IN THE STEPS OF JESUS: THE HOLY LAND

IN THE STEPS OF JESUS: THE HOLY LAND With the Reverend Dr. Peter Walker CONNOISSEURS TOURS JANUARY 1-800-856-1045 INFO@CONNOISSEURSTOURS.COM 7-19, 2016 1-912-351-9525

Dear Friends, There is nothing like studying the Bible in the lands where its major stories took place. Please join me next January for this exciting Study Tour in which we can visit not only Galilee and Jerusalem but also the beautiful land of Jordan. Each day you will be shown around the biblical sites by myself, in company with our local Christian guide, giving us ample opportunity to talk, share and pray together as we travel in the steps of Jesus. I especially love leading tours for those who are actively involved in a variety of Christian ministries and are asking how their visit will resource those ministries back home. Trinity School for Ministry, as its name implies, has a vision for equipping such people and is delighted that Connoisseurs Tours is able to administer this Study Tour as an integral part of its January Term of extension studies not in Pennsylvania but in Jerusalem! Join me next year in Jerusalem! Sincerely, Peter Walker Dr. Peter Walker was educated at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford and is currently Professor of Biblical Studies at Trinity, the evangelical Anglican seminary near Pittsburgh. Peter Walker has led numerous tours in the Middle East (Israel, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Jordan & Syria) and has also completed the filming for a forthcoming series of DVDs (based on In the Steps of Saint Paul) which will trace all of Paul s travels including locations such as Damascus, Lebanon, Cyprus, Crete, Malta and Sicily. Dr. Walker s five most recent books include: The Lion Guide to the Bible, The Jesus Way (based on Luke 24), In the Steps of Saint Paul; In the Steps of Jesus, and The Story of the Holy Land: a Visual History.

THURSDAY 7 th : DEPART YOUR HOME CITY This is your departure date from the United States to Tel Aviv. Connoisseurs Tours will provide each traveler with a suggested air schedule from his or her home city, which will connect with the group international flights. FRIDAY 8 th : ARRIVAL Upon arrival at Tel Aviv s Ben Gurion airport you will be met by your local Christian guide. We will then transfer to the Ron Beach Hotel in Tiberias, our home for the next 3 nights. The Ron Beach Hotel is located by the water s edge on the Sea of Galilee. (D) SATURDAY 9 th : NAZARETH/CANA We drive to Jesus home-town Nazareth, where we visit Nazareth Village and then the Basilica of the Annunciation - together with other nearby buildings and excavations from the first-century village (Luke 2:39-40; 4:14-34). We return via Cana, the town where we remember Jesus miracle at a wedding (John 2:1-10). (B,L,D) SUNDAY 10 th : THE LORD S DAY - LAKESIDE/ CAESAREA PHILIPPI Today there will be an opportunity to celebrate Holy Communion together not far from where Jesus first broke bread with his disciples. We will be visiting several Gospel sites in and around Capernaum (the base for Jesus public ministry): Peter s home, Capernaum s remarkable synagogue; a natural amphitheater, where Jesus taught from a boat (Mark 4:1); the Mount of Beatitudes; and Tabgha (the place of seven springs ), where we remember the feeding of the 5000 and especially Jesus Resurrection appearance (John 21). In the afternoon we drive northwards to Caesarea Philippi (or Banias), a source of the Jordan River; near here Peter confessed Jesus as the Messiah (Mark 8:27-29). The day concludes with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. (B,L,D) MONDAY 11 th : JERICHO/JERUSALEM Today, as we leave Galilee and travel southwards past Beth Shean, we follow the route which Jesus took on his final journey up to Jerusalem along the Jordan Valley, through

Jericho and up through the Judean wilderness. In Jericho we visit the ancient city (Joshua 5:13-6:27) and have the option of either going up by cable car to the Mount of Temptation or visiting the Baptism site on the River Jordan. Passing the ruins of Herod s Palace, we enjoy some peace in the desert, overlooking the Wadi Qelt and the monastery of St. George of Khosiba before ascending to Jerusalem. Our first panoramic views of the city are at sunset from the Mount of Olives. We enjoy dinner and stay for 4 nights at The St. George Landmark Hotel in East Jerusalem. (B,L,D) TUESDAY 12 th : BETHLEHEM /EIN KAREM Today, as we drive a few miles south, we pause to enjoy the spectacular views of Jerusalem from the Talpiot Promenade and then go into Bethlehem, the city of David. We visit the Shepherds Fields and the traditional birthplace of Jesus in the Church of the Nativity (Luke 2:1-20). There are opportunities for buying local crafts and for meeting some of the local Christian community (over lunch at Bethlehem Bible College). We then drive north-west to Ein Karem, a charming village in the Judean hills, the birthplace of John the Baptist (Luke 1:39-80). The bus will continue on to our hotel, but for those who wish, Peter will continue on to the Israel Museum to see the Model of Ancient Jerusalem, and the Shrine of the Book (containing the Dead Sea Scrolls). (B,L,D) WEDNESDAY 13 th : MOUNT OF OLIVES We start very early with an optional visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher the ideal way to appreciate the traditional site of Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection, visited by thousands each day. We then return to the hotel for breakfast. Then we go up to the Mount of Olives where we will see various sites (associated with Palm Sunday, with Jesus Apocalyptic Discourse and the Ascension), walking down to the olive groves of Gethsemane (Luke 19:28-48; 22:39-53; 24:50-53). We will finish the morning with a highlight: visiting the excavations

