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Treasures of Italy & Israel
from a Christian Perspective |
April 27-May 14, 2009 (with the Apostle
Paul in Italy),
18 Day Inclusive Escorted
Package
Day 1
• Depart USA
Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2 • Arrive Rome
We are met by our host and transferred to our hotel for the next three nights. The remainder
of your day is free with many things to do and see. Time will allow the
opportunity to take a walk past the famous Spanish Steps, visit the
amazing Pantheon and view the Trevi
Fountain. Throw in a coin to ensure your return trip to Rome!
Dinner is included this evening.
Day 3 • Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St.
Peter Basilica, Scala Santa and Church of Priscilla
After breakfast you will begin a full day of site seeing. First visit
Vatican City where you will see the Basilica at St. Peter, the Sistine
Chapel and the Vatican Museums with stunning works of art at every turn.
After some free time for lunch, you will visit the 4th century Basilica
of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the traditional site of Paul’s tomb, and
the Scala Santa, where Martin Luther made his stand against the practice
of indulgences. This fascinating museum houses the Steps from
Pilot's Judgment Hall in Jerusalem brought to Rome by Helena, the mother
of Constantine. The practice today is to climb the steps on your knees,
stopping to pray on each step. Our last stop today will be the Church of Prisca,
where it is said that below the church are buried Priscilla, Aquilla and
a number of other martyred saints. It has perfect acoustics for a hymn
of the faith and scripture reading of Paul's tribute to his long-time
friends of the ministry. Additional sights include the Arches of
Constantine and Titus, Circus Maximus and the beautiful marble monument
called the Wedding Cake.
Day
4
•
Forum, Mamertine Prison, Coliseum, Catacombs
We begin our walking tour at the ancient Roman Forum, where our guide will divulge its secrets.
We will visit the Arch of Titus which commemorated the sack of Jerusalem
by Titus in AD 70. We will step inside the Mamertine Prison, where
tradition says the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. The Roman church would
say that Peter was imprisoned here as well, but there is no imperial
evidence that Peter was ever in Rome. Next, we visit the Coliseum, where thousands of people and animals perished during
gladiatorial games. The Coliseum first opened in AD 80 and within 100
days of its opening, 5000 wild beasts perished here. The slaughter of
both humans and animals continued for three more centuries. Historians
believe the Coliseum could hold between 40,000 and 80,000 people
depending on how close the seating was. The floor has recently had a
plank placed over the middle making it accessible for people to walk
over the labyrinth of brick cells, ramps, and elevators used to
transport animals and gladiators into the arena. Hear the stories of the
games that have fascinated people for years. We conclude our day at the
Catacombs where thousands of Christians were buried in a remarkable
tiered series of galleries.
Day 5 • Frescoes, Assisi, Montecatini
After breakfast you will say “Arrivederci Roma” and board your coach and
travel through scenic Umbria to the ancient walled hillside village of
Assisi. After lunch on your own, you will enjoy a guided tour of this
beautiful, medieval town, which will include the Basilica San Francesco,
decorated with some of the most renowned frescoes in the world. This
afternoon, we travel on to the spa
village of Montecatini Terme, our place of lodging for the next two nights
in the heart of Tuscany.
Day 6 • Beautiful Florence, Michelangelo’s
David & Free Time
After breakfast, you will spend the morning enjoying a guided tour of Florence, one of the world’s greatest artistic capitals, which will include the Piazza della Signoria, Duomo, Baptistry and a visit to the Accademia
Galley, home of Michelangelo’s David. A stop will also be made on the
hillside overlook across the river from Florence where we will enjoy a panoramic
view of the beautiful red-tiled roof cityscape.
This afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy shopping, visiting more galleries or strolling on the famous Pont Vecchio, the old bridge which spans the Arno
River. Remember that Florence leather shops are the best in the world
and bargains on excellent quality goods are abundant. It may be the time
to purchase those special Christmas gifts.
Day 7 • Pisa & Venice
Being Sunday, we begin the day with a time of praise, worship and a
challenge from God's Word. Later this morning, we enjoy free time for
lunch and a tour of Pisa where you will visit the Baptistry, Duomo and the famous leaning tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli.
This afternoon, we travel northward through colorful Tuscan countryside,
past Bologna and on to romantic Venice where we
overnight just outside the city for two nights in Venice Mestre.
Day 8 • Venice
After breakfast, we'll begin sightseeing on a leisurely walking tour of Venice. We'll visit the city's most famous landmarks such as the Basilica of San Marco, St. Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace. The remainder of the day is on our own
to stroll through a labyrinth of criss-cross canals, arched bridges, palaces, charming waterside restaurants and little quiet piazzas. For those who wish, your tour host may arrange a private glassblowing presentation at the famous Murano
Venetian glass makers. Shoppers will enjoy the vast array of beautiful
pieces of glass available in the city's many fine stores. During your
free time, you may also choose to board a gondola for a relaxing canal
cruise.
Day 9
• Italy to
Israel
We fly from Venice to 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.
Day 10 •
Free Day
The day is free for you to explore on your own in nearby Tel Aviv, enjoy
the beautiful Mediterranean, rest and relax in preparation for the
wonders in store for you.
Day 11
• Caesarea,
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. We’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct, and then
journey on to
Mt. Carmel,
where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. 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, where we visit the Nazareth
Village - a wonderful recreation of Biblical times with costumed
guides. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next two
nights in the
Tiberias area on the
Sea of Galilee.
Day 12 •
Capernaum, Dan, Caesarea Philippi &
Mount of Beatitudes
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable
northern sites emphasizing the loss of God's blessing on Israel.
Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of pagan
worship and
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 13 •
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 evening 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 14 • Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham's Tent
Our day begins with a cable car ride 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.
Day 15 •
Around Jerusalem, Bible Times,
Holocaust Museum
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." An interesting and educational
time awaits us at the
Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of
centuries old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and a
then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical
Jerusalem will help to prepare you for what you will experience in the
following days.
We conclude the day with a visit to
Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, for a needed reminder of what
the Jews have suffered as a people.
Day 16 •
Jesus' Steps, the Last Days - Messianic
Lecture
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. 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. This evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believer
prior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel.
Day 17 •
Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost,
Bethlehem
While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of
suffering along with a visit to the
Church of the Holy Sepulcher. 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. The climax of the
day is the area of
Golgotha
(place of the skull) and the
Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with
communion and a time of praise. This afternoon we visit the
Southern
Wall Excavations. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance
for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own
entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which
led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along
with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the
Temple Mount
and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the
people. It is also likely that this is the place that Peter stood and
preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the
Day of
Pentecost. We will enjoy a challenge from God’s word and a song before
an optional time this afternoon. Those who wish may stay in the city
marketplace for shopping, while
others may choose to spend the remainder of
the day surrounding the birth of Christ, with a visit to
Bethlehem.
Important Note:
Although the itinerary
above obviously emphasizes the spiritual aspect of this marvelous
country, our 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 18
• Home
A very early morning departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight
homeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.
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Price Per Person
Double Occupancy |
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Dates |
Land & Air |
Land Only |
April
with the Apostle Paul in Italy
Info:
Click Here |
Call for rates. |
$3,979.00 |
|
Single
Supplement: $932 |
Price Includes:
Tourist class & superior tourist class
(3-3 1/2 Star) lodging in Italy, 4 star hotels in Israel, breakfast
daily, 14 dinners, 1 lunch, modern transportation,
all gratuities,
sightseeing as listed, special escort throughout.
Jordan and Egypt 3-day
post-tours are also available.
Not
Included: air
fare, travel
insurance.
Reservation &
Cancellation Policies
Insurance Rates
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