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The Rocks of The Ages-Israel Tour

11 Day Inspirational Tour
for the "Bible Believing" Christian

"Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem."  Psalms 122:2

October 15-25, 2010
 

AIG Tour Hosts

Dr. Andrew Snelling Dr. Andrew
Snelling



(AiG Speaker and Scientist)

Dr. David Crandall

 (International Director
of AiG WorldWide)

Dr. David Crandall

Dr. Andrew Snelling, one of the world’s most respected creation scientists specializing in geological studies, joined Answers in Genesis in 2007 as the organization’s new director of research, and also as a speaker for layperson and technical audiences. He has extensive experience working in the mining industry in Australia. One of his main areas of research has been the study of methods used in dating rocks, a key area of research for groups like AiG, which are convinced of a young age for the earth. Snelling’s research, for example, has shown different radioisotope dates on the same rock samples. In addition, his research has indicated that radioactive decay rates must not have been constant in the past, citing the halos in rock crystals, which clearly show radioactive decay was accelerated in the past.

Dr. Crandall has been involved in full-time ministry for nearly 40 years. He began his ministry as a youth pastor and senior pastor of two dynamic churches in the states of New York and Indiana. After his pastoral ministry, Dr. Crandall served 12 years as international director of Gospel Literature Services in Schaumburg, Illinois. He led this ministry to publish and translate Christian literature in 117 different languages and expand into 138 countries. He has led numerous mission trips, including 17 tours of the Holy Land, and has conducted ministries at the Olympic Games since 1996.

 

Israeli Guides:  Although the itinerary below obviously emphasizes the spiritual aspect of this marvelous country, our Israeli guides are also experts in and passionate about the miracle of the return of the Jews and the restoration of the state of Israel.  This fact, along with many modern day topics (military, politics, education, and other cultural aspects), will be woven into the commentary in order to give you well rounded information.

Day 1: Departure
Today we embark on our Journey to the Holy Land. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where Jesus walked! 

Day 2:  Arrive Israel
We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where we will be met by our Israeli guide who will accompany us during our entire stay in Israel. We travel northward to our hotel for one night in the coastal area near Tel Aviv. The remainder of the day is free to walk along the Mediterranean, relax, and have dinner. The time is right for a personal devotional with the sunset over the “Great Sea.”  Enjoy a time of prayer of thanks for safety and the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and a good night’s rest.  Dr. David Crandall (AIG Bible teacher) and Dr. Andrew Snelling (AIG
Geologist), welcome you from AiG to Israel and David will bring an inspirational devotional.

Day 3: Caesarea Worship, Megiddo & Nazareth
After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. A challenge from the scriptures and a time of worship is appropriate for a Sunday morning in the Roman Amphitheatre here. We’ll stop for pictures at the aqueduct and then journey on to Mt. Carmel,
where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Here we visit the Tabun Cave excavations exhibiting remnants of the Ice Age and early life in Israel.  Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. We drive through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus en route to our lodging for the next two nights in the Tiberias area on the Sea of Galilee.

Day 4: Hazor, Capernaum, Caesarea Philippi & Mount of Beatitudes
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us
along the edge of the Golan Heights to see the topography of basalts in that region and then a stop at Hazor, a strategic trade route city known in Joshua's day as the "head of all those cities." Next we visit the pagan worship site of Caesarea Philippi which is also the site of Peter’s Confession.  In order to save valuable time, a box lunch will be provided. In Capernaum we will visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue and Peter’s home. Then we travel on to the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea. After viewing the ancient Fisherman Boat at an operating Kibbutz, we enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee.  A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples concluding a wonderful day.  

Day 5: Jordan River Baptism Site, Beth Shean & Dead Sea
We begin our day with a visit to the Jordan River Baptismal site. Next we travel southward to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the intertestamental period, the city was renamed the "Scythopolis". Archaeologists have uncovered a huge number of ruins of the Roman/Byzantine Scythopolis. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis -a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey,” the Kibbutz system and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho, view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world, before coming to our lodging for the next two evenings at the Dead Sea – the lowest place on earth. Spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before dinner.