beneath the Temple, and walking on the very steps which Joseph, Mary, Jesus and his disciples would have regularly used (Luke 2:22-38; Mark 13:1-2). This afternoon you have free time to rest or explore on your own. (B,L,D) THURSDAY 14 th : JERUSALEM-THE OLD CITY Today we explore the Old City in more detail: starting with the Western Wall and the area below its triumphal arch, forum, theater, and impressive main street (Cardo Maximus): founded in 300 BC by the soldiers of Alexander the Great, this is one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. We continue to our hotel on the Dead Sea, The Marriott, where we stay for 2 nights. (B,L,D) the Temple, we then go up to Haram Esh Sharif (to see the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aksa Mosque) and finally visit St. Anne s Church and the Pool of Bethesda. After lunch at the Ecce Home Convent (on the site of the Antonia fortress in Jesus day), we walk along the Via Dolorosa towards the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our final visit is to the Garden Tomb, close to our hotel. (B,L,D) FRIDAY 15 th : ACROSS TO JERASH & JORDAN We say farewell to Jerusalem, driving down past Jericho to the Allenby Bridge Crossing, going over into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. We then drive to the impressive remains of Jerash (ancient Gerasa), with SATURDAY 16 th : MOUNT NEBO & TEL AL-KHARRAR Today we visit Tel Al-Kharrar, a site of natural beauty recently set aside as a National Park, which many believe was Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John baptized Jesus (John 1:28; Mark 1:9-11): archeological remains suggest Christians may have come here to worship since the second century, and we too will pray here and renew our baptismal vows. We then drive up to Mount Nebo, from where Moses looked over the promised land (Deut. 34:1-4): weather permitting, there can be great views in the morning light. After lunch in Madaba we see the famous mosaic map of the Byzantine Holy Land on the floor of the church of St. George. We

return in the mid-afternoon to enjoy the facilities of our hotel or even to float on the Dead Sea! (B,L,D) SUNDAY 17 th : PETRA We drive several hours south to the unique city of Petra (the rose red city, half as old as time ). Walking through a narrow tunnel we find ourselves in this fascinating rock-hewn Nabatean city (first developed around 300 BC) and facing its awesome Treasury (Al-Khazneh); we then spend the day exploring on foot the city s amphitheater, necropolis, court and to an early evening farewell dinner in Bethlehem before we go to Tel Aviv airport for a late evening departure (NB Please coordinate your return flight to depart Tel Aviv after 10:00 p.m.). (B,L,D) prison. Our dinner and overnight stay are nearby at The Movenpick Hotel, Petra. (B,L,D) MONDAY 18 th : RETURN TO THE HOLY LAND Today we return to the Holy Land, crossing over the River Jordan on the Allenby Bridge. If time permits, we may pause in Jericho or the Judean Desert for further reflections. We are entertained TUESDAY 19 th : ARRIVE HOME We arrive home in USA from our overnight flights. GENERAL INFORMATION, TERMS & CONDITIONS AIR TRANSPORTATION The price of the tour is land only. Connoisseurs Tours Travelers come from many different parts of the country. Therefore we have found that most travelers prefer to have flexibility in their air transportation. We will provide a suggested air schedule that includes the group s international flights coordinated with flights from your home city to suit your particular preference. After you have placed a deposit on this tour we will contact you regarding your air schedule. PRICE OF TOUR $2995.00 per person, double occupancy. $595.00 single supplement.

DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT A Deposit of $400.00 per person is due to reserve a place on this tour. Deposits and payments can be paid by check or any major credit card. Final payment is due October 6, 2015. The Travel Insured Group Deluxe travel insurance protection plan is strongly recommended. Please see the detailed pricing plans below. CONNOISSEURS TOURS PROTECTION PLAN PROVIDED BY TRAVEL INSURED Traveling is a big investment. It pays to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that can result in trip cancellation and additional expenses such as costs related to medical emergencies. This Travel Insured Protection Plan is specifically designed to provide you with peace of mind knowing you are protected against the financial impact of unexpected events while on your trip. Additional insurance is available to include the cost of your airfare. Please contact Connoisseurs Tours if you would like to insure the cost of your airline tickets after your have purchased your airline tickets. See below for the Schedule of Coverage: Trip Cancellation* (not applicable if $0 trip cost) Trip Cost* Trip Interruption** ($500 return air only if $0 trip cost) 150% of Trip Cost* Cancel for Work Reasons Trip Cost* Trip Delay 6 hours $750 ($150/day) Baggage/Personal Effects $1,500 Baggage Delay 24 hours $400 Accident & Sickness Medical Expense $50,000 Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation $250,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment $25,000 Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services Included *Up to the lesser of the Trip Cost paid or the limit of Coverage for which benefits are requested and the appropriate plan cost has been paid. Maximum limit of $10,000 **150% of Trip Cost paid up to a maximum of $10,000 for the unused portion of Your Trip and the transportation cost to re-join the Trip or return home. Insurance is strongly recommended. Passengers who purchase trip protection, health and cancellation insurance may select from two different policies. Insurance premiums must be paid with the deposit. Policy 1 Cancel for any reason: $259.00 per person, double occ. & $359.00 per person, single occ. Cancel for any reason up to 48 hours prior to departure: Receive a 75% refund of total land tour price. Policy 2 Cancel for a approved medical reason: $207.00 per person, double occ, & $234.00 per person, single occ. Cancel for an approved medical reason and receive a 100% refund. CANCELLATIONS $100.00 is non-refundable after deposit. $200.00 per person is non-refundable from 180 to 120 days before departure. $400.00 per person is non-refundable from 119 to 90 days prior to departure. 50% of the total cost is non-refundable from 89 to 60 days prior to departure. 75% of the total cost is non-refundable from 59 to 30 days prior to departure. 100% of the total cost is non-refundable from 29 days prior to the day of departure. All cancellations must be in writing. Any payment made towards a tour booking shall constitute a confirmation by the Guest on behalf of themselves and all other persons named on their booking that he or she has read, understood, accepted and agreed to the Terms & Conditions, the terms of which will apply to the Guest and all other persons named on their booking. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. RESPONSIBILITY Connoisseurs Tours acts only as an agent for the traveler with respect to transportation, accommodations and other services offered on the tour. Connoisseurs Tours and their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident or delay or irregularity that may be caused by any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus or other carrier or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party. The passage contract in use by the carriers when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the traveler. Connoisseurs Tours and/or their agents will not be responsible for loss, injury, damages or expenses to person or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other such causes in connection with the tour for anything beyond their reasonable control. Connoisseurs Tours is not responsible for transportation or other delays or changes in the tour program beyond their control, nor any additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred by the traveler. It may be necessary or advisable for the well-being of all travelers to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the travelers, and such alterations will be made without penalty to Connoisseurs Tours. Connoisseurs Tours reserves the right to decline or not to retain any person as a member of any tour or to change or withdraw a tour as circumstances demand. All rates quoted are based on tariffs in effect at the time the tour was planned and are subject to change in the event of adjustment therein. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk and baggage insurance is recommended. Connoisseurs Tours reserves the right to substitute hotels of equal or superior quality. The proposals of this section are governed by Georgia law, and final payment by the traveler to Connoisseurs Tours shall be deemed to be consent to the above provisions. VALIDITY January 15th, 2015 through July 19th, 2016

RESERVATION FORM IN THE STEPS OF JESUS: THE HOLY LAND JANUARY 7-19, 2016 Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Email: Telephone: Rooming With: Please Reserve place(s) for this tour A deposit in the amount of $400.00 per person (plus optional insurance) is required for a reservation OPTIONAL INSURANCE PREFERENCE: Insurance premiums must be paid with your deposit Policy 1 Cancel for any reason: $259.00 per per son, double occ. & $359.00 per person, single occ. Cancel for any reason up to 48 hours prior to departure: Receive a 75% refund of total land tour price. Policy 2 Cancel for a approved medical reason: $207.00 per person, double occ, & $234.00 per person, single occ. Cancel for an approved medical reason and receive a 100% refund. I wish to purchase single accommodations Please contact me about airline reservations Enclosed is a deposit of for people check (Checks should be made payable to Connoisseurs Tours) Credit Card: Visa Mastercard Amex Discover Card# Exp. Date: / Sec. Code: I have read and understand the Terms and Conditions of this tour Signature: Date: / /2015 Please mail your reservation form and deposit to: Connoisseurs Tours 1 Tiffany Place Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 351-9525 1-800-856-1045 www.connoisseurstours.com