desire is to retrace the life and ministry of Jesus, then Footsteps of Jesus offers a deeply personal and Christ-centred pilgrimage.

    Led by Dr Bernie Power in 2026 and Bishop Paul Barker in 2027, this itinerary follows the story of Jesus through the places where He taught, healed, ministered, died and rose again. Along the way you’ll gain fresh insight into the Gospels while enjoying opportunities for worship, reflection and devotional teaching.

    The tour focuses less on archaeology for its own sake and more on helping the places illuminate the life of Christ.

    Perfect for you if you:

    • Want to deepen your relationship with Jesus.
    • Enjoy devotional Bible teaching.
    • Love the Gospels.
    • Are looking for a traditional Christian pilgrimage experience.

    Which Tour Should You Choose?

    Both tours include many of Israel’s most famous biblical sites and both provide outstanding biblical teaching. The real question isn’t which tour is “better”—it’s which journey best matches what you’re hoping to experience.

    Choose Biblical Footsteps if you want to understand the Bible through the history, archaeology and geography of the land.

    Choose Footsteps of Jesus if your heart is set on walking in the footsteps of Christ and experiencing the Gospel story where it unfolded.

    Whichever journey you choose, you’ll return home with a deeper appreciation of God’s Word, a greater understanding of the land of the Bible, and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

     

    Biblical Footsteps 2027 map        Footsteps of Jesus 2027 map

     

    Author: Lisa Tarzia, Managing Director of Selah Tours.
    Lisa has worked in the travel industry since 1988, and has been curating biblical tours since 2007.

    Filed Under: Tour Prep, Tour Reflection Tagged With: bible tour, christian travel, israel, pilgrimage

    Is It Safe to Travel to Israel & Palestine?

    January 12, 2026 by Lisa Tarzia

    It is one of the first questions we are asked—sometimes quietly, sometimes bluntly:

    “Is it safe to travel to Israel & Palestine?”

    Since the end of the war, enquiries and bookings for Israel have increased significantly. For many Christians, the longing to walk where Jesus walked and to read Scripture in the land where it was written is deeply compelling. At the same time, hesitation is understandable.

    Rather than offering a simple yes or no, it’s worth asking a more helpful question first:

    What do we actually mean when we say “safe”?

    How Do We Define “Safe”?

    Safety is often spoken about as though it is absolute—something a destination either is or isn’t. In reality, safety is highly subjective.

    For some people, safety is about political stability.
    For others, it’s about crime rates, healthcare systems, or reliable infrastructure.
    And for many, safety is emotional: How will I feel being there? Will I be anxious? Will my family be worried?

    Our perceptions of safety are shaped by our personal experiences, our tolerance for uncertainty, and the stories we hear—particularly through the media.

    No Destination Is Completely Risk-Free

    It’s also important to acknowledge that no destination is ever completely risk-free.

    Cities across Europe, the UK, and the United States—places many of us visit without hesitation—experience crime, civil unrest, and occasional acts of violence. Yet we rarely ask whether those destinations are “safe” in quite the same way.

    Israel, because of its history and its prominence in global news, is often held to a different standard.

    Better Questions to Ask Before You Travel

    Rather than asking “Is Israel safe?”, it can be more helpful to consider a series of practical questions:

    What is the current situation on the ground?
    Are borders open? Are airlines operating? Is daily life functioning normally? Are embassies open and staffed? These indicators often tell us more than headlines.

    Where will I be travelling?
    Most Christian itineraries focus on areas such as Jerusalem, Galilee, the Dead Sea, and the coastal regions—areas with well-established tourism infrastructure and strong security presence.
    We do not visit Gaza ever.

    Who am I travelling with?
    Travelling independently is very different from travelling with an experienced tour operator who understands the region, monitors conditions closely, and adapts plans when required.

    How do I personally assess risk?
    Some travellers find visible security unsettling; others find it reassuring. Some thrive on certainty, others are comfortable with unpredictability. There is no “right” response—only an honest one.

    Experience, Planning, and Responsibility

    We have been operating tours to Israel and the surrounding region for over 20 years. During that time, we have navigated seasons of calm and seasons of uncertainty.

    Behind every tour is a comprehensive risk management plan—something most travellers never see, but which shapes every decision we make. This includes ongoing monitoring of local conditions, close relationships with trusted partners on the ground, and clear protocols for responding to change.

    If a situation were to escalate, we would not hesitate to amend itineraries, postpone departures, or cancel a tour altogether. Safety—physical, emotional, and pastoral—is always our first priority.

    Faith, Fear, and Discernment

    For many Christian travellers, the question of safety sits at the intersection of faith and wisdom.

    Travelling to Israel is not about ignoring reality or being reckless. Nor is it about being ruled by fear. Scripture invites us to seek discernment, wise counsel, and peace as we make decisions.

    Interestingly, many travellers report that once they arrive in Israel, the anxiety they felt beforehand gives way to a profound sense of calm and focus—often describing the experience as grounding, moving, and deeply faith-affirming.

    So, Is It Safe to Travel to Israel?

    The most honest answer is this:

    Israel is as safe as many destinations people travel to regularly—provided travel is well-planned, responsibly guided, and thoughtfully considered.

    Whether it feels safe for you depends on how you define safety, your comfort levels, and how you choose to travel.

    Our role is not to convince anyone, but to walk alongside you with transparency, experience, and care—so you can make an informed and prayerful decision.

    If you’re considering travelling to Israel and would like to talk through your questions or concerns, we’re always happy to have that conversation.

    Considering a trip to Israel but still have questions?
    We understand that deciding to travel—especially to this region—is not something to rush. If you’d like to talk through current conditions, our safety protocols, or whether one of our upcoming tours is right for you, we’d love to help.

    With over 20 years’ experience leading Christian tours to Israel and the Middle East, our role is to provide clarity, wisdom, and care—so you can make an informed, prayerful decision.

    Get in touch with us to discuss upcoming Israel tours or to speak with our team.
    No pressure. Just honest conversation and trusted guidance.

    Check out our Holy Land Tours on offer.

    Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: israel, safety

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