Israel April 13 28, 2020 The first time I walked into Jerusalem I could feel the prayers of 4,000 years hanging in the air. I breathed them in and stepped into scripture and into history. Greg Lavine Overview: April 13-28, 2020 Fourteen nights: Eleven nights in Israel, three in Jordan Three and four-star hotels Six nights in the Old City of Jerusalem The splendor of walking where Jesus walked Cost is $4262 per person. This includes $1200 for airfare (I hope to get it for a little less). Single room supplement is $781. Third person reduction $165.
Expectations: Trips make choices about physical exertion, pace, and how to manage time. This trip will be flexible to accommodate people s preferences and abilities, but will be organized with the following expectations: 1. On the scale between slowing down to soak it in and keeping up to see everything, we will see as much as we can. We have some rest scheduled, and all walking will be slow, but most likely this will be your only time in Israel and we want to see as much as possible. 2. If you participate in everything you will walk 50+ miles over the two weeks. Most days will be around 3 miles with a few longer days. Some walking is optional, and it is possible to take days off if you need it. 3. Greg enjoys seeing God in sunrises, sunsets, and grand vistas. You are welcome to join him in early morning walks or a hike to watch sunset. There will always be time to take out a tripod and capture great views. 4. Staying in the Old City of Jerusalem is unique. We will be in the heart of it all in the Arab quarter. It is modern and as nice as there is, but it is not a western hotel. The rooftop terrace provides one of the best views in all Jerusalem.
5. We have chosen to organize this tour with Ophir Tours, an Israeli family run company. Doing this helped us save on the trip. They facilitate a first-class tour. But brochures, websites, and general communication will not be the same as using a large American company. All finances for the trip will be paid to New Life and the church will make group payments. Money given to New Life for the trip is not tax deductible. What is Included: Airfare and all transportation once we hit the ground. Luxury air-conditioned buses in Jordan and Israel. Fourteen nights lodging at three and four-star hotels. Expert guides for all sightseeing and transfers. Entrance fees to all sights listed. Jordanian entry visa and departure tax. Diving with dolphins in the Red Sea. Full buffet breakfasts and dinners daily at hotels. Tips for the guide, driver, and group meals. What is Not Included: Personal expenses : (snacks, souvenirs, water bottles, etc) Lunches. Tips for bellboys to carry your luggage or for housecleaning in your rooms. A dollar a day goes a long way to secure the best housekeeping. Medical or travel insurance. Transportation to or from the Phoenix airport.
Finances: Capping the trip at 27 people, cost is $4262 per person, double occupancy. Single occupancy is $5043. $500 initial payment is due to reserve your place. This payment is partially refundable, until airfare is purchased. $700 payment April 15, 2019. The first two payments will not be refundable after April 20, 2019. $2000 will be due November 18, 2019. The balance will be due March 2, 2020. Itinerary: April 13 April 14 April 15 April 16 Our tour begins with an overnight flight from Phoenix, AZ to Amman, Jordan Upon arrival at Queen Alia International airport, we will meet a representative, get visas, and board our bus to the Ayass Hotel in Amman for dinner and overnight. "Bethany beyond the Jordan", where Jesus was baptized and John anchored his ministry (John 1: 28 and 10:40). The city of Madaba with its 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Mt. Nebo, where Moses saw the Promised Land with God before he died (Dt. 34). Machareus, where John the Baptist was beheaded (Mk 6:14-29). We ll end in Petra for dinner and overnight. Up to 10 Miles walking to see everything. It is possible to do much less. If you see everything but the Monastery you ll walk 5 Miles on level ground. Paying for carriage, camel, or mule rides is also possible. Water can be purchased throughout. Petra is where Esau made his home (Genesis 32:3; 36:8). These mountains house the Aaron Peak, the highest in Petra and the burial place of Aaron, brother of Moses. Plane Ayass Amman Petra Guest House
