Israel Family Encounters (The Sullivan Family) We invite you and your family to join Israel Family Encounters for a unique family oriented ten-day tour of Israel. A perfect trip for homeschooling families or families who want their children engaged in travel that has a spiritual and educational purpose. We have designed this Israel adventure with families in mind. It is more than just an average tour. It is a God-inspired family faith encounter. It is our honor to share this incredible adventure together with you and your family. Travel with us to Israel and walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Experience first-hand the places that you have read about in the Bible. See historic sites and encounter the Lord in a fresh way in your lives. Not only will you sail on the Sea of Galilee, walk on the Mount of Beatitudes, be baptized in the Jordan and see the Garden Tomb, but you will also bike in the Hula Valley, walk through Hezekiah s Tunnel, Dig For A Day (at an archaeological site), ride a camel, stay in a Desert Bedouin Camp and much more. You will meet the wonderful people of Israel. See the places where Jesus walked, where biblical history was made, and where prophecy was fulfilled and is continuing to be fulfilled in our day. We look forward to having your family join us on this adventure. A true Edu-Vacation! Shalom, Jim, Patti & Abbagael Sullivan We are thrilled that we will be joined by one of the premier tour guides in Israel, Hanna Ben-Haim. Hanna has lived in Israel for many years and provides a wealth of historical and biblical information throughout the tour. She shares passionately out of a deep faith and a profound knowledge of the Scriptures. You will absolutely love her. This tour price includes Land and Air. May 7-18, 2018. Depart Miami Airport - Monday May 7th. Return flight - Friday May 18th. Register with your $ 300 deposit before September 15, 2017 and save $100 per person!
Day 1 Monday May 7- The Encounter Begins - Depart Miami 5:00 pm on Lufthansa 463 Today, you and your family will board your flight and fly to Israel to begin a fascinating journey. As you walk through this land you will encounter the Lord in new and fresh ways. He will meet you along the way and you will never be the same again. Day 2 Tuesday May 8- Arrive Tel Aviv 3:20 pm on Lufthansa 686 Welcome to Israel! God caused this nation to be re-birthed in 1948, thus fulfilling many His promises to the nation. An incredible added bonus of traveling with Israel Family Encounters is that we will all have the privilege of celebrating, with Israel, as they celebrate their 70th anniversary on May 14th. This is the land that the prophets spoke about telling of how God would regather His people and bring them back to this land (Ezekiel 11:17). Praise God! We will be met at the airport and we will board our luxury, air-conditioned, Wi-Fi equipped coach. (Wi-Fi will give you the ability to share photos and thoughts with family and friends in real time). You will meet Hanna Ben-Haim, our amazing tour guide. We will drive to Jaffa (Yafo) to see this beautiful port city on the Mediterranean Sea. Jaffa is an ancient city dating back at least 3,500 years. Jaffa is where Jonah set sail for Tarsus (Jonah 1:3). This is also where Peter raised Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9) and where he had his vision at Simon the Tanner s house that Gentiles could receive the Jewish Messiah (Acts 10). Then we will go to our hotel for the evening. We will enjoy dinner and have a brief meeting at 7:30 pm to allow our families and opportunity to meet one another. Overnight - Hadera Ramada (B/D) www.wyndhamhotels.com
Day 3 Wednesday May 9- Drive to the Galilee We will travel along the beautiful Mediterranean coast north to one of the great cities of the ancient world. Herod s port city of Caesarea. It was home to the Roman centurion Cornelius, the first Gentile with whom Peter shared the Gospel. Cornelius entire household was saved and immersed (baptized) in water (Acts 10). This was also Israel s most modern city when Jesus was alive. Here, Herod Agrippa 1, the king had the Apostle James beheaded and had Peter thrown into prison. Agrippa 1 was eaten by worms (Acts 12:19-23). From here Paul sailed to Tarsus following his conversion (Acts 9:30). It was here that Paul was imprisoned for two years (Acts 25). We will walk on the beach and view the famous Roman Aqueduct. We will travel up the coast to Mount Carmel. Beautiful scenery lies within the Carmel Range. This is where Elijah stood against the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:19-39), and where he later interceded for rain until the 3 ½ year drought was ended (1Kings 18:41-45). We will have a beautiful view overlooking Megiddo which is where the armies of earth will gather in Armageddon (Megiddo) (Revelation 16:16). We will board our coach and move on to our quaint hotel where we will be spending the next three nights. Overnight - Galilee - Emily s Boutique (B/D) Please note: You may have to download the FLASH plugin to view the following website. http://emilys_hotel.xwx.co.il