Day 6: Makhtesh Ramon, Solomon's Mines-Timna, Hebrew Tabernacle
We drive southwest to see Makhtesh Ramon, often described as the ‘Grand Canyon of Israel’.  Thought once to be due to a meteorite impact, most now accept it as due to massive erosion, albeit at the end of the Flood.  Rock layers deep in the Flood deposition sequence are exposed in the walls of the Ramon.  We take a short walk to see the ‘Ammonite Wall’, the sloping surface of an upturned limestone layer which is covered in fossilised ammonites, coiled shells of marine invertebrates that are a foot or more in diameter, and testimony to the destruction of life during the Flood.  Further south towards Eilat we visit the Timna area, and the remains of ancient copper mines that were exploited by the Egyptians and possibly by King Solomon.  Walk in the mining tunnels and see the copper ore.  We can stand on the erosion surface formed at the beginning of the Flood at Solomon’s Pillars and see the sandstone layer at the bottom of the Flood sequence sitting on top of pre-Flood crystalline basement rocks, just the same as in the Grand Canyon.   Nearby is a full scale replica of the tabernacle in the wilderness that we can explore.  On the drive back to our hotel by the Dead Sea there will be ample time for relaxing. 

Day 7: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham's Tent 
Our day begins with a view of the pillar of salt known as "Lot's Wife" before riding a cable car to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next, we visit Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time: a reliving of life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, and authentic food. Our lodging for the next four nights will be in Jerusalem.
  Dr. Snelling will speak tonight to the entire group.

Day 8: Wailing Wall, Rabbinical Tunnels, Judgment Hall, Via Dolorosa
On our way into the city we will visit the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era.  The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment.  Before exiting the tunnel we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders. We move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation.  From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda,
Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’s Church. While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering. Our guide will explain the differing opinions on the route that Christ was led and the actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study.

Day 9: Way of Suffering, the Last Days, Garden Tomb
Today we walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here. Next we visit the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was beaten and spit upon.  See a pit where he may have been held for the evening and the ancient hillside steps he walked as he was taken to be condemned. 
Passing by the Protestant Cemetery, we visit the "Upper Room" just outside the Zion Gate where the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His breast and where later Thomas cried, "my Lord & my God."  The climax of the day is the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise.

Day 10: Free Day
We begin our day with a time of worship and a challenge from the scriptures by Dr. Crandall. Today is free with many things to do and see. 
Dr. Snelling will speak tonight to the entire group.

Day 11: Home
A very early morning departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight homeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.

INCLUSIVE LAND TOUR RATES - PER PERSON

# Persons Per Room 4 Star Hotels
Double (2 persons) $1975.00
Single (1 person) $674.00 additional

Limited Space - Reserve Today:            Call 800.322.0788
Reservation Form              Pilgrim Policies           Insurance Info

AIR & TRANSFER RATES (*approximate)

New York Washington Atlanta Chicago Dallas LAX
$1275 $1495 $1495 $1395 $1625 $1835

Air reservations are available from many other cities in the USA. 
Please call one of our agents for rates.

 *Air/transfer rates are approximate estimates
including taxes & fuel charges.

We welcome persons from other countries to join this tour by arranging their own air schedule.  Persons who arrange for their own airfare are also responsible to provide for their own transportation to and from the hotel upon arrival and departure.

 

Prices Includes:
4 star lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, 1 lunch, modern transportation, expert biblical guides, sightseeing as listed,
Answers in Genesis lecture activities, gratuities to hotel staff, guides and drivers  


Not included:
Most lunches, cancellation/t
ravel insurance, increases due to fuel costs and US Dollar exchange rates.

Deposit Required:
$300 per person will reserve your place.  A $100 service fee will be charged for cancellation at any time in addition to our normal payment and cancellation policy. 

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