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 Israel:
12 Day Tour

Let’s Go Up To Zion!
Guided By Hanna Ben-Haim
November 2-13, 2009

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


A Life Changing Experience

Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group

Day 1: Departure from US (November 2)
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 (November 3)
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.

Day 3: Caesarea, Megiddo & Mt. Carmel, Nazareth (November 4)
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, harbor/palace area 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 free time, dinner and overnight lodging for the next three nights in the Tiberias area on the Sea of Galilee.

Day 4: Mt. Arbel. Bethsaida, Chorazin, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Baptism (November 5)
This morning we begin with an over view of the Galilee by ascending Mt. Arbel for a spectacular view of the northern Sea of Galilee allowing for an excellent time of teaching on the region of Jesus' ministry. We descend for a visit to Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum which form what has been called the "evangelical triangle" because most of Jesus’ miracles in Galilee were performed in these cities. Of special interest are the ruins of a 1st century synagogue in Chorazin, the House of the Fisherman in Bethsaida and Peter’s home in Capernaum. This afternoon we travel on to the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee,  followed by a relaxing boat cruise. A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples.  We dock at a working Kibbutz and visit the famous Fisherman Boat from the days of Jesus. We conclude our wonderful day with a memorable baptism service on the Galilee.

Day 5: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Mt. Bental, Military Base (November 6)
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites emphasizing the loss of God's blessing on Israel. Dan, where the children of Israel fell to the depths of pagan worship, and Caesarea Philippi which is also the site of Peter’s Confession. We travel to nearby Mt. Bental for a view and history lesson of the Golan Heights and this strategic plot of land in Israel’s history. Ending our day, we spend time at a Military Base learning of the IDF current training and threats to the nation’s security.

Day 6: Gideon’s Spring, Beth Shean & Dead Sea (November 7)
We begin our day by visiting En Harod and Gideon’s Spring, where Gideon thinned his army based on on how they drank from the water. Next we visit nearby Beth 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 hung their bodies on the walls of Beth 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 7: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham's Tent (November 8)
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 8: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times, Holocaust Museum (November 9)
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 9: Jesus' Steps, the Last Days - Aliyah Talk (November 10)
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. We descend the mount and stop at Dominus Flevit Chapel for a time of singing. 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 Western (Wailing) Wall 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. Anne’s Church. This evening we hear a talk by a local Ebenezer team about how Christians help Jewish people return to Israel from the land of the north, south, the east and the west (including the USA).

Day 10: City of David, Jeremiah's Cistern, Hezekiah's Tunnel (November 11)
We begin our sightseeing just outside the Dung Gate on the southeastern hill below the Temple Mount in the City of David.  It was during the time of Solomon that the city limits extended past this part of Jerusalem.  We visit Gihon Spring, the original water source for Jerusalem, view new excavations including a typical Israelite four-room house, the lower city wall and the cistern where Jeremiah was imprisoned.  A highlight today will be a water walk through the incredible Hezekiah's Tunnel to the pool of Siloam, the place of Jesus' miracle in John 9.  Before returning to our hotel, our guide will take us to an overview of the city from the hillside overlooking Jerusalem and the Gehenna Valley.  This meaningful teaching time will bring together the many things that you have seen to date. 

Day 11: Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost, Bethlehem (November 12)
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 changers 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. This evening following dinner we transfer to the airport for our late night departure home, arriving November 13.

Day 12: Early morning arrival in U.S. (November 13)


Price Per Person:
$2,900.00
based on double occupancy


Land only (no airfare included):
$1,650.00

Single Supplement:
$735.00

 


Limited Space - Reserve Today:

Information
Jack & Judy Stone •
Jackandjudy@ebenezerusa.org
817-488-0114

Reservations:
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• 1-800-322-0788

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Price Includes:

Roundtrip airfare from Newark, NJ air taxes (currently $390.00- Subject to Change) and current fuel surcharges, lodging in 4 star hotels, breakfast & dinner daily, tips ($90), all guides, entrances and transportation as appear on itinerary, services of long distance deluxe motorcoach as appear on itinerary.

Not included:

lunches, optional Travel Insurance.

Air reservations are available from
many other cities in the USA. 
Please call  Pilgrim Agent Steve Fidler at

(800) 322-0788 extension 116

for rates and assistance.