Day 4 Thursday May 10- Galilee We will begin our day with a beautiful hike up Mount Arbel and enjoy a stunning view of the Sea of Galilee. Next, we will travel to Capernaum located northwest of the Sea of Galilee. Capernaum was Jesus own town (Matthew 9:1) and where he had His headquarters. Many events of His ministry took place in and around this community. He traveled from here and also healed many people from this area (Matthew 8:5-13;14-17, Matthew 9, 11:23-24 John 4:46-54 are just a few examples). Then we will take a walk and descend the Mount of Beatitudes. This walk provides us with a gorgeous view of the Sea of Galilee. This is the traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12). Take time to reflect as you walk. Magdala is a short distance drive. Magdala is where a 2000-year-old Synagogue was unearthed just a few short years ago. Remember Mary Magdalene? In Hebrew, she was actually Miriam of Magdala. This was her town. Jesus was sure to have preached in this ancient synagogue. What a fascinating place. From here we will drive to the Jordan River. We will have the opportunity to worship together and you and your family can be baptized in the Jordan River if you so desire. This is always a very deeply touching and special time. On to the Sea of Galilee where will take a boat ride. On these seashores, Jesus called disciples to Come follow Me. He walked on this water and calmed this Sea. Afterwards, we will go a short distance to see the Jesus Boat. This is a 2000-year-old boat found in the 1970 s on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Back to Emily s Boutique for dinner and some family time together. Overnight - Galilee - Emily s Boutique (B/D)
Day 5 Friday May 11- Galilee We will begin our day in the Hula Valley where we will visit the Hula Nature Reserve. When the Jews returned to Israel in the 1800s, it was a malaria-filled swamp - now it is one of the most amazing places in Israel. For the active ones, there will be an 8K (5 miles) leisurely bike ride through the breathtaking reserve (no hills!). For others, there will be golf carts. Nearly 400 species of birds pass through the nature reserve and you might even spot some water buffalo. Then we will drive to the beautiful Tel Dan nature reserve for an easy hike next to the Dan River. This is the area that was conquered by the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:47) and where they also practiced idolatry (Judges 18:27-30). This is also where King Jeroboam tried to build a second Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:25-33). Then we move on to Caesarea Philippi. This site was previously sacred to the Canaanite god, Baal. The Greeks took the area and dedicated the site to their god, Pan, from which its present name of Banyas is taken. Herod the Great s son, Philip, made Banyas his capital, renaming it Caesarea Philippi, and turned it into the biggest city in northern Israel. This is the northernmost place which we have record of Jesus visiting. It was along the road to Caesarea Philippi that Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was. Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 16:13-20). Next, we will travel to the northernmost part of Israel. Bental and Golan Heights. We will walk through the bunkers there. It is a very beautiful place and is the highest point in the country. This area is rich in biblical ancient history (Dt. 3:8-11: Joshua 13:29-30; 21; 1 Chronicles 6:7; Psalm 22:12; Isaiah 2:12-13; 33:9, Amos 4:1; Micah 7:14; Jeremiah 50:1; Ezekiel 27:6). It is rich in modern history with Israel defending this area numerous times since they became a nation in 1948. We will descend back into the Galilee and end our day enjoying Shabbat with local believers. Overnight - Galilee - Emily s Boutique
Day 6 Saturday May 12 - Dead Sea We will begin driving south through the beautiful Jordan Valley making our way to the Dead Sea. We will visit Ein Harod (Gideon s Springs). This is the place where God whittled Gideon s army down to only 300 men. But those 300 men, armed only with pitchers, torches, and trumpets, and most importantly, the Presence of the Living God, routed a much superior army of the Midianites (Judges 7). Next, we will see Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Next, we will go to another beautiful treasure. The hiding place of King David. Ein Gedi. Its cliffs rise 2,000 feet and are filled with caves. In one of those caves David sought relief from the pursuit of King Saul and he also cut off a piece of Saul s rob instead of killing him (1 Samuel 23:29). David wrote many of the Psalms here. Be ready to enjoy a nice hike and get wet. Take in the gorgeous waterfalls, caves, wildlife and the depth of ancient history echoing here. From here we will go to our hotel by the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is formed from the Jordan River and small streams. It is 50 miles long and about 10 miles wide. Its shores lie 1,300 feet below sea level and the waters reach a depth of 1,300 feet. It has no outlet and evaporates at the rate of 7 million tons of water per day. The fresh water that evaporates leaves a salinity and mineral content of 25% in the water. We will enjoy floating in this amazing wonder. Overnight - Dead Sea - Isrotel Ganim (B/D) www.isrotel.com/isrotel
