You’ve Heard about the Sites... Now See Them for Yourself !

ON A BOOK & THE SPADE ARCHAEOLOGICAL ADVENTURE STUDY TOUR

Our 2026 tour went to the other Holyland - Turkiye - in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul

We followed Paul's missionary journeys from Antioch, where Jesus' followers were first called Christians,
to Ephesus, among the seven cities of the book of Revelation.
2026 Tour Report: TB&TS || Biblical Israel Tours

2022 Tour Report: TB&TS || Biblical Israel Tours

2018 Tour Report

2015 Tour Report

2008 Tour Report

2001 Tour Report

1999 Tour Report

1996 Tour Report

Previous Tours - 1985, 1992, 1994

 On our Israel tours expect to see and experience a lot, more than typical tours, including:
  • Visiting the sites of recent archaeological discoveries discussed on The Book & the Spade radio program and reported in the pages of ARTIFAX magazine.
  • Learning how archaeological discoveries have improved our understanding of the Bible and the biblical world.
  • Following the footsteps of Jesus from Nazareth, to the Sea of Galilee, to Jerusalem.
  • Standing on the Mount of Olives, and visualizing the Jewish Temple that Jesus knew, 2,000 years ago, or the temple of Solomon from 3,000 years ago.
  • Exploring the Old City of Jerusalem, with its Temple Mount, Western (Wailing) Wall, reconstructed Jewish Quarter, excavations, and bazaars.
  • Visiting the City of David, the oldest part of Jerusalem, where excavations reveal new details of life in biblical times.
  • Experiencing a biblical meal, a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, a prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.
  • Visiting historical restorations that recreate life as it was in Biblical times, in the locations where the Biblical drama originally unfolded.
  • Going underground and see the tombs and tunnels that add to our knowledge of life in biblical times.
  • Floating on the Dead Sea.
  • Hiking to the top of tells (ancient artificial hills) and finding out why they are so important for understanding ancient cities.
  • Not only visiting sites but meeting the people who are part of the unique spiritual heritage of the Holyland.

You’ve read about and heard descriptions of so many of the places we visit. Think of what a thrill it would be to experience them for yourself! Every step you take will expand your understanding of the Scriptures. Names like Nazareth, Capernaum and Bethsaida will no longer be vague spots on a biblical map, but will trigger vivid memories. You'll learn why names you never read in the Bible, like Qumran and Sepphoris, are adding so much to our Biblical knowledge. The Golan Heights, a kibbutz in Galilee, and other stops will make you much more aware of daily issues. And then there are the people, gathered from nations all over the world … searching for Something that will bring them peace. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry; you’ll play and you’ll pray. You’ll visit excavations. Most of all, your worship and Bible reading will never be the same again. This tour is an investment in your understanding of the Bible and the Biblical world. We work to make sure it's the best investment possible.

What is an Archaeological Adventure Tour? It's our prescription for maximizing your investment in this travel/pilgrimage opportunity. We've heard complaints about tours that seem to spend too much time shopping. That may be what some people want. That's not our tour. We do some shopping but we set our own itinerary. We believe that focusing on the archaeological history is the best way to develop true understanding of the factual/historical events that shaped this cradle of culture, civilization, and faith. We work to provide more pre-trip and in-trip resources than the typical tour, so that our groups can more easily assimilate all of the new information and experiences. And we use the most experienced tour guides who know and understand the archaeological and faith history of the Holyland.

THE BOOK & THE SPADE works with an experienced travel agency, Imagine Tour & Travel, and veteran tour leader John DeLancey of Biblical Israel Ministries & Tours, in order to offer the best tour experience possible. Our itinerary is specialized; we see more and do more than most tours. We go to places that the cookie cutter tours do not go so that we can offer you more "backgrounders on the Bible through Biblical Archaeology."

Seven Basic Resources to Prepare for a Holyland Tour

For more information on THE BOOK & THE SPADE TOURS, contact Gordon Govier.

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