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"The
Exodus"
Egypt, Jordan & Israel |
17 Day
Inspirational Tour
for the "Bible
Believing" Christian
"Our
feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem." Psalms 122:2
May 15-31, October 16-November 1, 2008
Day 1
• Departure
Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt.
Day 2
• Arrival Cairo
We arrive in the land of the Pharaohs, Jacob,
Joseph and Israel during
the famine!
Upon arrival in Cairo we meet our guide and driver who will transport us to the hotel for dinner and rest for the remainder of the evening. We relax tonight as we prepare for the adventurous travel ahead.
Day 3
• Cairo
Today we travel back to ancient Egypt with a full day of touring to the
wonders of the ancient world, some of which date back to 1000+ years prior
to Abraham. We spend time at one of the seven wonders of
the world- the pyramids.
Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is
the most colossal pyramid ever built. Today, we will also see the Sphinx
and tour the Egyptian Museum, location of Tutankhamen's treasures and
ancient remains.
Day 4
• Mt. Sinai
This morning we depart Cairo, pass through the southern edge of the
"Land of Goshen" and travel the
southward route of the Exodus through the
Wilderness of Shur. We learn of the terrain and the history of this region en-route
as we pass Marah (Springs of Moses) and further to the south, the oasis of
Elim.
Arriving in the late afternoon to the hotel at
Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb), we have dinner and rest for our early morning activity.
Day 5
• Red Sea
Crossing, Aqaba
Just into the
new day, those who desire and are physically capable will depart
for a memorable early morning walk up Mt. Moses. You may choose to
ride a camel part way, stop at one of the stations to take in scenery
along the climb to the summit (750 steps) for a sunrise to remember.
Once at the top, enjoy a time of praise and then depart down the
mountain for breakfast. A
visit to St.
Catherine's Monastery,
claimed to be built around the area of
Moses' Burning
Bush, will be
followed by a short ride to the Red Sea. Gazing across the Gulf of Aqaba, we can begin to imagine the miracle of
the parting of the sea. We board a ferry for a scenic
crossing to Jordan and our lodging for the evening in Aqaba, Biblical
Ezion Geber - the lovely seaport of King Solomon.
Day 6
• Petra
This morning we turn north toward the amazing mountain fortress of
Petra,
known to be inhabited by the
Edomites - the descendents of Esau.
Begin the tour with a walk through the "Siq," an immense crack in the
Nubian sandstone, to the city of Petra carved out of the rose red rock.
The Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity.
Beyond El Khazneh we are surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra's
carved and built structures. Departing Petra, we travel northward on the
King's Highway through the land of the
Moab where to the east we view the hilltop palace/fortress of
Machaerus, the
place where John the Baptist was beheaded. We overnight in Amman for this evening.
Day 7
• Mt Nebo,
Madaba, Tel Aviv
Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. The drive continues to the town of
Madaba, the biblical Medeba, 30 kilometers south of
Amman. Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics and at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George we may view the earliest surveying original map of the Holy land.
As we travel west toward the Allenby Bridge, we view to the north the
Plains of Moab, the
area where the tribes of Israel camped before crossing the Jordan and
picture Bethany Beyond
the Jordan, the place where Jesus was baptized. Crossing back into Israel,
we drive to
Tel Aviv area with the remainder of the afternoon free. You may wish
to take a devotional time with the sunset over the “Great Sea,” a
time of prayer and thanks for the special blessings ahead, a
prayer for the people of this land, and then enjoy a good night’s rest.
Day 8
• Caesarea,
Megiddo & Mt Carmel
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 will have free time, dinner and overnight lodging for the next three
nights in the
Tiberias area on the
Sea of Galilee.
Day
9
•
Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Bethsaida,
Corazim, Capernaum
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. Bethsaida,
Chorazin and
Capernaum formed 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
Corazin, the House of the Fisherman in Bethsaida and Peter’s home in
Capernaum.
Day
10
•
Jordan River Baptism Site,
Nazareth,
Mount of Beatitudes
We begin our day with a visit to the
Jordan River Baptismal site. A mid-morning drive through the hills
of Galilee takes us 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.
Continuing toward Tiberias we drive up to 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. 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 Gallilee 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, a conclusion to a wonderful day.
Day
11
•
Beit Shean &
Dead Sea Spa
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
12
•
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
13
•
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
14
•
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 15
•
City of David, Jeremiah's Cistern,
Hezekiah's Tunnel
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 expended past this
part of Jerusalem. We visit Gihon Springs, 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 16
•
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 17
• 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 Only
No Transfers |
Approximate
Land & Air |
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May |
$2815
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$3735 |
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October |
$2845 |
$3765 |
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Single Supplement: $878.00
Client Testimonies -
Click Here
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Price Includes:
5 star lodging in Cairo and all of Israel, 4 star lodging in Jordan,
3 1/2 star lodging at Mt. Sinai, roundtrip air fare from JFK (discount airfare available
nationwide), expert Biblical guides, admissions,
sightseeing with smaller group size in
Israel,
buffet
breakfast and dinner daily, border taxes.
Not Included:
Air taxes, airline fuel charges,
gratuities, Egyptian visa ($20),
Jordan visa ($20 - added at time of final invoice).
Fuel charges and air taxes can be $300 or more.
Please Note: Israel gratuities will be paid in advance ($90 per person
will be added to your final invoice for gratuities to be paid to driver,
guide, and hotel staff while in Israel).
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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Guarantee Your Space - Reserve Today:
Call 800.322.0788 or
By Mail/Fax
Click Here
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Ask
About Special Rates for Pastors,
Christian Educators & Custom Groups of All Sizes
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Yes, we
are operating our tours!
All of our tours over the past 19 years have returned without a hitch,
every person was blessed, they were stirred in their commitment to Christ and
not once did anyone feel threatened or in danger.
If you are praying for peace in Israel, we do believe that to be
Biblical, although we do not expect the situation there to
improve until the Messiah's return. Please, do not make a
reservation with us based on the hopes of a calm future. If you are
interested in the special blessings only available in Israel, we will
take you there and back and probably without a hint of trouble.
Our expert drivers and guides will keep you from public areas that could
present a problem and treat you to the riches of Israel as a special
guest.
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Are
Non-Protestant/Evangelicals welcome to
join this tour?
Click Here
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Do you have a
personal walk with the Messiah? Do you know Him as your
Lord? Is eternal life really a free gift? Click
Here
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