Day 7 Sunday May 13 - Negev Desert Today we will get an early start and go to Masada. It is 2 ½ miles from the Dead Sea to the base of Masada. This mountain fortress is one half mile long and 220 yards wide. It was built by Herod the Great who fortified it on the northeast corner. The top of Masada was used for cultivation and a great cistern and cellar system was hewn out of the rock for storage of water and food. When Jerusalem fell in 70 AD, the Jewish patriot Eliezer Ben Yair and 967 people with him escaped to the top of Masada. The Romans worked for three years building a ramp up one side in order to get to the top. You can take the cable car to the top or join the Sullivan tribe on a strenuous hike to the top. This is another highlight of the trip. Plan to be physically prepared and we request that at least one parent from each family accompany your child/children if they are climbing. You ll need a hat and water. See you at the top. We will learn much history as we tour the top of Masada. We will then descend Masada on the other side and go further into the desert to a Bedouin Camp. We will be staying in the Bedouin camp for the night. Enjoy a camel ride in the desert, a Bedouin hospitality dinner and an evening under the stars with a campfire and worshipping together. Overnight - Kfar Hanokdim (B/D) www.kfarhanokdim.co.il
Day 8 Monday May 14 - Up to Jerusalem (Happy 70th Anniversary Israel!) Today, we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the re-birth of the nation of Israel. Israel became a nation again on May 14, 1948. You are alive and here in this land experiencing the fulfillment of many promises that God made to the ancient (and modern) nation of Israel. We will begin our journey traveling toward Jerusalem. Our fiirst stop is in Beersheba. Abraham s Well is located here. Abraham made an agreement, paid 7 ewe lambs, and took an oath with Abimelech to establish ownership of this well that he had dug. Much history happened in Beersheba. Beersheba means well of the oath or well of seven (Genesis 21:31). Here in Beersheba Isaac also quarreled with Abimelech and took an oath (Gen 26:26-33). Jacob stole his birthright from Esau here (Genesis 28:10). Jacob paused here to offer sacrifices before leaving the promised land of Egypt (Genesis 46:1-7). Next, we will continue to celebrate by arriving at Beit Guvrin - archaeological dig. We will participate in a rare opportunity to participate in the Dig For A Day program. It will last for three hours. This exciting activity includes: digging, sifting, pottery examination and touring the national park of Beit Guvrin with an exciting crawl through unexcavated cave systems. On to see the Elah Valley. The location where David defeated Goliath after a 40-day standoff between the armies of Israel and the Philistines (1 Samuel 17:2, 19; 21:9). You will have an opportunity to pick your very own 5 smooth stones. Let s worship the Lord as we will travel to the Holy City, Jerusalem. There is no other city in the world like this city. All of Jerusalem will be rejoicing on this historic day. We will arrive at our beautiful hotel and settle in. We will enjoy an amazing dinner. Exciting days ahead. Overnight - Jerusalem - Yehuda Hotel (B/D) www.byh.co.il/home
Day 9 Tuesday May 15 - Jerusalem We will begin our day on the Mount of Olives taking in the breathtaking view of the Old City and the site where Jesus will return (Zechariah 14:3-5). Again, much biblical history is recorded here from King David, Solomon, Ezekiel and more. Jesus rode down the Mount of Olives (Matthew 21:1-11). He wept over Jerusalem from here (Luke 19:41-44) and described the prophetic future of Jerusalem while seated here (Matthew 24-25). He left the upper room and went to Gethsemane here (Matthew 26:36-56). And after His resurrection He ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives (Luke 24:50-53). The hill received its name because it was covered with olive groves during that time. On to the Garden of Gethsemane. It is believed to be here, in this garden, that Jesus agonized in prayer (Matthew 26:36-46). It is here that Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested by the Roman soldiers (Matthew 26:47-56). We will then visit the Kidron Valley area. This valley runs 2 ¾ miles along the eastern wall of Jerusalem. During the reforms of Israel s kings, idols and other pagan items used in worship were disposed of in the valley. Asa burnt his mother s idols (1 Kings 15:13). Josiah destroyed the vessels made for Baal worship (2 Kings 23:4, 6). Hezekiah cast all unclean items from the Temple (2 Chronicles 29:16; 30:14). This Valley is associated with God s judgment of the nations and is often called the Valley of Jehoshaphat. We will then go to The Cardo in the Jewish Quarter for lunch. There are plenty of nearby quaint cafes to choose from. Our next stop will be the Upper Room area where we will see the first Messianic synagogue building (Mark 14:13-15). Then shopping in the ancient bazaars near Jaffa Gate. From here, we are going to take an adventurous walk on the Rampart Wall of the Old City (built during the Ottoman Empire) and continue to the Western Wall Tunnel and the Kotel (Western Wall). You can pray at the Western Wall. After our first very full day in Jerusalem we will travel back to the Hotel for a delicious dinner and a restful evening. Overnight - Jerusalem - Yehuda Hotel