April 17 April 18 April 19 April 20 We will drive 2 hours to the Israeli border where Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia nearly intersect. In Eilat we will swim and dive with dolphins in the Red Sea. Dolphin Reef offers a place to swim, sit, and grab food if you desire. Drive another 2 hours to The Dead Sea for Shabbat. Up to a six Mile day. Those that want to hike Masada will board the bus at 4:30am, to stat hiking by 5:00. Sunrise is 6:05am. The hike is about 3 Miles up 1200 feet (6 Miles round trip) and takes about an hour one way. Those choosing to ride the cable car up will board the bus at 7:30am and ride up at 8:00. After Masada we will have the day to rest and enjoy the Dead Sea. Shabbat Shalom. Walk through Ein Gedi, a nature reserve of waterfalls and caves where David hid from Saul (1 Samuel 24:1-3). Qumran, the settlement of the first century sect known as the Essenes, the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Jericho and the Mount of Temptation (Josh 6; Mt 4). Bet She an, where Saul and Jonathan s bodies were hung from the city walls (1 Sam 31:10-12). On to the Sea of Galilee for dinner and overnight. Sunrise atop Mount Arbel? Ancient Boat and a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Magdala and the newly discovered 1 st century synagogue. Jesus came here after feeding 5000 (Mt15:39). Capernaum: the town of Jesus. This is the center of Jesus ministry and the hometown of Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew (Mt. 4:13; 8:5; 11:23; 17:24; Mk. 1:21; 2:1; 9:33; Lk. 4:23, 31; 7:1; 10:15; Jn. 2:12; 4:46; 6:17, 24, 59). Tabgha: Feeding of 5000 and where Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection (Mt 14:13-21; Mk 6:30-44; Jn 6:1-15; 21:1-17). Mount Beatitudes (Mt 5-7). Beth Saida: Birthplace of Peter, Andrew, and Phillip (Mt 11:21; Mk 6:45; 8:22; Lk 9:10; 10:13; Jn 1:44; 12:21). David Dead Sea Nof Ginosar North
Gamla? Kfar Haruv? April 21 Dan: The highplaces of the northern most tribe and Abraham s Gate (Josh 19:40-48; Judg 18:29-30; 1 Ki 12:25-33; 2 Ki 15:29; Jn 4). Ceasarea Phillippi: Peter confesses the Christ (Mt 16:13-20; Mk 8:27-29; Lk 9:18-20). Cana: The first miracle (Jn 2:1-11). Nazareth: Place of Jesus childhood (Lk 1:26-38; 2:39-40; 4:16-30; Mt 13:53-58). April 22 Megiddo - har megiddo or Armageddon (Rev 16:16). Mount Carmel: Elijah and the prophets of Baal (1 Ki 18). Views of Jezreel Valley, Plains of Meggido, and Mounts Tabor and Gilboa. Caesarea: Herod s Seaside palace and prison for Paul (Acts 10; 24-25). To Jerusalem April 23 7 Mile day Temple Mount Tunnels Tour City of David, Hezekiah s Tunnel (2 Chron 32:1-4, 30; 2 Ki 20:20). Jewish Quarter (Cardo, Broad Wall, Burnt House) Mount of Olives for Sunset. Hashimi Guest House April 24 April 25 April 26 Bethlehem (Nativity, shepperds fileds). Israeli Museum Yad Vashem Machne Yehuda Market Shabbat at the Wall Free Day to rest and shop Ramparts Walk Citadel Light Show. Holy Seplecure Mount Zion Mount of Olives Garden Gethsemene Ciaphas House
Come in Dung Gate to watch Bar Mitvahs Via Dolorosa Garden Tomb. April 27 Lachish: The protector of Jerusalem (Josh 10:3, 5, 31-33; 2 Chron 10:9; 2 Ki 18; Is 36). Elah Valley: David and Goliath (1 Sam 17). Bet Shemesh: Sampson and The Ark of the Covenant. April 28 Full of gratitude and memories, we transfer to Tel Aviv airport for the return flight home to the USA