Day 10 Wednesday May 16 - Jerusalem Early morning, we will arrive at the City of David. We will walk through the ancient tunnels and see Gihon Spring. We will learn of how the city was overtaken by the Jebusites and how the original city of Jerusalem was established right here by King David. We will walk through Hezekiah s Tunnel. An amazing experience! (Bring a small flashlight and water shoes). We will see the Pool of Siloam where Jesus healed the paralytic. We will walk from Siloam, through an ongoing excavation, to the Southern Wall Excavations. Here is where Peter preached his first sermon to 3,000. Soon after they were immersed (baptized) in the local Mikvot (immersion tanks). Then we will visit the Davidson Center that is located on this historic archaeological site to learn more about the historical importance of this area. Our next stop will be Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum. It will be an emotional and powerful reminder of the Holocaust and of what happened to the Jewish people. Yet also a powerful representation of God s redemptive purpose and His fulfillment to bring them back to their own land. Later, in the evening we will watch an amazing Sound and Light Show at David s Citadel. Overnight - Jerusalem - Yehuda Hotel
Day 11 Thursday May 17 - Jerusalem Many of the sites on this day are traditional sites. They may or may not be the actual locations. We do know for a fact that these historical events happened in this city. House of Caiphas We will begin at the House of Caiphas. This is where Jesus is tried before the Sanhedrin. Peter also denies Jesus 3 times here. Then we will follow the traditional route of the Way of the Cross by Jaffa Gate. We will see the traditional site where Pontius Pilate condemned Jesus to death by crucifixion. Golgotha We will have lunch and a short time for shopping in the old city. We will see the traditional Via Dolorosa, the Way of Sorrow traveled by Jesus on His final journey to the Cross. We will then travel to Golgotha where Jesus was crucified. We will see the Garden Tomb and celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ! Dolorosa He is not here. He is risen! We will conclude our time here at the Garden Tomb worshipping the Lord and celebrating Communion together! Garden Tomb Overnight - Jerusalem - Yehuda Hotel Day 12 Friday May 18. After packing and resting we will depart for the airport at 1 am. ü Flight departs 4:50 am on Swiss (LX) 257 ü Arrive Miami 2:10 pm on Swiss (LX) 066 ü We look forward to having your family join us on our tour for May 7-18, 2018!
See the next page for the Cost Summary, which indicates what is Included and not Included, and the Tour Registration Form. Kindly fill out the attached form and do the following: ü Register by September 15, 2017 with your $ 300 deposit per person and save $100 ü Enclose a $ 300 per person registration to hold your space ü Enclose a copy of your passport ü Sign the registration form If you have any questions, please call Patti Sullivan (Israel Family Encounters) at (772) 913-2375 or Regina Mauro (Mauro Travel) at 561-477-8700 and we both will be happy to assist you. Bring your family with us - Next year in Jerusalem! For more information, contact: Israel Family Encounters Patti Sullivan 772-913-2375 www.israelfamilyencounters.com patti@israelfamilyencounters.com Mauro Travel & Tours Regina Mauro 561-477-8700 1-800-336-2876 www.maurotravel.com regina@maurotravel.com
TOUR INCLUDES AIR ARRANGEMENTS & TAXES: Round Trip from Miami - economy class (no upgrades available on group fares). However - for those wishing to Fly First, Business or us FF miles, you can purchase your own airfare - pay the LAND ONLY PRICE ($2929) and meet the group at the Tel Aviv airport on May 8. Call Mauro Travel for details. ACCOMMODATIONS: 3 and 4 star hotel are based on the two per person. MEALS: Israeli Buffet breakfast & dinner daily included plus 1 biblical lunch & camel ride. SIGHTSEEING: All entrance fees included per itinerary. GRATUITIES: To guides, drivers, reception, maître de, porters, and maids. TRANSPORTATION: Deluxe air-conditioned motor coaches. DOCUMENTATION: Luggage tags, name badges, hotel list with phone numbers provided. TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE *Passport fees. *Lunch daily (from $8 to $15 per day - per person). *Additional Fuel surcharges MAY apply COST SUMMARY Early Bird Discount - Save $100 per person IF Registered with your $300 deposit per person Before SEPT. 15, 2017 Before September 15: $3739 (includes tax & tips) After September 15th: $3839 (includes tax & tips) The tour coast already reflects a 4% discount for check or cash payment. Based on two people per room. Single supplement: $699 (Roommates assigned by gender (and family) - on a first come first served basis. If a roommate cannot be assigned the single supplement will apply) Payment Schedule: Deposit of $300 to secure your tour space. 2nd payment $2000 due by Nov. 15, 2017 Final payment: Due by Jan. 15, 2018 (Installment payments welcome). Cancellation & Refund Policy: A full refund, less the $150 per person handling fee and any unrecoverable deposits, will be given for cancellation more than 91 days prior to departure, loss of deposit plus and non-recoverable payments to hotels, tour operators, or airlines will be imposed. Less than 7 days before departure no refund. All cancellations must be in writing. Airlines tickets are issued in advance and are non-refundable. TOUR CONDITIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES TOUR MEMBERSHIP: Enrollment and payment for the tour constitutes acceptance of these tour conditions. ENROLLMENT: The tour is based on a minimum enrollment of 15 passengers. If the tour falls below that number additional charges may apply. TICKETS: ONCE TICKETS HAVE BEEN WRITTEN, THEY CANNOT BE REFUNDED OR REWRITTEN. FUEL SURCHARGES - Additional fuel surcharges MAY apply closer to departure BAGGAGE: One piece of luggage per person at 50 pounds (or 23 kilos) plus one carry on luggage. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Medical, travel accident, trip cancellation, baggage insurance is recommended. You will receive an application with your travel documents. RESPONSIBILITY: In offering these travel arrangements, Mauro Travel acts solely as an agent for the sale of air transportation and other travel related services. Mauro Travel maintains no control over the personnel, equipment or operations of any entity furnishing services, products or accommodations. Mauro Travel assumes no responsibility or liability for, and shall not be expected, asked or required to pay for any injury, damage, expense, personal injury, property damage, inconvenience or any other loss experienced by reason of: (1) any intentional, wrongful, negligent or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any supplier, its agents or employees; 2) any defect, breakdown or other failure or any vehicle, equipment, service, product or other instrumentality which is owned, operated or otherwise used by a supplier; (3) any intentional, wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any other party not under that direct control of Mauro Travel; (4) financial problems causing nonperformance by any supplier; or (5) any other cause, condition of event whatsoever beyond the direct control of Mauro Travel. Mauro Travel cannot guarantee any rates, bookings or reservations of any supplier. Your retention of tickets, reservation or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the foregoing provisions. All prices quoted are subject to change if airlines or ground operators increase their prices, the U.S. dollar is devalued significantly against foreign currencies, the group falls below minimum numbers, or a fuel surcharge, government tax or user s fee is imposed. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. Mauro Travel reserves the right to withdraw from any tour any tour member whose conduct is incompatible with the interests of the group as a whole. The above conditions and responsibilities also includes the tour group host.
Registration Form Holy Land Study Tour with Israel Family Encounters May 7-18, 2018 [ ] Yes, I am excited about this tour. Enclosed is my tour deposit of $300 per person (1 form per person) [ ] Enclosed is a copy of the inside cover of my passport with photo OR [ ] Passport being applied for Name 1 Name Tag Name 1 (As it appears on your passport) Name 2 Name Tag Name 2 (As it appears on your passport) Name 3 Name Tag Name 3 (As it appears on your passport) Name 4 Name Tag Name 4 (As it appears on your passport) Street Address City State Zip Telephone Home: ( ) Cell: ( ) Email: I request as my roommate and and Departing City: Check one [ ] Depart Miami with the group OR [ ] Will arrange my own airfare and meet group in Israel at the airport (Land Only $2929) Release Waiver: I have been advised and am aware of the US State Department Travel Advisory to Israel. I am traveling to Israel by my own free will and choice. Accordingly, I understand that neither Mauro Travel & Tours, Regina Mauro, The Sullivan Family, its employees or agents have made, nor can make, any representation or guaranty regarding my individual safety on this trip. Therefore, I agree to hold all of the above persons harmless for and from any and all personal injury and/or property damage that arises from or during my stay in Israel. By signing below, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and understand and agree to the above Release Waiver. Signature: Date: Signature: Date: Make check payable and mail to: MAURO TRAVEL & TOURS 2255 Glades Rd # 324A Boca Raton, FL 33431 Mail the following to Mauro Travel to: 1. SIGN & complete this registration form 2. COPY of inside cover of passport with photo 3. DEPOSIT check in the amount of $300 (per person)